Stainless Steel 316/316L

General Description

Type 316/316L stainless steel, with its chromium-nickel and low carbon content, is a commonly used austenitic stainless steel. This alloy has similar physical properties and fabrication characteristics as Type 304. The addition of molybdenum (versus 304) increases the corrosion resistance in saltwater applications. The biocompatibility of this alloy has been well researched. This grade of stainless is an economical option and typically readily available. The lower carbon content in 316L grade increases resistance to intergranular corrosion following welding or stress relieving.

Applications

  • Suture wire
  • Screws / prostheses / plates
  • Orthopedic cables
  • Slin closure staples
  • Stylets
  • Catheters
  • Bone pins

Reference Standards

  • AMS 5573
  • ASTM A269
  • ASTM A632
  • ASTM F899
  • Mil-T 8504

Characteristics

  • Cold working will achieve higher tensile strengths as well as leaving the material slightly magnetic.
  • Annealing will result in little to no magnetism—perfect for operating room or implants within the body.
  • The properties can easily be manipulated to allow for forming of complex shapes.
  • Economical and readily available stainless steel
  • Better general corrosion resistance than 304 stainless
  • 316L grade increases resistance to intergranular corrosion following welding.

Typical Chemistry

Carbon 0.08%*
Manganese 2.00%
Phosphorous 0.045%
Sulfur 0.03%
Silicon 0.75%
Chromium 16.00% 18.00%
Nickel 10.00% 14.00%
Molybdenum 2.0% 3.0%
Nitrogen 0.10%

*316L has a lower carbon content of 0.03% max

Possible Mechanical Properties

Hardness 82 HRB 38 HRC
Tensile Strength 100 ksi 160 ksi
Elongation 40% 7%
Tensile Strength

General Properties

Density 0.289 lb/in3
Elastic modulus 28000 ksi
Shear modulus 11200 ksi
Mean specific heat (32-212F) 0.120 Btu/lb/F
Thermal conductivity (32-212F) 112 BTU-in/hr-ft2 - F
Mean CTE (32-1200F) 10.4x10-6 in/in/F
Electrical resistivity (68F) 74 microohm-cm
Magnetic Permeability (Annealed) 1.008

Tubing-specific Requirements

  • Lengths: Tubing is normally furnished in mill lengths of 5 ft, it but can be supplied in up to 20 ft lengths with a shear cut end.
  • Cut End Finish: Precision cut-to-length pieces with burr-free ends can be furnished when specified.
  • Roundness: Difference in minimum and maximum OD measurements must be equal or less than half the OD tolerance.
  • Surface Finish: OD and ID surface finish (Rq or RMS) limits may be specified. ID and OD surface finish values are only reported for dimensions >0.020".
  • Typical OD Surface: < 20 μin Rq.
  • ID Surface finish: Depends on the reduction (drawing) method. Free sunk tubing has a typical ID surface finish <150 μin Rq. Plug drawn tubing can have an ID surface finish range with values as low as < 20 μin Rq.
  • Straightness: No deflection greater than 5% of the outside diameter for tubing with OD ≥ 0.020” or 0.001” maximum deflection for tubing with OD <0.020”. any special straightness requirements shall be agreed upon between the purchaser and supplier. tubing should not “wobble” as defined per astm f2819.

Additional tubing specification information can be found in K001-15a Standard Specification for Miniature Laser Welded and Drawn Stainless Steel and Nickel-Chromium Alloy Tubing for General Use on the K-Tube’s website at bit.ly/stainlesssteeltubing

Available dimensions

K-Tube has the capability to make tubing with the wall thickness and outside diameter combinations in the table below. Tubing with an OD/Wall ratio lower than 20:1 can be drawn to the final dimensions. Tubing with an OD/Wall ratio between 20:1 and 40:1 must be centerless ground to the final dimensions. K-Tube's capabilities are constantly improving, please inquire if your dimensions are outside of the listed dimensions.

Download The 316-316L K-Tube Stainless Steel Data Sheet

Download the 316-316L K-Tube Stainless Steel Data Sheet (PDF) to easily share all the details on this page with your team.

Download Now

Get Started

Request A Quote
Go To Our Online Store

Not Sure Where to Start?

Contact one of our experts to learn how we can fulfill all your tubing needs. From collaborating with our engineers to developing new raw materials to fulfill your purchase orders, our experts are standing by and ready to assist.

Contact A Specialist