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Stainless Steel 304 Thin Wall Tube
304, UNS S30400, contains 18.0–20.0% chromium and 8.0–11.0% nickel. It is the most widely used grade for general fabrication, water, air, architectural and process applications.
Stainless Steel Thin Wall Tubes Manufacturer in India
MLTI Private Limited (Moonlight Tube Industries) manufactures, supplies, and exports stainless steel tubes from Gujarat, India. Our range includes various grades and configurations, including specialised thin-wall applications. Our combined production capacity is approximately 8,000 MT per year. We were established in 2008.
Thin-wall tubing uses a relatively small wall thickness compared with its outside diameter. In our supplied range, light-gauge tubes are available from 16 SWG to 19 SWG (1.626 mm to 1.016 mm). Compared with standard wall tubing, thinner walls reduce material weight and can improve heat transfer, while thicker walls provide greater stiffness and a higher pressure margin.
Our light-gauge range includes 16 SWG (1.626 mm) to 19 SWG (1.016 mm). Standard wall tubing ranges from 10 SWG to 14 SWG (3.251 mm to 2.032 mm). Reducing the wall lowers material weight and can improve heat transfer, but it also requires tighter control during forming, welding, and sizing. We supply welded tube to ASTM A249 / ASME SA-249, seamless and welded tube to ASTM A269, welded mechanical tube to ASTM A554, and seamless tube to ASTM A213 / ASME SA-213.
We supply stainless steel seamless thin-wall tubes (produced from solid billets pierced into continuous tubes without weld seams for high pressure resistance) and welded SS thin wall tubes in grades 304, 304L, 310, 316, 316L, 316Ti, 321, 321H, 347, 347H and 904L, subject to manufacturing route, dimensions and order requirements. Outside diameters range from 12.7 mm to 101.6 mm, with selected light gauges available on smaller diameters. Our company is ISO 14001 and 45001 certified, with BIS, EIL, IBR and PED 2014/68/EU approvals applicable to the relevant products and orders. Standard sizes of stainless steel welded ERW thin-wall tubes (manufactured by heating the longitudinal strip edges with high-frequency electric current and forging them together under pressure, with no filler metal added) are held in ready stock and available for faster dispatch.
Stainless Steel Thin Wall Tube Specifications
The SS thin wall tubes specifications, including grades, applicable standards, diameters, and light-gauge walls, are given in the table below.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Grades | 304, 304L, 310, 316, 316L, 316Ti, 321, 321H, 347, 347H, 904L |
| Applicable standards | • ASTM A249 / ASME SA-249: Welded Austenitic Steel Boiler, Superheater, Heat-Exchanger, and Condenser Tubes. • ASTM A269: Seamless and Welded Austenitic Stainless Steel Tubing for General Service. • ASTM A213 / ASME SA-213: Seamless Ferritic and Austenitic Alloy-Steel Boiler, Superheater, and Heat-Exchanger Tubes. • ASTM A554: Welded Stainless Steel Mechanical Tubing. Its scope covers ornamental, structural, exhaust and similar applications where appearance, mechanical properties or corrosion resistance are needed |
| Manufacturing process | Seamless and Welded (ERW) |
| Outside diameter | 12.7 mm (1/2") to 101.6 mm (4") |
| Thin-wall gauges | 16 SWG (1.626 mm), 18 SWG (1.219 mm) and 19 SWG (1.016 mm) |
| Full gauge range | 10 SWG (3.251 mm) to 19 SWG (1.016 mm) |
| Form | Round, Square and Rectangular |
| Length | 6 m and 12 m standard; other lengths to order, subject to size and manufacturing route |
| Delivery condition | Solution annealed, degreased and passivated |
SS Thin Wall Tube Grades
Eleven austenitic grades are available across the thin-wall range, subject to manufacturing route, diameter, wall thickness and order requirements. Grade selection depends on corrosion exposure, welding, temperature and service conditions.
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Alloy 304L Thin Wall Tube
304L, UNS S30403, has a maximum carbon content of 0.035% under ASTM A213 / ASME SA-213 and 0.030% under ASTM A249 / ASME SA-249. Where many drawing passes are required on small-diameter or thin-wall tubes, both specifications permit a maximum of 0.040%.
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SS 310 Thin Wall Tube
310, UNS S31000, contains approximately 24.0–26.0% chromium and 19.0–22.0% nickel. Its elevated-temperature oxidation resistance makes it suitable for furnace components, heat-treatment equipment and high-temperature process applications.
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SS 316 Thin Wall Tube
316, UNS S31600, contains 2.00–3.00% molybdenum together with chromium and nickel. It provides improved resistance to chloride pitting and is selected for marine, coastal and chemical-processing environments.
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316L SS Thin Wall Tube
316L, UNS S31603, combines molybdenum with a maximum carbon content of 0.035% under ASTM A213 / ASME SA-213 and 0.030% under ASTM A249 / ASME SA-249. It is widely used for hygienic, pharmaceutical, dairy and chemical applications where the tube will be welded during fabrication.
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Stainless Steel 316Ti Thin Wall Tube
316Ti, UNS S31635, is titanium-stabilised to improve resistance to sensitisation during prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures. It is used where 316-type corrosion resistance is required together with elevated-temperature service.
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Alloy 321 Thin Wall Tube
321, UNS S32100, is titanium-stabilised and designed for elevated-temperature applications. It is used for tubing exposed to temperatures where unstabilised austenitic grades may become susceptible to sensitisation.
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Alloy 321H Thin Wall Tube
321H, UNS S32109, is the higher-carbon version of 321 and provides improved high-temperature strength. It is selected for process and heat-resistant applications requiring greater strength during sustained elevated-temperature service.
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347 SS Thin Wall Tube
347, UNS S34700, is stabilised with niobium to improve resistance to intergranular corrosion after exposure to elevated temperatures. It is used in heat-resistant process and fabricated tubing applications.
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SS 347H Thin Wall Tube
347H, UNS S34709, has a higher carbon content than standard 347, providing improved high-temperature strength and creep resistance. It is selected for elevated-temperature process and structural applications.
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Stainless Steel 904L Thin Wall Tube
904L, UNS N08904, contains high nickel together with molybdenum and copper. It provides strong resistance to aggressive chemical environments and is selected for sulphuric acid, chloride and other demanding corrosion services.
SS Thin Wall Tube Forms and Types
Light-gauge stainless steel tubing is supplied in two manufacturing routes, seamless and welded, and in round, square and rectangular sections.
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Welded/ERW Thin Wall Tube
Welded (ERW) thin-wall tube is formed from stainless steel strip and closed through a longitudinal electric resistance weld without filler metal. For tubing supplied to ASTM A249 / ASME SA-249, the welded tube is subsequently cold worked and supplied in the heat-treated condition.
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Seamless Thin Wall Tube
Seamless thin-wall tube is manufactured without a longitudinal weld. It is supplied to ASTM A213 / ASME SA-213 for applicable boiler, superheater and heat-exchanger applications, or to ASTM A269 for general-service tubing.
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Round Thin Wall Tube
Manufactured to ASTM A554, these round tubes provide optimal pressure resistance and symmetrical strength. They are the top choice for polished architectural railings, fluid transfer lines, and sleek furniture frames.
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Square Thin Wall Tube
Featuring precise corner profiles, these square tubes offer flat-edge stability for easy right-angle welding. They are highly utilized in structural building frameworks, display racks, and geometric barriers.
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Rectangular Thin Wall Tube
Rectangular tubes deliver superior directional bending strength along their wider axis. They provide an economical, lightweight solution for spanning long distances in building facades and machine chassis.
Thin Wall Stainless Steel Tubing Dimensions
Walls are designated by SWG, where a higher gauge number represents a thinner wall. BWG and SWG values are not identical, so the gauge system specified on the drawing should always be confirmed.
The weights below are calculated for ERW tube to ASTM A554 and are indicative for other grades, which vary with density. Check out the table given below for the complete size and weight chart.
| Size | OD (mm) | 16 SWG (1.626 mm) | 18 SWG (1.219 mm) | 19 SWG (1.016 mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight/MTR | Weight/MTR | Weight/MTR | ||
| 1/2" | 12.7 | 0.452 | 0.342 | 0.290 |
| 5/8" | 15.875 | 0.582 | 0.437 | 0.369 |
| 3/4" | 19.05 | 0.712 | 0.531 | 0.448 |
| 1" | 25.4 | 0.972 | 0.720 | 0.605 |
| 1 1/4" | 31.75 | 1.232 | 0.909 | 0.763 |
| 1 1/2" | 38.1 | 1.492 | 1.098 | 0.920 |
| 2" | 50.8 | 2.012 | 1.476 | 1.235 |
| 2 1/2" | 63.5 | 2.531 | 1.854 | 1.550 |
| 3" | 76.2 | 3.051 | 2.232 | 1.865 |
| 3 1/2" | 88.9 | 3.571 | 2.610 | 2.180 |
| 4" | 101.6 | 4.091 | 2.988 | 2.495 |
Industrial Applications of Stainless Steel Thin Wall Tubes
Thin-wall tubing is selected where reduced material weight, compact dimensions, heat transfer or controlled internal volume are important, making it suitable for high performance thin wall stainless steel tube applications. The appropriate grade and manufacturing standard depend on the operating conditions.
Heat Exchangers, Condensers and Boilers
Heat-exchanger and condenser bundles use thin-wall tubing to reduce the distance through which heat must transfer across the tube wall. Tube dimensions are selected according to thermal duty, pressure, temperature and applicable design requirements.
Food, Dairy and Pharmaceutical Processing
Food, dairy and pharmaceutical systems use 304L and 316L tubing for process lines and equipment. Smooth, properly finished surfaces support cleaning and hygienic operation, making the tubing easy to maintain in food, dairy and pharmaceutical systems.
Sugar, Chemical and Paper Plants
Sugar, chemical and paper plants use light-gauge tubing for heaters, evaporators, process lines and equipment connections. Grade selection depends on the chemical concentration, temperature and corrosion mechanism.
Instrumentation and Fluid Systems
Small-bore thin-wall stainless tube is used for instrumentation and fluid connections where compact dimensions, low internal volume and clean internal surfaces are important. Bending requirements should be considered during tube selection.
Architectural and General Engineering
ASTM A554 mechanical and ornamental tubing is used for railings, furniture, trim, display structures and fabricated equipment. Light-wall sections reduce weight while providing the corrosion resistance expected from stainless steel.
Stainless Steel Thin Wall Vs Normal Wall
Thin wall tubing runs from 16 SWG to 19 SWG (1.626 mm to 1.016 mm), against standard wall tubing at 10 SWG to 14 SWG (3.251 mm to 2.032 mm). The lighter gauge cuts weight and improves heat transfer, while the standard wall gives a greater pressure margin, more stiffness, and easier forming.
Thin-wall suits heat exchangers, condensers, and instrumentation lines, where weight, heat transfer, and internal volume matter most. Standard wall fits structural, high-pressure, and general fabrication work, where handling strength and a wider margin against damage take priority over saving weight.
Shipping and Packaging of Stainless Steel Thin Wall Tubes
Our comprehensive shipping and packaging protocols guarantee physical safety and streamlined global logistics management.
- Straight lengths are bundled by size, securely strapped and packed in timber cases where required for export.
- Tube ends are capped to protect against contamination and mechanical damage during handling and transportation.
- As a stainless steel thin wall tube exporter, we ship to Brazil, Vietnam, Turkey and Europe on FOB or CFR terms.
- Standard sizes are available for pan-India dispatch from our facility in Gujarat, supporting fast delivery thin wall stainless steel tube requirements for standard grades and sizes.
Why Choose MLTI Private Limited?
Buyers return to Moonlight Tubes for certified material, approved grades and stock that ships on schedule. Every order is backed by documented quality, a wide size range and delivery commitments we hold to.
Quality Certification
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IBR & EIL Approved
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Why
Choose Us
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Wide Range of Grades & Sizes
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Timely Global Delivery
Stainless Steel Thin Wall Tubes FAQs
Thin wall stainless steel tubing is defined by a high diameter-to-thickness ratio rather than a single fixed gauge. The light-gauge supply range spans wall thicknesses from 1.626 mm (16 SWG) down to 1.016 mm (19 SWG).
Stainless steel thin wall tubes are available in outside diameters from 12.7 mm to 101.6 mm (1/2" to 4").
Both forms are supplied. Welded thin wall tubes conform to ASTM A249, ASTM A269 or ASTM A554 for heat-exchanger and structural duties, while seamless tubes are manufactured to ASTM A213 / ASME SA-213 for boiler, superheater and heat-exchanger service, or to ASTM A269 where general-service seamless tubing is ordered.
Yes. Thin-wall tubing is readily TIG (GTAW) welded using precise low-heat control, tight joint fit-up, and argon backing gas to prevent burn-through. Low-carbon grades 304L and 316L are preferred to prevent weld-zone sensitisation.
Yes. Thin walls are susceptible to ovality and wrinkling without proper tooling. Using internal mandrels, wiper dies, and precision rotary-draw bending ensures uniform cross-sections and smooth bends without wall collapse or flattening.
Available grades include 304, 304L, 310, 316, 316L, 316Ti, 321, 321H, 347, 347H, and 904L, covering hygienic processing, heat exchangers, exhaust systems, and corrosive chemical environments.
Yes. Standard commercial diameters and gauges in grades 304 and 316L are held in ready stock for immediate dispatch. Custom wall thicknesses, special alloy grades, and precision-cut lengths are manufactured to order.