316 Grade Stainless Steel Regular Round Wire | 0.2mm / 32 AWG | 336g Spool

Marine Grade Stainless Steel Wire

Marine grade stainless steel wires can be produced with diameter of 0.11mm to 2mm. We offer these products in a variety of tensile strengths and spool sizes to suit your needs. It is possible to order wires that have been soft annealed or hard drawn.

The Speciality Metals’ 316 stainless steel regular round wire comes in 0.2 mm thickness and 32 AWG size. As a versatile conductor of heat and electricity, the 336g spool is ideal for a variety of industrial and commercial applications. The hygienic properties of this wire make it ideal for use in the food and beverage industry. Additionally, it is marine grade, which means it will withstand harsh conditions and resist corrosion in marine environments. This stainless steel wire is a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to other non-renewable materials since it is recyclable and eco-friendly. Its remarkable strength and corrosion resistance make it an excellent investment for any company seeking durable, long-lasting materials.

Our massive range of wire is courtesy of our relationship with our sister business – Crazy Wire Company.  The Crazy Wire Company offer unrivalled range of round, ribbon and flat wire in many spool size options.  Our businesses all operate out of the same facility, and our order fulfilment and service are second to none.

About The Wire

The specification of this wire spool is:

• Diameter – 0.2mm (200 Micron – 32 AWG) 
• Weight – 336g (0.336kg)

We also are the exact suppliers for you because:

• FREE UK delivery on all orders
• Order dispatch within 24 hours of order
• Located in Warrington, UK which is the UK home of mesh and metals
• Our experienced staff are experts in the mesh market and care personally about your customer experience

Furthermore we stock a vast range of plain wire options that compliment our mesh range perfectly.

FAQs About This Product

What are the Primary Uses of Marine Grade Stainless Steel 316 Wire?

1. Marine Rigging Hardware: Used extensively in the production of turnbuckles, shackles, clips, thimbles, swivels, and other rigging components that need to withstand the harsh marine environment.

2. Marine Architectural Applications: Often used for balustrades, handrails, and other architectural details on marinas, boardwalks, and oceanfront properties.

3. Fishing Equipment: It’s utilised in making fishing lines, nets, and tackle due to its strength and resistance to the corrosive effects of seawater.

4. Boat and Yacht Fittings: Employed in various boat and yacht components, including railings, ladders, anchor chains, and tie-downs.

5. Underwater Equipment: Used in the construction of underwater equipment and tools, such as cages for aquaculture or diving accessories.

6. Desalination Systems: Given its resistance to saltwater, it’s an obvious choice for components in desalination plants and systems.

7. Corrosion-resistant Wire Ropes: For applications that require both flexibility and resistance to corrosion, such as lifting equipment in marine environments.

8. Offshore Oil and Gas: In offshore platforms, it’s used in various components due to its resistance to the corrosive marine atmosphere and its ability to withstand high stresses.

9. Marine Fasteners: Employed in making bolts, nuts, screws, and other fasteners used in marine environments.

10. Surgical and Medical Instruments: While this isn’t strictly a marine application, the high corrosion resistance of 316 makes it suitable for surgical tools and implants that need to withstand bodily fluids.

Is Stainless Steel 316 Wire Magnetic?

Stainless steel 316 wire, like many austenitic stainless steels, is generally considered non-magnetic in its annealed condition. The structure of austenitic stainless steel, which includes types like 304 and 316, is achieved when the steel is solution annealed and then rapidly cooled. This results in a face-centered cubic crystal structure that lacks the magnetic domains required for magnetism.

However, cold working processes, such as drawing the steel into wire, can introduce some amount of magnetism due to deformation of the metal’s structure. The transformation can result in the formation of magnetic martensite within the originally non-magnetic austenite structure.

That being said, any magnetism introduced by cold working is usually weak compared to ferromagnetic materials like ferritic or martensitic stainless steels. If maintaining a completely non-magnetic property is critical for an application, it’s essential to consider the degree of cold work the 316 wire has undergone and possibly look into annealing processes to restore its non-magnetic state.

Can Stainless Steel 316 Wire be Welded?

Yes, stainless steel 316 wire can indeed be welded. Stainless steel 316, an austenitic grade, is well-known for its excellent weldability among the stainless steels. When welded, it exhibits robust structural integrity and retains a majority of its mechanical properties. The presence of molybdenum in its composition enhances its overall corrosion resistance, especially against chlorides, which can be a concern in weld zones for other steels.

It’s essential to note that while 316 can be welded using most fusion and resistance welding methods, it’s advisable to use a filler metal of the same grade or one that’s closely compatible, such as 316L, when welding. This ensures optimal corrosion resistance, especially in the welded joint. Furthermore, welding processes for stainless steel 316 typically do not require post-weld heat treatment. However, thorough cleaning of the weld zone before and after the welding process is crucial to prevent potential contamination and to ensure the best corrosion resistance in the weld area.

What is the Temperature Resistance of Stainless Steel 316 Wire?

Stainless steel 316 wire exhibits strong resistance to high temperatures, but like all materials, it does have its limits. Generally, SS316 maintains its structural integrity and resists oxidation up to temperatures of about 870°C (1600°F). Beyond this point, the metal can begin to exhibit signs of scaling and may undergo a reduction in its mechanical properties.

Furthermore, continuous exposure to temperatures between 425°C (797°F) and 860°C (1580°F) can lead to precipitation of carbides in SS316, making it susceptible to intergranular corrosion, especially in chloride-rich environments. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as “sensitisation.” The low-carbon variant, 316L, is more resistant to sensitisation and is often chosen when there is a risk of exposure to these temperature ranges, especially during welding processes.

In practical terms, while SS316 wire can handle brief exposures to high temperatures, for prolonged high-temperature applications, more heat-resistant alloys or stainless steel grades might be more appropriate. Always consider both the maximum temperature and the duration of exposure when selecting materials for specific applications.

Can Stainless Steel 316 Wire be Soldered or Brazed?

Yes, stainless steel 316 wire can be soldered or brazed, but the process can be more challenging compared to soldering or brazing softer metals like copper or brass. Here are some considerations and recommendations for soldering or brazing SS316 wire:

1. Flux is Essential: Stainless steel oxidizes rapidly when heated, so a good flux is necessary to prevent oxidation and ensure proper wetting. Special fluxes designed for stainless steel are available and should be used to achieve a strong bond.

2. Cleanliness: The surface of the SS316 wire should be clean and free of any oils, grease, or other contaminants. A mechanical cleaning, such as with a wire brush or abrasive pad, followed by a solvent wipe, can be effective.

3. Soldering: If soldering, use a solder that is designed for stainless steel. High silver content solders often work well. The soldering iron or gun must be sufficiently powerful, as stainless steel requires more heat than softer metals.

4. Brazing: Brazing, which involves higher temperatures than soldering, can provide a stronger joint. Silver-based brazing fillers are commonly used with stainless steel, especially those formulated to work with ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

5. Heat Control: Avoid overheating, as excessive temperatures can damage the protective chromium oxide layer on the surface of the stainless steel and reduce the corrosion resistance of the material.

6. Post-Process Cleaning: Once the soldering or brazing is done, thoroughly clean the joint to remove any residual flux. Leftover flux can be corrosive and may damage the joint over time.

7. Aesthetic Considerations: Soldering or brazing can discolor the stainless steel, which might be an issue if aesthetics are a concern. Polishing or other finishing methods might be necessary to restore the original appearance.

8. Safety: As with all soldering and brazing processes, ensure you work in a well-ventilated area and wear appropriate safety gear, especially when using fluxes that release fumes when heated.

Check out our blog discussing ‘Now Available: Stainless Steel Wire‘. It will prove a useful read to help you to make an informed decision on which material would work best for you. 

We are also very proud of our ever expanding YouTube channel. 

Our goal for our blogs, videos and help guides is to answer as many questions as possible to help to explain the possibilities of mesh to our customers.  Contact us today if you have any questions at all. We are always really keen to help in any way that we can.

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