316L vs. 304L Material Comparison
316L and 304L are the most common options when selecting instrument pipeline materials. The core difference is that 316L contains molybdenum (Mo) element, which makes it far superior to 304L in terms of corrosion resistance, especially in resisting pitting and crevice corrosion caused by chlorides. Therefore, in marine environments, chemical treatments, or any working conditions with corrosive media, 316L is the first choice to ensure long-term safe and reliable operation of the system. 304L is suitable for general working conditions with low corrosion risk and is a more cost-effective choice.

316L Tube Application in Instrument Tubing Systems
Instrument tube is the "blood vessel" of modern industrial automation control systems, used to connect various precision instruments such as pressure gauges, transmitters, valves, etc., and transmit fluid or gas signals. Its application requires that the pipe must be able to withstand high pressure, withstand vibration, have precise dimensions, and be absolutely leak free. SMLSCO's seamless instrument tubes, with their excellent reliability and consistency, are widely used in fields such as oil and gas, chemical, power generation, semiconductors, and laboratories, providing solid guarantees for precise measurement and safe operation of critical process control systems.

The Importance of Hardness Control
The connection and sealing of instrument pipelines heavily rely on compression fittings. To achieve reliable sealing, the hardness of the pipe must be lower than that of the sleeve to ensure that the cutting edge of the sleeve can "bite" into the outer wall of the pipe, forming an effective mechanical locking and sealing line. If the pipe is too hard, the sleeve will not be able to deform effectively, which can easily lead to connection failure and high-pressure leakage. We strictly control the hardness of the pipe material below HRB 80 to ensure perfect compatibility and connection safety with major brand card sleeve joints.