316 stainless steel has a very wide temperature range. The cage and seals will limit the temperatures at which these bearings can be used but open, full complement 316 grade bearings can withstand temperatures as low as -200°C and as high as 500°C although the load capacity is reduced at more extreme temperatures.

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For cryogenic applications, full complement 316 grade bearings with PTFE cages and seals are suitable, as PTFE exhibits excellent low-temperature performance down to -190°C. However, it's essential to note that the standard PE cages and seals are not recommended for temperatures below -40°C or above 80°C. For high-temperature applications, PEEK or PTFE cages and seals can be utilised, withstanding temperatures up to 250°C.

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316 grade stainless steel, known as marine grade stainless steel, is an austenitic stainless steel grade which means it has excellent corrosion resistance. Unlike 440 grade martensitic stainless steel, 316 grade is not hardenable by heat treating. As a result, 316 stainless steel has a much lower load capacity than the standard 440 grade stainless steel most commonly used for bearings.

In our product table below, you'll find a comprehensive list of 316 grade stainless steel bearings with technical drawings, load, and speed data. Please note that the maximum loads and speeds are used in theoretical life calculations. It is recommended to use bearings at significantly less than the maximum load and speed ratings to ensure reasonable bearing life.

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Deep groove ball bearings are particularly versatile. They are suitable for high and very high speeds, accommodate radial and axial loads in both directions and require little maintenance.

316 stainless steel bearings are used in low load and low speed applications in the marine industry when used above the waterline or where the bearings can be washed down after temporary submersion in salt water, as seawater evaporation can increase the risk of corrosion. They can be immersed in cold seawater for longer periods if there is a high flow of water over the bearings as oxygen helps to regenerate the steel.

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These bearings are found in the food and beverage industry, in bakeries and fish or meat processing plant as well as in the dyeing industry, the textile industry, the pharmaceutical industry and the paper industry.

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Corrosion resistant bearings can also be supplied in synthetic materials or zirconia or silicon nitride. For more information on bearings for harsh environments, see our informative guide. Most of our range of marine grade bearings are supplied from stock in the UK.

This softer grade of steel is more difficult to grind to very close tolerances than chrome steel or 440 stainless steel so, like plastic bearings, marine grade 316 bearings are semi-precision. Unlike the strongly magnetic 440 grade stainless steel bearings, 316 stainless steel bearings have a negligible response to magnetic fields so it is possible to tell the two types apart with a magnet.

Marine grade 316 stainless steel ball bearings are available in a range of sizes, accommodating shaft diameters from 3mm to 50mm. These high-quality bearings are specifically designed to excel in challenging marine environments, making them a top choice for various applications both above and below the waterline.

The 316 grade bearings, shown in the table below, are resistant to seawater, salt spray and many aggressive chemicals. The standard range is supplied with polyethylene (PE) cages and seals but alternative cage and seal materials such as PEEK or PTFE can be offered.