SS316L Wire – What is it in Vaping?
Definition
SS316L Wire is a type of stainless-steel heating coil used in rebuildable atomisers, tanks and Sub-Ohm devices. The “SS” stands for stainless steel, “316” is the marine-grade alloy, and “L” denotes low-carbon content. It heats e-liquid into vapour while resisting corrosion, and—unlike kanthal or nichrome—its resistance changes predictably with temperature, allowing compatible mods to run Temperature Control (TC) or classic Wattage modes. This makes SS316L Wire popular with first-time coil builders and advanced users alike who want clean flavour, fast ramp-up and versatile performance from the same Kit“>Starter Kit or high-end Mod“>Squonk Mod.
Technical Details
SS316L contains 16–18 % chromium, 10–14 % nickel and 2–3 % molybdenum, giving it a maximum continuous-use temperature of approximately 870 °C—well above normal vaping levels. Resistance is roughly 0.85 Ω per metre for 24 gauge (0.51 mm) wire, scaling inversely with cross-sectional area. Resistance Temperature Coefficient averages 0.00088 Ω/Ω/°C, letting DNA, Yihi and most modern chips read coil temperature within ±5 °C. Common formats include round wire (20–32 AWG), flat ribbon (0.3 × 0.1 mm), and pre-made Clapton or mesh strips. Annealed (soft) reels are easier to shape, while half-hard reels hold post screws tighter. All variants remain non-magnetic after dry-firing, a quick authenticity check.
Usage & Tips
Before installation, wipe the wire with isopropyl alcohol to remove machining oil. Space micro-coils slightly to prevent hot-spots; SS316L conducts heat faster than kanthal, so start at 10–15 % lower wattage and Steep the power up gradually. Pulse at 15 W only until the coil glows evenly—bright red indicates overheating and oxide crust. Ensure all leads are trapped securely; a loose post is the most frequent cause of “Check Atomiser” or Short Circuit Protection errors. In TC mode, lock cold resistance at room temperature and set limit between 200–260 °C for cotton wicks. Rinse and lightly brush coils weekly to extend life; replace when flavour mutes or rust specks appear. Although SS316L is considered medical-grade, those with nickel sensitivity should still monitor reactions.
History & Context
Stainless-steel coils emerged in 2015 as temperature-control firmware matured. Australian builders adopted SS316L because it satisfied the TPD’s tightened coil-material purity rules while offering dual-mode versatility, quickly becoming the default option sold in local vape shops alongside cotton bacon and ceramic tweezers.