When comparing 316 stainless steel tube suppliers, start with the grade. The four 316 grades look alike but behave differently in service. All four contain 2–3% molybdenum, which gives them far better resistance than 304 to chlorides, seawater and acids. Choose 316L for tubes that will be welded, 316H for lines running above about 525°C, and 316Ti where heat and welding combine. Metinox Overseas, is a Mumbai-based supplier and exporter of SS 316 tubes in seamless and welded forms, made to ASTM A213, A269 and A249. We supply seamless tube from 3.2 mm to 127 mm OD and welded tube from 6.35 mm to 152.4 mm OD, with EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificates. Send us your size, wall and quantity, and we’ll quote the right grade and form.
This page covers 316, 316L, 316H and 316Ti tubes only. For pipe in the same grades, see our stainless steel 316 pipe page. For other grades, browse our full range of stainless steel 316 pipe.
Ready with your size and quantity? Request a quote for 316 stainless steel tubes.
Table of Contents
316 vs 316L vs 316H vs 316Ti: Which Grade to Choose
|
Grade |
UNS |
Key difference |
Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
|
316 |
S31600 |
Base grade, 2–3% Mo |
General chloride and acid resistance |
|
316L |
S31603 |
Carbon 0.035% max |
The tube will be welded; low carbon avoids carbide formation at the weld |
|
316H |
S31609 |
Carbon 0.04–0.10% |
Sustained service above about 525°C |
|
316Ti |
S31635 |
Titanium stabilised |
Welded or cycled service at 425–850°C |
Applications of 316 Stainless Steel Tubes
Buyers who ask 316 stainless steel tube suppliers for these uses are usually after chloride and acid resistance. The molybdenum in 316 is the reason it is chosen over 304.
- Marine and offshore. Resists chlorides in sea water and salt laden air.
- Chemical and fertiliser plants. Handles acids and process chemicals that attack 304.
- Pharma and food. Resists cleaning chemicals and chloride bearing process fluids.
- Heat exchangers. Suits chloride bearing cooling water, as seen in our heat exchanger tubes and condenser tubes.
- Desalination. Copes with hot brine and sea water service.
- Oil and gas instrumentation. Resists chloride attack on small bore lines, see our instrumentation tubes.
If your service is milder, our stainless steel 304 tube page may be enough. If chlorides are higher than 316 can handle, look at duplex tube or super duplex tube.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both contain 16 to 18 percent chromium and 2 to 3 percent molybdenum. The difference is carbon, which is 0.08 max in 316 and 0.035 max in 316L. The lower carbon makes 316L the better choice for tubes that will be welded.
316H is 316 with carbon held between 0.04 and 0.10 percent. That carbon gives better strength at high temperature. It is used for lines in sustained service above about 525 degrees C.
316Ti is stabilised with titanium, which binds carbon so chromium carbides do not form during welding or heat cycling. 316L does the same job by keeping carbon low. 316Ti is the pick for service between 425 and 850 degrees C.
It is made both ways. A stainless steel 316 seamless tube suits high pressure, steam and heat exchanger duty. A stainless steel 316 welded tube suits process, food, pharma and water lines, and costs less.
316 contains molybdenum and 304 does not. Molybdenum improves resistance to chlorides and pitting, so 316 lasts longer in salt water and coastal air. For severe chloride service, see our duplex tube and super duplex tube pages.
The carbon limit for 316L is 0.035 percent max under ASTM A213. Some other standards set it at 0.030 percent, so check the specification on your purchase order.
316, 316H and 316Ti have a minimum tensile strength of 515 MPa and a minimum yield of 205 MPa. 316L is 485 MPa and 170 MPa. All four have 35 percent minimum elongation and 90 HRB maximum hardness.
We supply seamless 316 tube from 3.2 mm to 127 mm OD and welded tube from 6.35 mm to 152.4 mm OD, with walls from 0.5 mm to 5.6 mm. Send us your OD, wall and length and we will confirm.
Seamless tube is made to ASTM A213 and ASME SA213. Welded tube follows ASTM A249, and tubing for general service follows ASTM A269. Tolerances follow ASTM A1016.
Annealed 316 is non magnetic. Cold working such as bending or drawing can make it slightly magnetic. That does not mean the grade is wrong.
316H is chosen for sustained service above about 525 degrees C, where creep strength matters. The allowable temperature for a given design depends on the pressure and the design code, so check the allowable stress tables for your case.
We supply mill test certificates to EN 10204 3.1, and 3.2 on request. Third party inspection can be arranged if your order calls for it.
Request a Quote for 316 Stainless Steel Tubes
Whether you are choosing among 316 stainless steel tube suppliers for a single job or a long project, tell us the grade, form, OD, wall, length and quantity, and we will respond with the right 316, 316L, 316H or 316Ti tube. You can also browse all of our stainless steel tubes.
Questions about a grade, size or standard? Contact our team.
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