317 stainless steel wire is identified under multiple naming conventions, including grade, alloy, and UNS designations; depending on the specification, industry, or standard being used.
Stainless steel 317 alloys are known by several names depending on the standard, specification, or drawing being used. Understanding these alternate names matters because the same alloy can appear under different designation systems across quotes, certifications, standards, and legacy prints. For buyers and engineers working with wire, this is especially important, since Stainless Steel 317 may be referenced through material standards tied to specific product forms and applications rather than by one simple trade name alone.
Stainless Steel 317 is the plain-language commercial name used by manufacturers, distributors, engineers, and buyers throughout the stainless steel industry. This name can be further shortened to SS317 or SS 317. Best for website copy, product pages, blogs, and non-technical sales language where readability and recognition are most important. It is one of the most widely recognized market-facing names for the alloy and the easiest designation for buyers who are searching by common stainless steel grade rather than by a formal standards designation
AISI 317 is the designation derived from the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) stainless steel grade classification system. Best for engineering discussions, procurement cross-references, technical specifications, and older North American documents that continue to use AISI terminology. The use of AISI 317 immediately identifies the material as the widely recognized high-molybdenum austenitic stainless steel grade rather than simply a commercial trade name, making it useful for technical communication, material selection, and specification review across a wide range of industries.
UNS S31700 is the official Unified Numbering System (UNS) designation for Stainless Steel 317. Best for formal material identification, cross-referencing between industry standards, quality assurance documentation, mill certifications, engineering specifications, and multi-standard procurement requirements. This designation serves as the clearest and most unambiguous identifier when matching Stainless Steel 317 across different specification systems and international standards. It is especially useful when a drawing, certification, purchase order, or compliance document requires a formal material designation rather than a commercial or trade-style name.
Grade 317 is a generic technical descriptor commonly used in datasheets, engineering references, technical articles, and educational materials for the alloy. Best for technical overviews, material comparisons, specification discussions, and informational content. It reads naturally in explanatory writing and is particularly useful when comparing stainless steel grades, such as Grade 317 vs. Grade 316 for example.
High Molybdenum Stainless Steel is a common descriptive term for Stainless Steel 317, highlighting its increased molybdenum content compared to standard Type 316. Best for corrosion-resistance discussions, technical overviews, chemical processing applications, and alloy comparisons. This designation emphasizes the alloy’s enhanced resistance to pitting, crevice corrosion, and chemical attack, making Stainless Steel 317 a preferred choice for demanding environments where superior corrosion performance is required.
Molybdenum-Bearing Stainless Steel is a general technical description commonly used for Stainless Steel 317 because of its elevated molybdenum content, which enhances resistance to pitting, crevice corrosion, and chemical attack. Best for educational content, metallurgy discussions, and corrosion-resistance comparisons. This designation highlights one of the alloy’s key performance characteristics and helps distinguish Stainless Steel 317 from standard chromium-nickel stainless steel grades such as Type 304 and Type 316.
18-13-3 Stainless Steel is a chemistry-based designation commonly used to describe Stainless Steel 317 based on its approximate composition of 18% chromium, 13% nickel, and 3% molybdenum. Best for educational content, alloy comparisons, and simplified chemistry discussions. This designation highlights the alloy’s enhanced corrosion resistance and places it within the family of high-molybdenum austenitic stainless steels, although it is not precise enough on its own for ordering material because multiple specifications may have similar chemistry ranges.
Chromium-Nickel-Molybdenum Austenitic Stainless Steel is a broad technical description used to classify Stainless Steel 317 based on its alloy chemistry and crystal structure. Best for educational content, metallurgy discussions, and technical overviews of stainless steel families. This designation highlights the alloy’s chromium, nickel, and molybdenum content, which contribute to its excellent corrosion resistance, toughness, and durability, while identifying it as a member of the austenitic stainless steel family.
Corrosion Resistant Stainless Steel is a general technical description commonly used for Stainless Steel 317 because of its superior resistance to chemical attack, pitting, and crevice corrosion. Best for educational content, industry overviews, and corrosion-resistance comparisons. This designation highlights one of the alloy’s most important performance characteristics and helps distinguish Stainless Steel 317 from conventional stainless steel grades used in less demanding environments.
Chemical Process Stainless Steel is a common industry description for Stainless Steel 317 due to its exceptional resistance to corrosive chemicals, acids, and harsh processing environments. Best for chemical manufacturing, pollution control equipment, pharmaceutical processing, and technical content focused on corrosion-resistant materials. This designation highlights the alloy’s high molybdenum content and superior corrosion performance, making Stainless Steel 317 a preferred choice for demanding chemical processing applications.
Stainless steel wire alloys are used in various industries, including:
Sunset Wire can manufacture custom diameters of SS317 for your project. Common sizes of Type 317 include:
Sunset Wire stocks a large inventory of stainless steel wire to ensure you get it fast. Get your wire in 1 lb cans, 1 lb spools or 5 lb spools. Other spool sizes are available upon request.
Why Choose Sunset Wire?
Sunset Wire provides domestically drawn wire in various diameters, lengths and packages. Get your stainless steel wire delivered anywhere in the US thanks to our large inventory and dedicated supply chain management capabilities.