3M Tube 48.3mm AISI 316

• 48.3mm x 2.6mm Stainless Steel Tube - Available in metre long increments up to 6 metres
• Optional Cutting Service available for bespoke sizes
• Brushed Satin Finish
• Available in two grades. AISI 304 is recommended for internal use and AISI 316 for external projects – see “GRADE (AISI) EXPLAINED” section below for more details.
• Whether residential or commercial, our range offers a cost effective solution to meet your project needs. The modularity of the components make this the easiest solution for even the most bespoke balustrade requirements.
• This component have been designed and manufactured to comply with the industry standards and regulations and, as a system, has been tested by the British Standards Institute to BS 6180.

Our balustrade range comprises of AISI 304 and AISI 316 stainless steel, both of which are available in a 320 grit brushed satin finish or a mirror polished finish.

AISI 304 and 316 stainless steel appear the same but perform very differently depending on the surrounding environment. This is due to the differences in the chemical composition between the two grades with AISI 316 offering more resistance to corrosion due to the molybdenum content.

In line with industry guidelines, as a general rule we recommend AISI 316 for outdoor use and AISI 304 for interior projects.

Although satin and mirror polished contain the same chemical composition, they appear very different due to the final surface finish. The mirror finish is polished down to approximately 0.2 microns, which produces a very smooth and reflective surface, making it the most suitable finish for coastal and busy industrial areas containing high emissions. Unlike the satin finish, which is polished down to approximately 0.5 microns, mirror polished provides minimal areas for corrosive elements in the air to rest, which potentially cause permanent damage to your system.

The table below can be used as a rough guide to which grade/finish is appropriate for certain environments.