304 Stainless Steel Hypodermic Tubing
304 stainless steel hypodermic tube, also known by UNS Designation S30400, is known for its good corrosion and oxidization resistance, this popular and widely used austenitic stainless steel alloy has excellent cold working properties and strength which makes it an ideal choice for fabricated tube parts. Considered the workhorse of 300 series stainless steels, small diameter 304 stainless steel has long been favored by engineers and product designers because it is widely accepted for various product uses in national and worldwide engineering standards, raw strip stock is widely available, and because it is cost-effective--delivering tremendous value delivered considering product cost.
Small diameter 304 stainless steel tubing is part of the austenitic family of stainless steel ---meaning it can only be hardened by cold work and not by heat treatment--- and is often referred to as 18-8 stainless steel. 304 stainless steel hypotubing owe their corrosion resistance mainly to chromium and nickel included in the alloy melt, which generate a protective boundary layer on the surface of the tube that resists oxidation and will self heal when disrupted under normal conditions. Typically produced in hard temper condition, 304 stainless steel tubing is easily machineable using traditional subtractive manufacturing methods such as turning, milling, and grinding as well as modern cutting/grinding equipment including EDM, ECM, and laser. 304 is also offered in a low carbon version, known as 304 L, with low carbon content for improved weldability for customers manufacturing welded assemblies.
304 SS Tubing Features & Applications
As stated earlier, applications vary widely, however, some of the more frequent uses we manufacture products for include:
- Medical device products including gastroenterology surgical instruments
- Medical irrigation tubes
- Needle tubing, including reuseable and dispensing needles
- Food and beverage applications
- Industrial applications including control lines
- Sensor/robotic applications, including fiberoptics
- Instrument applications
- Laboratory equipment and testing
- Oil and gas
- Chemical processing
Small diameter 304 stainless hypodermic tubing is welded from strip stock, plug drawn in coil form, annealed as needed in order to meet customer temper requirements, and offered in straight lengths or coil form.
Explore Stainless Steel Tubing Sizes
Learn more about the most popular and widely used dimensions in the industry.
Short Mill Lead Times
Pre-welded work-in-process inventory, a responsive & resourceful staff, a vast range of tooling and quick changeover equipment enables quick delivery.
Made in the USA
Tubing is produced domestically and DFARS compliant products are available. Rely on USA manufactured tubing for critical applications and avoid quality problems or logistics delays with foreign firms.
All Manufacturing in House
Welding, tube drawing, heat treating, straightening and related processes are all performed under one roof. This approach reduces opportunities for delays and ensures processes are well controlled.
Quality
Multi point inspection throughout the manufacturing processes detects and contains defects. Non-contact measurement devices and automated vision inspection systems used in-line during production.