Grade dossier
302 Stainless Steel Properties and Selection
A higher-carbon 18-8 austenitic grade used for springs, wire, fasteners and formed components where toughness and work-hardening response are central to the design.
Identity before substitution
Define the grade, product and condition together
A familiar grade name is not a complete purchase specification. Product form, controlling standard, dimensions, condition, finish, certification and service environment determine whether the delivered material is suitable.
Composition control
ASTM A240/A240M flat-product chemistry
Limits are not heat analysis targets
The table summarizes grade limits commonly used for plate, sheet and strip. Pipe, tube, bar, forgings and cast products can be governed by different specifications. Always place the product standard and edition on the purchase order.
| C | 0.15 max |
|---|---|
| Mn | 2.00 max |
| Si | 1.00 max |
| P | 0.045 max |
| S | 0.030 max |
| Cr | 17.00-19.00 |
| Ni | 8.00-10.00 |
| N | 0.10 max |
Properties with context
Minimums, typical indicators and delivered condition
Specified annealed flat-product values
| Tensile strength | 515 MPa min |
|---|---|
| 0.2% yield strength | 205 MPa min |
| Elongation | 40% min |
| Hardness | 92 HRBW max |
Selection indicators
| Density | about 7.9-8.0 g/cm3 |
|---|---|
| Work hardening | High |
| Magnetic response | Low annealed; increases after cold work |
| Heat treatment | Not hardened by thermal treatment |
Values depend on product form, thickness, test orientation, condition and governing edition. Use the mill test certificate and the purchase specification for acceptance, not a web table alone.
Selection boundary
Where 302 belongs and where to escalate
Grade selection is an environmental decision, not a popularity contest. Review the complete medium, temperature, geometry, fabrication, cleaning and inspection requirements.
Good reasons to evaluate it
Spring wire and formed spring components
Fasteners and cold-headed parts with the correct wire spec
General formed components
Parts needing an 18-8 grade with higher carbon allowance
Reasons to stop and review
Using annealed sheet values for spring wire
Welded corrosion service without sensitization review
Confusing 302 with 302HQ/S30430
Ordering without product form and temper
Fabrication route
Protect properties through cutting, forming and welding
Use the product-form standard that matches sheet, bar or wire.
Expect strong work hardening and rising forming loads.
Welded service needs carbon and heat-input review.
Specify final temper, surface and straightness for spring products.
Supply definition
Product form changes the applicable requirements
Do not send an RFQ that names only the grade. State form, governing standard, dimensions, tolerances, finish, edge or end condition, quantity, certification and inspection.
Plate, sheet and strip to ASTM A240/A240M
Bar and shapes to ASTM A276/A479 as applicable
Spring wire to ASTM A313
General wire to ASTM A580
Certificate checkpoint
Request heat identity, chemical analysis, mechanical results and compliance to the exact product specification. Add PMI, corrosion testing or supplementary examination only when the application requires it.
Interactive selection check
Test 302 against the controlling question
Procurement FAQ
Questions to close before placing the order
Is 302 stainless steel magnetic?
Magnetic response depends on microstructure and delivered condition.
Can 302 replace another grade?
Only after checking the governing standard, composition, mechanical properties, corrosion exposure, fabrication route and certification. A commercial name is not a substitution approval.
Does the table apply to every product form?
Not automatically. The values shown use flat-product requirements as a reference. Other forms can use different product standards, dimensions and tests.
What should a 302 RFQ include?
Product form, standard and edition, UNS or EN designation, dimensions, tolerances, finish, quantity, service, fabrication, certificate and inspection requirements.
Sources, scope and RFQ
Use traceable grade data, then specify the actual product
ASTM A240/A240M requirements for UNS S30200 flat product
Carpenter 302 alloy data and product-form references
ASTM A313 spring-wire specification scope
ASSDA wrought stainless mechanical-property reference