316L Stainless Steel Tubing

At International Tube, we offer precision small-diameter hypodermic tubing made from 316 stainless steel (UNS S31600)—an alloy closely related to 304 stainless in both chemical composition and mechanical properties, but with significantly enhanced corrosion resistance. This improvement is due to the addition of molybdenum, which increases the alloy’s durability in harsh, oxidizing environments, as well as in the presence of chlorides and chlorinated solutions.

Small-diameter 316 stainless steel tubing is an excellent upgrade over 304 stainless in applications exposed to salts, acids, or marine environments. While the inclusion of molybdenum does raise material cost—since it is more expensive to mine and refine—316 remains a cost-effective option compared to high-performance specialty alloys. It also benefits from widespread raw strip stock availability, supporting production scalability.

Like all 300 series stainless steels, 316 is austenitic, meaning it can only be hardened through cold working rather than heat treatment. In its annealed state, 316 stainless is non-magnetic, though slight residual magnetism may be present in hard temper tubing due to the cold drawing process.

Our 316 stainless steel hypodermic tubing is produced in hard temper and is highly machinable using traditional subtractive manufacturing techniques like turning, milling, and grinding, as well as advanced processes such as EDM, ECM, and laser cutting. For applications requiring superior weldability, we also offer 316L, a low-carbon variant optimized for welded assemblies.

Features & Applications

Our 316 stainless steel hypodermic tubing is designed for high-performance use in demanding environments. With superior corrosion resistance—especially in the presence of chlorides and harsh chemicals—316 SS tubing is ideal for applications that require strength, durability, and reliability.

Common Applications Include:

• Medical devices for both single-use and reusable applications

• Cardiac and neurological surgical instruments

• Guidewire assemblies and precision medical components

• Suturing and wound closure devices

• Vascular treatment systems

• Pharmaceutical applications, including drug delivery and development

• Industrial systems, including oil & gas operations in aggressive environments

• Robotics and automation

• Laboratory instruments, including liquid chromatography systems

At International Tube, our 316 SS tubing is manufactured to tight tolerances and is available in a variety of temper conditions. Whether you need straight lengths or coil form, we deliver high-purity, precision-engineered tubing that meets the performance demands of both medical and industrial applications.