2-1/8″ Stainless Steel Round Bar T-316

Stainless Steel Round Bar – Type 316

Our Type 316 stainless steel round bar, also called stainless rod, is solid cylindrical stock supplied in a wide range of diameters and cut lengths. The solid core provides excellent strength and stiffness while the stainless composition resists rust, corrosion and staining.

Round bar is the starting point for turned and machined parts such as shafts, axles, spindles, pins, bushings, valve components and custom fasteners, and it is equally useful for handrails, supports, architectural elements and decorative work.

Key Features

• Solid round cross-section with a smooth, consistent diameter
• Excellent corrosion resistance and strength
• Suitable for turning, milling, drilling, threading and grinding
• Hygienic and easy-to-clean surface
• Long service life in indoor, outdoor and wet environments
• Wide range of diameters and cut lengths available

About Type 316 Marine-Grade Stainless Steel

Type 316 is a molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel (about 2–3% molybdenum) that is often called marine-grade stainless. The molybdenum greatly improves resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion caused by chlorides, making Type 316 the preferred choice for coastal installations, saltwater exposure, de-icing salts, chemical processing, pharmaceutical and demanding food-processing environments.

Like Type 304, it offers excellent formability, good weldability and a clean appearance, and it is essentially non-magnetic in the annealed condition. It also performs better than Type 304 in many acidic and high-temperature service conditions.

The extra alloy content makes Type 316 more expensive than Type 304, so it is best specified where the added corrosion resistance is truly needed.

Why Stainless Steel?

Stainless steel is an iron-based alloy containing at least 10.5% chromium. The chromium forms a thin, invisible, self-healing oxide layer on the surface that protects the metal from rust and corrosion, so stainless steel keeps its strength and appearance for years with minimal upkeep and without paint or coatings.

Common Applications

• Shafts, pins, spindles, axles and rollers
• Fittings, fasteners, bushings and valve parts
• Machine components and custom turned parts
• Food, beverage and pharmaceutical equipment
• Marine, outdoor and architectural hardware
• Handrails, supports, hobby projects and general fabrication

Fabrication and Handling

Round bar can be cut with a band saw, cold saw or lathe parting tool, then turned, drilled, threaded or ground to size.

Type 316 is readily welded with TIG, MIG or resistance methods using 316L filler to preserve corrosion resistance. It work-hardens, so use sharp tools, moderate speeds and good cooling when machining, and allow for springback when forming. After welding, clean and passivate the area to restore the protective surface.

Care and Maintenance

To keep stainless steel looking its best, clean it periodically with warm water, mild detergent and a soft cloth or non-abrasive pad, rinse thoroughly and dry. Always wipe in the direction of the grain or polish lines, avoid chlorine bleach and chloride-based cleaners, and do not use carbon-steel wire brushes or tools on the surface, as embedded iron particles can cause rust spots. If surface contamination does occur, a stainless steel cleaner or passivation treatment will restore the protective layer.

Sizes and Ordering

Select the diameter and length that fit your needs. Diameters are nominal; verify critical fits and finish allowances before machining. All dimensions listed are nominal and standard mill tolerances apply. For critical fits, structural or code-driven projects, we recommend confirming the exact dimensions and tolerances you need before ordering. If you require a size, length or quantity that is not listed, please contact us and we will be glad to help.