416 stainless steel is a martensitic free-machining grade of stainless steel with added sulfur or selenium to enhance machinability. It’s one of the most easily machined stainless steels and is used for parts requiring extensive machining and smooth finishes.

Features and benefits of 416 stainless steel tubes include:

• Improved Machinability: The addition of sulfur makes this stainless steel grade particularly easy to machine compared to other types of stainless steel. This leads to faster production times and lower production costs.
• Good Strength and Hardness: While not as strong or hard as some other types of stainless steel, 416 still provides reasonable strength and hardness, making it suitable for many applications.

416 Stainless Steel Tube Supplier

416 Stainless Steel Tube Factory in China

• Corrosion Resistance: 416 stainless steel has lower corrosion resistance than other types such as 410 or 430 due to its high sulfur content. However, it still provides reasonable resistance to mildly corrosive environments.
• Magnetic Property: Like other martensitic stainless steels, 416 is magnetic, which can be an advantage in certain applications.

China 416 Stainless Steel Tube Factory

• Stabilized Grade: 347 stainless steel is a stabilized grade, meaning it contains niobium, which helps prevent sensitization and intergranular corrosion. The stabilization process makes it suitable for applications involving prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
• Low Carbon Content: The low carbon content in 347 stainless steel minimizes carbide precipitation during welding, reducing the risk of intergranular corrosion. It also allows for easier fabrication and improved toughness.

China 416 Stainless Steel Tube

The factory quality inspector is helping the customer to measure the outer diameter of the pipe purchased by the customer.

• Heat Treatment: This grade of stainless steel is capable of being hardened by heat treatment, which can improve its mechanical properties.
• Weldability: While 416 stainless steel can be welded, it is not typically chosen for applications that require welding due to its high sulfur content which can lead to hot cracking.

Hardness measurement of stainless steel pipe

Hardness measurement of stainless steel pipe

Wall Thickness Measurement of Stainless Steel Tubes

Manual inspection of inner wall of stainless steel pipe

China Stainless Steel Pipe Tube Supplier

1. Slitting: Initially, the stainless steel often comes in the form of large coils. These coils are unrolled and then slit into the appropriate size for the final tube dimensions.
2. Tube Formation: The slit stainless steel strip is formed into a round or rectangular shape. This process is typically performed using a series of rollers.
3. Welding: After tube formation, the edges of the tube are welded together. This is usually done using an automated welding process, such as Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding, high-frequency induction (HFI) welding, or electric resistance welding (ERW). The welding method used can affect the final properties of the tube, such as its strength and corrosion resistance.
4. Heat Treatment: Following welding, the tube often undergoes a heat treatment process. This can involve annealing (heating the tube to a certain temperature and then cooling it in a controlled manner) to relieve stresses and improve the tube’s mechanical properties.
5. Cutting and Finishing: After heat treatment, the tube is cut to the desired length and may undergo additional finishing processes. These processes can include polishing, passivation (to enhance corrosion resistance), or other surface treatments.
6. Testing and Inspection: The final tubes are tested and inspected to ensure they meet the necessary specifications. This can include visual inspections, dimensional checks, and tests to verify the tube’s mechanical properties and resistance to corrosion.

416 stainless steel tubes, known for their excellent machinability, good corrosion resistance, and moderate strength, find applications in various industries where these properties are advantageous. Here are some common applications of 416 stainless steel tubes:

1. Machined Components: The exceptional machinability of 416 stainless steel makes it highly suitable for manufacturing machined components, such as screws, bolts, nuts, fasteners, fittings, and valves. It is commonly used in applications where extensive machining and precise dimensions are required.
2. Firearms and Weaponry: 416 stainless steel tubes are commonly used in the manufacturing of firearm barrels and other firearm components due to their machinability, strength, and corrosion resistance.
3. Pump and Valve Components: 416 stainless steel tubes can be found in pump and valve components, particularly where corrosion resistance and machinability are essential. They are used in applications such as pump shafts, valve stems, and seals.
4. Food Processing Equipment: The corrosion resistance of 416 stainless steel makes it suitable for use in food processing equipment, particularly in parts that come into contact with food or corrosive substances. Examples include mixing blades, nozzles, and food handling equipment.
5. Medical Instruments: 416 stainless steel tubes are utilized in the production of surgical instruments and medical devices due to their corrosion resistance and machinability. Examples include surgical blades, dental tools, and surgical implants.
6. Shafts and Spindles: 416 stainless steel tubes can be used for shafts and spindles in various applications, including machinery, automotive, and textile industries, where a combination of strength, corrosion resistance, and machinability is required.

Stainless steel pipes and tubes need to be packaged carefully to avoid any damage during transportation and handling. Here are some common ways in which stainless steel pipes are packaged:

• Bundles: Stainless steel pipes are often bundled together, with each bundle containing a specific number of pipes. They can be bundled with steel strips or plastic bands for secure transportation.

• Plastic Caps: The ends of the pipes may be covered with plastic caps to protect them from dust, moisture, and other foreign materials. This is particularly important for threaded or precision-cut ends, which need to be kept clean and undamaged.
• Wrapping: The pipes can be wrapped in plastic sheets or waterproof paper to protect against moisture, especially for long-term storage or for shipping in wet conditions.
• Padding: For certain applications or for precision-made pipes, padding material like foam or straw might be used within the package to prevent any damage or scratches on the pipe surfaces during transportation.

• Wooden Boxes or Crates: For higher-grade stainless steel pipes or for pipes that require extra protection, they may be packed in wooden boxes or crates. This provides additional protection against physical damage during shipping and handling.