Products
Contact Us
300 Series Stainless Steel Sheet
Keywords:
Category:
Product Details
The 300 series stainless steel sheets are the most widely used austenitic stainless steels globally. They are known for their excellent corrosion resistance, formability, weldability, and versatility. The series mainly contains chromium (16–20%) and nickel (8–14%), which stabilizes the austenitic structure.
Below is a comprehensive overview of the commonly used 300 series grades and their characteristics.
1. Common 300 Series Stainless Steel Grades
| Grade | AISI / ASTM | Key Features | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 301 | AISI 301 / ASTM | High strength austenitic; work hardens rapidly | Automotive panels, springs, structural parts |
| 302 | AISI 302 / ASTM | Higher carbon than 304; improved hardness | Springs, machinery parts |
| 303 | AISI 303 / ASTM | Sulfur-added for machinability | Screws, fasteners, precision parts |
| 304 | AISI 304 / ASTM | Standard 18-8 stainless; excellent corrosion resistance | Kitchen equipment, panels, general construction |
| 304L | AISI 304L / ASTM | Low carbon for improved weldability | Tanks, piping, welded structures |
| 304H | AISI 304H / ASTM | High carbon for elevated temperature strength | Boilers, heat exchangers |
| 305 | AISI 305 / ASTM | High nickel content; improved corrosion resistance | Automotive trim, decorative components |
| 308 | AISI 308 / ASTM | Similar to 304; used mainly as welding filler | Welding rods, filler metal |
| 309 | AISI 309 / ASTM | High chromium and nickel; heat resistant | Furnace parts, high-temp equipment |
| 309S | AISI 309S / ASTM | Low carbon version of 309 | High-temp welding, oxidation-resistant parts |
| 310 | AISI 310 / ASTM | High chromium and nickel; excellent heat resistance | Heat exchangers, furnace linings |
| 310S | AISI 310S / ASTM | Low carbon version of 310 | High-temp welded components |
| 316 | AISI 316 / ASTM | Molybdenum added; superior corrosion resistance | Marine, chemical, food equipment |
| 316L | AISI 316L / ASTM | Low carbon; better weldability | Tanks, piping, welded structures |
| 316H | AISI 316H / ASTM | High carbon for elevated temperature | Pressure vessels, heat exchangers |
| 316Ti | EN / DIN | Titanium stabilized; high-temp resistant | Chemical and heat applications |
| 317 | AISI 317 / ASTM | Higher molybdenum; enhanced corrosion resistance | Chemical processing, chlorides |
| 321 | AISI 321 / ASTM | Titanium stabilized; prevents intergranular corrosion | Heat-treated welded structures |
| 347 | AISI 347 / ASTM | Niobium stabilized; prevents carbide precipitation | High-temp welded components |
| 348 | AISI 348 / ASTM | Low carbon version of 347 | High-temp welded parts |
2. Key Features of 300 Series Stainless Steel Sheets
Corrosion Resistance: Excellent in most environments; 316 and 317 are superior for chlorides
Formability: High ductility; suitable for bending, deep drawing, stamping
Weldability: Most grades weld easily; low-carbon versions (L grades) prevent intergranular corrosion
High-Temperature Performance: 309, 310, 321, 347, 316H, 304H withstand elevated temperatures
3. Applications by 300 Series Grades
| Grade | Typical Use Cases |
|---|---|
| 301 / 302 | Automotive panels, springs, industrial parts |
| 303 | Machined parts, fasteners |
| 304 / 304L | Kitchenware, architectural panels, tanks |
| 304H | Boilers, heat exchangers |
| 305 | Decorative trim, automotive interior |
| 309 / 309S | Furnace and kiln components |
| 310 / 310S | High-temperature heat exchangers, furnace linings |
| 316 / 316L / 316H | Marine equipment, chemical industry, food processing |
| 316Ti / 317 | High chloride or chemical exposure |
| 321 / 347 / 348 | Heat-treated welded structures, aerospace, pressure vessels |
4. Summary of Differences Within 300 Series
Carbon Content Variants: L (low carbon) for better weldability; H (high carbon) for elevated temperature
Stabilized Grades: Ti or Nb added (321, 347, 316Ti) to prevent intergranular corrosion
Heat-Resistant Grades: 309, 310, 310S designed for high-temperature applications
Enhanced Corrosion Grades: 316, 317 contain molybdenum for superior resistance in chloride-rich environments
Machinability Grades: 303 contains sulfur to improve cutting and machining



Product Inquiry
Relevant Products