Stainless Steel 316 Seamless Capillary Tubes are seamless, high-quality tubes without seam joining, so that the wall thickness, inner surface is smooth and the fluid flows. They consist of molybdenum and other metals with excellent resistance to chlorides, chemicals, pitting and crevices. The tubes are manufactured to meet the specifications of ASTM/ASME standards and have strict dimensional tolerances and are used in instrumentation, chromatography, medical instruments, hydraulic devices, and process control installations where leak-free operation is required. The excellent structure provides outstanding resistance against pressure and makes it more reliable than welded structures. USA Piping Solution is a leading provider of top-quality Stainless Steel 316 Seamless Capillary Tubes, providing instant availability, customization, affordability, and on-time delivery around the globe.
Chemical Compositions of Stainless Steel 316 Seamless Capillary Tubes
| Element | Symbol | Weight Percentage (wt%) |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon | C | 0.08% max |
| Manganese | Mn | 2.00% max |
| Silicon | Si | 1.00% max |
| Phosphorus | P | 0.045% max |
| Sulfur | S | 0.030% max |
| Chromium | Cr | 16.00% - 18.00% |
| Nickel | Ni | 11.00% - 14.00% |
| Molybdenum | Mo | 2.00% - 3.00% |
Applications and Industrial Uses of Stainless Steel 316 Seamless Capillary Tubes
- HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) Systems
- Gas Chromatography Injectors and Columns
- Medical and Surgical Devices
- Aerospace Instrumentation and Sensing Lines
- High-Pressure Hydraulic and Pneumatic Control Lines
- Chemical and Petrochemical Process-Analytical Instrumentation
Related Products
- Stainless Steel 316 Capillary Tube
- Stainless Steel 316 Seamless Pipe & Tube,
- Stainless Steel 304 Seamless Capillary Tube
- Stainless Steel Capillary Tubes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between seamless and welded 316 capillary tube?
Seamless 316 capillary tube is cold-drawn from solid bar stock with no weld seam, giving a more consistent inside diameter at small bore sizes. Welded capillary tube is formed from strip and seam-welded, which costs less but can leave a slight ID irregularity at the weld line. Seamless is generally preferred for high-pressure and analytical instrumentation use; welded is a cost-effective option for general fluid transfer.
Why does HPLC equipment specifically require seamless capillary tube?
HPLC performance depends on undisturbed, laminar flow through very small bores. A weld seam or ID step that would be negligible on a larger tube can measurably affect peak shape and retention time at HPLC scale, so seamless construction removes that variable entirely.
What ID tolerance is achievable on 316 seamless capillary tube?
Tolerances vary by finished OD and wall thickness. Smaller HPLC-scale sizes, such as 1/16 inch OD, can be held to tolerances of a few thousandths of an inch on the bore. Exact achievable tolerance should be confirmed against the specific size and wall combination required.
What certification is provided with this tube?
Tube is supplied with an EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificate covering heat chemistry and mechanical test results. Third-party inspection through TPI, SGS, or BV is available on request.
Is there a minimum order quantity?
Minimum order quantities depend on size and wall thickness. Contact us directly with your specification for a quote.
Can this tube be supplied coiled or in custom cut lengths?
Yes. Seamless capillary tube can be supplied in straight cut lengths or coiled form, depending on size and application, with custom lengths available on request.
Is 316 seamless capillary tube suitable for high-pressure hydraulic lines?
Yes. The absence of a weld seam gives seamless capillary tube a more predictable pressure rating at small bore sizes, which is why it is commonly specified for high-pressure hydraulic and instrumentation sensing lines.