Austenitic · UNS S31600
316 Stainless Steel Tube & Pipe
316 tube and pipe is the molybdenum-bearing line for chloride service where the part is not welded. It carries the same pitting resistance as 316L, but its higher carbon means welded seams can sensitize — so it is the right call for non-welded marine, chemical and food process lines where 316L is an unnecessary low-carbon premium.
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Austenitic · UNS S31600 · 8.00 g/cm³
Specification
316 Stainless Steel Tube & Pipe — Dimensions We Supply
| Thickness / section | Wall 0.5 – 40 mm |
|---|---|
| Width / OD | OD 6 – 630 mm |
| Length | Up to 12,000 mm |
| Surface finish | Pickled · Polished (180/320/600 grit) |
| Standards | ASTM A312 · A213 · A269 · EN 10216 |
| Typical applications | Heat exchanger · Pipeline · Railing · Food & pharma |
Dimensional range is the mill's standard offer for the form. The grade's composition and mechanical values are on the 316 grade page.
Grade in this form
316 Stainless Steel Tube & Pipe — What to Watch
Order 316 for non-welded lines: the molybdenum resists chlorides and you avoid the low-carbon premium. If the line is welded, specify 316L instead — 316 can sensitize at the weld. Seamless to ASTM A312 for pressure duty; welded to ASTM A269 or A249 for general service. Name the standard and the wall schedule.
Choose 316 when
Non-welded marine and coastal parts, chemical handling equipment, food and pharmaceutical process lines, and architectural hardware exposed to salt air. The molybdenum buys the pitting resistance that lets it survive where 304 would rust-stain.
Think again if
Welded assemblies — there specify 316L, because 316's higher carbon can sensitize at the weld. And indoor, dry, low-corrosion work where the molybdenum premium is wasted on 304.
Other forms
316 in Every Form We Supply
Before you ask
316 Stainless Steel Tube & Pipe — Questions Buyers Ask
What is the difference between 316 and 316L pipe?
Carbon. 316 allows up to 0.08% carbon, 316L caps it at 0.030% so welded seams do not sensitize. For non-welded lines the two behave the same, so 316 is the lower-cost order; for anything welded, write 316L.
Is 316 pipe good for salt water?
Better than 304, but not immune. For general coastal and brackish service 316 resists the pitting that rusts 304; for seawater or stagnant chloride duty, step up to a duplex like 2205.
What standard is 316 pipe ordered to?
ASTM A312 for seamless pressure pipe, ASTM A269 or A249 for welded tube. Name the standard and the schedule, not just the size.
Also compare
Other Stainless Grades
- 304 Stainless SteelAustenitic · UNS S30400
- 316L Stainless SteelAustenitic · UNS S31603
- 2205 Stainless SteelDuplex · UNS S32205
- 304L Stainless SteelAustenitic · UNS S30403
- 201 Stainless SteelAustenitic · UNS S20100
- 430 Stainless SteelFerritic · UNS S43000
- 321 Stainless SteelAustenitic · UNS S32100
- 310S Stainless SteelAustenitic · UNS S31008
- All stainless grades →The full stainless grade map
Quote on 316 Stainless Steel Tube & Pipe
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