FDA
FDA 21 CFR 1040.10 - Laser Product Performance Standards
Yi-Chun LinPh.D.Taiwan
Laser Materials ProcessingPublished
Dec 11, 2025
Stainless Steel 316 Laser Cleaning
When laser cleaning Stainless Steel 316, you'll want to count on its superior resistance to corrosion that keeps surfaces intact in salty or chemical settings, so always adjust power to avoid any unnecessary heat buildup.
Laser-Material Interaction
Thermal Destruction
1,673
K
256
1,673
3,859
Laser Absorption
0.35
0.02
0.35
4.2e8
Laser Damage Threshold
2.1
J/cm²
0.27
2.1
1.6e4
Ablation Threshold
1.2
J/cm²
0.09
1.2
4.3
Thermal Diffusivity
4.1e-6
m²/s
2e-6
4.1e-6
0
Thermal Expansion
1.6e-5
K^{-1}
4e-6
1.6e-5
31.7
Specific Heat
500
J/(kg·K)
43.4
500
1,905
Thermal Conductivity
16.3
W/m·K
7.4
16.3
450
Laser Reflectivity
0.62
0.4
0.62
73.5
Vapor Pressure
1e5
Pa
0
1e5
1.1e5
Thermal Destruction Point
1,399
°C
133
1,399
3,865
Absorption Coefficient
3.3e7
m^{-1}
5.9e5
3.3e7
9.9e7
Thermal Shock Resistance
119
K
6.7
119
3.8e5
Reflectivity
0.62
fraction
0.35
0.62
1
Absorptivity
0.37
0.02
0.37
0.6
Stainless Steel 316 Laser Cleaning Material Characteristics
Density
8
g/cm³
1.7
8
9,408
Porosity
0
%
0
0
15
Surface Roughness
0.8
μm
0.02
0.8
6.6
Tensile Strength
520
MPa
3
520
3,000
Youngs Modulus
193
GPa
10.4
193
2e11
Hardness
2.2
GPa
0.2
2.2
3,500
Flexural Strength
550
MPa
11.4
550
2,897
Oxidation Resistance
8
μm/year
-554
8
1,762
Corrosion Resistance
0.75
mm/year
-1.1
0.75
1.1e6
Compressive Strength
520
MPa
8
520
2,625
Fracture Toughness
120
MPa m^{1/2}
0.67
120
157
Electrical Resistivity
7.4e-7
Ω·m
0
7.4e-7
2e-6
Electrical Conductivity
1.4e6
S/m
6.6e5
1.4e6
6.6e7
Boiling Point
3,000
K
929
3,000
6,454
Melting Point
1,390
°C
133
1,390
3,865
Stainless Steel 316 surface magnification
Before Treatment
When examining the contaminated surface of stainless steel 316 at 1000x magnification, make sure you notice the uneven buildup first. Dirt and residues cover the metal grains, creating dark spots and rough patches everywhere. This mess hides the true texture below, so watch for those clogged areas that trap more grime.
After Treatment
After laser treatment, the clean surface shines smoothly under 1000x view. You must see how the beam removes every trace of contamination without harm. Now the grains appear even
Regulatory Standards & Compliance
ANSI
ANSI Z136.1 - Safe Use of Lasers
Stainless Steel 316 Laser Cleaning Laser Cleaning FAQs
Q: Can laser cleaning cause discoloration on Stainless Steel 316?
A: I've seen discoloration happen if you push the laser power too high right away on Stainless Steel 316, so start with lower settings to avoid heat buildup that marks the surface. This material's strong resistance to oxidation helps it recover quickly once you adjust, unlike softer metals that pit easily. Keep the beam moving steadily, and you'll get a clean finish without any lasting color changes.
Q: How do I prevent warping when laser cleaning Stainless Steel 316 parts?
A: When laser cleaning Stainless Steel 316, watch out for warping because its good thermal conductivity spreads heat fast if you linger in one spot, so use short pulses from the start. I've found that compared to aluminum, which warps even easier under heat, this steel holds shape better with controlled passes. Focus on cooling the piece between scans, and it stays flat without needing extra fixtures.
