304 / 316L · ASTM A580/A580M · COILS, SPOOLS & REELS
Source 304 or 316L stainless steel wire for mesh, forming, filtration and industrial conversion. Compare corrosion requirements, drawing condition, wire diameter and coil packaging before requesting bulk factory pricing.
Compare 304 & 316L ↓
Two grades, distinct corrosion priorities and a range of delivery conditions.
Stainless steel wire is produced to a specified grade, diameter, finish and mechanical condition. 304 is a widely used austenitic grade for general fabrication; 316L adds molybdenum and low-carbon chemistry for more demanding corrosion environments.
This page covers stainless steel wire, ordinarily quoted in coils or spools. Wire rod is a semi-finished feedstock for wire manufacture; straightened and cut bars fall under separate bar specifications.
Choose the product form and applicable standard before setting tolerances and testing.
Enter the grade-specific product page to review chemistry, wire condition and RFQ details.
A versatile option for woven mesh, formed wire components and general industrial fabrication when the operating environment is compatible with 304.
Specified for filtration, processing equipment and wire forms where the corrosion environment calls for Mo-alloyed stainless steel.
Grade availability, diameter and temper are confirmed by product specification. Category-wide inventory figures above do not indicate immediate stock for every wire size.
The difference is not just price: use alloy chemistry and process requirements to determine the appropriate grade.
| Procurement factor | 304 / UNS S30400 | 316L / UNS S31603 |
|---|---|---|
| Reference chemistry | 18–20% Cr; 8–10.5% Ni; C ≤0.08% | 16–18% Cr; 10–14% Ni; 2–3% Mo; C ≤0.030% |
| Molybdenum | Not intentionally alloyed as a key grade element | Specified 2–3% Mo |
| Primary selection | General industrial corrosion resistance and wire forming | Higher resistance to localized corrosion in selected chloride-bearing conditions |
| Low-carbon control | C ≤0.08% | C ≤0.03% |
| Forms and conditions | Coils, spools, reels; annealed or cold worked as specified | Coils, spools, reels; annealed or cold worked as specified |
| Ordering decision | Wire diameter, intended operation, temper and tensile requirement | Include service environment and corrosion-related acceptance requirements |
The values above are commonly published grade-reference compositions, not a replacement for the chemical limits in a specified edition of a material standard. 316L is not automatically suitable for every chloride or marine environment; the operating conditions must be evaluated.
Send the same dimensions, temper and documentation requirements to each potential supplier to obtain comparable quotes.
| Ordering parameter | What to specify |
|---|---|
| Product | Stainless steel wire, primarily round wire in coils or spools |
| Grades | 304 (UNS S30400 / 1.4301); 316L (UNS S31603 / 1.4404) |
| Reference diameter enquiries | Ø0.20–6.00 mm as an enquiry guide; confirm grade-specific mill capability |
| Standard | ASTM A580/A580M-23 plus A555/A555M-23, or an agreed applicable material standard |
| Condition / temper | Annealed, bright annealed or cold worked, as applicable to the agreed specification |
| Finish | Bright-drawn, annealed/pickled or other specified surface condition |
| Dimensional requirements | Nominal wire diameter, permitted tolerance, roundness and surface acceptance |
| Supply form | Coils, spools or reels; confirm inner/outer diameters, traverse, tare and net weight |
| Quality documents | Mill test certificate, heat traceability, tensile test/chemical analysis when specified |
| Order details | Quantity, packaging, destination and contractual inspection requirements |
The 0.20–6.00 mm range is a quotation reference, not a claim that every combination is stocked or immediately produced.
Request a bulk quote against grade, size and temper.
A580 and A555 address general wire supply; spring or weaving service may require separate standards.
| Standard | Scope | Use when ordering |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM A580/A580M-23 | Stainless steel wire for general corrosion-resistant/high-temperature service, in coils | Main wire product specification for applicable 304/316L requests |
| ASTM A555/A555M-23 | General requirements for stainless steel wire and wire rod | Use with the specific wire product specification |
| ASTM A313/A313M-18(2025) | Stainless steel spring wire | Request separately when spring-wire strength, temper and tests are required |
| ASTM A478 | Chromium-nickel stainless steel weaving/knitting wire | Confirm separately when the application requires a weaving-specific specification |
| ASTM A276/A276M | Stainless steel bars and shapes | Separate product category: straight cut bars are not covered here as coils |
Select the applicable individual wire specification first. Special-purpose wire standards and the general wire standard are not interchangeable, and their tensile requirements can differ materially.
Compare estimated mass by grade before calculating total wire length or spool quantities.
| Nominal diameter | 304 kg/km | 316L kg/km | Supply status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ø0.2 mm | 0.25 | 0.25 | Confirm by grade / condition |
| Ø0.3 mm | 0.56 | 0.57 | Confirm by grade / condition |
| Ø0.5 mm | 1.56 | 1.57 | Confirm by grade / condition |
| Ø0.8 mm | 3.99 | 4.02 | Confirm by grade / condition |
| Ø1 mm | 6.23 | 6.28 | Confirm by grade / condition |
| Ø1.2 mm | 8.97 | 9.05 | Confirm by grade / condition |
| Ø1.6 mm | 15.94 | 16.08 | Confirm by grade / condition |
| Ø2 mm | 24.91 | 25.13 | Confirm by grade / condition |
| Ø2.5 mm | 38.93 | 39.27 | Confirm by grade / condition |
| Ø3 mm | 56.05 | 56.55 | Confirm by grade / condition |
| Ø4 mm | 99.65 | 100.53 | Confirm by grade / condition |
| Ø5 mm | 155.71 | 157.08 | Confirm by grade / condition |
| Ø6 mm | 224.22 | 226.19 | Confirm by grade / condition |
Calculated as a nominal solid round cross-section using reference densities of 7,930 kg/m³ (304) and 8,000 kg/m³ (316L). Values are for planning only and exclude dimensional tolerance, actual spool tare and packing.
Nickel, chromium, molybdenum and carbon levels help determine corrosion suitability and processing.
| Element | 304 (S30400) | 316L (S31603) |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon, C | ≤0.080% | ≤0.030% |
| Chromium, Cr | 18.0–20.0% | 16.0–18.0% |
| Nickel, Ni | 8.0–10.5% | 10.0–14.0% |
| Molybdenum, Mo | Not a defining intentional addition | 2.00–3.00% |
| Manganese, Mn | ≤2.0% | ≤2.0% |
| Silicon, Si | ≤1.0% | ≤1.0% |
| Phosphorus, P | ≤0.045% | ≤0.045% |
| Sulfur, S | ≤0.030% | ≤0.030% |
Indicative alloy-composition comparison based on commonly published grade values. Exact permissible chemistry depends on the specified material standard and edition; heat analysis on the actual MTC governs acceptance.
Temperature history and cold reduction change performance, so the temper is part of the purchase specification.
Heat-treated austenitic wire condition selected when formability is prioritized. Tensile properties depend on the relevant standard and size.
Cold drawing raises strength and typically reduces ductility. Define tensile range and delivery temper rather than assuming one universal hardness.
Bright finish, surface cleanliness or additional treatment requirements should be stated with diameter, grade and intended conversion method.
Austenitic 304 and 316L can respond to cold work and may develop some magnetic response. Wire mechanical values should be based on wire specifications, not plate or round-bar datasheets.
A clean surface and consistent winding facilitate drawing, weaving and automated processing.
For forming routes, specify the required mechanical condition, acceptable surface color and treatment route. Bright annealed and pickled options must be agreed separately.
For dimensional consistency and a controlled surface, agree nominal size, tolerance, tensile requirement and spool winding expectations. A bright surface alone does not define the temper.
Wire take-up format affects handling, line efficiency, transport packing and freight calculations.
Large coil supply for qualified processing and batch usage, subject to grade and diameter.
Reel dimensions and winding are important for automated pay-off and production continuity.
Specify spool net weight, core dimensions and protective measures for finer wire.
Packing configuration is assessed against order quantities, mill capability and shipping route.
Order the net wire mass and packaging tare separately. Coil/reel availability and minimum order quantities are confirmed when quoting.
Select the grade and temper against actual environmental exposure and the next forming process.
Fine and medium wire for filters, screening and industrial mesh manufacture.
Formed clips, ties and wire components manufactured to controlled temper.
316L options for service conditions requiring more localized-corrosion resistance.
Wire used as supplied material for qualified manufacturing operations.
Stainless wire parts for suitable processing and equipment environments.
Specify separate spring, weaving or other application-specific wire standards when required.
Share the intended operation, grade, temper and wire size.
Define the downstream operation and inspection plan before committing to a temper or packaging format.
Specify 304 or 316L and check the heat chemical analysis against the purchase specification.
Wire processing may include drawing, heat treatment, cleaning and finishing according to order requirements.
Check diameter, straightness where relevant, surface quality and winding consistency.
Confirm requested tensile test criteria and temper for the applicable wire specification.
Set coil/reel dimensions, net mass, packaging and label specifications before dispatch.
Link heat number, coil/reel identification and inspection documents to shipping records.
Company-wide scale paired with grade-specific quotations and traceable order requirements.
8 million metric tons of company-wide annual steel output, supporting broad steel purchasing programmes.
1 million metric tons of regular combined company inventory; wire grade and size availability is always checked separately.
Purchase orders can define grade, wire condition, inspection documents, surface and dimensions.
Coordinate wire packaging, batch identification, shipment arrangements and order documentation.
Calculate by wire length and diameter or by coil/spool package counts, with grade-specific reference densities.
Choose the 304 or 316L reference density and enter wire diameter with total wire length. Output is theoretical metal mass.
Enter the quoted net wire weight per coil or spool and the number of packages. Packaging tare is excluded.
Both tools are theoretical purchasing aids. Final invoice or shipping mass should use agreed packing details and mill or logistics weighing records. Diameters, densities and the spool values shown are editable examples.
Wire quality depends on the agreed process route, not merely the chemical grade.
Production and finishing should be aligned with the requested diameter, temper, surface and downstream application. The required manufacturing route is reviewed at the quotation stage.
Avoid assuming all diameters, tempers or packaging styles are available from one stock position.
The combined company inventory is not a statement of 304 or 316L wire stock. Availability and lead time should be assessed by exact diameter, temper, coil format and tonnage.
For repeat consumption, provide your monthly usage and grade split. A structured enquiry supports a more realistic offer by size and package type.
Standard general-purpose grade
Mo-alloyed low carbon grade
Specify net package mass
Specify required tests
Define acceptance criteria before supply so the documents match your downstream production needs.
Depending on the material specification and purchase agreement, verify the heat chemical analysis, wire dimensions, mechanical condition, visual surface acceptance and shipment identification.
Additional inspection or third-party witnessing must be agreed before production and included in the order.
Specify only the options that your receiving plant needs and confirm their feasibility in the quote.
Annealed, bright annealed or cold worked, with mechanical limits agreed by standard and size.
Surface finish and winding configuration for the receiving drawing or weaving process.
Cutting, re-spooling, labeling or additional inspection assessed only when available and separately confirmed.
A clear packing specification reduces mismatched reel sizes and handling damage.
Agree packaging based on wire diameter, spool geometry, shipping method and moisture-protection needs. Each package should carry appropriate identification and the agreed documents.
Correct grade, temper, wire diameter and reel requirements speed up technical matching and quotation.
For mesh producers, mention weaving fineness, required flexibility and acceptable wire surface. For filtration and process equipment, describe the relevant corrosion conditions and media.
For a repeat monthly programme, send the full grade/diameter breakdown rather than a single total tonnage.
Share a grade-specific wire specification and quantity.
Open the grade-specific pages for deeper technical detail and industrial use cases.
These are related product families with different material standards and supply formats. Use each dedicated page to define the appropriate order.
Technical detail and clear wire usage reduce the risk of selecting the wrong condition.
Practical answers for grade selection, wire conditions, bulk quantities and export receiving.
304 is a general-purpose austenitic stainless grade. 316L has 2–3% molybdenum and a lower maximum carbon content, which can improve localized-corrosion resistance in suitable service conditions.
ASTM A580/A580M covers general stainless steel wire in coils; ASTM A555/A555M contains associated general requirements. A separate standard can apply for spring, weaving or other specialized wire.
Do not assume equivalence. Spring-wire requirements may involve ASTM A313/A313M with application-specific tensile and performance tests; identify spring service at the enquiry stage.
The page illustrates Ø0.20–6.00 mm enquiries. Actual diameter ranges, tolerance, temper and minimum quantity are confirmed by grade and manufacturing programme.
316L is generally more resistant to certain chloride-related localized-corrosion mechanisms than 304, but performance depends on chloride concentration, temperature, crevices, cleaning and other factors.
Cold working generally increases strength while reducing ductility. The tensile requirement should be tied to the specified wire condition, diameter and material standard.
Austenitic 304 and 316L are typically essentially non-magnetic when fully annealed, although cold work may produce a measurable magnetic response. Magnetic behavior alone is not a substitute for grade verification.
Wire is normally a finished or further-processed product supplied to a defined wire standard. Wire rod is a semi-finished feedstock primarily intended for subsequent wire manufacture.
For solid round wire, use diameter and length with a reference density (304: 7,930 kg/m³; 316L: 8,000 kg/m³). Nominal calculations exclude packaging tare and manufacturing tolerances.
Both formats may be requested. Confirm reel dimensions, core size, winding, net weight and packing; availability varies by grade and wire diameter.
Provide the material specification and requested test document with the RFQ. Heat analysis and applicable mechanical or dimensional inspection should be agreed in the purchase contract.
Include grade, diameter, tolerance, temper, surface, spool/coil net weight, total quantity, inspection standard and destination. Mention the final forming or corrosion-service application.
Send your required grade, dimensions, quantity and destination. Our team will review the inquiry.
