316 / 316L Stainless Steel Wire
Stellanox Steel offers high-quality 316 / 316L Stainless Steel Wire, ideal for critical environments requiring superior corrosion resistance, strength, and long-term performance. With added molybdenum, 316 / 316L wire is more resistant to pitting, crevice corrosion, and chloride attack than 304-grade wire, making it ideal for marine, chemical, and medical applications.
This stainless wire is widely used in springs, wire ropes, surgical instruments, filters, and fasteners where hygiene and durability are essential.
What is 316 / 316L Stainless Steel Wire?
316 / 316L Stainless Steel Wire is an austenitic stainless steel alloy containing chromium, nickel, and 2–3% molybdenum. The molybdenum addition enhances corrosion resistance in chloride-rich and acidic environments. The “L” variant features a low carbon content for improved weldability and reduced risk of carbide precipitation during welding.
316 / 316L wire is available in various tempers, including soft annealed and spring hard, and is produced to tight tolerances in round, flat, or custom profiles.
| Products |
|---|
|
Stainless Steel |
|
Carbon Steel |
|
Duplex Stainless Steel |
|
Super Duplex Stainless Steel |
|
Alloy Steel |
|
Titanium |
|
Hastelloy |
|
Inconel |
|
Monel |
|
Aluminium |
|
Copper |
|
Pure Nickel |
|
Flanges |
|
Forged Fittings |
|
Valves |
|
Fasteners |
Key Features of 316 / 316L Stainless Steel Wire
- Superior Corrosion Resistance: Excellent performance in brine, seawater, and chemical media.
- Molybdenum Enhanced: Improves resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion.
- Low Carbon Version (316L): Ideal for welding and post-fabrication stability.
- Excellent Ductility and Strength: Withstands forming, bending, and drawing.
- Non-Magnetic (Annealed): Remains non-magnetic unless heavily cold worked.
- Biocompatible: Safe for surgical and pharmaceutical applications.
Specification Chart – 316 / 316L Stainless Steel Wire
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Grade | 316 / 316L (UNS S31600 / S31603) |
| Standards | ASTM A580, ASTM A313, EN 10270-3 |
| Wire Diameter Range | 0.05 mm – 10 mm |
| Surface Finish | Bright, Matte, Soap Coated, Pickled |
| Forms Available | Coil, Spool, Cut Lengths |
| Conditions | Annealed, Quarter Hard, Spring Hard, Full Hard |
Chemical Composition – 316 vs. 316L Stainless Steel Wire
| Element | Composition (%) |
|---|---|
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.0 – 18.0 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 10.0 – 14.0 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.0 – 3.0 |
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.08 (316), ≤ 0.03 (316L) |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 2.00 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.00 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.045 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
Mechanical Properties – 316 / 316L Stainless Steel Wire (Annealed)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 500 – 700 |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | ≥ 200 |
| Elongation (%) | ≥ 40 |
| Hardness (HRB) | ≤ 95 |
| Density | 8.00 g/cm³ |
Equivalent Grades
| Standard | Grade |
|---|---|
| ASTM | 316 / 316L |
| EN | 1.4401 / 1.4404 |
| JIS | SUS 316 / SUS 316L |
| UNS | S31600 / S31603 |
| DIN | X5CrNiMo17-12-2 / X2CrNiMo17-12-2 |
316 / 316L Stainless Steel Wire Weight Chart
| Wire Diameter (mm) | Weight per 100 meters (kg) |
|---|---|
| 0.5 | 0.16 |
| 1.0 | 0.63 |
| 2.0 | 2.52 |
| 3.0 | 5.67 |
| 4.0 | 10.05 |
| 5.0 | 15.71 |
Applications of 316 / 316L Stainless Steel Wire
- Surgical and Orthopedic Devices
- Wire Mesh, Screens, and Filters
- Marine Ropes and Cable Assemblies
- Chemical Tank Ties and Fasteners
- Food & Beverage Processing Equipment
- Welding Filler Wires
- Springs and Precision Wire Forms
Benefits of 316 / 316L Stainless Steel Wire
- Highest corrosion resistance among common stainless grades
- Non-reactive and hygienic—ideal for sanitary applications
- Weldable and cold formable without loss of integrity
- Durable in extreme weather, chemical, and saline environments
- Suitable for long-term, high-strength applications
- Stable structure for biomedical and pharmaceutical use
2025 Stellanox Steel |