Grade dossier
310 Stainless Steel for High-Temperature Service
A high-alloy austenitic grade for elevated-temperature oxidation service, with its higher carbon allowance kept distinct from 310S and 310H.
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 | 0.25 max |
|---|---|
| Mn | 2.00 max |
| Si | 1.50 max |
| P | 0.045 max |
| S | 0.030 max |
| Cr | 24.00-26.00 |
| Ni | 19.00-22.00 |
Properties with context
Minimums, typical indicators and delivered condition
Specified annealed flat-product values
| Tensile strength | 515 MPa min reference |
|---|---|
| 0.2% yield strength | 205 MPa min reference |
| Elongation | 40% min reference |
| Condition | Solution-annealed wrought product |
Selection indicators
| Density | about 7.8-8.0 g/cm3 |
|---|---|
| Primary purpose | High-temperature oxidation resistance |
| Thermal expansion | High versus ferritic heat-resistant grades |
| Design basis | Atmosphere, load, cycling and section thickness |
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 310 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
Furnace fixtures and radiant components
Heat shields and burner parts
High-temperature process equipment
Projects explicitly requiring UNS S31000 certification
Reasons to stop and review
Substituting 310S or 310H without certificate review
Treating scale resistance as structural strength
Wet corrosive service selected only from high alloy content
Ordering without product form and governing standard
Fabrication route
Protect properties through cutting, forming and welding
Use the specified product standard and exact UNS.
Check creep, code allowables and thermal fatigue at temperature.
Plan forming and welding around high thermal expansion.
Review hot-gas chemistry, deposits and shutdown condensation.
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 under a named product standard
Bar and shapes under the applicable long-product standard
Forgings and fittings under their own specifications
Fabricated furnace components
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 310 against the controlling question
Procurement FAQ
Questions to close before placing the order
Is 310 stainless steel magnetic?
Magnetic response depends on microstructure and delivered condition.
Can 310 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?
No. 310, 310S and 310H have different UNS identities and carbon controls; mechanical requirements also depend on product form and standard.
What should a 310 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 A959 composition for wrought UNS S31000
ASTM product specifications applicable to the ordered form
Producer heat-resistant stainless guidance for 25Cr-20Ni alloys
Applicable ASME design-code data for the actual product and temperature