316 Stainless Steel Wire
Ken-tron draws 316, 316L, and 316LVM stainless steel wire for customers in the aerospace, automotive, defense, medical, electronics, and weaving industries. 316 stainless steel is an austenitic, chromium-nickel-molybdenum alloy distinguished by superior corrosion resistance compared to the more common 304 grade — particularly in chloride-containing environments. Our wire division specializes in small-diameter, close-tolerance wire manufactured to your exact specifications.
Stainless steel 316 LVM wire is a medical-grade steel that is vacuum melted for purity. It is used for implantable medical devices, precision electronics, and for weaving into wire cloth. Ken-tron manufactures to your custom specifications.
316 Stainless Steel — Grade Variants
Ken-tron draws three principal variants of the 316 alloy family:
- Carbon Max
- 0.08%
- Standard
- ASTM A493, A555
- Typical Use
- Industrial, mechanical, and spring applications.
- Carbon Max
- 0.03%
- Standard
- ASTM A493, A555, AMS 5653
- Typical Use
- Welded assemblies; resists sensitization at welds.
- Carbon Max
- 0.03%
- Standard
- ASTM F138-19
- Typical Use
- Implantable medical devices; vacuum melted for purity.
Chemical Composition
All values are weight percent (wt%). Mill certifications accompany each shipment.
316 Stainless Steel (ASTM F138-19) — Medical Grade / 316LVM
Key elements in 316LVM wire:
| Element | ASTM F138-19 Limit (wt%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.03 max |
| Chromium (Cr) | 17.0 – 19.0 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 13.0 – 15.0 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.25 – 3.00 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 2.00 max |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.75 max |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.025 max |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.010 max |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.10 max |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.50 max |
| Cobalt (Co) | 0.10 max |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
| Element | 316 (wt%) | 316L (wt%) |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.08 max | 0.03 max |
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.0 – 18.0 | 16.0 – 18.0 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 10.0 – 14.0 | 10.0 – 14.0 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.0 – 3.0 | 2.0 – 3.0 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 2.00 max | 2.00 max |
| Silicon (Si) | 1.00 max | 1.00 max |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.045 max | 0.045 max |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.030 max | 0.030 max |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.10 max | 0.10 max |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance | Balance |
Mechanical Properties
Wire properties depend on chemistry and the degree of cold reduction applied during drawing. Ken-tron produces 316-family wire in annealed (soft) and multiple cold-worked tempers; tensile strength can be targeted to your specification within the ranges below.
Properties: Typical (Annealed/Soft)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Ultimate Tensile Strength | 75 ksi min (515 MPa min) |
| Yield Strength (0.2% Offset) | 30 ksi min (205 MPa min) |
| Elongation (in 2 in.) | 40% min |
| Hardness | 95 HRB max |
Properties: Cold-Worked Tempers
| Temper | Tensile Strength (ksi) | Yield Strength (ksi) | Elongation (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/16 Hard | |||
| Ultimate Tensile Strength | 85 ksi min (585 MPa min) | — | — |
| Yield Strength (0.2% Offset) | — | 45 ksi min (310 MPa min) | — |
| Elongation | — | — | 35% min |
| 1/8 Hard | |||
| Ultimate Tensile Strength | 100 ksi min (690 MPa min) | — | — |
| Yield Strength (0.2% Offset) | — | 55 ksi min (380 MPa min) | — |
| Elongation | — | — | 25% min |
| 1/4 Hard | |||
| Ultimate Tensile Strength | 125 ksi min (860 MPa min) | — | — |
| Yield Strength (0.2% Offset) | — | 75 ksi min (515 MPa min) | — |
| Elongation | — | — | 10% min |
For tempers 1/2 hard or above, consult Ken-tron’s engineering team for achievable properties at your specified diameter.
| Temper | PSI Range / Notes |
|---|---|
| Soft (Annealed) | 20% Minimum Elongation (per ASTM F138) |
| 1/16 Hard | 85 ksi min tensile |
| 1/8 Hard | 100 ksi min tensile |
| 1/4 Hard | 125 ksi min tensile |
| 1/2 Hard and above | Consult Ken-tron engineering |
Physical Properties
| Property | Value | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 0.289 | lb/in³ (7.99 g/cm³) |
| Melting Point | 2,732 | °F (approx. 2,500–2,550°F range) |
| Modulus of Elasticity (tension) | 28 × 10⁶ | psi (193 GPa) |
| Modulus of Elasticity (torsion) | 11.2 × 10⁶ | psi (77 GPa) |
| Magnetic Permeability (annealed) | ≤ 1.02 | μ (non-magnetic) |
| Electrical Resistivity (at 68°F) | 29.4 | μΩ·in (74.0 μΩ·cm) |
| Specific Heat (32–212°F) | 0.12 | BTU/(lb·°F) — 0.50 kJ/(kg·K) |
| Thermal Conductivity (at 212°F) | 9.4 | BTU·in/(hr·ft²·°F) — 16.3 W/(m·K) |
Temperature Coefficient of Thermal Expansion
| Temperature Range | Mean CTE |
|---|---|
| 20 – 100°C (68 – 212°F) | 15.9 × 10⁻⁶ in/in·°C |
| 20 – 200°C (68 – 392°F) | 16.5 × 10⁻⁶ in/in·°C |
| 20 – 300°C (68 – 572°F) | 17.0 × 10⁻⁶ in/in·°C |
| 20 – 400°C (68 – 752°F) | 17.5 × 10⁻⁶ in/in·°C |
| 20 – 538°C (68 – 1000°F) | 18.0 × 10⁻⁶ in/in·°C |
Corrosion Resistance
The corrosion resistance of 316 stainless steel is primarily due to chromium forming a passive oxide layer on the surface. The addition of 2.0–3.0% molybdenum provides significant additional resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-containing environments that would attack standard 304 stainless. 316 stainless steel resists:
- General corrosion — in a wide range of acidic and alkaline media including sulfuric, hydrochloric, acetic, formic, and tartaric acids
- Pitting corrosion — in seawater, saline solutions, and industrial chloride environments
- Crevice corrosion — in tight-clearance assemblies under wet or humid conditions
- Intergranular corrosion — especially in 316L/LVM at the low-carbon limit, which prevents sensitization during welding or heat exposure
- Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) — better resistance than 304, though highly stressed parts in concentrated chloride at elevated temperatures require engineering review
Corrosion resistance is further improved by the low-carbon 316L and 316LVM variants, which have increased resistance to intergranular corrosion in the heat-affected zone of welds.
Cold Forming
Type 316 can be readily formed and drawn. It work-hardens more rapidly than carbon steels but is comparable to other austenitic stainless grades. Cold drawing is the primary method Ken-tron uses to achieve desired tempers and tolerances. The alloy is well suited for:
- Fine wire drawing to small diameters
- Cold heading for fastener applications
- Coiling for spring applications
- Weaving into wire cloth and mesh
Heat Treatment
Type 316 stainless steel is not hardenable by heat treatment. Strength is developed exclusively through cold working. Annealing (solution annealing at approximately 1,900–2,050°F / 1,038–1,121°C followed by water quench or rapid air cool) is used to restore ductility between drawing passes and to produce the soft temper in finished wire.
Welding 316 Stainless Steel
Type 316 is weldable by common fusion and resistance methods. The low-carbon 316L and 316LVM variants are preferred for welded assemblies, as they minimize the risk of sensitization (chromium carbide precipitation at grain boundaries) that can lead to intergranular corrosion in the heat-affected zone. For best results, refer to industry guidelines on welding stainless steels and other joining methods.
Applicable Standards & Specifications
Ken-tron draws 316-family wire to the following standards. Certifications furnished with each shipment.
- ASTM A493
- ASTM A555 / A555M
- ASTM A581 / A581M
- ASTM A666
- ASTM F138-19
- AMS 5648
- AMS 5653
- ISO 5832-1
| Standard | Scope | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM A493 | Wire and wire rods for cold heading and cold forging | 316, 316L |
| ASTM A555 / A555M | General requirements for stainless steel wire and wire rods | 316, 316L |
| ASTM A666 | Annealed or cold-worked austenitic stainless steel sheet, strip, plate, and flat wire | 316, 316L |
| ASTM F138-19 | Wrought 316LVM SS bar and wire for surgical implants | 316LVM |
| AMS 5648 | Corrosion and heat resistant 316 bar, wire, forgings (aerospace) | 316 |
| AMS 5653 | Corrosion resistant 316L steel wire, low carbon (aerospace) | 316L |
| ISO 5832-1 | Implants for surgery — wrought stainless steel | 316L |
Industries & Applications
| Industry | Typical Applications | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Medical / Surgical | Implantable devices, catheters, surgical sutures, guide wires, dental instruments, orthopedic implants | 316LVM (F138) |
| Aerospace & Defense | Cable assemblies, safety/locking wire, control cables, connector springs | 316 / 316L (AMS) |
| Automotive | Exhaust springs, fuel system lines, cable shields, sensor springs | 316 / 316L |
| Electronics | Precision springs, shielding braids, woven EMI mesh, thermocouple sheaths | 316L / 316LVM |
| Weaving / Filtration | Wire cloth, filtration screens, conveyor belts, architectural mesh | 316 / 316L |
| Marine & Chemical | Rigging wire, springs and fixtures in chloride-rich environments | 316 / 316L |
| Springs & Fasteners | Compression, extension, torsion springs; staples; cold-headed fasteners | 316 (ASTM A493) |
316 vs. 304 Stainless Steel Wire
| Property | 304 SS | 316 SS |
|---|---|---|
| Molybdenum Content | None | 2.0 – 3.0% |
| Nickel Content | 8.0 – 10.5% | 10.0 – 14.0% |
| Chloride Resistance | Moderate | Superior |
| Pitting Resistance (PREN) | ~18–20 | ~24–28 |
| Medical Implant Grade | Not standard | Yes (316LVM / F138) |
| Cost | Lower | Higher (Mo premium) |
| Weldability | Good | Good (316L preferred) |
Ken-tron Wire Drawing Capability
The Ken-tron Wire Division specializes in small-diameter, close-tolerance wire made to customer specifications. Our manufacturing process for 316-family stainless steel wire includes:
- Incoming material verification — mill certifications reviewed; chemistry confirmed against applicable standard
- Controlled cold reduction — percentage reduction between anneals managed to achieve target temper and dimensional tolerance
- In-process and final annealing — continuous strand annealing to provide uniform softening; atmosphere controlled to minimize surface oxide
- Dimensional inspection — diameter measured using calibrated gauges; tolerance held to customer specification
- Surface inspection — wire examined for seams, laps, or inclusions affecting fatigue performance or biocompatibility
- Certification and documentation — mill certs and material traceability furnished with each shipment
Ken-tron manufactures to your custom specifications. For additional inquiries, please request a quote or contact us.
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