Stainless Steel Grades and Properties - 300 Series

Stainless steel can be simply divided into 200 series, 300 series and 400 series, of which 300 series is the most commonly used, 200 series and 400 series are in some ways substitutes for the 300 series.

Today we are going to talk about the simple classification and main application of the stainless steel 300 series.

300 series can be divided into 304, 304L, 316, 316L, 321, 309S, 310S, etc. The content of various metal elements is different, and the characteristics of stainless steel with different content are not the same. 

304 is the most common variety in the 300 series, so generally, from the price change of 304, we can know the price trend of the whole stainless steel. 

304: As a kind of widely used steel, 304 stainless steel has good corrosion resistance, heat resistance, low-temperature strength, and mechanical property; It has good thermal processing of punching, bending, without hardening phenomenon heat treatment, and no magnetic; The working temperature ranges from -193 degrees to 800 degrees.

Applications: Tableware, kitchenware, water heater, boiler, auto parts, medical equipment, food machinery, wine storage, pressure vessel (chemical machinery, chemical equipment).

As a low carbon 304 steel, 304L has a similar corrosion resistance performance to 304. but after welding and stress relieving, it has good resistance to intergranular corrosion. In the case of no heat treatment, it can also maintain good corrosion resistance, generally used at 400 degrees.

321 is to add Ti element to 304 steel to prevent intergranular corrosion and is suitable for positive 430 to 900 degrees, non-magnetic.

Applications: Automobile emission, heat exchangers, containers, and other products without heat treatment after welding. Due to the addition of Ti elements, it is not suitable to make food processing equipment.

316 low carbon added MO element, so its corrosion resistance, atmospheric corrosion resistance, and high-temperature strength performance are particularly good. It can be used in harsh conditions and is suitable for use below 900 degrees, non-magnetic.

Applications: Equipment used in seawater, chemical, dye, paper, acetic acid, fertilizer and other production equipment, food industry and coastal area facilities, products with special requirements of anti-intergranular corrosion.

The content of nickel and chromium in 309S/310S is relatively high, and the content of Si is increased so that it has high-temperature resistance and corrosion resistance. Among them, 309S can withstand repeated heating below 980. The service temperature of 310S can reach 1200 degrees, and the continuous service temperature can be 1150 degrees, without magnetism.

Applications: Suitable for high-temperature furnace equipment, drying equipment, and other key parts, furnace materials, aviation, petrochemical, electric power, etc.

HCADTO supplies a series of stainless steel products, including stainless steel coil, stainless steel pipe, stainless steel sheet etc.