High Quality Stainless Steel 316/316L Pipes & Tubes

Seamless • Welded • Durable & Precise

Get a Quote
Stainless Steel Chemical Composition Comparison
316 vs 316L – Key Differences Highlighted
316 Stainless Steel
UNS S31600
Fe
Iron (Base) Balance (~65%)
Cr
Chromium 16-18%
Ni
Nickel 10-14%
Mo
Molybdenum 2-3%
C
Carbon ≤0.08%
Si
Silicon ≤1%
Mn
Manganese ≤2%
P
Phosphorus ≤0.045%
S
Sulfur ≤0.03%
Standard carbon content: ≤0.08% C
316L Stainless Steel
UNS S31603
Fe
Iron (Base) Balance (~66%)
Cr
Chromium 16-18%
Ni
Nickel 10-14%
Mo
Molybdenum 2-3%
C
Carbon ≤0.03%
Si
Silicon ≤1%
Mn
Manganese ≤2%
P
Phosphorus ≤0.045%
S
Sulfur ≤0.03%
Low carbon content: ≤0.03% C (Better weldability)

What is 316 & 316L Stainless Steel?

316 stainless steel is a molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel that provides superior corrosion resistance compared to 304 grades. Its enhanced properties make it suitable for more aggressive environments. 316L is a low-carbon variation of the standard 316 stainless steel. Its unique properties make it ideal for various industrial applications where superior corrosion resistance and weldability are critical, particularly in chloride environments.

316 Stainless Steel

Chromium (Cr)

16.0 – 18.0%

Nickel (Ni)

10.0 – 14.0%

Molybdenum (Mo)

2.0 – 3.0%

Carbon (C) Max

0.08%

Manganese (Mn) Max

2.0%

Silicon (Si) Max

0.75%

Phosphorus (P) Max

0.045%

Sulfur (S) Max

0.03%

Iron (Fe)

Balance

316L Stainless Steel

Chromium (Cr)

16.0 – 18.0%

Nickel (Ni)

10.0 – 14.0%

Molybdenum (Mo)

2.0 – 3.0%

Carbon (C) Max

0.03%

Manganese (Mn) Max

2.0%

Silicon (Si) Max

0.75%

Phosphorus (P) Max

0.045%

Sulfur (S) Max

0.03%

Iron (Fe)

Balance

Types of Stainless Steel 316 & 316L Pipes & Tubes

As premier manufacturers in the industry, we specialize in producing both stainless steel 316/316L seamless pipes & tubes and stainless steel 316/316L welded pipes & tubes, offering comprehensive solutions for demanding industrial requirements in corrosive environments.

Stainless Steel 316/316L Seamless Pipes & Tubes

Manufactured from solid billets through an extrusion process, these pipes deliver superior strength and exceptional pressure resistance. Seamless construction eliminates weld seams, making them the preferred choice for critical applications involving high-pressure systems, aggressive corrosive environments, and chloride-exposed conditions where welding integrity is paramount. Their molybdenum content provides enhanced resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion.

Stainless Steel 316/316L Welded Pipes & Tubes

These pipes provide an economical alternative with availability across a broader spectrum of sizes and dimensions. Welded pipes excel in structural applications, chemical processing systems, marine environments, and general corrosive service conditions where reliable welded joints are essential. Their cost-effectiveness combined with molybdenum-enhanced corrosion resistance makes them ideal for projects requiring superior performance in chloride-containing environments without compromising budget constraints.

Specification of Stainless Steel 316/316L Seamless & Welded Pipes And Tubes

Specification Details
Stainless Steel Pipe Specification ASTM A312, A358 / ASME SA312, SA358
SS Tube Specification ASTM A213, A269, A249, A511, A554 / ASME SA213, SA269, SA249, SA511, SA554
Pipe Size 1/8” NB to 24” NB, 1/4” OD to 24” OD sizes
Tube Size 1/2″ OD to 8″ OD
Thickness Range 0.3mm – 50 mm, SCH 5, SCH10, SCH 40, SCH 80, SCH 80S, SCH 160, SCH XXS, SCH XS
Type Seamless / ERW / Welded / Fabricated Pipes
Form Round, Square, Rectangular, Oval, Hydraulic Etc
Length Single Random, Double Random & Required Length
End Plain End, Beveled End, Threaded
End Protection Plastic Caps
Outside Finish 2B, No.4, No.1, No.8 Mirror Finish for Stainless Steel Pipes, Finish as per customer Requirements
Delivery Condition Annealed and Pickled, Polished, Bright Annealed, Cold Drawn
Inspection, Test Reports Mill Test Certificates, EN 10204 3.1, Chemical Reports, Mechanical Reports, PMI Test Reports, Visual Inspection Reports, Third Party Inspection Reports, NABL Approved Lab Reports, Destructive Test Report, Non Destructive Test Reports
Packing Packed in Wooden Boxes, Plastic Bags, Steel Strips Bundled, or as per Customers Requests
Specials Sizes and Specifications other than above can be manufactured on request

STAINLESS STEEL PIPE & TUBES SCHEDULE DIMENSIONS WALL THICKNESS, WT./MTR. (KG)

Stainless Steel 316/316L Pipe Dimensions & Weight Chart

OD (mm) WT (mm) NPS (dn) Schedule Weight (kg/m)
13.72 1.65 1/4″ 10S 0.50
13.72 2.24 1/4″ 40S 0.64
13.72 3.02 1/4″ 80S 0.81
17.15 1.65 3/8″ 10S 0.64
17.15 2.31 3/8″ 40S 0.86
17.15 3.20 3/8″ 80S 1.12
21.34 2.11 1/2″ 10S 1.02
21.34 2.77 1/2″ 40S 1.29
21.34 3.73 1/2″ 80S 1.65
26.67 2.11 3/4″ 10S 1.30
26.67 2.87 3/4″ 40S 1.71
26.67 3.91 3/4″ 80S 2.23
33.40 2.77 1″ 10S 2.13
33.40 3.38 1″ 40S 2.54
33.40 4.55 1″ 80S 3.29
48.26 2.77 1.1/2″ 10S 3.16
48.26 3.68 1.1/2″ 40S 4.11
48.26 5.08 1.1/2″ 80S 5.49
60.33 2.77 2″ 10S 3.99
60.33 3.91 2″ 40S 5.52
60.33 5.54 2″ 80S 7.60
88.90 3.05 3″ 10S 6.56
88.90 5.49 3″ 40S 11.47
88.90 7.62 3″ 80S 15.51

Stainless Steel 316/316L Tube Size Chart

Wall Thickness (in) Available Sizes (in)
0.028″ 1/16″; 1/8″; 3/16″; 1/4″; 5/16″; 3/8″
0.035″ 1/8″; 3/16″; 1/4″; 5/16″; 3/8″; 1/2″; 5/8″; 3/4″; 1″; 1-1/4″; 1-1/2″; 2″
0.049″ 1/8″; 3/16″; 1/4″; 5/16″; 3/8″; 1/2″; 5/8″; 3/4″; 1″; 1-1/4″; 1-1/2″; 2″
0.065″ 3/16″; 1/4″; 5/16″; 3/8″; 1/2″; 5/8″; 3/4″; 1″; 1-1/4″; 1-1/2″; 2″
0.083″ 1/4″; 5/16″; 3/8″; 1/2″; 5/8″; 3/4″; 1″; 1-1/4″; 1-1/2″; 2″; 2-1/2″; 3″
0.095″ 1/4″; 3/8″; 1/2″; 5/8″; 3/4″; 1″; 1-1/4″; 1-1/2″; 2″; 2-1/2″; 3″
0.120″ 1/2″; 5/8″; 3/4″; 1″; 1-1/4″; 1-1/2″; 2″; 2-1/2″; 3″

Pressure Ratings for SS 316/316L Tubing (PSIG)

OD (in) WT 0.028″ WT 0.035″ WT 0.049″ WT 0.065″ WT 0.083″ WT 0.095″ WT 0.109″ WT 0.120″
1/8″ 7,900 10,100 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
1/4″ 3,700 5,800 7,900 9,500 N/A N/A N/A N/A
5/16″ N/A 3,700 5,400 7,300 N/A N/A N/A N/A
3/8″ N/A 3,100 4,400 6,100 N/A N/A N/A N/A
1/2″ N/A 2,300 3,200 4,400 N/A N/A N/A N/A
3/4″ N/A N/A 2,100 2,900 3,900 4,500 N/A N/A
1″ N/A N/A N/A 2,200 2,900 3,400 3,900 4,300

Chemical Composition of Stainless Steel 316/316L Pipes and Tubes

Element 316 Stainless Steel (%) 316L Stainless Steel (%)
Carbon (C) 0.08 max 0.030 max
Manganese (Mn) 2.00 max 2.00 max
Phosphorus (P) 0.045 max 0.045 max
Sulfur (S) 0.030 max 0.030 max
Silicon (Si) 0.75 max 0.75 max
Chromium (Cr) 16.00 – 18.00 16.00 – 18.00
Nickel (Ni) 10.00 – 14.00 10.00 – 14.00
Molybdenum (Mo) 2.00 – 3.00 2.00 – 3.00
Nitrogen (N) 0.10 max 0.10 max
Iron (Fe) Balance Balance

Mechanical Properties of Stainless Steel 316/316L Pipes and Tubes

Grade Tensile Strength (MPa) min Yield Strength (MPa) min Elongation (% in 2″) min Hardness
316 515 205 40 Rockwell B (95) max
Brinell (217) max
316L 485 170 40 Rockwell B (95) max
Brinell (217) max

Physical Properties of Stainless Steel 316/316L Pipes and Tubes

Grade Density (kg/m³) Elastic Modulus (GPa) Mean Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (μm/m°C) Thermal Conductivity (W/m.K) Specific Heat 0-100°C (J/kg.K) Electrical Resistivity (nΩ.m)
316/316L 8000 193 15.9 (0-100°C)
16.2 (0-315°C)
17.5 (0-538°C)
16.3 (at 100°C)
21.5 (at 500°C)
500 740

Equivalent Grades for Stainless Steel 316/316L Pipes and Tubes

STANDARD WERKSTOFF NR. UNS JIS AFNOR BS GOST EN
SS316 1.4401 / 1.4436 S31600 SUS316 Z6CND17-11-02 316S31 08X17H13M2 X5CrNiMo17-12-2
SS316L 1.4404 / 1.4435 S31603 SUS316L Z3CND17-11-02 316S11 03X17H13M2 X2CrNiMo17-12-2

💡 Practical Difference in Use

Use 316 when: higher strength and hardness are required for structural applications with minimal welding. → Example: structural components in marine environments, high-temperature applications, mechanical parts requiring extra strength.

Use 316L when: extensive welding is involved or in highly corrosive environments, particularly those containing chlorides. → Example: chemical processing equipment, marine applications, pharmaceutical systems, and equipment exposed to saltwater or strong acids.

Uses of 316/316L Stainless Steel Pipes

The uses are defined by its superior corrosion resistance, particularly against chlorides and acids, along with excellent high-temperature performance. These pipes are essential for conveying aggressive substances in demanding environments.

  • Transporting Highly Corrosive Liquids & Gases: This is its primary advantage over 304 grades. It’s used for moving aggressive chemicals, saltwater, chlorinated compounds, and various process streams in harsh environments.
  • Marine and Coastal Applications: 316/316L pipes are extensively used in marine environments for seawater handling, offshore platforms, shipbuilding, and coastal infrastructure where salt corrosion is a major concern.
  • High-Purity and Critical Systems: With proper polishing and connections, 316L pipes form the backbone of ultra-pure systems in pharmaceutical, biotech, and semiconductor industries where maximum corrosion resistance and cleanability are essential.

When to Choose 316L vs. Higher Alloys?

This is a critical consideration. 316L is the premium standard for chloride resistance among standard austenitic grades. It contains Molybdenum (2-3%), which gives it significantly better resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion compared to 304 grades.

Choose 316L when:

  • The environment contains moderate to high chlorides (saltwater, coastal air, road salts, bleach solutions).
  • Processing acidic chemicals like sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, or organic acids at moderate concentrations.
  • Applications require superior pitting resistance with cost-effectiveness compared to super austenitic grades.

Upgrade to Higher Alloys when:

  • Extremely high chloride concentrations or temperatures exceed 316L’s capabilities.
  • Applications involve highly oxidizing acids like hot concentrated sulfuric acid.
  • Environments with risk of stress corrosion cracking in stagnant chloride solutions.

Industries That Use 316/316L Stainless Steel Pipes

316/316L stainless steel pipes are essential in industries requiring superior corrosion resistance, particularly against chlorides and aggressive chemicals. Here are the primary industries that rely on these grades:

Chemical Processing Industry

This industry extensively uses 316/316L for handling aggressive chemicals and acids where standard 304 grades would fail.

Uses

Process piping for sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, chlorinated compounds, dye stuffs, and chemical intermediates. Heat exchangers, reactor systems, and distillation columns.

Why 316/316L?

Superior resistance to a wide range of chemicals, particularly acidic environments. Molybdenum content provides excellent pitting and crevice corrosion resistance.

Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Industry

This industry demands the highest standards of purity and corrosion resistance for critical processes.

Uses

High-purity water systems, WFI (Water for Injection) distribution, process piping for active pharmaceutical ingredients, clean steam systems, and bioreactors.

Why 316L?

Excellent corrosion resistance against cleaning agents and sterilants. Prevents metallic contamination and maintains system integrity through repeated sterilization cycles.

Marine and Offshore Industry

Essential for applications exposed to seawater, salt spray, and marine atmospheres.

Uses

Seawater cooling systems, ballast water piping, firefighting systems, hydraulic lines on ships and offshore platforms, desalination plant components.

Why 316/316L?

Superior resistance to chloride-induced pitting and crevice corrosion. Maintains structural integrity in saltwater environments where 304 would rapidly corrode.

Pulp and Paper Industry

Critical for handling aggressive bleaching chemicals and process streams in paper manufacturing.

Uses

Bleach plant piping, chemical recovery systems, black liquor lines, and digestor systems handling chloride-containing process streams.

Why 316/316L?

Resists corrosion from chlorine compounds, chlorides, and acidic by-products generated during the pulping and bleaching processes.

Oil and Gas Industry

Widely used in both upstream and downstream applications, particularly where chlorides are present.

Uses

Production tubing, wellhead components, injection systems, process piping in refineries, and offshore platform utilities exposed to seawater.

Why 316/316L?

Resists sour service conditions, chloride stress corrosion cracking, and provides reliable performance in both sweet and mildly sour environments.

Food and Beverage Industry

Used in applications requiring enhanced corrosion resistance beyond 304 capabilities.

Uses

High-salt content food processing, pickle and brine lines, vinegar production, and systems using aggressive cleaning chemicals.

Why 316L?

Superior resistance to chlorides in cleaning solutions and salt-containing food products. Maintains hygiene standards in aggressive processing environments.

Architectural and Coastal Construction

Preferred for structures in aggressive environments where appearance and longevity are critical.

Uses

Handrails, facades, and structural elements in coastal areas, swimming pool structures, and architectural features in polluted urban environments.

Why 316/316L?

Excellent resistance to atmospheric corrosion from salt spray and industrial pollutants. Maintains aesthetic appearance in harsh environmental conditions.

Power Generation Industry

Critical for various systems in conventional and nuclear power plants.

Uses

Condenser tubes, feedwater systems, cooling water piping, flue gas desulfurization systems, and nuclear auxiliary systems.

Why 316/316L?

Resists corrosion from chlorides in cooling water and provides reliable performance in high-temperature aqueous environments encountered in power generation.

Request a Quote

Looking for premium 316 | 316L Pipes & Tubes? Contact us today to get the best prices.

Contact Us