The versatility of stainless steel makes it one of the most popular materials today. Its durability, resistance to corrosion, and industrial applicability are primary reasons behind its popularity. Among its many grades, 310 stainless steel is on the higher side due to its remarkable high temperature properties and excellent oxidation resistance. In this article, we will look into the important features and applications of 310 stainless steel sheet along with reasons behind its growing popularity across industries. Whether you are a professional looking for a deep understanding of the subject or a decision maker choosing materials for your next project, this article aims to equip you with the right information to understand 310 stainless steel sheet better.
What does 310 Stainless Steel Sheet mean?
310 stainless steel sheets are classified as austenitic stainless steel and distinguished by their remarkably high chromium (24-26%) and nickel (19-22%) content. These elements give 310 stainless steel outstanding resistance to oxidation and corrosion, even at elevated temperatures. 310 stainless steel retains strength as well as toughness in service up to 2100°F (1149°C). Therefore, it is used for furnace components, heat exchangers, and other high temperature applications. Its composition guarantees excellent resistance to sulfidation and carburization, supporting its performance in extreme industrial conditions.
Properties and Specification of 310 Stainless Steel
Percentage Chemical Makeup:
Carbon (C): 0.25 Max
Manganese (Mn): 2.00 Max
Silicon (Si): 1.50 Max
Chromium (Cr): 24.00 – 26.00
Nickel (Ni): 19.00 – 22.00
Phosphorus (P): 0.045 Max
Sulfur (S): 0.030 Max
Iron (Fe): Balance
Mechanical Properties:
Tensile Strength (MPa): 515
Stainless Yield Strength 0.2% Proof (MPa): 205
Elongation (% in 50mm): 40
Hardness (Brinell): 225 Max
Group 5: Thermal Properties
Melting Point Range: 1354-1400°C (2470-2550 °F)
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (32-212°F): 8.0 µ in/in-°F
Corrosion Resistance:
Control oxidation up to 2000°F (1093°C) continuous for service and intermittent 2100°F (1149°C) for partial service.
Excellent resistant to sulfidation and carburization. This applies for environments that contain moderately aggressive atmospheres.
This set of mechanical and thermal properties alongside its chemical stability means 310 stainless steel is preferred for a wide variety of industrial high temperature applications.
Uses of 310 Stainless Steel Sheets
Due to its high-temperature strength and oxidation resistance, 310 stainless steel is ideal for use in industrial boilers and rocket engines. 310 stainless steel also possesses mechanical properties such as approximately 75 ksi (515 MPa) of tensile strength and 30 ksi (205 MPa) yield strength at room temperature. In addition, 310 stainless steel maintains good ductility with a 40% elongation in 2 inches. The material also demonstrates exceptional thermal stability due to its melting range of 2470°F to 2550°F (1354°C to 1399°C). With all these qualities and its resistance to corrosion, 310 stainless steel has a long service life under extreme operational conditions.
The Difference Between 310 and 310S
The Type 310 and Type 310S differ in carbon content, which is the primary differentiating factor. Type 310 has a greater percentage of carbon, which enhances strength and hardness but in some cases, it may hinder weldability and increase susceptibility to corrosion. Type 310S, on the other hand, has lower carbon content which makes it more resistant to sensitization and intergranular corrosion, enabling its use in high-temperature applications where welding is performed. Both alloys have equal high-temperature oxidation and corrosion resistance, sensitization, and intergranular resistance.
What Makes 310 Stainless Steel Suitable for High-Temperature Applications?
Functions of Nickel and Chromium in 310 Stainless Steel
The high value of nickel (19% to 22%) and chromium (24% to 26%) in stainless 310 steel profoundly impacts its performance in elevated temperature environments. Chromium provides great oxidation resistance by forming a robust protective oxide layer that shields the steel from harmful reactions within the upper temperate region. Nickel improves the material’s mechanical Stabiility, thermal fatigue resistance, and toughness in extreme conditions. With these features, 310 stainless steel possesses mechanical strength and scaling resistance at temperatures of 2100°F (1150°C), making it suitable for furnace parts, heat exchangers, and other high-heat applications.
Oxidation and Corrosion Resistance Overview
310 stainless steel has remarkable oxidation resistance because of its chromium content, as it can form a protective chromium oxide layer which prevents further oxidation. Laboratory tests demonstrate that 310 stainless steel maintains its structural integrity and resists scaling after undergoing high temperature air exposure for lengthy periods; this is further elaborated on in the provided data:
Continuous Service Temperature: Up to 2,100°F (1,150°C)
Intermittent Service Temperature: Up to 1,900°F (1,038°C)
In terms of corrosion resistance, 310 stainless steel performs relatively well in weak acid and base solutions. Due to the balanced composition of 310 stainless steel, its aqueous corrosion resistance is similar to most high-alloy stainless steels. Its performance is highlighted in the following specifications:
Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number (PREN): Approx. 25
Corrosion Rate in 5% H₂SO₄ (at 77°F/25°C): <0.05 mm/year
These features along with superior creep strength and mechanical properties make it possible for 310 stainless steel to endure harsh operating conditions, from industrial chemical processing to thermal reactors.
Carburizing Atmospheres Performance
310 stainless steel’s exceptional resistance to carburizing environments allows for its use in applications with high carbon potential atmospheres.
With regard to the protection against carburization and scaling, the oxide layer for stainless steel 310, is irreversibly formed because of chromium and nickel’s high relative contents. These stainless steels also demonstrate stability against metal dusting, and withstanding erosion caused from high temperatures, while also minimizing the formation of brittle carbides. For those reasons, it is commonly used for parts such as heat exchangers, furnace components, and reactive parts of catalytic converters which operate under extremely high temperatures, and chemicals.
How Does the ASTM A240 Standard Apply to 310 Stainless Steel?
Summary of the ASTM A240 Standards
The A240 standard prescribes the properties of chromium and chromium-nickel stainless steel plate, sheet, and strip used for pressure vessels and various other applications. Below follows the relevant description data for 310 stainless steel.
Chemical Composition (% by Weight)
Chromium (Cr): 24.0 – 26.0
Nickel (Ni): 19.0 – 22.0
Carbon (C): ≤ 0.25
Manganese (Mn): ≤ 2.00
Silicon (Si): ≤ 1.50
Phosphorus (P): ≤ 0.045
Sulfur (S): ≤ 0.030
Mechanical Properties:
Tensile Strength (min): 75 ksi (515 MPa)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset, min): 30 ksi (205 MPa)
Elongation (in 2 inches, min): 40%
Physical Properties:
Density: 7.9 g/cm³
Melting Point: 2450°F (1340°C)
Thermal Conductivity: 14.2 W/(m·K) at 212°F (100°C)
Specific Heat: 500 J/(kg·K)
Corrosion Resistance:
Superior oxidation and carburization resistance renders this alloy useful for high-temperature applications.
Heat Exchangers: Maintains operational efficiency at high temperatures due to high thermal stability.
Furnace Components: High temperature and high corrosive resistance.
Catalytic Converters: Retains strength in highly chemical-laden environments.
The detailed specifications listed above will enable 310 stainless steel to meet the expectations of the most demanding engineering and industrial applications in regard to dependability and efficiency.
310 Stainless Steel Plate Specifications
The leading advantages of the 310 stainless steel plates include:
Resistance to High Temperatures: Performs well under thermal environments in excess of 2000°F.
Resistance to Corrosion: Stays intact and durable in oxidizing and mildly reducing environments.
Longevity: Sustained structural integrity in terms of stress and harsh weather conditions.
These features make it an ideal material to be used in several industries for engineering purposes.
Compliance and Testing Procedures
In order to achieve optimal performance and industry standards, the material undergoes strict compliance and testing procedures. This documenting showcases the most important aspects of the testing performed;
Tensile Strength: Proved up to 120,000 psi, confirming integrity under extreme stress.
Thermal Conductivity: A measurement done at 1000°F (538°C) did show a conductivity value of 25 W/mK.
Melting Point: Confirmed functionality in ultra high temperatures at approximately 2600 °F (1427 °C).
Corrosion Rate: Subject to 1,000 hour testing in an oxidizing environment, losing less than 0.02 mm/year over 1,000 hours.
Hardness: Bearing 45 HRC rockwell makes it highly resistant to deformation.
Density: 7.85 g/cm³, stability and consistency is essential while applying it.
Fatigue Limit: Proved at 60,000 psi giving it longevity under cyclic stresses.
These measures together define the dependability and usefulness of the material in sophisticated engineering and industrial applications.
Why Choose 310 Stainless Steel Plate for Industrial Use?
Benefits of Operating at Elevated Temperature and Corrosion Resistance
310 grade stainless steel plates are specifically designed to perform well in rigorous industrial settings, providing systematic oxidation and corrosion control at high temperatures. This alloy is well suited for use in parts such as heat exchangers, furnaces and high temperature processing equipment since it can withstand constant exposure to 2100°F (1150°C) for long periods of time. Further, the alloy’s high content of chrome (24-26%) and nickel (19-22%) provide superiority in corrosive resistance against oxidizing and acidic environments which augments the alloy’s durability. These characteristics render 310 stainless steel plates economically optimal and dependable for industrial applications in driving demanding industries due to its balance in performance and longevity.
Fabrication and Welding Guidelines
Welding and fabrication of 310 stainless steel plates is accomplished with ease through proper industrial methods. The high alloy content of the material means that preheating is not required for a majority of the applications, and post-weld modifications are rarely required. For the best outcomes, however, efforts should be made to compose the assembly from parts welded with appropriate meeting criteria for high-chromium high-nickel alloys, TIG or MIG for instance. Careful attention to weld heat, filler metal, and heat input ensure no thermal cracks and strong structure is achieved.
Access and Alternatives for the Supplier
A broad network of suppliers dealing with high-performance alloys will easily source the material in question. Primary distributors usually keep a broad stock and provide industrial grade standard sizes of the material as needed. For bulk orders or other specific request, most suppliers offer fabrication and expedited shipping. It is good practice to consult these reputable suppliers or manufacturers to guarantee access to verified materials that match the required specifications.
How Does 310S Stainless Steel Differ from 310H?
Applying Carbon Content and its Effects
The following table illustrates the distinctive differences and features of 310S and 310H stainless steels.
Chemical Composition:
Carbon (C): Max 0.08%
Chromium (Cr): 24-26%
Nickel (Ni): 19-22%
Various other elements like manganese, silicon, phosphorus, and sulfur are present in small proportions.
Carbon (C): Min 0.04% Max 0.10%
Chromium (Cr): 24-26%
Nickel (Ni): 19-22%
Other elements to the same extent as 310S.
Mechanical Properties:
Tensile Strength (MPa): ~515 MPa
Yield Strength (MPa): ~205 MPa
Elongation (%): ~40%
Tensile Strength (MPa): ~515 MPa
Yield Strength (MPa): ~205 MPa
Elongation (%): ~40%
Thermal Properties:
Both grades perform remarkably at elevated temperatures, however, the 310H is designed to withstand long periods of increased temperatures because of its refined carbon content.
Applications:
Appropriate for high-temperature conditions.
Commonly found in industrial furnaces, heat treatment systems, and in the chemical process industry.
Best for sustained high-temperature exposure for power generation and advanced chemical processing.
Carbon Content and Its Impact:
The 310S stainless steel has lower carbon content, which reduces the risk of carbide precipitation, offering improved corrosion resistance.
The controlled higher carbon content in 310H improves the strength and stability of the high-temperature environment.
Certifications and Standards:
Both grades have recognized certification, but users are advised to double-check the certifications for their unique applications.
All grades are selected based on their operating conditions, with 310S performing better in environments where corrosion is critical and 310H excelling in high-temperature settings.
Use Cases for 310S and 310H
Type 310S stainless steel is optimally suited for use in environments where high oxidation, corrosion, and aggressive physical oxidation thermally cycling would occur, like in chemical processing, as well as certain parts of heat exchangers and furnaces. Also, it finds extensive usage in storing vessels where sulfuric acid, nitric acid or chlorides are kept stored since these vessels require exceptional resistance against environmental corrosion.
Whereas, Type 310H stainless steel excels in high-temperature structural applications such as components of boilers, heat treatment equipment, and kiln linings. Its high carbon content provides increased mechanical strength and creep resistance required for sustained extreme heat encountered in the power generation, petrochemical, and thermal processing industries. The selection of the two alloys depends on the primary operational stresses, which usually include temperature, corrosive environment, and mechanical stress.
Market Availability and Price Considerations
Following is a comprehensive outline of the most useful characteristics and features for material selection for high-temperature structural applications:
- Alloy A upper operational limit (UOL) is: 1200°F (649°C)
- Alloy B upper operational limit (UOL) is: 1500°F (815°C)
- Alloy A retains structural integrity to 1100°F (593°C) under constant stress creeps sustained for long periods.
- Alloy B is better for creep strength. He provides stress at 1400°F (760°C).
- Alloy A moderate oxidation and scaling resistance for high humidity environments.
- Alloy B is highly resistant to corrosive gases such as hydrogen and sulfur compounds.
- Tensile strength of Alloy A at room temperature is: 70 ksi (kilopounds per square inch).
- Tensile strength of Alloy B at room temperature is: 85 ksi.
- Thermal conductivity of Alloy A at 200ºC is: 15 W/m·K.
- Thermal conductivity of Alloy B at 200ºC is: 12 W/m·K.
- Estimated charge of Alloy A per unit weight is: $7.50/lb.
- Alloy B estimated charge per unit weight is: $12.00/lb.
- Default price lifetime for fields such as construction engineering.
- Alloy A is easily obtained along with standard shapes including sheets, pipes and rods.
- Alloy B may be harder to find from specialized suppliers. Lead times are longer due to higher demand in niche markets.
Selection of the right materials for high-temperature applications can be achieved from some of the data points. Balancing the technical aspects with finances is critical in making the right choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is a 310 stainless steel sheet?
A: A 310 stainless steel sheet is identified by UNS S31000. It is an alloy of chromium and nickel which is highly heat resistant and oxidatively and corrosively resilient. Thus, it can work under extreme temperatures.
Q: What is the primary concern of an ASTM A240 Type 310 plate?
A: An ASTM A240 Type 310 plate is an austenitic stainless steel plate and is characterized by high chromium and nickel content, exceptional heat and corrosive resistance, and for use in hight cyclically and thermally stressed environments.
Q: How does an alloy 310 differ from other grades of stainless steel?
A: Alloy 310, or SS 310, stands out from other steel grades because it contains more nickel and chromium, unlike other stainless steels such as 304 stainless steel. This makes Alloy 310 ideal for high temperature and oxidizing environments.
Q: What applications are ideal for 310 and 310s plates?
A: 310 and 310s plates are well-suited for areas involving intense heat like furnaces, heat exchangers, and kilns. Their resistance to oxidation and corrosion under such extreme conditions makes them appropriate for these applications.
Q: Why is low magnetic permeability important in SS 310 plates?
A: The low magnetic permeability of SS 310 plates is essential because it allows for low levels of magnetic interference for any application involving a magnetic field. This is particularly useful in the electronics and aerospace industries.
Q: What are the advantages of using cold rolled 310 sheets?
A: They are smoother and more accurate than hot rolled 310 sheets which makes them more suitable for applications where visual appeal and exact measurements are critical.
Q: Can 310 stainless steel be used in cryogenic conditions?
A: 310 stainless steel is suitable for use in cold temperatures because of its toughness and ability to retain mechanical properties at low temperatures. Its adaptability makes it a preferred choice for such applications.
Q: Who are the leading suppliers of 310 stainless steel plate?
A: Suppliers that sell a full catalog, including 310 sheet, coil, and strips, and follow certain quality benchmarks like ASTM A240 Type 310 plate are the ones recognized as leading suppliers of 310 stainless steel plate. Check reputable stainless steel sheet suppliers that have established a strong history in the market.
Q: How does the price of a 310 plate compare to other materials?
A: 310 plates are more expensive than lower-grade materials due to the cost and value of it’s alloying constituents. Nonetheless the long term savings associated with the cost of 310 plate in high temperature services often offsets the initial cost.
Q: What care is needed for the maintenance of 310H stainless steel plates?
A: The maintenance of 310H stainless steel plates is reduced to cleaning due to their corrosion resistance. A clean environment where these plates are used often requires cleaning to remove surface dirt. They ought to be checked regularly in harsh surroundings to improve operational efficiency.
Reference Sources
1. Experimental Formability and Finite Element Studies on AISI310 Austenitic Stainless Steel
- Authors: K. Praveen et al.
- Published In: E3S Web of Conferences
- Publication Year: 2023
- Citation Token: (K.Praveen et al., 2023)
- Summary:
- This study investigates the formability of AISI 310 austenitic stainless steel under varying temperatures (623K, 723K, and 823K) using the Nakazima test method within the stretch forming procedure.
- Key Findings:
- The mechanical properties of AISI 310 were assessed through tensile tests at the specified temperatures, revealing various failure modes and stress-strain curves.
- Forming limit diagrams were constructed based on the results, providing a visual representation of the material’s formability under the studied conditions.
- Simulations using LS-DYNA software were conducted to compare with experimental outcomes, validating the experimental results.
2. Tensile And Formability Studies on AISI310 Austenitic Stainless Steel
- Authors: K. Satyanarayana et al.
- Published In: E3S Web of Conferences
- Publication Year: 2023
- Citation Token: (Satyanarayana et al., 2023)
- Summary:
- This research examines the formability of AISI 310 stainless steel at room temperature with different strain rates (0.1 and 0.01 mm/s) using the Nakazima test during stretch forming.
- Key Findings:
- The study conducted tensile tests to evaluate the mechanical properties of AISI 310 at room temperature, analyzing failure modes and stress-strain curves.
- Forming limit diagrams were plotted based on the results, and simulations were performed in LS-DYNA software to compare with practical experiment results.
- The findings indicate the material’s formability and its behavior under different strain rates.
3. Optimization of TIG Welding Process Parameters on 304 Austenitic Stainless Steel Sheet Metal Using Fuzzy Logic Based Taguchi Method
- Authors: Demeyesus Gizaw Abebe, T. Bogale
- Published In: Engineering Research Express
- Publication Date: November 8, 2023
- Citation Token: (Abebe & Bogale, 2023)
- Summary:
- This study focuses on optimizing TIG welding parameters for 304 austenitic stainless steel, which is often compared with 310 stainless steel in terms of welding characteristics.
- Key Findings:
- The study utilized the L9 orthogonal array of the Taguchi design to determine optimal welding parameters, including current, voltage, and gas flow rate.
- The results indicated that gas flow rate and current were significant factors affecting the ultimate tensile strength and hardness of the weld joint.
- The optimal parameters were identified, contributing to improved welding quality and performance.
