The 300 series is a group of stainless steel alloys that are known for their excellent corrosion resistance and versatility. These alloys contain chromium as the main alloying element, along with varying amounts of nickel. Here are some common materials from the 300 series, along with their properties and uses:
| Grades | Properties | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| SUS304 | Wide range of uses, with good corrosion resistance, heat resistance, low-temperature strength, and mechanical properties, good hot workabilities such as stamping and bending, no heat treatment hardening phenomenon, non-magnetic | Household products (category 1, 2 tableware), cabinets, indoor pipelines, water heaters, boilers, bathtubs, auto parts, medical appliances, building materials, chemicals, food industry, agriculture, ship parts |
| SUS304Cu | Due to the addition of Cu, the formability is improved, which is conducive to deep processing, especially deep drawing processing | Household goods, thermos, sink, bath |
| SUS304Ni8.5 | Due to the increase of Ni content, the formability is improved, which is conducive to deep processing, especially deep drawing processing | Household goods, thermos, sink, bath |
| SUS304Ni9 | Due to the increase of Ni content, the formability is improved, which is conducive to deep processing, especially deep drawing processing | Household goods, thermos, sink, bath |
| SUS304L | The carbon content is lower than SUS304, and the intergranular corrosion resistance is superior. It is used for parts that are difficult to heat treat after welding. | Chemical, coal, and petroleum industry equipment, construction materials, heat-resistant parts that require high corrosion resistance, and parts that are difficult to heat treat |
| SUS316 | It is more resistant to corrosion by seawater and other solvents than SUS304, has particularly good high-temperature strength, can be used under harsh conditions, has good work hardening, and is non-magnetic | Seawater, chemistry, dyes, papermaking, oxalic acid, fertilizer production equipment, photography, food industry, coastal facilities |
| SUS316L | Carbon content is lower than SUS316, intergranular corrosion resistance is better than SUS316, high-temperature strength is slightly worse, can be used under harsh conditions, good work hardening, non-magnetic | Seawater equipment, chemistry, dyes, papermaking, oxalic acid, fertilizer production equipment, photography, food industry, coastal facilities, iron is suitable for machinery and chemical industry equipment |
| SUS321 | Adding Ti content, good intergranular corrosion resistance, heat resistance, high-temperature strength, and high-temperature oxidation resistance, good processability and welding performance, not recommended for surface decoration | Heat-resistant materials, exhaust pipes of automobiles and aircraft, boiler covers, pipes, chemical devices, heat exchangers, jet engines, pressure cookers |
| SUS301 | The content of Cr and Ni is less than 304, and the strength and hardness are improved after cold rolling. With certain magnetic properties after cold rolling | Train, aircraft, vehicle, spring |
| SUS301L | Reduce the content of C on the basis of 301, thereby improving the intergranular corrosion. Add N to compensate for the decrease in strength caused by the decrease in C content | Train vehicle structure and exterior decoration |
These are just a few examples of the 300 series stainless steel alloys and their applications. Each alloy within the series offers unique properties that make them suitable for various industrial and commercial purposes.