Stainless steel is a strong, versatile, and corrosion-resistant material common to the industrial, aerospace, and automotive industries. This material is also used extensively in the medical field where its anti-corrosive and durable properties are ideal for sterile environments. Stainless steel wire has many applications:
Lockwire / Safety wire / Tie wire
Stainless steel wire is used for locking hardware and securing fasteners on aircraft and industrial equipment in double twist or single wire configurations.
Spring Wire
Stainless steel is an ideal material for extension springs and compression springs due to its high tensile strength combined with its inherent anti-corrosion properties. These properties keep springs functioning nominally in high-temperature environments with high load strengths or impact conditions. They also help maintain resistance to fatigue and creep.
Stainless steel wire conforming to NASM20995/ MS20995C / ASTM A580 is available in our extensive inventory in a variety of sizes and spool weights. Custom lengths, shapes, tempers, and conditions available (see data charts).
We conform with all relevant compliance standards (RoHS, REACH, DFARS, MADE IN USA.)
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Product Spotlight
Stainless differs from other types of steel by its chromium content. These are the five most common tempers used for most applications.
Stainless Steel Wire Type 302
UNS S30200
Chromium: 17% -19%
- Often used for springs due to its excellent combination of physical properties and corrosion resistance.
- Stronger than type 304 but with lower corrosion resistance.
Available in:
- Condition A: Soft or annealed temper per ASTM A580
- Condition B: Spring temper per ASTM A313
Stainless Steel Wire Type 304
UNS S30400
Chromium: 18% - 20%
- Most common overall type used in a variety of applications including tie wire, lock wire, safety wire, cold heading wire, weave wire mesh, and screen wire.
- Lower strength than type 302 but with higher corrosion resistance.
Available in:
- Condition A: Soft or annealed temper per ASTM A580
- Condition B: Spring temper per ASTM A313
Stainless Steel Wire Type 316
UNS S31603
Chromium: 17% -19%
- This type is known for its non-magnetic properties.
- Added molybdenum gives this material high creep strength at elevated temperatures.
- Generally better than types 302, 304 and 321 at resisting pit and crevice corrosion.
Available in:
- Condition A: Soft or annealed temper per ASTM A580
- Condition B: Spring temper per ASTM A313
Stainless Steel Wire Type 321
UNS S32100
Chromium: 17% -19%
- Commonly utilized in applications where welding is used in fabrication or where heat is encountered as a service condition.
- Stabilized with titanium to prevent sensitization. (Carbide precipitation and intergranular corrosion.)
Available in:
- Cold rolled
- Annealed
- Tested to AMS 5510
Stainless Steel Wire Type 17-7 PH
UNS S17700
Chromium: 16% - 18%
- Particularly useful where a compact, corrosion resistant spring is required.
- Corrosion resistance comparable to Type 302 with physical properties comparable to music wire.
- High strength and hardness.
- Minimum distortion upon heat treatment and useful for high heat applications up to 600°F.
Available in:
- Condition A: Heat treated per AMS 5528
- Condition C: Cold rolled per AMS 5529
Special Processes
Low carbon and vacuum arc remelted steel wire provides added corrosion resistance and minimal pits and voids for clean or sterile environments.
- 304V
- 304LV
- 316L
- 316LVM
Ask a sales representative about any special temper or wire finish.
Stainless Steel Wire Data
Need more info about chemical composition? See our Stainless Steel Wire Data Sheet.
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Why Choose MWS?
Quick and Right Answers.
We invest heavily in our customer service and engineering team so that we can give you the right answers and the most effective customized solutions. Our success, as well as our very purpose, is directly linked to the long-term satisfaction of our customers using our wire products.
Unrivaled Availability, Low Minimum Order Quantity, and Quick Delivery.
MWS has one of the largest inventories of stainless-steel wire and other wire products. We provide wire from 1/4lb to 50lb spools. Ninety percent of our stock orders go out within a week. Short production runs and quick turnarounds are our specialty.
Pre-cut Wire Lengths and Other Custom Orders.
We can provide straight wire cuts from one inch to 6-foot lengths holding the tolerances you require for your specific application. Need shaped wire? We have a variety of special shapes including square wire, flat wire, and ribbon wire. Special coatings and finishes are available as well.
Headache Free Compliance Documentation.
Let us help you satisfy your customer’s needs for clear and comprehensive compliance documentation including RoHS, REACH, DFARS, MADE IN USA, USMCA, etc. Chemical and physical testing reports are also available upon request.
Let Us Manage Your Inventory for You.
With 40,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space and thousands of products in stock, inventory management is our specialty. It doesn’t have to be yours. Whether it’s same day shipment from inventory or producing a wire to meet just-in-time schedules, we can get what you need when you need it. Ask about scheduled shipments synchronized to work with your inventory control, JIT, or Kanban system.