Stainless Steel Pipes | Bright-Annealed 304/316L Surface Finish

Stainless Steel Pipes | Bright-Annealed 304/316L Surface Finish

Product Overview

Our bright-annealed 304/316L stainless steel pipes combine superior aesthetics with unmatched corrosion resistance and mechanical performance. Designed for applications demanding both functionality and visual appeal, these pipes are ideal for 304 stainless steel exhaust pipe systems, chimney stainless steel pipe installations, and sanitary environments like food processing and pharmaceuticals. The bright-annealed surface finish (Ra ≤0.4 μm) ensures a mirror-like appearance while enhancing corrosion resistance, complying with ASTM/ASME standards and FDA/EHEDG hygiene requirements.

Technical Specifications

Key Mechanical Properties

Tensile Strength

• 304: 485–620 MPa | 316L: 485–620 MPa
  The high tensile strength of both grades ensures structural integrity under high-pressure conditions, making them suitable for hydraulic systems, 304 stainless steel exhaust pipe networks, and industrial boilers.

Bending Strength

• 304/316L: Excellent cold-forming capabilities. Compatible with standard pipe benders for angles up to 180°, ideal for intricate installations in automotive exhausts and chimney stainless steel pipe assemblies.

Material Properties & Advantages

1. Corrosion Resistance

   • 304: Resists oxidation and organic acids, perfect for chimney stainless steel pipe systems exposed to acidic flue gases.
   • 316L: Enhanced with 2–3% molybdenum for superior resistance to chlorides, seawater, and sulfuric acid.

2. Aesthetic & Hygienic Surface

   • Bright annealing minimizes surface oxidation, creating a smooth, reflective finish that resists bacterial growth and simplifies cleaning in FDA-compliant environments.

3. Temperature Stability

   • 304: Stable up to 870°C, suitable for exhaust manifolds and heat exchangers.
   • 316L: Maintains integrity at 800°C, ideal for marine exhausts and chemical reactors.

Weight Calculation Formula

Weight (kg/m) = (OD – WT) × WT × 0.02491
Example: For a 1 inch stainless steel pipe (OD: 33.4 mm, WT: 3.38 mm):
(33.4 – 3.38) × 3.38 × 0.02491 = 2.52 kg/m.

Why Stainless Steel Pipes Corrode?

Despite their corrosion-resistant properties, stainless steel can degrade under specific conditions:

1. Chloride Exposure: Prolonged contact with seawater, road salts, or bleach induces pitting corrosion, especially in stagnant or low-pH environments.
2. Galvanic Corrosion: Direct contact with carbon steel, copper, or aluminum in conductive fluids accelerates electrochemical breakdown.
3. Thermal Stress: Repeated heating and cooling cycles (e.g., in 304 stainless steel exhaust pipe systems) can cause thermal fatigue, leading to micro-cracks.
4. Improper Welding: Unpassivated welds or excessive heat input during fabrication create vulnerable zones for intergranular or crevice corrosion.

Identification & Marking

• Laser Etching: Permanent labels include grade (304/316L), OD, WT, heat number, and ASTM/ASME compliance.
• Color Coding: Yellow bands for 304 and blue bands for 316L ensure quick visual identification during installation.

Applications

• Automotive: High-performance 304 stainless steel exhaust pipe systems and catalytic converter housings.
• Construction: Decorative handrails, chimney stainless steel pipe installations, and structural supports.
• Food & Pharma: Sanitary fluid transfer lines and 1 inch stainless steel pipe networks for ingredient dosing.

Why Choose Our Stainless Steel Pipes?

1. Certified Quality: Compliant with ASTM, ASME, and EN standards. Full traceability with Mill Test Reports (MTRs).
2. Custom Solutions: Tailored chimney stainless steel pipe dimensions, bends, and welded joints for complex projects.
3. Global Inventory: Immediate availability of 1 inch stainless steel pipe and other sizes in 304/316L grades.
4. Sustainability: 100% recyclable material with a 50+ year lifespan, reducing environmental impact.
5. Technical Support: 24/7 engineering assistance for welding protocols, corrosion management, and system design.