Difference Between Stainless Steel 310 And 310S

Stainless steel grades 310 and 310S are both austenitic, heat-resistant stainless steels widely used in high-temperature applications such as furnace components, burners, and heat exchangers. Stainless steel grade 310 is an austenitic stainless steel composed of nickel, chromium, and manganese, offering good corrosion resistance and mechanical ductility. Stainless steel grade 310S is a high-alloy austenitic stainless steel with excellent oxidation resistance and strength. How do you know which grade to choose?

301S stainless steel has a lower carbon content than 310, which effectively reduces the risk of carbide precipitation during welding and high-temperature exposure.

• 310 Stainless Steel: 310 stainless steel is an austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel with excellent oxidation and corrosion resistance. Due to its higher percentages of chromium and nickel, 310S exhibits significantly improved creep strength, enabling continuous operation at high temperatures and excellent high-temperature resistance.
• Characteristics: High-temperature oxidation resistance. Stainless steel achieves this resistance through the localized oxidation of chromium, which forms a very stable oxide (Cr₂O₃). As long as the chromium content is sufficient, a continuous layer of chromium oxide (green) forms on the metal surface, preventing the formation of other oxides and protecting the metal.

• 310S Stainless Steel: 310S stainless steel plate is a high-alloy stainless steel in the 25Cr-20Ni series. It has excellent high-temperature oxidation resistance and is suitable for manufacturing various furnace components. It has a maximum operating temperature of 1200°C and a continuous operating temperature of 1150°C.
• Characteristics: Improves the brittle nature of typical carbon tool steel, thereby extending tool life. Vacuum-degassed refined steel offers consistent quality-excellent hardenability and oil-hardening (minimizes cracking and deformation). Excellent toughness and wear resistance ensure long-lasting tool life.

• 304H -- Applications requiring heat resistance, but limited to 800°C.
• 321 -- Applications requiring heat resistance and subsequent aqueous corrosion resistance, but limited to 900°C.
• 253MA -- Applications requiring slightly higher high-temperature performance than 310, better resistance to reducing sulfides, and less susceptibility to sigma phase embrittlement.