AISI 301 VS 302 VS 303 VS 304 VS 304L VS 310 VS 316 VS 316L

PropertyAISI 301AISI 302AISI 303AISI 304AISI 304LAISI 310AISI 316AISI 316L
Chemical Composition
Chromium (Cr)16-18%17-19%17-19%18-20%18-20%24-26%16-18%16-18%
Nickel (Ni)6-8%8-10%8-10%8-10.5%8-12%19-22%10-14%10-14%
Molybdenum (Mo)NoneNoneNoneNoneNoneNone2-3%2-3%
Carbon (C)≤ 0.15%≤ 0.15%≤ 0.15%≤ 0.08%≤ 0.03%≤ 0.25%≤ 0.08%≤ 0.03%
Manganese (Mn)≤ 2%≤ 2%≤ 2%≤ 2%≤ 2%≤ 2%≤ 2%≤ 2%
Silicon (Si)≤ 1%≤ 1%≤ 1%≤ 1%≤ 1%≤ 1.5%≤ 1%≤ 1%
Sulfur (S)≤ 0.03%≤ 0.03%0.15-0.35%≤ 0.03%≤ 0.03%≤ 0.03%≤ 0.03%≤ 0.03%
Phosphorus (P)≤ 0.045%≤ 0.045%≤ 0.20%≤ 0.045%≤ 0.045%≤ 0.045%≤ 0.045%≤ 0.045%
Mechanical Properties
Tensile Strength930 MPa (cold-rolled)620 MPa515 MPa515 MPa485 MPa520 MPa515 MPa485 MPa
Yield Strength370 MPa (cold-rolled)275 MPa205 MPa205 MPa170 MPa215 MPa205 MPa170 MPa
Elongation40%40%35%40%40%40%40%40%
Hardness (Brinell)270 HB (cold-rolled)201 HB190 HB201 HB183 HB217 HB201 HB183 HB
Corrosion ResistanceModerate, vulnerable to stress crackingGood in mild atmospheresModerate due to sulfurExcellent in most environmentsSlightly lower than 304 (due to low C)Excellent, especially at high temperaturesSuperior due to molybdenum, good in marine environmentsSuperior, especially for chloride and marine applications
WeldabilityGood, but prone to sensitizationExcellentFair, sulfur affects weldabilityExcellentExcellent (low carbon avoids carbide precipitation)Fair, requires heat treatmentExcellent, with resistance to sensitizationExcellent (low carbon avoids sensitization)
FormabilityExcellent (in cold-rolled form)ExcellentGood, less formable than 304ExcellentExcellentFair, less formable than 304GoodGood
Heat ResistanceModerate, up to 870°CModerateModerateModerate, up to 870°CModerateExcellent, up to 1100°CGood, up to 870°CGood, up to 870°C
MagnetismSlightly magnetic (after cold working)Non-magnetic in annealed conditionSlightly magnetic after machiningNon-magnetic in annealed conditionNon-magneticNon-magneticNon-magneticNon-magnetic
Typical ApplicationsSprings, automotive componentsFood processing equipmentMachined parts, fasteners, valvesKitchen equipment, appliances, constructionChemical containers, low-temp equipmentFurnace parts, heat exchangers, turbinesMarine environments, chemical processingMarine applications, medical devices
Cost (Price)$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Explanation of Costs:

  • $ = Lower cost (more economical)
  • $$ = Medium cost
  • $$$ = Higher cost
  • $$$$ = Significantly higher cost

Cost Insights:

  1. AISI 301 and 302: These are relatively affordable options, priced similarly to AISI 304 but with some trade-offs in terms of corrosion resistance and formability. Suitable for non-critical applications where cost savings are important.
  2. AISI 303: Higher in price due to the addition of sulfur for enhanced machinability, making it more expensive than AISI 304 but ideal for high-volume machining jobs.
  3. AISI 304 and 304L: These are the most commonly used stainless steels, making them mid-priced. AISI 304L offers similar performance with better weldability, so their prices are close.
  4. AISI 310: One of the most expensive stainless steel grades due to its high chromium and nickel content, providing superior heat and oxidation resistance. It’s often used in high-temperature applications, which justify its higher cost.
  5. AISI 316 and 316L: These grades are priced higher than AISI 304 due to their molybdenum content, which enhances corrosion resistance, especially in marine and chloride environments. AISI 316L, with lower carbon content, is slightly more expensive than 316, particularly in applications requiring enhanced weldability and resistance to sensitization.

Conclusion:

  • 301, 302, and 304(L) are the more economical choices for general-purpose applications.
  • 303 is more expensive due to machinability enhancements.
  • 310 and 316(L) are higher-priced options due to their specialized corrosion and heat-resistant properties, making them suitable for harsh environments.

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AISI 301 VS 302 VS 303 VS 304 VS 304L VS 310 VS 316 VS 316L Modulus Metal Turkey