As you may know, there are many different types of stainless steel alloys. These alloys are labeled by number and are organized into specific series. One of the most commonly used series of stainless steel alloys is the 300 series, an austenitic series known for its anti-corrosive properties.
Interested in learning more about the 300 series of stainless steel? If so, you’re reading the right blog post. Below, we’re going to discuss some of the most popular 300 series stainless steels in existence. Let’s begin!
Alloy 304
The most commonly used stainless steel alloy in existence, alloy 304 is used in everything from cookware, to kitchen sinks, to countertops, to a variety of other items. On the commercial front, it’s commonly used in pipes and flanges for boilers, condensers, and other such entities.
A non-magnetic stainless steel, it is high in both chromium and nickel. At the very least, it contains 8% nickel and 18% chromium. It can possess a carbon content of no more than 0.07%.
Characteristically speaking, it is highly resistant to corrosion and highly malleable. It is also very easy to weld.
Alloy 310
Highly resistant to heat, alloy 310 can withstand temperatures of up to 2,000° F without facing any oxidation. In addition, it is also highly resistant to carburization.
Consisting of 25% chromium and 20% nickel, it is exceedingly tough, yet fairly malleable. It’s important to note, though, that there are much more malleable stainless steels on the market. While it’s fairly resistant to corrosion, it’s not typically used in water-dense environments.
Alloy 310 is used for a variety of applications, including in the production of boilers, heat exchangers, and combustion chambers, to name just a few.
Alloy 317
Alloy 317 is low in carbon, but high in chromium, molybdenum, and nickel. Due to its higher than average level of molybdenum, it performs exceedingly well in corrosive environments, especially when compared to other austenitic alloys such as 304.
Fairly formable, this alloy is used for a number of applications, including food processing, paper processing, chemical processing, and more. Non-magnetic and weldable, it can’t be hardened through heat treatment, but can be hardened through cold working.
Alloy 321
Alloy 321 is essentially just alloy 304 with a higher level of nickel, and with titanium added. Ideally used in temperatures between 1,000 and 1,600° F, it’s often utilized in steam pipes, boiler tubes, refinery components, and industrial exhaust systems.
Weld-friendly, resistant to corrosion, and strong, it’s particularly resistant to stress corrosion cracking. Generally, after having been welded, it will not require annealing. As far as hardening goes, it can be, but is usually not hardened through cold working. Heat treatment is not a viable hardening option for alloy 321.
Alloy 347
Like alloy 321, alloy 347 mimics alloy 304, but with a slight twist. In this case, the twist is the addition of columbium and tantalum. Together, these two metals work to provide 347 with greater weldability and corrosion resistance.
Alloy 347 is often used to make tubing, piping, and fittings for applications such as boilers, exhaust systems, and refineries. Thriving in temperatures of up to 1,600° F, it’s strong, but fairly malleable.
Looking to Buy 300 Series Stainless Steels?
Are you interested in buying 300 series stainless steel items? If so, we here at Great Plains Stainless are the people to see.
We sell all of the stainless steel alloys reviewed above, each of which can be sold in the shape of bars, pipes, fittings, and more. Regardless of your needs, we can ship your order directly to you.
Contact us today to discuss your needs!