The phenomenal nature of stainless steel is electrifying. The stipulation of stainless steel is whopping internationally. Industries utilizing stainless steel are unimaginable and its applications are reality.

Stainless steel has various grades and types. It is compounded more than 200 grades. The austenitic stainless steel denotes 300 series. Austenitic stainless steel has superior corrosion resistance with remarkable strength.

Grade 304 and 310 are known for peculiar properties and uses. Grade 304 is the commercially sound grade, whereas grade 310 is acknowledged for heat resistance properties.

Grade 304

Grade 304 is 18/8 stainless steel because it is composed of 18% chromium and 8% nickel. Its characteristics are versatile and applications are numerous. Grade 304 has impressive forming and welding characters and can be deep drawn, roll-formed. Its various characters allocate manufacturing in the field of industrial, food, and architecture, etc.

Grade 310

Grade 310 is high chromium-nickel austenitic stainless steel. It is mainly used for high-temperature applications. Grade 310 exhibits excellent oxidation and corrosion resistance at high temperatures. It is also used in cryogenic applications and retains toughness at -268°C. Grade 310 has low magnetic permeability.

Difference between Grade 304 and Grade 310

Grade 304 and 310, both are austenitic stainless steel with similarities and disparities. It is important to distinguish because the selection of the right grade will lead to an effective operation in industries.

Chemical composition
Chemical makeup decides and distinguishes the physical and mechanical properties of stainless steel grades. Grade 310 has a concentration for chromium and nickel with carbon.

Chemical composition of 304 stainless

Grade	C	Mn	P	S	Si	Cr	Ni	N
304	0.08% max	0.02	0.00045	0.03% max	0.75% max	18 - 20%	8 - 12%	0.1% max
304L	0.03% max	0.02	0.00045	0.03% max	0.75% max	18 - 20%	8 - 12%	0.1% max
304H	0.04-0.10	0.02	0.00045	0.03% max	0.75% max	18 - 20%	8 - 12%	0.1% max

Typical specifications for 304 Plate and 304L Stainless Steel Plate are ASTM A-240, ASME SA -240 and A666.
304 stainless steel,also known as 18/8 stainless steel, European norm 1.4301, is the most common stainless steel. The steel contains both chromium (usually 18%) and nickel (usually 8%) metals as the main non-iron constituents. It is an austenite steel. It is not very electrically or thermally conductive, and is non-magnetic. It has a higher corrosion resistance than regular steel and is widely used because of the ease in which it is formed into various shapes.

Grade 304L is the low carbon version of 304. It does not require post-weld annealing and so is extensively used in heavy gauge components.

Chemical properties of SS 310 / 310S

Weight % (all values are maximum unless a range is otherwise indicated)

Grade	C	Mn	Si	P	S	Cr	Mo	Ni	Fe
SS 310	0.015 max	2.0 max	0.15 max	0.020 max	0.015 max	24.00 – 26.00	0.10 max	19.00 – 21.00	54.7 min
SS 310S	0.08 max	2.0 max	1.00 max	0.045 max	0.030 max	24.00 – 26.00	0.75 max	19.00 – 21.00	53.095 min

Grade 310 offers superior corrosion resistance to grade 304, as grade 310 contains higher chromium and nickel.

Grade 310 has more hardness than grade 304.

Heat resistance

Grade 310 has good oxidation resistance up to 1050°C and 1035°C in continuous and intermittent operations respectively. On the other hand, Grade 304 has also offered oxidation resistance up to 925°C and 870°C in continuous and intermittent operations respectively.

In the comparison zone, grade 310 has higher oxidation resistance than grade 304.

Applications

Grade 310 has applications in heat treatment operations and components, similar to parts of the furnace, kilns, steam boilers, tube hangers for petroleum refining, thermal wells, cryogenic components, ore processing plants, and food processing, etc.

Whereas, grade 304 is widely used in food processing equipment, kitchen equipment and appliances, water filtrations, fasteners, and architectural paneling, etc.

Ambica steels is the leading exporter of stainless steel grades in international business. Our facility is equipped with the latest pieces of machinery and tools. We have developed a network of sales and research teams for product and project enquire. Consultations are always considered.