304 Stainless Steel Capillary Tubes: Material Properties & Applications
What is 304 Stainless Steel Capillary Tube?
304 stainless steel capillary tube is one of the most widely used stainless steel tubing products in the industry. Known for its excellent corrosion resistance, formability, and weldability, 304 stainless steel capillary tubes are essential components in medical applications, instrumentation, and industrial applications.
Material Composition
304 stainless steel (UNS S30400) is an austenitic stainless steel with the following typical chemical composition:
- Carbon (C): ≤0.08%
- Chromium (Cr): 18.0-20.0%
- Nickel (Ni): 8.0-10.5%
- Manganese (Mn): ≤2.0%
- Silicon (Si): ≤1.0%
- Phosphorus (P): ≤0.045%
- Sulfur (S): ≤0.030%
The chromium content provides excellent corrosion resistance through the formation of a passive chromium oxide layer on the surface. Nickel stabilizes the austenitic structure, providing superior ductility and toughness.
Mechanical Properties
- Tensile Strength: ≥515 MPa (75 ksi)
- Yield Strength (0.2% offset): ≥205 MPa (30 ksi)
- Elongation: ≥35%
- Hardness: ≤92 HRB (≤190 HB)
- Density: 8.0 g/cm³
Key Advantages
1. Excellent Corrosion Resistance
304 stainless steel offers outstanding resistance to oxidation and corrosion in atmospheric conditions, as well as many organic and inorganic chemicals. It performs well in freshwater, food processing environments, and most organic acids.
2. Superior Formability
The austenitic structure of 304 stainless steel provides excellent ductility, making it ideal for bending, flaring, and other forming operations required in capillary tube applications.
3. Good Weldability
304 stainless steel can be welded using all standard fusion and resistance welding methods without requiring post-weld annealing.
4. High Temperature Resistance
304 stainless steel maintains its properties at temperatures up to 870°C (1600°F) in continuous service and up to 925°C (1700°F) in intermittent service.
Common Applications
- Medical Applications: Surgical instruments, needle hubs, catheter components
- Instrumentation: Pressure sensing tubes, thermowell tubes, capillary viscometers
- Industrial: Fluid transfer lines, pneumatic control systems, fuel injection systems
- Food & Beverage: Processing equipment, sanitary tubing systems
- Chemical Processing: Sampling lines, analytical instrumentation
Standard Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Outside Diameter (OD) | 0.3mm – 6.0mm (0.012″ – 0.236″) |
| Wall Thickness | 0.05mm – 0.5mm (0.002″ – 0.020″) |
| Length | Up to 30m (100 ft) in coil, or straight lengths |
| Surface Finish | Bright annealed, pickled, or polished |
| Standards | ASTM A269, ASTM A213, EN 10216-5 |
Why Choose Our 304 Stainless Steel Capillary Tubes?
Our 304 stainless steel capillary tubes are manufactured to the highest quality standards with tight tolerances, excellent surface finish, and consistent mechanical properties. We offer custom sizes, lengths, and packaging to meet your specific requirements.
Contact us today for a free consultation and quote on your 304 stainless steel capillary tube needs.
Healsmed
Leading Stainless Steel Capillary Tube Factory. 1,400+ standard sizes IN STOCK & ready to ship worldwide! High precision, factory-direct price.
