Stainless Steel 416 Wire

Product Description

FUSHUN METAL's Stainless Steel 416 Wire is a premium free-machining martensitic stainless steel wire offering an exceptional combination of machinability, corrosion resistance, and heat treatability. With a carefully engineered chemical composition featuring approximately 12-14% chromium and controlled sulfur additions, our 416 wire provides superior machining characteristics that significantly reduce tool wear and increase production rates in high-volume manufacturing operations. Available in precision diameters down to 0.10mm, this specialized wire combines good mechanical properties with excellent dimensional accuracy, making it the ideal choice for demanding applications in automotive parts, precision components, fasteners, and machined industrial products. Unlike standard martensitic grades, FUSHUN METAL's 416 stainless steel wire offers dramatically improved machinability while maintaining hardenability, magnetic properties, and moderate corrosion resistance. Each spool of our 416 wire undergoes comprehensive quality control to ensure consistent properties, precise dimensions, and superior surface quality for reliable performance in your most demanding machining applications.

Wire Specifications

FUSHUN METAL offers Stainless Steel 416 Wire in a comprehensive range of specifications to meet diverse application requirements:

Available Wire Diameters

• Ultra-Fine Wire: 0.10 mm to 0.30 mm
• Fine Wire: 0.31 mm to 1.00 mm
• Medium Wire: 1.01 mm to 3.00 mm
• Standard Wire: 3.01 mm to 10.00 mm

Dimensional Tolerances

Surface Finishes

• Bright Drawn: Clean, smooth surface with excellent dimensional accuracy
• Annealed: Soft condition for forming operations
• Tempered: Heat treated to specific hardness levels
• Centerless Ground: Superior surface finish and tight tolerances
• Polished: Enhanced surface appearance for visible applications
• Custom Finishes: Available upon request for specific applications

Temper Conditions

• Annealed (Soft): Maximum machinability and ductility
• Process Annealed: Balanced machinability and strength
• Quenched: Hardened condition
• Quenched and Tempered: Various hardness levels available (HRC 25-42)
• Custom Heat Treatments: Available to meet specific mechanical property requirements

Packaging Options

• Precision Layer Wound Spools: For automated feeding and processing
• Standard Spools: Various sizes available
• Pancake Coils: For specialized applications
• Straight Cut Lengths: Available from 0.5m to 6.0m
• Custom Packaging: Designed to meet specific handling and storage requirements
• Oil-Coated Option: Available for enhanced corrosion protection during storage

Applications

FUSHUN METAL's Stainless Steel 416 Wire is specifically engineered for applications requiring excellent machinability combined with moderate corrosion resistance and the ability to be hardened:

Precision Machined Components

• High-volume automatic screw machine parts
• CNC machined components
• Swiss-type machined parts
• Precision bushings and spacers
• Turned components with complex geometries
• Instrument components requiring high precision
• Valve components and stems

Fasteners and Threaded Components

• High-precision threaded fasteners
• Machine screws for electronic equipment
• Thread-rolling wire for specialized fasteners
• Self-tapping screws requiring corrosion resistance
• Aerospace fasteners requiring improved machinability
• Marine hardware with moderate corrosion requirements
• Threaded inserts and dowels

Automotive Components

• Fuel system components
• Brake system parts
• Steering component hardware
• Transmission parts requiring machining
• ABS sensor components
• Door lock mechanisms
• Engine management system parts

Industrial Equipment

• Shafts and pins for moderate corrosion environments
• Pump components
• Valve stems and parts
• Control mechanism components
• Flow control device parts
• Coupling elements
• Gear train components

Electrical Components

• Switch components
• Magnetic actuator parts
• Terminal hardware
• Relay components requiring magnetic properties
• Circuit breaker parts
• Connector housings
• Electrical enclosure hardware

Medical and Dental Equipment

• Surgical instrument components (non-implantable)
• Dental tool parts
• Laboratory instrument components
• Medical device housings
• Equipment fasteners
• Adjustment mechanisms
• Diagnostic equipment components

Chemical Composition

FUSHUN METAL's Stainless Steel 416 Wire features the following nominal composition:

Key Element Functions

• Chromium (12.0-14.0%): Provides moderate corrosion resistance through the formation of a passive chromium oxide layer.
• Sulfur (0.15% minimum): The critical free-machining element that forms manganese sulfide inclusions which act as chip breakers during machining, significantly improving machinability.
• Carbon (≤ 0.15%): Controlled to provide good hardenability while maintaining reasonable ductility and corrosion resistance.
• Manganese (≤ 1.25%): Combines with sulfur to form manganese sulfide inclusions that improve machinability without compromising corrosion resistance.
• Optional Molybdenum: When present, improves corrosion resistance in certain environments.

Physical and Mechanical Properties

Our Stainless Steel 416 Wire offers an impressive combination of physical and mechanical properties that make it ideal for demanding applications:

Mechanical Properties by Condition

The mechanical properties of our 416 wire vary significantly by heat treatment condition, providing versatility for various applications:

* Values are approximate and may vary depending on wire diameter and exact processing conditions

Special Features of FUSHUN METAL's 416 Wire

Our Stainless Steel 416 Wire offers several distinctive advantages that set it apart from conventional wire products:

Superior Machinability

Type 416 stainless steel wire offers exceptional machining characteristics:

• Enhanced Chip Breaking: Controlled sulfide inclusions act as chip breakers, producing short, easily managed chips.
• Reduced Tool Wear: Up to 80% longer tool life compared to 410 stainless steel.
• Higher Cutting Speeds: Allows machining at speeds 50-100% higher than conventional stainless steels.
• Superior Surface Finish: Achieves excellent surface finishes directly from machining operations.
• Improved Dimensional Control: Reduced cutting forces allow for better dimensional accuracy.
• Reduced Power Consumption: Lower cutting resistance translates to energy savings in machining operations.
• Machinability Rating: 85% of AISI 1212 free-machining carbon steel (compared to 35-40% for standard 410).

Heat Treatment Response

Type 416 stainless steel wire exhibits excellent response to heat treatment:

• Good Hardenability: Can be hardened to HRC 38-42 with proper heat treatment.
• Predictable Response: Consistent and repeatable results with proper heat treatment.
• Versatile Properties: Wide range of mechanical properties achievable through appropriate tempering.
• Minimal Distortion: Good dimensional stability during heat treatment.
• Through-Hardening Capability: Achieves uniform properties throughout cross-section in moderate sizes.
• Temper Flexibility: Can be tempered at various temperatures to optimize properties for specific applications.

Magnetic Properties

Unlike austenitic stainless steels, 416 wire is ferromagnetic, offering unique advantages for certain applications:

• High Magnetic Permeability: Excellent response to magnetic fields.
• Good Magnetic Retention: Can be permanently magnetized if required.
• Magnetic Property Stability: Properties remain stable across a wide temperature range below the Curie point.
• Combined Corrosion Resistance: Offers both magnetic properties and moderate corrosion resistance.
• Magnetic Property Customization: Heat treatment can be used to optimize magnetic characteristics.

Corrosion Resistance Characteristics

416 stainless steel provides moderate corrosion resistance in various environments:

• Atmospheric Corrosion: Good resistance to normal indoor atmospheric conditions.
• Fresh Water Resistance: Moderate resistance to fresh water corrosion.
• Mild Chemical Resistance: Resistance to mild organic and inorganic chemicals.
• Optimized Condition: Best corrosion resistance typically achieved in tempered condition with proper passivation.
• Limitations: Not recommended for highly corrosive environments or marine applications.
• Note: While sulfur improves machinability, it somewhat reduces corrosion resistance compared to 410 grade.

Manufacturing Excellence

FUSHUN METAL employs specialized processes to ensure our 416 wire delivers reliable performance in critical applications:

• Precise Composition Control: Carefully controlled sulfur, carbon, and chromium content for optimal balance of machinability and properties.
• Sulfide Morphology Control: Advanced processing to optimize the size, shape, and distribution of sulfide inclusions for maximum machinability.
• Advanced Drawing Technology: Specialized drawing techniques to maintain dimensional accuracy and surface quality.
• Optimized Annealing Processes: Carefully controlled annealing cycles to ensure optimal microstructure for subsequent processing.
• Consistent Property Control: Advanced process controls to ensure batch-to-batch consistency.
• Superior Surface Quality: Enhanced surface finishing and inspection to ensure clean, defect-free wire.

Heat Treatment Recommendations

For customers performing their own heat treatment of 416 stainless steel wire, FUSHUN METAL recommends the following parameters:

Annealing

• Heat to 760-790°C (1400-1450°F)
• Hold for appropriate time based on section thickness (typically 1-2 hours per 25 mm)
• Furnace cool slowly to 540°C (1000°F), then air cool
• Resulting hardness: approximately 85 HRB maximum

Hardening

• Preheat to 760-790°C (1400-1450°F)
• Austenitize at 925-1010°C (1700-1850°F)
• Hold for appropriate time (typically 30-60 minutes depending on section size)
• Oil quench, or air cool for sections under 12 mm
• As-quenched hardness: approximately 38-42 HRC

Tempering

• Temper immediately after hardening
• Tempering temperature selection based on desired final properties:
  • 150-260°C (300-500°F): Maximum hardness
  • 260-425°C (500-800°F): High strength with improved toughness
  • 425-565°C (800-1050°F): Balanced strength and ductility
  • 565-675°C (1050-1250°F): Maximum ductility and toughness
• Hold at temperature for minimum 2 hours
• Air cool
• Double tempering recommended for critical applications

Stress Relieving

• For relieving stresses without significant softening:
• Heat to 230-370°C (450-700°F)
• Hold for 1-2 hours
• Air cool

Machining Recommendations

To maximize the benefits of 416 stainless steel's excellent machinability, consider these recommendations:

Turning Operations

• Cutting Speeds: 30-45 m/min (100-150 sfm) with high-speed steel tools; 90-150 m/min (300-500 sfm) with carbide tools
• Feed Rates: 0.1-0.4 mm/rev (0.004-0.015 in/rev) depending on surface finish requirements
• Depth of Cut: 0.5-5 mm (0.020-0.200 in) depending on rigidity of setup
• Tool Geometry: Positive rake angles for HSS tools; slightly negative to neutral for carbide
• Coolant: Recommended for heavy cutting operations

Drilling Operations

• Cutting Speeds: 18-27 m/min (60-90 sfm) with high-speed steel drills
• Feed Rates: 0.05-0.20 mm/rev (0.002-0.008 in/rev) depending on drill diameter
• Drill Point: 118-130° point angle with 8-12° relief angle
• Coolant: Highly recommended for all drilling operations

Threading Operations

• Tapping: 6-12 m/min (20-40 sfm) with high-speed steel taps
• Thread Rolling: Excellent response to thread rolling operations
• Thread Cutting: Good results with both single-point and die threading

Quality Assurance and Testing

Every batch of FUSHUN METAL's Stainless Steel 416 Wire undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets our exacting quality standards:

• Chemical Composition Analysis: Spectrographic testing to verify precise element content critical for performance, with special attention to sulfur levels.
• Mechanical Property Testing: Tensile testing to confirm strength, ductility, and hardness characteristics.
• Microstructural Examination: Metallographic analysis to verify proper structure, grain size, and sulfide inclusion distribution.
• Surface Quality Inspection: Advanced eddy current and visual inspection systems to detect surface imperfections.
• Dimensional Verification: Precision measurement throughout production to ensure tight diameter tolerances.
• Magnetic Property Testing: Verification of magnetic characteristics when required.
• Heat Treatment Response Validation: Testing to confirm proper response to heat treatment processes.
• Machinability Testing: Sample testing to verify machining characteristics when required.

Certifications Provided

• Material Test Certificates according to EN 10204 3.1
• Chemical composition analysis
• Mechanical property test results
• Dimensional inspection report
• Heat treatment certification when applicable
• Special property verifications available upon request
• Certificate of conformity to ordered specifications

International Standards Compliance

Our Stainless Steel 416 Wire complies with the following international standards:

Handling and Storage Recommendations

To maintain the quality and performance of your Stainless Steel 416 Wire, FUSHUN METAL recommends the following handling and storage practices:

• Store in a clean, dry environment away from chemical contaminants.
• Maintain original protective packaging until ready for use.
• For extended storage, consider light oil coating for additional corrosion protection.
• Handle with clean gloves to prevent surface contamination from oils or salts.
• Avoid exposure to chloride-containing environments which may cause pitting.
• For machining operations, use appropriate cutting fluids compatible with stainless steel.
• After machining, clean thoroughly to remove any cutting fluids or residues.
• For parts requiring optimal corrosion resistance, consider passivation after machining.
• For heat treating operations, ensure clean furnace conditions to prevent carbon contamination.

Comparative Advantages over Other Stainless Steel Grades

Understanding how 416 stainless steel wire compares to other grades helps in selecting the optimal material for your application:

Customization Capabilities

FUSHUN METAL offers extensive customization options to meet your specific application requirements:

• Custom Diameters: Special sizes manufactured to exact specifications for your application.
• Modified Chemical Composition: Slight adjustments to standard composition available to optimize specific properties.
• Specialized Heat Treatments: Custom heat treatment cycles to achieve specific mechanical properties.
• Specialized Surface Finishes: Surface treatments to enhance performance characteristics or appearance.
• Special Packaging: Customized packaging for protection during shipping and storage.
• Specialized Testing: Application-specific testing protocols available upon request.
• Cut-to-Length Service: Precision cutting to customer-specified lengths.
• Pre-Machining: Limited machining operations available for high-volume requirements.
• Technical Consultation: Expert metallurgical support for your specific application challenges.

Why Choose FUSHUN METAL for 416 Stainless Steel Wire

When you select FUSHUN METAL as your supplier for Stainless Steel 416 Wire, you partner with a leading manufacturer committed to excellence:

• Free-Machining Stainless Expertise: Specialized experience in manufacturing free-machining stainless steel wire products.
• Advanced Production Facilities: State-of-the-art melting, drawing, and heat treatment equipment specifically optimized for free-machining stainless steels.
• Stringent Quality Control: Comprehensive testing and inspection protocols ensure consistent performance in demanding applications.
• Metallurgical Knowledge: In-depth understanding of sulfide morphology control and microstructural factors affecting machinability.
• Supply Chain Reliability: Robust inventory management and production planning to ensure consistent availability of critical materials.
• Technical Support: Expert assistance in material selection, machining parameter optimization, and heat treatment guidance.
• Global Capabilities: Worldwide shipping network with experience in international documentation and compliance.
• Material Traceability: Complete documentation and batch traceability for quality assurance.
• Continuous Improvement: Ongoing research and development in free-machining stainless steel processing and performance.
• Industry Compliance: Materials and processes that meet or exceed international standards for critical applications.

Request Information

Contact FUSHUN METAL today to discuss your Stainless Steel 416 Wire requirements. Our technical team is ready to assist you with:

• Detailed product specifications
• Technical consultations for your specific application
• Machining recommendations for optimal performance
• Heat treatment guidance for desired properties
• Custom wire development for specialized requirements
• Pricing inquiries and delivery schedules
• Sample requests for evaluation

FUSHUN METAL – Your trusted partner for premium free-machining stainless steel wire solutions that deliver consistent quality, superior machinability, and reliable performance in demanding applications requiring both precision machining and moderate corrosion resistance.

For over 20 years, Fushun Steel, have been dedicated to manufacturing high-quality spring steel wire. Our stable quality and superior technique are the foundations of our success, and we pride ourselves on delivering products that meet or exceed our customers' expectations. With a focus on innovation and efficiency, we utilize the latest technologies to ensure consistent quality and timely delivery.

We have more than 400 employees and our plant covers an area of nearly 15,000 square meters, with an annual output of 100,000 tons. Our advanced equipment allows us to produce high-quality spring steel products efficiently, meeting the needs of our customers.

In the production of spring steel wire, a variety of specialized equipment is essential. Shot Peening Machine. Wire Drawing Machine. Phosphating Equipment. Annealing Furnace. Polishing Equipment. Wire Coiling Machine. End Grinding Machine. Tensile and Compression Testing Machine.

Our commitment to excellence and reliability has resulted in long-standing partnerships with some of the biggest names in the industry. Like MW Industries, NHK Spring, Scherdel, Sogefi, Mubea etc. We also have established partnerships with several prominent Chinese steel groups, like Baowusteel, Xinyusteel, Nanjinsteel, Shagang etc.

Our spring steel wire comes in various categories such as music wire, hard drawn wire, oil tempered wire, chrome silicon wire, chrome vanadium wire, stainless steel wire, nickel plated wire, phosphate coated wire, galvanized wire, and copper coated wire.

Spring steel wire is a versatile material that is utilized in the manufacture of a wide array of products. including automotive suspension springs, valve springs, and torsion springs. Beyond springs, paper clips and mattress supports. In addition, spring steel wire is essential in the creation of retaining rings and circlips that are utilized to secure components on shafts or within bores, and in making various types of fasteners. The durability and resilience of spring steel wire also make it a key material in the manufacturing of certain types of cable, fencing, and even some musical instruments, such as piano and guitar strings, where its ability to return to its original shape after deformation is highly valued.