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Description:
Stainless Steel SS316/SS316L Tubes are made in accordance to ASTM A213 / ASTM A269 TP316 / TP316L standards. Annealed and pickled seamless stainless steel tubes has a “matt” finish and are used throughout industries where appearance is not critical and is considered the standard for Refinery and Offshore Oil and Gas projects. Polished Seamless Tube has a “shiny” finish and are used throughout industries where aesthetic appearance is important. MO 2.5 SS316 Tubes (Minimum 2.5% Molybdenum content): 2.5% minimum Molybdenum specifications is used to enhance the corrosion resistance of seamless tubes. At Chuan Kok, we keep stock of a large range of tube with minimum 2.5% MO content. Recommended Bend Radius: A bend radius of 3x the external tube diameter is recommended for cold bending of tubes with tube benders or by hand. Welding Suitability: Tubes made of TP316 & TP316L are suitable for arc welding according to usual techniques. The welding filler should be selected in accordance with DIN EN 1600 and DIN EN 12072 part 1 taking into account the type of application and the welding technique. |
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Product Information of Stainless Steel Tubes
1. Specifications:
Chuan Kok keep ex-stock of stainless steel tubes in dual grade which is SS316/316L with seamless quality. The stainless steel tubes are in accordance with ASTM A269/A213. ASTM A269 is the standard specification for seamless and welded austenitic stainless steel tubing for general service. While for ASTM A213, it is a standard specification for seamless ferritic and austenitic alloy-steel boiler, super heater and heat-exchanger tubes. |
2. Composition & Material Properties:
ASTM A269 Tubes
Serves as a standard guideline for both seamless and welded austenitic stainless steel tubing, designed for general-purpose applications. This standard covers a wide range of diameters, wall thicknesses, and materials. It is commonly used in industries where corrosion resistance and durability are essential, such as in the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. |
ASTM A213 Tubes
A standard specification for seamless ferritic and austenitic alloy-steel boiler, superheater, and heat-exchanger tubes. Unlike ASTM A269, which focuses on general service applications, ASTM A213 is more specialized and geared towards high-temperature and high-pressure environments. It finds extensive use in power generation, petrochemical, and refinery applications. |
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3. Stainless Steel Tube Attributes:
The minimum yield strength for stainless steel tube is 515 N/mm² and with maximum 90 HRB of hardness. Maximum 80 HRB is commonly specified so that compression fittings can work well with the tubes. Stainless steel tubes contain at least 10.5% of chromium and it will react with the oxygen to form an invisible chrome-oxide layer. The layer is strong enough to prevent further oxygen from rusting the surface.
SS316/316L is molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel with molybdenum content ranging from 2.0 to 3.0%. The high nickel and molybdenum content provides resistance in highly corrosive surroundings such as salt water or chloride environments. In addition, SS316/316L also provides excellent elevated temperature tensile, outstanding formability and weld-ability.
The stainless steel tubes are produced to two different specifications, TP316 and TP316L, hence they are subsequently referred to as SS316 and SS316L. The means of “L” designation after the grade number is the carbon content is restricted to a maximum of 0.03% where the normal level of carbon content of stainless steel are maximum of 0.08%. The lower level of carbon content stainless steel tubes are used where welding will be performed. This lower level carbon content prevents the chromium from being depleted and thus it can still form the chrome-oxide layer on the tube surface.
The minimum yield strength for stainless steel tube is 515 N/mm² and with maximum 90 HRB of hardness. Maximum 80 HRB is commonly specified so that compression fittings can work well with the tubes. Stainless steel tubes contain at least 10.5% of chromium and it will react with the oxygen to form an invisible chrome-oxide layer. The layer is strong enough to prevent further oxygen from rusting the surface.
SS316/316L is molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel with molybdenum content ranging from 2.0 to 3.0%. The high nickel and molybdenum content provides resistance in highly corrosive surroundings such as salt water or chloride environments. In addition, SS316/316L also provides excellent elevated temperature tensile, outstanding formability and weld-ability.
The stainless steel tubes are produced to two different specifications, TP316 and TP316L, hence they are subsequently referred to as SS316 and SS316L. The means of “L” designation after the grade number is the carbon content is restricted to a maximum of 0.03% where the normal level of carbon content of stainless steel are maximum of 0.08%. The lower level of carbon content stainless steel tubes are used where welding will be performed. This lower level carbon content prevents the chromium from being depleted and thus it can still form the chrome-oxide layer on the tube surface.
4. Material Differences:
Materials |
SS316 |
SS316L |
Carbon Content |
Contains a higher carbon content compared to SS316L. |
Features a lower carbon content, making it more resistant to sensitization and corrosion. |
Sensitization |
Prone to sensitization, which can lead to corrosion in certain environments. |
Resistant to sensitization, making it ideal for applications involving exposure to corrosive substances. |
Weldability |
Welding SS316 may result in sensitization, requiring post-weld heat treatment to restore its corrosion resistance. |
SS316L is readily weldable without the risk of sensitization, making it a preferred choice for welding applications. |
Applications |
Suitable for general-purpose applications where sensitization is not a concern. |
Preferred for applications involving exposure to corrosive chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and high-temperature environments. |
Advantages of SS316 and SS316L Tubing
Despite their differences between SS316 and SS316L, both material still offers the required standards and benefits:
- Corrosion Resistance: Both grades exhibit excellent corrosion resistance, making them ideal for various industries.
- Strength and Durability: They provide robust and long-lasting performance, ensuring the longevity of your projects.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Stainless steel tubing has a sleek and modern appearance, making it a preferred choice for architectural and decorative applications.
- Low Maintenance: SS316 and SS316L require minimal maintenance, reducing overall operating costs.
5. Stainless Steel Tube Finishing:
Tubes are supplied in 3 types of finishing as Annealed and Pickled, Polished 320 Grit, and Bright Annealed. Generally, stainless steel tubes are supplied in anneal and pickle condition. Anneal is a heat treatment that will alter the physical and chemical properties of the material. It increases the ductility and reduces the hardness of stainless steel tube. Pickling is a metal surface treatment that contains strong acid to remove the impurities on the tube surface. Polished 320 Grit are produced for applications where a smoother finishing is required for aesthetic application. Bright Annealed is produced by heat treating (annealing) steel with a controlled atmosphere. After the heat treatment, the steel has reflective, mirror-like appearance. Stainless Steel Tubes are also suitable for flaring and cold bending. For cold bending, a bend radius of 3x the external tube diameter is recommended with tube benders or by hand. Tubes made of SS316/316L are suitable for arc welding according to usual techniques. The welding filler should be selected in accordance with DIN EN 1600 and DIN EN 12072 part 1 taking into account the type of application and the welding technique. |
6. Outer Diameter and Tube Thickness Specifications:
The tubes outer diameter (OD) are according to ASTM A269/A213. However, for hydraulic applications, a tighter tolerance is usually specified to work well with compression fittings. Tolerance specifications are as per below:
The tubes outer diameter (OD) are according to ASTM A269/A213. However, for hydraulic applications, a tighter tolerance is usually specified to work well with compression fittings. Tolerance specifications are as per below:
Tube OD |
Tolerance |
4mm to 35mm |
+/- 0.08mm |
35mm to 38mm |
+/- 0.15mm |
38mm to 60mm |
+/- 0.20mm |
60mm and above |
+/- 0.25mm |
For tubes thickness, A269 and A213 has 2 different type of wall thickness tolerance. For ASTM A269, the permissible variations in wall thickness is +/− 10%. However for ASTM A213, there are 2 options for the wall thickness tolerance. The 1st option is minimum wall thickness which is + 20%, − 0% of wall thickness. The 2nd option is average wall thickness which is +/− 10% of wall thickness.
Our usual option for tubing products wall thickness of tubing are +/− 10% and it will comply to both A269 and A213 standards. Stainless steel tubes manufacturing process will be illustrated in the product literature pdf file below. The table below shows two alternatives to follow for wall thickness tolerance:
ASTM A213 |
Maximum Wall Thickness |
Minimum Wall Thickness |
Minimum Wall Thickness (MWT) |
20% |
0% |
Average Wall Thickness (AWT) |
10% |
10% |
7. Application:
There is a wide variety of functions for Stainless Steel Tubes (SS316/SS316L) which could apply in different industries as following:
There is a wide variety of functions for Stainless Steel Tubes (SS316/SS316L) which could apply in different industries as following:
- Automobiles
- Construction industries
- Military and nuclear weapons
- Household Equipment
8. Methods of bending Stainless Steel Tubes:
Stainless steel tubes could be bent in a number of ways. However, it is a must to ensure that adequate precautions are followed to avoid carbon contamination on the steel throughout the procedure. Using a section bender or three-roll bender is one of the simplest ways to bend this material. This technique is commonly utilized when the metal has a huge radius.
A rotary-draw bender can be used to bend stainless steel tubes with narrow radiuses. In particular, Mandrel Tube Bending is the process of bending stainless steel tubes with a rotary-draw bender.
You should also take into account that a bending error might reduce the surface area of the tubing, making installation more difficult.
For more information regarding stainless steel tubes, please refer to en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tube_(fluid_conveyance)
Stainless steel tubes could be bent in a number of ways. However, it is a must to ensure that adequate precautions are followed to avoid carbon contamination on the steel throughout the procedure. Using a section bender or three-roll bender is one of the simplest ways to bend this material. This technique is commonly utilized when the metal has a huge radius.
A rotary-draw bender can be used to bend stainless steel tubes with narrow radiuses. In particular, Mandrel Tube Bending is the process of bending stainless steel tubes with a rotary-draw bender.
You should also take into account that a bending error might reduce the surface area of the tubing, making installation more difficult.
For more information regarding stainless steel tubes, please refer to en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tube_(fluid_conveyance)
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FAQ Of Stainless Steel Tubes
How to differentiate the SS316 and SS316L tubes?
TP316 and TP316L are the two types of stainless steel tubes are categorized. As a result, the names SS316 / SS316L. The letter L stands for "low carbon."
What are the diameter sizes available? What is the standard length for stainless steel tubes?
The diameter size varies from 4mm to 60mm in 6 meters lengths, with the outer diameter size, standard, thickness, grade, manufacturer
name, and heat number continuously marked along the length of the tube.
name, and heat number continuously marked along the length of the tube.
What are the stainless steel tubes used for?
The SS316/316L tubes are suitable for indoor and outdoor projects in long term usage. They are often manufactured with a variety of finishes, depending on what is appropriate for the project or equipment where it will be used.
What is the stainless steel tube made of?
SS316 tube contains maximum 0.08% carbon while 0.03% for SS316L. Carbon content is at a level of 0.03% maximum in order to be dual specification certified as SS316/316L grade.
How to differentiate the MO2.0 and MO2.5 standards of the SS316/316L tubes?
The MO2.5 standard of tubes adheres to a minimum 2.5 percent Molybdenum content, which improves corrosion resistance. MO2.5 tubes are used in more corrosive applications than standard MO2.0 tubes, such as the petrochemical, oil and gas, and marine industries.
How many types of finishing available for stainless steel tubes?
There are 3 types of finishing available:
- Annealed and Pickled (AP)
- Polished 320 grit
- Bright annealed
- Annealed and Pickled (AP)
- Polished 320 grit
- Bright annealed
What is the recommended bend radius?
Cold bending tubes with tube benders or by hand requires a bend radius three times the external tube diameter.
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