316 LVM Stainless Steel

At International Tube, we provide high-precision 316LVM stainless steel tubing (UNS S31673)—a premium alloy specifically engineered for critical applications requiring the highest levels of purity and corrosion resistance. 316LVM is a vacuum arc remelted (VAR) stainless steel, meaning it undergoes melting in a vacuum furnace to significantly reduce impurities. The result is a highly homogeneous, clean alloy with uniform chemistry, making it an ideal material for demanding industries, especially medical and surgical applications.

316LVM is a low-carbon variation of 316 stainless steel, and aside from its enhanced purity, it shares many of the mechanical and machining characteristics of standard 316 or 316L tubing. It can be cold worked to a hard temper or supplied in intermediate or annealed conditions, depending on application needs. At International Tube, our 316LVM tubing is available in both coil and straight lengths and is compatible with traditional machining methods—such as turning, milling, and grinding—as well as advanced fabrication techniques like EDM, ECM, and laser cutting.

Often specified under ASTM F138, 316LVM is a go-to material for applications where corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, and cleanliness are paramount. While it is more expensive than standard 316 or 316L due to the vacuum melting process and higher base material costs, its performance in sensitive environments makes it well worth the investment.

316LVM Tubing Features & Applications

At International Tube, our small-diameter 316LVM stainless steel hypodermic tubing is most commonly used in:

• Medical device instruments

• Reusable surgical tools and devices

• Applications where surgical-grade stainless steel is required

Whether you’re prototyping or scaling production for high-precision medical components, International Tube is your trusted source for high-performance 316LVM tubing.