Stainless steel plate flanges 1.4404 / 316L

What are stainless steel plate flanges?

Stainless steel plate flanges 1.4404 / 316L are flange fittings cut and formed from flat stainless plate (plate material) used to join pipe sections, valves, pumps and equipment in a piping system. Plate flanges provide a robust, flat sealing face and are often used where a solid, machined flange is required for bolted pipe connections. In everyday language you may see them referred to simply as stainless flanges, plate flanges or piping flanges.

Material: 1.4404 / 316L (designations)

These flanges are made of the austenitic, corrosion‑resistant stainless grade known in Europe as 1.4404. Equivalent identifiers you may see are 316L (AISI/ASTM) and X2CrNiMo17‑12‑2 (DIN). 316L is the low‑carbon version of 316 stainless steel, which improves resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding and contains molybdenum for better pitting resistance than 304. It is widely specified where durability and corrosion resistance are required.

Key properties and advantages

• Corrosion resistance: Good resistance to general corrosion, and improved resistance to pitting and crevice attack compared with 304, thanks to molybdenum. The low carbon content reduces the risk of sensitisation during welding.
• Weldability and formability: Readily welded and formed, making 316L plate suitable for machined flanges and custom fabrications.
• Hygienic and easy to clean: Suitable for food, pharmaceutical and medical environments where cleanliness matters.
• Durability: Long service life in aggressive environments including marine and offshore applications.

Typical applications and industries

Stainless steel plate flanges 1.4404 / 316L are used across a wide range of sectors, for both large industrial projects and smaller fabrications:

• Chemical and petrochemical plants
• Oil & gas and offshore platforms
• Food processing, beverage and pharmaceutical industries
• Marine and shipbuilding
• Water treatment and desalination
• Construction, HVAC and building services
• Automotive and mechanical engineering
• Small workshops and garage fabrications where corrosion resistance is needed

Use in piping connections

Plate flanges are a common choice for piping connections because they allow bolted joints that can be disassembled for inspection, maintenance and replacement. They are typically matched with gaskets and bolting to create a pressure‑tight joint. When specifying flanges for piping, pay attention to the flange face type, drilling pattern, pressure/temperature rating and the relevant standard (European PN/EN or American ASME/ANSI).

Standards and compatibility

Flanges can be manufactured to common European and American standards. In Europe/DIN markets you will see PN/EN designations; in the United States ASME/ANSI standards are common. Always check the product page or datasheet for the exact standard, drilling (bolt circle), and pressure rating before ordering to ensure compatibility with your piping system.

Who buys these flanges?

Purchasers include procurement engineers, plant managers, pipefitters, fabricators, shipyards, maintenance teams and small‑scale metalworkers. Buyers choose 1.4404 / 316L plate flanges when they need a corrosion‑resistant, weldable flange solution for industrial or hygienic environments.

Practical notes before ordering

• Check datasheets: Confirm material designation (1.4404 / 316L), flange dimensions, face finish and drilling pattern.
• Standards: Verify whether the flange is supplied to EN/DIN (PN) or ASME/ANSI dimensions.
• Application environment: For heavily chlorinated or highly acidic conditions, consult technical advice—316L is highly corrosion‑resistant but not universally immune.
• Shop range: Our store specialises in stainless, acid‑resistant and heat‑resistant steels only; we do not supply aluminium or plain carbon steel.

If you need help selecting the correct stainless steel plate flanges 1.4404 / 316L for your piping connections, contact our technical team with the pipe size, pressure rating and application details and we will advise on the right product and standards.