Stainless steel is a commonly used material in a multitude of applications. Its excellent properties like high corrosion resistance, high strength and durability make it ideal for use in various industries.

Stainless steel wire is available in different grades, and one such variant is grade 316L wires.

In this article, we will explore 316L stainless steel wire and its properties.

About 316L Stainless Steel Wire

316L stainless steel is an Austenitic stainless steel.  It is a lower-carbon variant of 316 stainless steel.

316L shows good corrosion resistance and is therefore used in various applications. With a good amount of molybdenum, grade 316L shows high corrosion resistance even in acid and chloride solutions making it ideal for marine applications.

Chemistry Typical

316L is a low-carbon version of grade 316 stainless steel with a good amount of molybdenum. Here is a detailed chemical composition of grade 316L stainless steel.

  • Nickel (Ni)             00-14.00%
  • Chromium (Cr) 00-18.00%
  • Silicon (Si)             00%
  • Molybdenum (Mo) 00-3.00%
  • Carbon (C)             03%
  • Manganese (Mn) 00%
  • Phosphorous             04%
  • Sulfur 03%
  • Copper (Cu)             75%
  • Iron                         Balance

Physical Properties of 316L Stainless Steel

Below are the physical properties of grade 316L, making it suitable for various applications across various industries.

  • Density: 0.29 lbs/in3 7.99 g/cm3
  • Electrical Resistivity: microhm-in (microhm-cm): 68 ° F (20 ° C): 29.4 (74.0)
  • Specific Heat: BTU/lbl° F (kJ/kg•K): 32 – 212 ° F (0 – 100 °C): 0.12 (0.50)
  • Thermal Conductivity: BTU/hr/ft2/ft/°F (W/m•K):
    • At 212 °F (100 °C): 9.4 (16.2)
    • At 932 °F (500 °C): 12.4 (21.4)
  • Mean Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: in/inl°F (µm/m•K)
    • 32 – 212 °F (0 – 100 °C): 8.9 x 10-5 (16.0)
    • 32 – 600 °F (0 – 315 °C): 9.0 x 10-5 (16.2)
    • 32 – 1000 °F (0- 538 °C): 9.7 x 10-5 (17.5)
    • 32 – 1200 °F (0 – 649 °C): 10.3 x 10-5 (18.5)
    • 32 – 1500 °F (0 – 871 °C): 11.1 x 10-5 (18.5)
  • Modulus of Elasticity: ksi (MPa)
    • 28 x 103 (193 x 103) in tension
    • 11 .2 x 103 (77 x 103) in torsion
  • Magnetic Permeability: H = 200 Oersteds: Annealed < 1.02 max
  • Melting Range: 2500 – 2590 °F (1371 – 1421 °C)

Mechanical Properties of 316L SS at Room Temperature

The mechanical properties of 316L stainless steel at room temperature include:

  • Tensile strength: 485 MPa
  • Yield strength: 170 MPa
  • Elongation: 40% in 50 mm

Annealed Condition Typical

In annealed condition the properties of grade 316L are as follows:

  • Ultimate Tensile Strength: 70 KSI min (485 MPa min)
  • Yield Strength (0.2% Offset): 25 KSI min (170 MPa min)
  • Elongation: 40% min
  • Hardness: Rb 95 max

316L Corrosion Resistance Wire

Alloy 316L shows good resistance to atmospheric corrosion, moderate oxidizing and reducing environments.

316L Stainless Steel Wire Applications

Some of the common applications of grade 316L grade stainless steel wires are:

  • Storage and Transportation Tanks
  • Chemical Screens
  • Food Processing
  • Chemical Tubing
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Oil Refineries
  • Watch Manufacturing
  • Photographic Handling
  • Gas Scrubbers
  • Paper Mill Processing
  • Textile Industry Parts
  • Flexible Metal Hose
  • Marine Applications