SUS316 Stainless Steel Pipe Price per Kg

what is SUS316 Stainless Steel Pipe ?

SUS316 stainless steel pipe is a molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel pipe belonging to the 316 series, manufactured in accordance with JIS G4303/G3459. Due to the addition of molybdenum (Mo), it exhibits significantly superior pitting resistance, as well as enhanced corrosion and high-temperature resistance, compared to 304 stainless steel. Consequently, it is widely utilized in marine environments, the chemical industry, medical equipment, and high-quality tableware (often referred to as "medical-grade" or "food-grade" stainless steel).

 

what is SUS316 Stainless Steel Pipe Price per Kg?

The current market price for SUS316 stainless steel pipe generally fluctuates between $3.80 and $5.50 USD per kilogram, depending on the manufacturing process (seamless pipes typically carry a 20-30% premium over welded ones), the outer diameter and wall thickness complexity, and the prevailing cost of nickel and molybdenum on the London Metal Exchange (LME). Bulk industrial orders usually sit at the lower end of this range, while high-precision pipes or small-volume retail purchases can see prices exceeding $6.00 per kg due to processing and logistics overheads.

 

Estimated Price Table for SUS316 Stainless Steel Pipe

Pipe Type	Estimated Price (USD/kg)	Estimated Price (CNY/kg)*	Primary Cost Drivers
SUS316 Welded Pipe	$3.50 – $4.50	25 – 32	Nickel/Chromium prices, strip mill costs
SUS316 Seamless Pipe	$4.20 – $5.80	30 – 42	Piercing/Cold drawing labor, energy costs
SUS316L (Low Carbon)	$3.70 – $6.00	26 – 43	Carbon control precision, weldability demand
High-Precision/Mirror Finish	$5.50 – $8.00	40 – 58	Polishing labor, surface protection (PVC)

 

Why is SUS316 more expensive than SUS304?

This is primarily due to the addition of the element Molybdenum. SUS316 contains 2–3% molybdenum, whereas SUS304 does not. Molybdenum significantly enhances the material's resistance to pitting corrosion in saltwater (marine environments) and acidic chemical environments. Furthermore, the nickel (Ni) content in SUS316 is typically higher than that of SUS304.

 

SUS316 Stainless Steel Tube  Heat Treatment

Solution Annealing: 1010°C – 1150°C, followed by water quenching or rapid air cooling to prevent carbide precipitation.

 

What is the difference between SUS316 and SUS316L?

The primary difference lies in their carbon content. The maximum carbon content for SUS316 is 0.08%, whereas for SUS316L (Low Carbon), the limit is 0.03%. SUS316L offers superior weldability and effectively prevents "intergranular corrosion" in the weld zone. If your application involves heavy-duty welding of tubing, SUS316L is recommended; however, if you require slightly higher strength and the amount of welding is minimal, SUS316 will suffice.

 

What is the maximum temperature for SUS316 tubing?

Intermittent Service: Withstands approximately 870°C (1600°F).
Continuous Service: Withstands approximately 925°C (1700°F).
Note: If used for extended periods within the 425–860°C range, it is recommended to switch to SUS316L to avoid carbide precipitation; alternatively, for higher-temperature environments, consider selecting 310S or Inconel.

 

SUS316 Stainless Steel Pipe Manufacturer

We maintain a large inventory of standard specifications year-round (nominal sizes ranging from NPS 1/2" to 12", with wall thickness schedules Sch 10S/40S). This enables us to typically arrange shipment within 3 to 7 days, effectively reducing project downtime.

 

Strict Quality Control (Zero-Defect Standard)
Every batch of SUS316 pipes we produce undergoes rigorous inspection, including:

PMI (Positive Material Identification): to verify chemical composition

Hydrostatic Testing: to ensure leak-proof performance under pressure

Ultrasonic Testing (UT): applied to seamless pipes to detect internal defects

 

Customized Processing Services
Do you require specific lengths, mirror polishing, or special beveling? Our in-house processing center can manufacture SUS316 pipes tailored to your exact engineering drawings and project requirements.

Click to Customize SUS316 Stainless Steel Pipe