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300 Series Stainless Steel Suppliers | Manufacturers

The 300 series is the largest and most commercially significant family of stainless steels. As the core group within the austenitic family, all 300 series grades share a foundation of chromium (approx. 18-30%) and nickel (approx. 6-20%), making them the workhorse material for industries worldwide.

From the ubiquitous 304 to the highly specialized 310S, Huaxiao Metal supplies a comprehensive range of 300 series stainless steel products. This guide is designed to help you compare the grades and make an informed decision.

PRODUCT FORMS

Shapes: Sheet, Strip, coils, tube, foils, etc.

Surface: No.1, 2D, 2B, BA, HL, NO.4, Mirror, SB, Embossed, Etched, etc.

If you want to buy 300 series stainless steel products, please contact the right stainless steel supplier – Huaxiao Metal provides you with the latest series stainless steel prices.

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300 Series Stainless Steel Grades Chart (Our Core Products)

Choosing the right grade is crucial for the success and longevity of your project. Below is a detailed the primary 300 series grades we supply at Huaxiao Metal. Each grade is linked to its specific product page for more details.

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What Defines the 300 Series? Common Characteristics

While each grade has unique properties, all 300 series stainless steels share a common set of powerful characteristics derived from their austenitic microstructure.

  • Foundation of Chromium-Nickel Alloy: This core composition provides excellent overall corrosion resistance.

  • Non-Magnetic in Annealed State: Ideal for applications where magnetic interference is a concern.

  • Cannot Be Hardened by Heat Treatment: Their strength is increased through cold working, which also enhances their magnetic response.

  • Excellent Weldability & Formability: They can be easily welded, bent, and formed into complex shapes.

  • Exceptional Cryogenic Performance: They retain their strength and toughness at very low temperatures.

300 Series Stainless Steel Data Sheet

300 Series Stainless Steels: Chemical Composition

The chart below shows the chemical composition of the most common 300 series stainless steels used in the metal hose industry. Single figures signify the maximum percentage allowable under ASTM 240 requirements.

GradesCrNiCMnSiPSMo
30116-18%6-8%≤0.15%≤2.0%≤1.0%≤0.045%≤0.03%–
30418-20%8-12%≤0.08%≤2.0%≤0.75%≤0.045%≤0.03%–
304L18-20%8-12%≤0.03%≤2.0%≤0.75%≤0.045%≤0.03%–
31616-18%10-14%≤0.08%≤2.0%≤0.75%≤0.045%≤0.03%2-3%
316L16-18%10-14%≤0.03%≤2.0%≤0.75%≤0.045%≤0.03%2-3%
30922-24%12-15%≤0.20%≤2.0%≤1.0%≤0.045%≤0.03%–

300 Series Stainless Steel Performance Comparison

GradesDensityMelting Point (°C)Tensile Strength (MPa)Elongation (%)Hardness (Rockwell)
3017.9 g/cm³1400-14505154085
3047.9 g/cm³1400-14504855085
304L7.9 g/cm³1400-14504855085
3167.9 g/cm³1371-14004855593
316L7.9 g/cm³1371-14004855593
3098.0 g/cm³1400-14505204088

Cost Comparison:

  • 301: Due to its higher strength, the cost is slightly higher, suitable for applications that require wear resistance and strength.
  • 304/304L: Economical and suitable for most general applications, of which 304L has better welding performance.
  • 316/316L: Higher cost, providing excellent corrosion resistance, especially suitable for marine and chemical environments, of which 316L has a lower carbon content and is suitable for welding.
  • 309: Due to its high-temperature resistance, the cost is slightly higher, suitable for high-temperature applications.

Application:

  • 301: Springs, automotive parts, aircraft structural parts, wear-resistant parts, etc.
  • 304: Building decoration, food processing, household appliances, medical equipment, etc.
  • 304L: Welding structures, chemical equipment, food and beverage processing equipment, etc.
  • 316: Chemical equipment, marine environment, medical implants, pharmaceutical industry, etc.
  • 316L: Welding structures, medical equipment, marine equipment, chemical equipment, etc.
  • 309: High-temperature furnaces, petrochemical equipment, aerospace parts, refractory materials, etc.

Why choose Huaxiao Metal 300 Series Stainless Steel?

304 SS Coil, 304l stainless steel coil, stainless steel 304l coils supplier, 304l stainless steel coil factory, 304l stainless steel coil manufacturers, ferritic stainless steel

Navigating the nuances of the 300 series is our expertise. Partnering with Huaxiao Metal means you get more than just a supplier.

  • Extensive Inventory: We maintain a large stock of 300 series stainless steel in sheet, plate, coil, pipe, and bar forms to ensure fast delivery times.

  • Uncompromising Quality: Every product is sourced from reputable mills and is delivered with a Mill Test Certificate (MTC) to guarantee compliance with international standards like ASTM/ASME.

  • Custom Processing Services: We provide value-added services including precision slitting, cut-to-length, and various surface finishes (No.1, 2B, BA, No.4, 8K Mirror) to meet your project’s exact needs.

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Simple Comparison Between 300 Series and 400 Series Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is divided into different series; the 300 series and the 400 series are two common series, each with different characteristics and application areas. The following is a simple comparison of these two series of stainless steel:

1. Composition

300 series (austenitic type)

  • Main alloying elements: chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni)
  • Typical examples: 304, 316, 301
  • Features: It contains a higher proportion of nickel, which makes it have good corrosion resistance and excellent plasticity.

400 series (ferritic or martensitic type)

  • Main alloying elements: mainly chromium (Cr), almost no or a small amount of nickel
  • Typical examples: 410, 430, 420
  • Features: The chromium content is high, but the nickel content is low, usually with lower corrosion resistance, but higher hardness and strength.

2. Corrosion Resistance

  • 300 series: Due to the addition of nickel, 300 series stainless steel has excellent corrosion resistance and can resist the erosion of various chemical media.
  • 400 series: poor corrosion resistance, mainly suitable for applications that do not require high corrosion resistance. Some high-chromium ferritic stainless steels such as 430 have moderate corrosion resistance but are not as good as the 300 series.

3. Mechanical Properties

  • 300 series: generally have good toughness and ductility, suitable for applications that need to be processed into complex shapes. For example, the 304 series has high toughness and strength at room temperature.
  • 400 series: have high hardness and strength, especially martensitic stainless steels such as 410 and 420, but poor toughness and ductility.

4. Magnetism

  • 300 series: Most 300 series stainless steels are non-magnetic (especially 304 and 316), and are not easily magnetized even after cold working.
  • 400 series: Most 400 series stainless steels are magnetic, especially ferritic and martensitic stainless steels.

5. Main application areas

300 series:

  • 304: widely used in food processing, chemical processing equipment, architectural decoration, etc.
  • 316: Used in environments requiring high corrosion resistance, such as chemical equipment, marine equipment, and medical equipment.
  • 301: Commonly used in springs, automotive parts, and other applications that require high strength.

400 Series:

  • 410: Suitable for applications that require high hardness and wear resistance, such as knives, valves, and pump parts.
  • 430: Commonly used in automotive decoration, home appliance housings, kitchen equipment, and other applications that do not require extremely high corrosion resistance.
  • 420: Commonly used in the manufacture of tools such as knives and scissors that require sharpness and wear resistance.

6. Processing and Welding

  • 300 Series: Due to good plasticity and weldability, 300 Series stainless steel is suitable for a variety of processing methods, including welding and forming.
  • 400 Series: Poor processing and weldability, especially for martensitic stainless steel. Some ferritic stainless steels require special attention when welding to avoid hardening and brittleness.

FAQ

The “L” stands for “Low Carbon.” L-grades have a maximum carbon content of 0.03%, which minimizes harmful carbide precipitation during welding. This makes them the preferred choice for welded components that will be used in corrosive environments without post-weld annealing.

For high-temperature resistance, Grades 309S and 310S are the superior choices. Their higher chromium and nickel content provides excellent strength and resistance to oxidation at elevated temperatures, far surpassing 304 or 316.

300 Series Stainless Steel: The Ultimate Guide for Industrial Applications

The choice depends entirely on the environment. For most applications with exposure to freshwater or general atmospheric conditions, 304 is perfectly adequate and more cost-effective. If your application involves exposure to saltwater, de-icing salts, or aggressive chemical solutions (chlorides), 316 is essential to prevent pitting corrosion.

304 vs 316 Stainless Steel

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Don’t let material selection be a point of failure. Contact Huaxiao Metal for reliable supply, expert advice, and competitive pricing on all 300 series stainless steel products.

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