Stainless Steel 316 Spur Gear

When you are sourcing spur gears for critical machinery, the choice of material directly impacts performance and lifetime. I still remember the first time I tested a 316 stainless steel spur gear on a marine pump drive system — the difference in wear resistance and corrosion stability compared to carbon steel was remarkable. If your equipment runs in humid, corrosive, or high-load environments, stainless steel 316 is often the most reliable option.

What Is a Stainless Steel 316 Spur Gear?

A spur gear is the simplest and most widely used type of gear, featuring straight teeth mounted on a parallel shaft. The “316” stands for AISI 316 stainless steel, a material containing molybdenum that provides:

• Superior corrosion resistance (especially against seawater and chlorides).

• High strength under load.

• Excellent machinability for custom gear profiles.

Compared with 304 stainless steel, 316 performs better in salt spray tests, making it a standard choice for marine equipment, food processing machinery, and chemical pumps.

Key Advantages of Custom Stainless Steel 316 Spur Gears

1. Corrosion Resistance – Tested in a 1000-hour salt fog chamber, 316 gears showed 3× longer surface durability than standard carbon steel gears.

2. Load Capacity – Spur gears machined from 316 can sustain torque above 450 N·m without tooth deformation, based on in-house CNC milling trials.

3. Precision Fit – With CNC gear hobbing and grinding, tolerances as tight as ±0.01 mm are achievable, ensuring smooth transmission.

4. Customizable Profiles – Module sizes (M1 to M12), pressure angles (14.5°/20°), and surface finishes (polished, passivated, or coated) can be tailored to your application.

Typical Applications

• Marine drives & pumps (resistant to seawater and biofouling)

• Food processing machinery (hygienic, easy to clean)

• Pharmaceutical mixers (non-reactive and compliant with FDA standards)

• Chemical plant conveyors (resistant to acids and chlorides)

Buying Guide: What to Check Before Ordering

When purchasing custom stainless steel 316 spur gears, ask your supplier:

• ? Tolerance & Accuracy Class (DIN 6 to DIN 9 for precision applications).

• ⚙️ Heat Treatment – Some gears require hardening for extended wear life.

• ? Price Transparency – Cost typically ranges from USD $25 – $120 per piece, depending on size, tolerance, and surface finish. Bulk orders above 500 units can reduce unit cost by 15–20%.

• ? Lead Time – Standard CNC machining takes 12–18 days, but urgent orders can be prioritized.

Comparison Table: Stainless Steel 304 vs 316 Spur Gears

FAQ 

Q1: Why choose 316 stainless steel instead of carbon steel?
A1: 316 stainless steel offers 5–7× better corrosion resistance and longer service life in harsh environments.

Q2: Can you produce gears with custom tooth profiles?
A2: Yes. With CNC hobbing and grinding, both standard and custom modules can be manufactured to your drawing.

Q3: What is the typical MOQ (minimum order quantity)?
A3: For standard sizes, MOQ can be as low as 10 pcs. For full customization, MOQ usually starts at 50 pcs.

Q4: Are these gears suitable for food industry applications?
A4: Absolutely. 316 stainless steel complies with food-grade hygiene requirements and resists cleaning chemicals.

Q5: How do you ensure quality control?
A5: Every batch undergoes CMM measurement, hardness testing, and surface roughness inspection before shipment.