What is 316 Stainless Steel Wire and Why Do We Use Them?

316 Stainless Steel Wire Shaped, Flat, Square, Round, Fine Wire, Plated and Bare Wire ASTM A666, AMS

316 Stainless Steel Alloy Wire Description

Alloy 316 is an austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel wire containing molybdenum. This addition increases corrosion resistance, improves resistance to pitting chloride ion solutions and provide increased strength at elevated temperatures. Corrosion resistance is improved, particularly against sulfuric, hydrochloric, acetic, formic and tartaric acids, acid sulfates and alkaline chlorides. Properties are similar to those of alloy 304 except alloy 316 is somewhat stronger at elevated temperatures.

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316 Stainless Steel Wire Applications

• Screening application in marine environment
• Pulp and Paper Equipment
• Heat exchangers
• Propeller shafts & Fittings
• Dyeing Equipment
• Exterior Architectural components in Marine Coastal Areas.
  

Chemistry Typical

Carbon: 0.08 max
Manganese: 2.00 max
Silicon: 1.00 max
Chromium: 16.00-18.00
Nickel: 10.00-14.00
Molybdenum: 2.00-3.00
Phosphorus 0.040
Sulfur: 0.030 max
Copper: 0.75 max
Iron: Balance

Physical Properties of 316 Stainless Steel Wire

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/lb/°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/in/°F (μm/m•K)
32-212°F (0-100°C): 8.9 x 10 (16.0)
32-600°F (0-315°C): 9.0 x 10 (16.2)
32-°F (0-538°C): 9.7 x 10 (17.5)
32-°F (0-649°C): 10.3 x 10 (18.5)
32-ºF (0-871ºC): 11.1 x 10

Modulus of Elasticity: KSI (MPa)
28.0 x 10³ (193 x 10³) in tension
11.2 x 10³ (77 x 10³) in torsion

Magnetic Permeability: H = 200 Oersteds:

Annealed Melting Range: °F (°C) – ( – )

Mechanical Properties of 316 Stainless Steel Wire at Room Temperature

Properties: Typical

Ultimate Tensile Strength: 75 KSI min (515 MPA min)
Yield Strength: (0.2% Offset) 30 KSI min (205 MPA min)
Elongation: 40% min
Hardness: Rb 95 max
Properties: Tempered

1/8H
Ultimate Tensile Strength: 100 KSI min (690 MPa min)
Yield Strength: (0.2% Offset) 55 KSI min (380 MPa min)
Elongation: 25% min

1/4H
Ultimate Tensile Strength: 125 KSI min (860 MPa min)
Yield Strength: (0.2% Offset) 75 KSI min (515 MPA min)
Elongation: 10% min

Properties of Tempered 316 Stainless Steel Wire

Alloy 316 can be cold rolled to achieve the temper properties required by specific customers and/or manufacturing requirements. Contact Ulbrich Wire for details.

Additional Properties of 316 Stainless Steel Wire

Corrosion Resistance of 316 Stainless Steel Wire

See NACE (National Association of Corrosion Engineers) for recommendations.

Standard Wire Finishes

Extra Clean: (XC) Extra clean is also referred to as “bright annealed” or “bright annealed and cold rolled”
Grease (round wire only): Drawn in a heavy grease produces an “Ultra bright” finish for
decorative applications
Soap (round wire only): Soap is used as a lubricant in the drawing process and is not removed. It acts as a lubricant during customer part forming operation. A soap finish is available in tempered products.
Plated: Many plating options are available.
∗Special finishes are available: Contact Ulbrich Wire Sales with special finish and plating requests.

Forms

Continuous Coils
Cut to lengths
Precision cutting

Cold Forming

Type 316 can be readily formed and drawn.

Heat Treatment

Alloy 316 is non hardenable by heat treatment.

Welding 316 Stainless Steel Wire

Alloy 316 is weldable by common fusion and resistance methods. It can develop
intergranular corrosion in the welded areas due to the high carbon content. For best results refer to: SSINA’s “Welding of Stainless Steels and Other Joining Methods”

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Limitation of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty: In no event will Ulbrich Stainless Steels and Special Metals, Inc., be liable for any damages arising from the use of the information included in this document or that it is suitable for the ‘applications’ noted. We believe the information and data provided to be accurate to the best of our knowledge but, all data is considered typical values only. It is intended for reference and general information and not recommended for specification, design or engineering purposes. Ulbrich assumes no implied or express warranty in regard to the creation or accuracy of the data provided in this document.

Deciding Between Stainless Steel Cable: 304 vs. 316 Explained

When you're in the market for stainless steel cables, you'll often come across 304 and 316 stainless steel options. But what's the difference, and why does it matter? Let's dive into the details to help you make an informed choice and find the right stainless steel cable for your needs.

Composition and Corrosion Resistance

304 stainless steel, often referred to as 18-8, contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel. It's renowned for its excellent corrosion resistance and is commonly used in indoor and mild outdoor environments. This makes it the ideal choice for general applications where exposure to corrosive elements is minimal.

316 stainless steel, on the other hand, includes an addition of molybdenum (about 2-3%), which significantly enhances its resistance to chlorides and other industrial solvents. This makes 316 stainless steel the preferred option for marine environments or applications where the cable will be exposed to saltwater or harsh chemicals.

Strength and Durability

Both 304 and 316 stainless steel cables offer impressive strength and durability. However, the presence of molybdenum in 316 stainless steel not only boosts its corrosion resistance but also improves its overall strength, especially in extreme conditions. This makes 316 stainless steel a better choice for demanding applications.

Cost Considerations

Due to its enhanced properties, 316 stainless steel is generally more expensive than 304 stainless steel. If your application involves harsh environments or exposure to corrosive elements, the extra investment in 316 stainless steel is worth it. For less demanding environments, 304 stainless steel provides a cost-effective yet robust solution.

Typical Applications

304 Stainless Steel

Perfect for indoor railings, general rigging, and architectural applications where the environment is relatively mild. Typical uses include:

• Indoor railings and handrails
• General rigging purposes
• Architectural frameworks
• Equipment where exposure to corrosive elements is minimal

316 Stainless Steel

Best for marine rigging, chemical plants, coastal installations, and areas with high exposure to chlorides. Typical uses include:

• Marine rigging and equipment exposed to saltwater
• Chemical processing plants
• Coastal installations
• Environments with high chloride exposure

Making the Right Choice

When choosing between 304 and 316 stainless steel cables, consider the specific needs of your project. If you're dealing with harsh environments, go for 316 stainless steel to ensure longevity and reliability. For general use, 304 stainless steel offers a great balance of performance and cost.

At E-Rigging, we offer a wide range of both 304 and 316 stainless steel cables from top brands like HAAS and Grand Strand, ensuring you get the quality and durability you need for your specific application. Browse our selection to find the perfect stainless steel cable for your project.