Stainless Steel, Austenitic
S310S Stainless Steel (31008) Sheet and Plate
A low carbon version of grade 310 that is less prone to embrittlement and sensitization in service.
An austenitic chromium nickel grade, Alloy 310S displays excellent oxidation resistance up to 1094°C
Alloy 310S displays excellent resistance to oxidation under mildly cyclic conditions. As a result of its high chromium and nickel content, alloy 310S has good resistance to sulphidation and other forms of hot corrosion.
Combined with its low carbon content, the metal is also effective at resisting embrittlement. The metal is commonly utilized in extreme conditions, such as furnace manufacturing and heat treating equipment.
While both hot and work practices can be applied, cold working is not commonly done on stainless steel 310S; however, it is the only way to work harden the metal. This resistance to cold temperatures is useful in cryogenic environments, as 310S is incredibly tough. However, it can be subject to thermal shock and therefore should be treated and hot-worked with care.
310S is widely used in high-temperature industrial applications where both strength and corrosion resistance are required, such as furnaces, heat exchangers, and thermal processing equipment.
DOWNLOAD PDF
Range
PLEASE NOTE
If you do not see what you are looking for, please contact your local service centre with your specific requirements.
Related Specifications
- 0Cr25Ni20 / 06Cr25Ni20
- 310S / UNS S31008
- SUS310S
- X8CrNi25-21 / 1.4845
- 310S16
- Z6CN25-20
- 20Х23Н18
- S31008
Properties
Chemical Composition
S31008 Plate
ASTM A240
| Chemical Element | % Present |
| Carbon (C) | 0.00 - 0.08 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 24.00 - 26.00 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 19.00 - 22.00 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.00 - 2.00 |
| Phosphorous (P) | 0.00 - 0.04 |
| Sulphur (S) | 0.00 - 0.03 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.00 - 1.50 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
Mechanical Properties
Sheet and Plate
ASTM A240
| Mechanical Property | Value |
| Proof Stress | 205 Min MPa |
| Tensile Strength | 515 Min MPa |
| Elongation A50 mm | 40 Min % |
Applications of 310S Stainless Steel
310S stainless steel is a low-carbon, austenitic stainless steel with excellent high-temperature oxidation and corrosion resistance. Its low carbon content improves weldability and minimizes the risk of sensitization, making it ideal for industrial applications requiring both high-temperature strength and corrosion resistance.
1. High-Temperature Industrial Applications
Furnace components such as retorts, trays, and baskets
Kiln parts and heat treatment equipment
Boiler and heat exchanger components exposed to prolonged high temperatures
Thermal processing equipment in chemical, petrochemical, and power industries
2. Petrochemical and Chemical Industry
Piping, tanks, and vessels for high-temperature chemical processes
Components handling oxidizing gases or high-temperature vapors
Industrial reactors and processing equipment under thermal stress
3. Other Applications
Aerospace and automotive components exposed to high-temperature exhaust or heat
Incinerators and combustion chambers
High-temperature structural parts in industrial machinery
Summary
310S stainless steel is widely used in applications requiring high-temperature strength, oxidation resistance, and corrosion resistance. Its austenitic, low-carbon structure makes it suitable for furnaces, boilers, heat exchangers, chemical equipment, and industrial machinery exposed to extreme heat and oxidizing environments.
Characteristics of 310S Stainless Steel
310S stainless steel is a low-carbon, austenitic stainless steel known for its excellent high-temperature oxidation and corrosion resistance. Its low carbon content makes it particularly suitable for welding and fabrication in high-temperature environments.
1. High-Temperature Resistance
Maintains strength and structural integrity at elevated temperatures.
Resists oxidation and scaling in continuous service up to approximately 1020°C (1870°F).
Suitable for intermittent exposure to temperatures up to 1100°C (2010°F).
2. Corrosion Resistance
Good general corrosion resistance in oxidizing atmospheres.
Performs well in mild chemical environments.
Low carbon content reduces the risk of sensitization and intergranular corrosion, especially in welded components.
3. Mechanical Properties
Excellent ductility and toughness at both high and low temperatures.
Stable austenitic structure ensures consistent performance under thermal stress.
4. Fabrication and Weldability
Easily fabricated and welded due to low carbon content.
Can be cold worked and formed into complex shapes without losing corrosion resistance.
5. Applications Related to Characteristics
Furnace components, kilns, and heat treatment equipment
Boilers, heat exchangers, and thermal processing machinery
Industrial piping and storage tanks exposed to high temperatures
Aerospace and automotive high-temperature components
Summary
310S stainless steel is characterized by high-temperature strength, excellent oxidation and corrosion resistance, and good weldability. Its austenitic, low-carbon structure makes it ideal for industrial, chemical, and high-temperature applications where both durability and corrosion resistance are essential.
Additional Information
Fabrication
Fabrication of 310S Stainless Steel
310S stainless steel is a low-carbon, austenitic stainless steel known for its excellent high-temperature oxidation and corrosion resistance. Its low carbon content enhances weldability and resistance to sensitization, making it suitable for a wide range of fabrication processes.
1. Forming
Cold Working:
Can be bent, drawn, or rolled, but work hardens rapidly.
Intermediate annealing may be required for extensive forming to restore ductility.
Hot Working:
Recommended temperature range: 1150–900°C (2100–1650°F).
Suitable for forging, hot rolling, and extrusion of thick or complex parts.
2. Welding
Easily welded using conventional methods: TIG, MIG, SMAW, and FCAW.
Low carbon content reduces the risk of sensitization and intergranular corrosion.
Filler metals: Typically 310S or 310 grades to maintain corrosion resistance and high-temperature performance.
Post-weld pickling or passivation may be applied to restore surface protection.
3. Machining
Machinability is moderate, with rapid work hardening tendencies.
Use sharp carbide tools, appropriate feed rates, and coolants for efficient cutting.
4. Post-Fabrication Treatments
Annealing: Restores ductility and relieves stresses from cold working or welding.
Pickling or passivation: Removes scale or oxide layers to restore corrosion resistance.
5. Applications Related to Fabrication
Furnace components, heat treatment equipment, and kiln parts
Boilers, heat exchangers, and high-temperature piping
Chemical and petrochemical processing equipment
Aerospace and automotive components requiring high-temperature performance
Summary
310S stainless steel is highly fabricable using conventional forming, welding, and machining techniques. Its low-carbon austenitic structure ensures excellent weldability, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature performance, making it suitable for industrial, chemical, and high-temperature applications.
Weldability
Weldability of 310S Stainless Steel
310S stainless steel is a low-carbon, austenitic stainless steel with excellent high-temperature oxidation and corrosion resistance. Its low carbon content enhances weldability and reduces the risk of sensitization, making it suitable for various welding processes.
1. Welding Methods
Can be welded using standard fusion welding methods:
TIG (GTAW) – for precision and clean welds
MIG (GMAW) – for faster, efficient welding
SMAW (Stick Welding) – for general fabrication
FCAW (Flux-Cored Arc Welding) – suitable for thicker sections
2. Welding Considerations
Low carbon content minimizes intergranular corrosion risk after welding.
Preheating is usually not required, except for very thick sections to reduce distortion.
Proper filler metals (typically 310S or 310) are recommended to maintain high-temperature strength and corrosion resistance.
3. Post-Weld Treatments
Solution annealing is sometimes applied for high-temperature service to restore ductility and relieve stresses.
Pickling and passivation can remove oxides and enhance corrosion resistance of welded areas.
4. Applications Related to Weldability
Furnace and kiln components
Boilers, heat exchangers, and high-temperature piping
Chemical and petrochemical processing equipment
Industrial structures exposed to high temperatures
Summary
310S stainless steel has excellent weldability due to its low-carbon austenitic structure, allowing it to be joined using conventional welding techniques. Proper welding ensures strong, corrosion-resistant, and high-temperature capable joints, making it suitable for furnaces, boilers, heat exchangers, and industrial high-temperature applications.
Machinability
Machinability of 310S Stainless Steel
310S stainless steel is a low-carbon, austenitic stainless steel with excellent high-temperature corrosion and oxidation resistance. Like most austenitic stainless steels, it exhibits moderate machinability, primarily due to its high work-hardening tendency.
1. Work Hardening
310S stainless steel work hardens rapidly, especially under light cuts or interrupted machining.
Excessive work hardening can lead to tool wear, poor surface finish, and dimensional inaccuracies.
Use sharp cutting tools and maintain consistent feed and speed to minimize work hardening.
2. Tooling Recommendations
Carbide tools are preferred for efficient cutting and longer tool life.
High-speed steel (HSS) tools can be used at lower cutting speeds.
Rigid workholding is recommended to reduce vibration and chatter.
3. Cutting Conditions
Moderate to low cutting speeds to avoid overheating and maintain surface finish.
Adequate coolant or lubrication helps reduce heat buildup and extends tool life.
Control feed rates and depth of cut to maintain dimensional accuracy and prevent work hardening.
4. Chip Formation
Produces long, ductile chips due to its austenitic structure.
Use chip breakers or controlled cutting to manage chips effectively.
5. Applications Related to Machinability
Industrial components requiring high-temperature corrosion resistance
Heat exchangers, furnace components, and boiler parts
Aerospace and automotive high-temperature components
Chemical processing equipment requiring precision machining
Summary
310S stainless steel has moderate machinability, with a tendency to work harden quickly. Using appropriate tooling, cutting conditions, and coolant, efficient machining and good surface finish can be achieved. Its combination of machinability, high-temperature strength, and corrosion resistance makes it suitable for industrial, chemical, and high-temperature applications.
Corrosion Resistance
Corrosion Resistance of 310S Stainless Steel
310S stainless steel is a low-carbon, austenitic stainless steel with excellent corrosion and oxidation resistance, particularly in high-temperature environments. Its low carbon content reduces the risk of sensitization, making it ideal for welded and high-temperature applications.
1. High-Temperature Corrosion Resistance
Excellent resistance to oxidation and scaling at elevated temperatures.
Can withstand continuous service in oxidizing atmospheres up to 1020°C (1870°F) and intermittent exposure up to 1100°C (2010°F).
Forms a stable chromium oxide layer that protects the surface from scaling and degradation.
2. General Corrosion Resistance
Good resistance to mild chemical environments and oxidizing media.
Low carbon content prevents sensitization, reducing the risk of intergranular corrosion in welded sections.
3. Resistance to Localized Corrosion
Performs well against crevice and pitting corrosion in oxidizing conditions.
Less suitable for chloride-rich environments at high temperatures, where stress corrosion cracking may occur.
4. Applications Related to Corrosion Resistance
Furnace and kiln components
Heat exchangers and boiler parts
Industrial piping and tanks in chemical and petrochemical industries
Aerospace and automotive high-temperature components
Summary
310S stainless steel offers excellent corrosion resistance, especially in oxidizing and high-temperature environments. Its low-carbon, austenitic structure ensures resistance to intergranular corrosion, making it ideal for furnaces, boilers, heat exchangers, and industrial equipment exposed to high temperatures.
Cold Working
Cold Working of 310S Stainless Steel
310S stainless steel is a low-carbon, austenitic stainless steel with good ductility, allowing various cold working operations. Its low carbon content helps maintain corrosion resistance during forming, but like other austenitic steels, it exhibits work hardening.
1. Common Cold Working Processes
Bending and Forming: Suitable for sheets, trays, piping, and structural components.
Rolling: Produces strips, sheets, and coils for industrial and high-temperature applications.
Deep Drawing and Stamping: Used for complex shapes in furnace components or chemical equipment.
Punching and Shearing: Suitable for components requiring precision cutting.
2. Work Hardening
310S stainless steel work hardens rapidly, increasing tensile strength but reducing ductility.
Intermediate annealing may be required after extensive forming to restore ductility and relieve stresses.
3. Fabrication Considerations
Apply gradual deformation to avoid cracking or overstressing the material.
Use proper tooling, lubrication, and support to maintain dimensional accuracy and surface finish.
Cold-worked components may require stress relief if used in high-temperature service.
4. Applications Related to Cold Working
Furnace components and heat treatment equipment
Industrial piping, tanks, and structural parts for chemical and petrochemical industries
Components requiring corrosion resistance and dimensional stability after forming
Summary
310S stainless steel exhibits good cold working characteristics, allowing bending, rolling, deep drawing, and stamping. Cold working increases strength through work hardening while maintaining corrosion resistance, making it suitable for industrial, chemical, and high-temperature applications.
Heat Treatment
Heat Treatment of 310S Stainless Steel
310S stainless steel is a low-carbon, austenitic stainless steel designed for high-temperature and oxidizing environments. As an austenitic stainless steel, it is not hardenable by conventional heat treatment. Heat treatment is primarily used to relieve stresses, restore ductility, and maintain corrosion resistance.
1. Solution Annealing
Purpose: Restore ductility, relieve residual stresses from cold working or welding, and maintain corrosion resistance.
Temperature range: 1010–1120°C (1850–2050°F)
Cooling: Rapid air or water quenching to prevent carbide precipitation and maintain corrosion resistance.
2. Stress Relief
Purpose: Reduce residual stresses from welding, machining, or forming.
Temperature range: 450–650°C (840–1200°F)
Improves dimensional stability and reduces risk of stress-related cracking in service.
3. Effects of Heat Treatment
Restores ductility and toughness in cold-worked or welded areas.
Relieves internal stresses, improving high-temperature performance.
Maintains corrosion resistance, especially in welded components.
4. Surface Treatments Post Heat
Pickling or passivation may be applied after heat treatment to remove scale, oxides, or discoloration and restore the protective chromium oxide layer.
5. Applications Related to Heat Treatment
Furnace and kiln components
Heat exchangers and boiler parts
Industrial piping and tanks exposed to high temperatures
Chemical and petrochemical processing equipment
Summary
Heat treatment of 310S stainless steel focuses on solution annealing and stress relief, maintaining ductility, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature performance. Proper heat treatment ensures reliable service in furnaces, boilers, heat exchangers, and other industrial high-temperature applications.
Heat Resistance
Heat Resistance of 310S Stainless Steel
310S stainless steel is a low-carbon, austenitic stainless steel designed for excellent high-temperature strength, oxidation, and scaling resistance. Its chemical composition ensures performance in continuous and intermittent high-temperature service.
1. Continuous Service Temperature
Suitable for continuous service in oxidizing atmospheres up to 1020°C (1870°F).
Maintains mechanical strength, creep resistance, and oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures.
2. Intermittent Exposure
Can tolerate short-term or intermittent exposure up to 1100°C (2010°F).
Ideal for components subjected to thermal cycling or fluctuating high temperatures.
3. Oxidation and Scaling Resistance
Forms a stable chromium oxide layer on the surface, protecting against scaling and corrosion.
Low carbon content reduces the risk of sensitization and intergranular corrosion, even after welding or high-temperature service.
4. Limitations
Not recommended for high-chloride or highly reducing environments at elevated temperatures, as stress corrosion cracking may occur.
Extreme thermal shocks should be avoided to prevent thermal fatigue.
5. Applications Related to Heat Resistance
Furnace and kiln components
Heat exchangers, boilers, and high-temperature piping
Industrial equipment in chemical and petrochemical industries
Aerospace and automotive parts exposed to extreme heat
Summary
310S stainless steel offers excellent heat resistance, maintaining strength, creep resistance, and oxidation protection at temperatures up to 1020°C continuous and 1100°C intermittent. Its low-carbon austenitic structure ensures reliable performance in furnaces, boilers, heat exchangers, and industrial high-temperature applications.
Hot Working
Hot Working of 310S Stainless Steel
310S stainless steel is a low-carbon, austenitic stainless steel with excellent high-temperature corrosion and oxidation resistance. Hot working enables shaping and forming while minimizing work hardening and maintaining the steel’s mechanical and corrosion-resistant properties.
1. Recommended Hot Working Temperature
Hot working range: 1150–900°C (2100–1650°F).
Proper temperature control prevents grain growth and ensures uniform mechanical properties.
2. Hot Working Processes
Hot Rolling: Produces sheets, plates, and strips with uniform thickness.
Forging: Suitable for structural or high-temperature components.
Extrusion: Allows production of rods, tubes, and complex profiles.
Hot Forming and Pressing: Enables shaping of large or intricate parts with minimal cracking risk.
3. Advantages of Hot Working
Reduces work hardening compared to cold working.
Improves ductility, toughness, and formability.
Enables fabrication of large, thick, or complex components suitable for high-temperature service.
4. Post-Hot Working Treatments
Annealing may be applied to relieve residual stresses and restore uniform mechanical properties.
Pickling or passivation can enhance surface corrosion resistance after hot working.
5. Applications Related to Hot Working
Furnace and kiln components
Boilers, heat exchangers, and high-temperature piping
Industrial equipment for chemical and petrochemical processes
Aerospace and automotive parts requiring high-temperature performance
Summary
310S stainless steel exhibits excellent hot working characteristics, allowing forging, rolling, extrusion, and forming at 1150–900°C. Hot working improves ductility, reduces work hardening, and enables production of components for furnaces, boilers, heat exchangers, and industrial high-temperature applications.
