316L Grade Stainless Steel Ultra Fine Wire | 0.1mm / 38 AWG

Stainless Steel Ultra Fine Wire

Stainless steel ultra fine wire can be produced with diameter and ovality tolerances of 0.03mm to 0.1mm. 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 versatility and multiple superior properties of stainless steel ultra fine wire make it a product well worth considering. The diameter of this ultra-fine wire is 0.1mm/38 AWG, and it is manufactured by Speciality Metals. Because it is a conductor for both heat and electricity, it is a popular choice across industries. In addition, it has hygienic properties which are especially helpful to the medical and food industries. Furthermore, this stainless steel wire has corrosion-resistant properties and is fully recyclable, making it environmentally friendly. Overall, it is a reliable choice for a wide range of applications.

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) – SS316L Marine Grade Stainless Steel Wire
• Ohms/ft – 23.87

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 Temperature Resistance of Stainless Steel 316L Wire?

Stainless steel 316L is renowned for its temperature resistance, both in high and low-temperature environments.

1. High-Temperature Resistance: SS316L retains its structural integrity and remains resistant to oxidation up to temperatures of about 870°C (1600°F). However, continuous exposure to temperatures between 425°C (800°F) and 860°C (1580°F) might lead to a phenomenon called carbide precipitation. This can weaken the steel and reduce its corrosion resistance, especially in the presence of chlorides.

2. Low-Temperature Resistance: 316L stainless steel also offers good toughness at cryogenic temperatures, making it suitable for applications that experience extremely low temperatures. Its austenitic structure aids in maintaining its ductility and toughness even at sub-zero temperatures.

3. Consideration in Temperature Fluctuations: Rapid temperature changes can lead to thermal stress in many materials. While 316L is resilient, it’s always wise to consider potential thermal expansion and contraction when designing components or systems that will undergo significant temperature fluctuations.

Is Stainless Steel 316L Wire Food-Safe?

Yes, stainless steel 316L wire is considered food-safe and is widely used in the food and beverage industry. The alloy’s inherent resistance to corrosion, especially from acids and salts commonly found in food products, makes it an ideal material for this purpose. Its non-reactive nature means that when 316L stainless steel comes into contact with food, it doesn’t leach substances into it, preserving the food’s flavor and nutritional value. Furthermore, the ease with which 316L can be cleaned and sterilised is a significant advantage, ensuring hygienic conditions can be maintained. It’s crucial, however, to keep the steel clean and free from contaminants, as accumulated dirt or debris can create environments where bacteria thrive. Given these properties, stainless steel 316L is frequently chosen for cookware, cutlery, food processing equipment, storage tanks, and conveyors, underscoring its safety and utility in food-related applications.

How do I Store Stainless Steel 316L Wire?

1. Clean Before Storing: Always clean the wire to remove any dirt, grease, or contaminants before storing. Residues can trap moisture, which might promote localised corrosion or discoloration.

2. Dry Environment: Store the wire in a cool, dry place. Humidity or constant exposure to moisture can lead to surface staining or corrosion, especially if there are contaminants present.

3. Avoid Direct Contact with Dissimilar Metals: When stainless steel comes into direct contact with certain other metals, galvanic corrosion can occur. Always store stainless steel separately and, if possible, use separators or insulators to prevent direct contact with metals like copper or iron.

4. Coil or Spool: If the wire is long, it’s advisable to keep it coiled or spooled. This prevents tangling and facilitates easy unrolling when needed.

5. Ventilation: Ensure the storage area is well-ventilated. This minimises the risk of harmful chemicals or gases reacting with the stainless steel.

6. Avoid Exposure to Chemicals: Don’t store stainless steel wire near chemicals, especially chlorides. This includes household items like bleach or salt, as they can cause pitting corrosion.

7. Regular Inspection: If stored for extended periods, inspect the wire occasionally for signs of corrosion, discoloration, or any other issues. This proactive measure can help you address potential problems before they escalate.

8. Protective Covering: If the wire is stored in a place where it might accumulate dust or be exposed to contaminants, consider using a breathable cover to protect it. Ensure that the cover doesn’t trap moisture, as this can be counterproductive.

9. Avoid Extreme Temperature Fluctuations: Although 316L is resistant to thermal stress, it’s always good to store it in an environment with stable temperatures. Extreme fluctuations can introduce unwanted stresses in the wire.

How Resistant is Stainless Steel 316L Wire to Saltwater Corrosion?

Stainless steel 316L is renowned for its enhanced resistance to corrosion, especially in chloride-rich environments like saltwater. The presence of molybdenum in its composition, typically between 2% to 3%, significantly bolsters its resilience against chlorides, making it a popular choice for marine applications. Compared to other common stainless steels, such as 304, the 316L variant exhibits superior resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in saltwater environments. This makes it a preferred material for marine hardware, boat fittings, and other components that are consistently exposed to seawater.

However, it’s essential to note that while 316L offers improved resistance, it’s not entirely immune to saltwater corrosion, especially in warmer, high salinity, or low-flow environments. Regular maintenance, cleaning, and inspections are necessary to ensure longevity and maintain its corrosion-resistant properties. If the application involves persistent exposure to extremely corrosive marine conditions, even more resistant materials like super duplex stainless steels or titanium might be considered. Nonetheless, for most standard marine applications, 316L provides a well-balanced combination of corrosion resistance, strength, and affordability.

How is the Mechanical Strength of Stainless Steel 316L Wire?

Stainless steel 316L wire boasts commendable mechanical strength, making it suitable for a multitude of applications. The alloy’s austenitic microstructure provides it with a balanced blend of tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation capabilities. Typically, the tensile strength of 316L can be found in the range of 485 to 620 MPa, and its yield strength is usually around 170 to 290 MPa. The material also showcases good ductility, with elongation percentages often ranging between 40% and 60%, depending on the specific processing and treatment the wire has undergone.

Additionally, the “L” in 316L indicates a lower carbon content, which, while reducing its maximum temperature resistance slightly, enhances its weldability and reduces the risk of sensitisation, which can compromise mechanical strength at high temperatures. This makes it particularly useful in welded structures. Moreover, its toughness is noteworthy, even at cryogenic temperatures, which is a testament to its versatility. While its mechanical strength is generally sufficient for many applications, it’s crucial to understand the specific needs of any given application to ensure 316L is the appropriate choice.

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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