Overview
Stainless steel is widely used in chromatography systems because it provides excellent mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and durability under high‑pressure conditions. MICROSOLV uses 316 stainless steel (SS316) for its laboratory tubing, fittings, and our SS HPLC column hardware.
This specific grade offers enhanced chemical performance compared to more common stainless‑steel alloys, making it highly suitable for demanding analytical environments.
What “316” Stainless Steel Represents
Industry Definition
- “316” is a grade designation used by the steel industry to describe a particular alloy composition and performance class.
- SS316 is known as the standard molybdenum‑bearing grade of austenitic stainless steel.
Key Alloying Element
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Molybdenum enhances corrosion resistance, especially against pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride‑rich environments—conditions often found in laboratory and solvent systems.
Why MICROSOLV Uses Grade 316
Performance Advantages
- Superior corrosion resistance compared to Grade 304 stainless steel
- Excellent forming and welding characteristics, allowing precise manufacturing of fittings, column bodies, and tubing
- Outstanding weld integrity—thin sections do not require post‑weld annealing
Where It Is Used
- HPLC stainless‑steel tubing
- Column hardware and Di‑Ad connectors
- Filters and sparging stones
SS316 ensures long service life, dimensional precision, and high reliability across a broad range of solvents and buffer chemistries.
Tempering vs. Titanium Grades
Tempering
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Tempering refers to heat‑treating and cooling processes used to improve toughness in iron‑based alloys.
Titanium Designations (Ti1, Ti2)
- These terms describe titanium content, not tempering.
- Higher numbers indicate higher purity titanium in an alloy.
Understanding the difference ensures accurate selection of materials for chemically sensitive or high‑pressure applications.
