Stainless Steel 316 Seamless Micro Tubes are precision fabricated for applications where high dimensional accuracy, corrosion resistance, and reliable pressure performance is needed in a small tube that cannot be welded. They are seamless, precision cold drawn from Grade 316 Stainless steel which can be produced to close tolerances and a good surface finish. This material is made up of 10–14% nickel, 2–3% molybdenum with a chromium content which provide a high resistance and strength in harsh conditions. It also has good durability and flexibility with tensile strength of 515 MPa and minimum yield strength of 205 MPa. The micro tubes are employed in medical, aerospace, analytical, semiconductor and precision fluid-handling systems. USA Piping Solutions offers Stainless Steel 316 Seamless Micro Tubes for challenging applications.
Specifications of Stainless Steel 316 Seamless Micro Tubes
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Grade(s) | Stainless Steel Type 316 (UNS S31600), Type 316L (UNS S31603) |
| Outer Diameter (OD) | Typically 0.008” to 0.250” (0.2 mm to 6.35 mm). Custom Micro size SS 316 tubing available. |
| Wall Thickness (WT) | Typically 0.002” to 0.040” (0.05 mm to 1.0 mm). Specializing in Thin wall SS 316 micro tube. |
| Length | Straight lengths (e.g., 1m, 2m, custom) and Coils (for Stainless 316 micro capillary tubes). |
| Tolerances | Extremely tight OD, ID, and wall tolerances as per international standards or customer specifications for precision needs. |
| Manufacturing Process | Primarily Seamless SS 316 micro tube (Cold Drawn); Welded & Redrawn options for specific requirements. |
| Surface Finish | Bright Annealed (BA), Mechanically Polished (to specific Ra values), Passivated, Electropolished. |
| Material Condition | Annealed (soft), 1/4 Hard, 1/2 Hard, Full Hard, or as specified. |
| Applicable Standards | ASTM A269, ASTM A632, ASTM A213 (for specific applications), customer-defined medical/industrial specifications. |
| MTC | EN 10204 3.1 Mill Test Certificate with every supply. |
Applications and Industrial Uses of Stainless Steel 316 Seamless Micro Tubes
- Medical Device Manufacturing
- Pharmaceutical Processing
- Chemical Processing
- Aerospace and Aviation
- Semiconductor Manufacturing
- Oil and Gas Instrumentation
- Laboratory and Analytical Equipment
- Food and Beverage Processing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between seamless and welded stainless steel micro tubes?
Seamless micro tubes are made without a welded joint, while welded micro tubes are formed from strip and joined along the seam. Seamless tubes are generally preferred for critical pressure applications.
What sizes/OD range does stainless steel 316 micro tubing come in?
SS 316 micro tubing is available in very small outside diameters, with the exact OD and wall thickness depending on the manufacturing process and application requirements.
What is the maximum pressure rating for seamless 316 stainless steel tubing?
There is no single maximum pressure rating. It depends on the tube OD, wall thickness, temperature, material condition, and applicable design code or standard.
What's the difference between 316 and 316L for seamless micro tubing?
316L has a lower carbon limit of 0.03% max, compared with 0.08% max for 316, providing better resistance to sensitization after welding.
What ASTM standard applies to seamless stainless steel micro tube (A213 vs A269)?
ASTM A213 is mainly intended for boiler, superheater, and heat-exchanger tubing, while ASTM A269 covers general-service seamless and welded austenitic stainless steel tubing.
Is seamless tubing stronger or more reliable than welded tubing?
Not necessarily. Seamless tubing eliminates a weld seam and can be advantageous for demanding pressure applications, while properly manufactured and tested welded tubing can also provide reliable performance.