316 Stainless Steel Tubing 

Small diameter 316 stainless steel (UNS designation S31600) hypodermic tubing is similar in many respects to 304 stainless steel, in terms of the chemical makeup and mechanical properties, but its corrosion resistance is much higher due to the addition of molybdenum. Including molybdenum into the chemical composition of the alloy provides increased resistance to corrosion in oxidizing environments, chlorides, or chlorinated solutions. Small diameter 316 provides upgraded corrosion resistance relative to 304 stainless in applications where exposures to acids or salts is likely to occur. While more costly than 304 stainless because molybdenum is an expensive element to mine and refine, 316 stainless is still relatively cost-effective and starting strip stock more widely available than specialty alloys intended for use in extreme environments.

Austenitic like other 300 series stainless steels---meaning it can only be hardened by cold work and not heat treatment---316 stainless steel hypo tubing is non-magnetic in the annealed condition but can have a small amount of residual magnetism in hard temper from the tube drawing process. Small diameter 316 stainless steel hypodermic tubing is easily machineable using subtractive manufacturing methods such as turning, milling, and grinding as well as modern cutting/grinding equipment including EDM, ECM, and laser. 316 is also offered in a low carbon version, known as 316 L, with low carbon content for improved weldability for customers manufacturing welded assemblies.