316 Stainless Steel Tube Suppliers
209 vetted U.S. suppliers · 35 states
316 tube is the corrosion-resistant standard for marine fittings, heat-exchanger tubing, sanitary process lines, and instrumentation. Below is our live count of vetted U.S. suppliers, with state distribution and a one-click RFQ flow.
Geographic distribution
Where these suppliers are
Top 8 states by vetted-supplier density. 85 more across 27 additional states — listed below the chart.
Also covered
Massachusetts (9) · New Jersey (9) · Connecticut (8) · Washington (7) · Georgia (6) · Missouri (6) · North Carolina (5) · Arizona (4) · Virginia (4) · Oregon (4) · Minnesota (3) · Louisiana (2) · Maryland (2) · New Hampshire (2) · Indiana (2) · North Dakota (1) · Alabama (1) · South Carolina (1) · Kansas (1) · New Mexico (1) · Wisconsin (1) · Hawaii (1) · Utah (1) · Kentucky (1) · Alaska (1) · Iowa (1) · Oklahoma (1)
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What 316 stainless steel tube is
316 is an austenitic stainless with added molybdenum (2-3%) for chloride and pitting resistance — the go-to grade for marine environments and any application with halide exposure. Tube is sold as welded (most common, ASTM A249 / A269) or seamless (ASTM A213 / A269), in OD sizes from 1/16" instrumentation tubing up through 12" nominal heat-exchanger tube. Wall thickness, finish (mill, pickled, polished), and ID/OD tolerance vary widely by application.
What to look for in a supplier
Match the spec to the application: A249 for general welded boiler/heat-exchanger tube, A269 for instrumentation, A270 for sanitary/food-grade. For marine work, ensure the supplier's stock carries a low ferrite content (some buyers spec ≤1%). Sanitary tube needs a specific surface finish (32 Ra or finer is typical, with electropolish as an upgrade). Instrumentation tube needs tight OD tolerance for compression fittings — confirm the supplier carries fitting-grade tube, not general process. Welded vs. seamless cost differential is 30-50%; most general work is welded.
FAQ
Common questions
What's the difference between 316 and 316L tube?
316L has lower carbon (≤0.03% vs. 316's ≤0.08%), which prevents chromium-carbide precipitation in welds. For any welded assembly, especially in chemical/process service, L-grade is the right choice. For unwelded mechanical tubing, 316 is fine.
Can 316 tube handle saltwater?
Better than 304, but not indefinitely. 316 resists chloride pitting and crevice corrosion in most marine environments at ambient temperature; for hot saltwater, splash zones, or stagnant seawater, consider duplex (2205) or super-austenitic (254 SMO) grades.
What's a reasonable lead time on 316 tube?
Common welded sizes from stocking distributors: 1-3 days. Seamless, sanitary-polished, or non-stock OD/wall combinations: 2-6 weeks. Custom mill orders for unusual sizes can run 8-12 weeks.
How is 316 tube measured?
Two systems coexist: nominal pipe size (NPS) and outside diameter (OD). Pipe is NPS — 1" NPS pipe has 1.315" OD. Tubing is OD — 1" tube IS 1.000" OD. Confirm which system your spec uses; instrumentation is always OD, process piping is usually NPS.
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