The benefits of 316 SS tubing are extensive but generally fall into two categories: food grade or industrial usage. The key difference is that one must pass significantly more stringent standards than the other. Most people know that 316 stainless steel tubing is used in various industries, but many people are unaware of the different uses.
Food and beverage service industry
One of the essential properties of 316 SS tubing is that it resists corrosion and staining and is non-magnetic. These properties make it a perfect choice for food and beverage service applications: drinking straws, coffee stirrers, condiment squeeze bottles-the list goes on. The high cost of 316 stainless steel tubing is often offset by lower maintenance costs resulting from the ability to use single-service items without the worry of contamination.
Medical industry
Medical tubing made with 316 Stainless Steel has become very common because it resists corrosion and does not introduce harmful particles or chemicals into solutions during use. It is used extensively in dialysis, blood oxygenation and blood collection products.
FDA approved for contact with human food products, buy 316 stainless steel tube for laboratory applications, biological safety cabinets/enclosures, biohazard vacuum chambers and pharmaceutical clean room tubing.
Aerospace industry
The aerospace industry uses 316 SS tubing for its strength and corrosion resistance. Aircraft manufacturers often use the tubing’s high strength-to-weight ratio, which needs lightweight, flexible tubing for hydraulic lines. Although not as common as copper or aluminum, 316 Stainless Steel Tubing is still used in HVAC applications.
Industrial or construction industry
316 stainless steel tubing also finds many common uses in the industrial and construction industries. It is frequently used as a structural material, and it can be found in any application that requires resistance to corrosion, staining or rust. This makes 316 SS tubing an excellent choice for use on bridges and roadways or anywhere exposed to high salt conditions.
HVAC applications
The strength of 316 Stainless Steel Tubing makes it the perfect choice for HVAC applications. 316 SS Tubing resists corrosion even when exposed to humid air and high temperatures over extended periods. It also works well as a structural material with a high breaking strength, load-bearing capacity, and stiffness compared to aluminum tubing.
Manufacturing wires and cables
Another everyday use of 316 Stainless Steel Tubing is manufacturing wire and cable. Because 316 SS tubing is non-magnetic, it can be used to contain and transport magnetically sensitive items such as propane tanks or even low earth orbit satellites like the International Space Station!
Harsh weather conditions
The high corrosion resistance and strength of 316 stainless steel tubing make it a perfect choice in applications with harsh environmental conditions. It resists staining, corrosion, and rusting, making it an excellent alternative to use for septic tanks or sewage treatment plants where sewer gases can cause significant damage to metals if they are not made of high-quality material.
High-velocity applications
The toughness of 316 stainless steel tubing provides a high degree of protection even when used in high-velocity applications. It is often used in constructing wind turbine blades where it resists cracking or breaking even when being struck by massive debris.
Food processing equipment
316 stainless steel tubing has excellent anti-friction properties, making it an ideal choice for use in food processing equipment. Its inert surface will not become damaged through other metals, plastic, or rubber. 316 stainless steel tubing is also non-sparking and safe to use in any equipment that may produce sparks, such as gas ovens, kilns, and smelting furnaces.
Cutting and bending
316 stainless steel tubing is one of the most accessible materials to cut and bend. It can even be formed into highly tight radius curves without the risk of kinking or buckling. 316 stainless steel tubing also has a smooth surface that will not catch surrounding items as equipment moves or vibrates.
Variable temperature conditions
316 stainless steel tubing expands and contracts very little, making it an excellent choice to use in a wide range of temperatures. It can be used in hot and cold climates, with the only worry being the expansion at extremely high temperatures. 316 stainless steel tubing can also be used in indoor and outdoor applications since it resists corrosion, staining or rusting.
Damage prevention
316 stainless steel tubing is one of the most robust materials available for use as tubing. Its alloy composition gives it a very high yield strength which provides a high degree of protection against many types of damage. 316 stainless steel tubing has a tensile strength that is more than five times higher than the equivalent size in 304 SS tubing.
316 stainless steel tubing is an excellent choice for almost any application because of its strength and corrosion resistance. It is easy to work with; it can withstand high temperatures in applications including septic tanks, sewage treatment plants, and smelting furnaces. It is a versatile material that can be used in both hot and cold applications with resistance to staining, marking, or rusting no matter the conditions.