316 Stainless Steel Square Tube

Stainless steel square tube, particularly the 316/316L grade, is a versatile square-shaped hollow section made from high-quality austenitic stainless steel alloy. As the second most popular choice after grade 304, 316 stainless steel square tube features enhanced properties thanks to its molybdenum content, making it ideal for demanding applications across multiple industries.

Applications and Performance Characteristics

316 Stainless Steel Square Tube excels in various demanding environments:

• Natural gas and petroleum processing
• Aerospace components
• Food and beverage equipment
• Industrial machinery
• Cryogenic systems
• Architectural structures
• Marine installations

The addition of molybdenum gives this stainless steel square tube superior corrosion resistance compared to 304 grade, particularly in chloride-rich environments. While it offers higher strength, it maintains slightly lower machinability than 304 grade.

Product Specifications and Availability

Standard specifications for 316 Stainless Steel Square Tube include:

• Size Range: ½" to 8" Diameter
• Wall Thickness Options: 0.049" to 0.375"
• Available in both 316 and 316L variants
• Custom cut lengths available

Understanding 316 vs 316L Grade

The primary difference between standard 316 and 316L stainless steel square tube lies in their carbon content:

• 316L (Low Carbon) prevents harmful precipitation during welding at 800°F to 1500°F
• Particularly valuable for heavy gauge welded components
• No price difference between the grades
• 316L is preferred for applications requiring extensive welding

Both grades deliver exceptional performance in corrosive environments and maintain their properties across extreme temperature ranges, from cryogenic to high-temperature applications.