316L Grade Stainless Steel Regular Round Wire | 0.4mm / 26 AWG | 336g Spool

Stainless Steel Regular Round Wire

Stainless steel regular round wire 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.

Specialty Metals introduces 316L Grade Stainless Steel Regular Round Wire, an excellent choice for any wiring application. Due to its versatility, it can conduct both heat and electricity, making it useful in a wide range of industries. Besides its excellent conductivity, it also boasts hygienic properties that make it ideal for food processing equipment and medical instruments. Aside from its strength, the wire has a remarkable bearing capacity, making it an ideal material for heavy duty applications. Also, it is corrosion-resistant, ensuring long-term durability even when exposed to harsh conditions. Additionally, it is recyclable, making it an eco-friendly option. These excellent features make Speciality Metals’ 316L Grade Stainless Steel Regular Round Wire a top choice for manufacturers across a wide range of industries.

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 – 0.4mm (400 Micron – 26 AWG) – SS316L Marine Grade Stainless Steel Wire
• Ohms/ft – 5.97
• 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 is the Difference Between SS316 and SS316L Wire?

Stainless steel 316 (SS316) and 316L (SS316L) are austenitic stainless steels prized for their corrosion resistance. The primary distinction between the two lies in their carbon content: SS316 typically has a carbon content up to 0.08%, whereas SS316L, indicated by the “L” for “low carbon”, contains no more than 0.03%. This difference in carbon content affects their behavior in certain situations. Both offer strong resistance to corrosion, especially from chloride ions. However, the reduced carbon in SS316L makes it less susceptible to sensitisation, a form of corrosion that can occur after welding or other high-temperature exposures in some corrosive environments.

From a mechanical perspective, both steels possess similar primary properties, but the lower carbon in SS316L might render it slightly less robust than SS316. Yet, this distinction in strength is often negligible in practical applications. SS316L’s superior resistance to carbide precipitation during welding makes it less likely to experience intergranular corrosion post-welding compared to SS316. Therefore, SS316L is often the choice for welded components or situations requiring enhanced corrosion resistance after heat treatment. Meanwhile, SS316 might be selected when maximum strength is paramount. Costs for the two materials are generally comparable, with price variations being more influenced by market dynamics than by the intrinsic properties of the metals.

What are the Primary Uses of Stainless Steel 316L Wire?

1. Medical Applications: Due to its excellent resistance to corrosion, biocompatibility, and non-reactive properties, 316L is used extensively in the medical field for surgical instruments, orthopedic implants, and other medical devices.

2. Marine Environments: The enhanced corrosion resistance, especially against chlorides, makes 316L an excellent choice for marine applications, including rigging, boat fittings, and marine fasteners.

3. Jewelry: Its hypoallergenic properties and resistance to tarnishing make 316L a popular choice for jewelry, especially for pieces like bracelets, necklaces, and watch bands.

4. Food & Beverage Industry: 316L’s resistance to acids and salts makes it ideal for applications in the food and beverage industry, where it’s used for processing equipment, storage tanks, and conveyors.

5. Water Treatment: Components used in water treatment and purification often come in contact with corrosive elements. 316L’s resistance to such elements makes it suitable for screens, tanks, and other related equipment.

6. Wire Mesh and Screens: Due to its durability and corrosion resistance, it’s used in wire meshes and screens, especially in marine or corrosive environments.

7. Welding: Given its low carbon content, which reduces the risk of carbide precipitation, 316L wire is frequently used as a filler material for welding applications of similar alloys.

8. Petroleum & Petrochemical Industries: 316L’s resistance to a range of chemicals makes it useful in refineries and in the production of petrochemical products.

9. Architectural & Structural Applications: Its aesthetic appeal combined with corrosion resistance makes it suitable for structural and decorative uses, especially in coastal areas with salt exposure.

10. Electronics: In certain specialised electronics applications, 316L wire is utilised for its non-reactive properties and resistance to environmental factors.

Is Stainless Steel 316L Wire Magnetic?

Stainless steel 316L, an austenitic grade, is typically considered non-magnetic in its annealed condition. The austenitic structure of stainless steels like 316L is characterised by a face-centered cubic crystal arrangement which inherently lacks the magnetic domains found in ferritic and martensitic steels, making it non-magnetic. However, cold working processes, such as when the steel is drawn into wire or undergoes extensive bending or shaping, can introduce a degree of magnetism. This happens because the cold working can lead to the formation of a magnetic phase within the non-magnetic austenitic structure. Nevertheless, the magnetism induced is usually weak, especially when compared to inherently magnetic steels. For applications where non-magnetic characteristics are critical, it might be necessary to anneal the steel after cold working to restore its predominantly non-magnetic state.

Can Stainless Steel 316L Wire be Welded or Soldered?

Absolutely, stainless steel 316L wire is renowned for its exceptional weldability. Being an austenitic grade, 316L is intrinsically suited for welding, allowing it to maintain a substantial portion of its mechanical properties post-weld. Its lower carbon content, denoted by the “L” in 316L, diminishes the risk of carbide precipitation during the welding process. This is pivotal as carbide precipitation can render the steel more susceptible to intergranular corrosion. Thus, 316L is often the preferred choice for welded components, especially in corrosive environments. Moreover, this stainless steel can be soldered, though it’s essential to use the appropriate flux to counteract oxidation during the soldering process. Specialised fluxes for stainless steel can enhance the wetting and bonding of the solder. Cleaning the wire’s surface and ensuring it’s free from contaminants can further optimise the soldering process.

How do I Clean Stainless Steel 316L Wire?

Cleaning stainless steel 316L wire is vital to maintain its corrosion resistance, appearance, and overall performance.

1. Regular Cleaning:

   • Use warm water and a soft cloth or sponge. Simply wipe the surface gently and dry it with a towel to prevent water spots, which can be caused by minerals in the water.

2. Mild Detergent Cleaning:

   • For more stubborn dirt or residues, add a few drops of mild dishwashing detergent to the warm water. After cleaning, rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining soap and dry with a cloth.

3. Stainless Steel Cleaners:

   • For tougher stains, specialised stainless steel cleaners or polishes can be employed. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions, and after application, rinse the wire and dry it thoroughly.

4. Removing Fingerprints:

   • Fingerprints can be noticeable on stainless steel. Use a household glass cleaner or specific stainless steel cleaner to remove them. Spray the cleaner on a soft cloth and wipe the surface, then rinse and dry.

5. Avoiding Scratches:

   • Always use a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge to clean. Abrasive pads or brushes can scratch the surface, compromising the wire’s appearance and potentially affecting its corrosion resistance.

6. Removing Oxidation or Tarnish:

   • A mild solution of baking soda and water can be effective. Apply the paste, gently rub along the wire’s grain, then rinse thoroughly and dry.

7. Rust Stains:

   • If rust spots appear, they can be treated with a paste of baking soda and water, or a specialised stainless steel cleaner. It’s essential to address rust spots promptly to prevent further corrosion.

8. Avoiding Harmful Cleaners:

   • Never use bleach or cleaning solutions containing chlorine on stainless steel, as they can corrode the surface. Additionally, steer clear of abrasive cleaning powders or pads that can scratch the steel.

9. Storage:

   • If storing the wire for an extended period, ensure it’s dry and clean. Store in a cool, dry place away from chemicals or contaminants.

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.

We are also very proud of our highly popular eBay store, check us out there too.

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