Kaxite Sealing manufactures SS 316L with graphite filler spiral wound gaskets from V-shape SS 316L stainless steel tape combined with soft graphite filler, plus inner and outer rings. This is the regular molybdenum-bearing grade — second in importance to SS 304 among the austenitic stainless steels — and it covers severe corrosive and high temperature environments where standard 304 falls short.
The molybdenum content delivers better overall corrosion resistance than Grade 304, particularly higher pitting resistance and chloride crevice corrosion resistance. The low carbon content eliminates carbon precipitation during welding, so SS 316L resists sensitisation and is widely used in high-gauge (over 6 mm) welded parts. It is a very common and economical spiral wound gasket, and as the direct supplier and manufacturer we can offer factory pricing on short lead times.
Every spiral wound gasket buyer eventually asks the same question: why pay 40% more for 316 when 304 is available? The answer is not "higher grade = better everywhere" — it is a specific corrosion mechanism. The table below compares the two grades on the properties that matter for flanged joints in real service.
If your service medium contains chlorides, the pitting and crevice corrosion resistance of SS 316L is not a luxury — it is the difference between a joint that lasts a campaign and a joint that pits through. If chlorides are absent and the temperature is moderate, SS 304 remains the economical choice.
Eight elements define the SS 316L grade. Each one plays a specific role — Cr forms the passive oxide layer, Ni stabilises the austenite, Mo delivers pitting resistance, and the low C prevents sensitisation during welding. The values below match the ASME B16.20 reference composition for 316L winding tape.
The values below are measured on the annealed condition used for spiral wound gasket winding tape. SS 316L delivers a very high elongation (52%) which is the property that lets the winding deform into the flange serrations without cracking under bolt load.
SS 316L is the low-carbon variant of SS 316. The two grades are very similar in chemical composition and mechanical properties — the difference is in the carbon content, and that difference has a specific consequence for welded joints.
Standard carbon content. Suitable for most flanged joints where welding is not a factor, or where the weld is thin (under 6 mm).
Low carbon content. Eliminates carbon precipitation in the welding process, resists sensitisation, and is the preferred grade for high-gauge (over 6 mm) welded parts.
There is usually no significant price difference between 316 and 316L stainless steel. Because 316L provides the same corrosion resistance and mechanical performance with the added benefit of weldability, we supply 316L as our standard molybdenum-bearing winding grade. If you specifically need 316 instead, we can supply that too — just specify the grade on your enquiry.
SS 316 is on average about 40% more expensive than SS 304. That premium is not arbitrary — it comes from two specific differences in the alloy composition. Understanding where the money goes helps you decide whether the grade is worth it for a given joint.
316 runs 10–14% Ni versus 8–10.5% in 304. Nickel is the single most expensive element in austenitic stainless steel, so the extra nickel alone accounts for a large share of the premium.
316 adds 2–3% Mo, which 304 does not have at all. Molybdenum is a high-value alloying element and is the reason 316L has better pitting and crevice corrosion resistance than 304.
The engineering question is not "is 316L more expensive?" — it obviously is. The right question is "will 304 survive the service?" If the answer is no, the 40% premium is small compared to a joint failure, a shutdown, or a safety incident. If the answer is yes, stick with 304 and save the money.
To return a firm unit price, lead time and available samples, send the following five items with your enquiry. If you already have a flange drawing or a sample of the existing gasket, attach that instead — we will match it directly.
Or specific gasket inner / outer diameters if the joint is non-standard.
Class 150, 300, 600, 900, 1500, 2500 or PN10 to PN250.
CG (outer ring only) or CGI (inner ring + winding + outer ring). CGI is the ASME B16.20 standard.
Usually matched to the winding. Standard outer ring is carbon steel painted; specify stainless if the flange environment is corrosive.
Order quantity and destination port so we can quote freight-inclusive or FOB.
If you are not sure whether SS 316L or SS 304 is the right grade for your medium, send the chemical name, chloride concentration and operating temperature and we will recommend the correct winding material. Custom sizes, non-standard dimensions and private-label packaging are all available.
Send your flange standard, nominal pipe size, pressure rating, gasket style and quantity. Our sales engineers reply with a quotation, available samples and the packing options for your market.
Address
No 432 Zhenhai Middle Road, Luotuo Street, Zhenhai District, Ningbo City, Zhejiang China
