Stainless steel 310S 310S (UNS S31008, EN 1.4845)

Fe balance, 24 to 26 Cr, 19 to 22 Ni, max 0.08 C, max 2.00 Mn, max 1.50 Si, max 0.045 P, max 0.030 S (wt%, ASTM A240 composition for 310S)

Also known as UNS S31008, EN 1.4845, EN name X8CrNi25-21, DIN X8CrNi25-21, AISI 310S, SAE 310S · 5 more

Type 310S is the low-carbon version of the 24 to 26 percent chromium, 19 to 22 percent nickel austenitic grade 310 (Wikipedia; Atlas Steels).

10 sources · Updated 2026-10-25 · CC BY 4.0

Evidence level

2 of 5

Lab-measured

Stand heat in air

1,050 °C continuous

Strength when annealed

610 MPa tensile

Stiffness

195 GPa

Density

7.8 kg/dm3

Recipe, share of the weight

  • Fe balance (the rest)Iron
  • Cr 24 to 26%Chromium
  • Ni 19 to 22%Nickel
  • C 0 to 0.08%Carbon
  • Mn 0 to 2%Manganese
  • Si 0 to 1.5%Silicon
  • P 0 to 0.045%Phosphorus
  • S 0 to 0.03%Sulphur

Best for

Furnace and heat-treatment parts that run hot in oxidising air up to about 1,050 °C, with good creep strength and oxidation resistance

Weakest at

Sulphur-bearing hot gases, which cut the service limit to 950 °C, and long exposure between 650 and 900 °C, which causes sigma-phase embrittlement and chromium-carbide sensitisation

Risk at a glance

  • People Low. Welding fume
  • If it fails Severe. Loss of service limit in sulphur-bearing gas
  • Corrosion Severe. Sulphur in the hot gas cuts the usable temperature of 310S from 1,050 °C to 950 °C.

Quick facts: 310S (UNS S31008, EN 1.4845)

Key properties of 310S (UNS S31008, EN 1.4845)
PropertyValueBasis
Density7.8 to 8.03 g/cm³2 sourced values across conditions
Yield strength205 to 290 MPa3 sourced values across conditions
Tensile strength500 to 750 MPa3 sourced values across conditions
Young's modulus195 to 196 GPa2 sourced values across conditions
Thermal conductivity13 to 15 W/(m·K)2 sourced values across conditions
Thermal expansion (CTE)15.9 to 18.3 ppm/K3 sourced values across conditions
Melting point1,410 °C1 sourced value
Specific heat480 J/(kg·K)1 sourced value
Electrical resistivity0.86 Ω·mm²/m1 sourced value
Maximum service temperature950 to 1,100 °C4 sourced values across conditions

What is the density of Stainless steel 310S?

Stainless steel 310S has a density of 7.8 to 8.03 g/cm³. The range covers 2 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.

What is the thermal conductivity of Stainless steel 310S?

Stainless steel 310S has a thermal conductivity of 13 to 15 W/(m·K). The range covers 2 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.

What is the coefficient of thermal expansion of Stainless steel 310S?

Stainless steel 310S has a coefficient of thermal expansion of 15.9 to 18.3 ppm/K. The range covers 3 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.

What is the melting point of Stainless steel 310S?

Stainless steel 310S has a melting point of 1,410 °C. The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.

What is the yield strength of Stainless steel 310S?

Stainless steel 310S has a yield strength of 205 to 290 MPa. The range covers 3 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.

What are the other names and codes for Stainless steel 310S?

Stainless steel 310S is also written as UNS S31008, EN 1.4845, EN name X8CrNi25-21, DIN X8CrNi25-21, AISI 310S, SAE 310S. Each code is printed in the source listed beside it in the designations table.

What is Stainless steel 310S used for?

Uses recorded in the sources include Industrial furnace and boiler components, furnace doors, fans, piping and recuperators; Heat exchangers and furnace parts; Carburising boxes, heat treatment baskets and jigs.

Why it exists

Type 310S is the 24 to 26 percent chromium and 19 to 22 percent nickel austenitic grade used for high-temperature service (Atlas; Aperam). The producer's typical annealed tensile strength is 610 MPa at 20 °C, and its yield is 290 MPa. In air it resists oxidation up to 1,050 °C continuous service with sulphur at or below 2 g/m3 (Aperam).

Where it's used

Furnace and boiler parts

Aperam lists industrial furnace and boiler components, tubes and expansion bellows, and heat exchangers as uses for 310S. Atlas lists furnace parts, oil burner parts and carburising boxes.

Heat treatment equipment

Atlas lists heat treatment baskets and jigs. Righton lists annealing covers and boxes, burner grids, muffles and retorts.

Recipe

Fe balance, 24 to 26 Cr, 19 to 22 Ni, max 0.08 C, max 2.00 Mn, max 1.50 Si, max 0.045 P, max 0.030 S (wt%, ASTM A240 composition for 310S)

310S is an iron-based austenitic stainless steel with chromium and nickel as the main alloying elements, and carbon kept low (max 0.08 percent) to limit carbide precipitation (Atlas; Righton). It is solution annealed at 1,040 to 1,150 °C and cooled rapidly for maximum corrosion resistance (Atlas).

What 310S (UNS S31008, EN 1.4845) is made of
IngredientShare of the weightWhat it does
Iron Fe balance (the rest) The matrix of the alloy, holding the austenite structure.
Chromium Cr 24 to 26% Gives the corrosion and oxidation resistance named in the datasheets (Aperam; Atlas).
Nickel Ni 19 to 22% Stabilises the austenite structure.
Carbon C 0 to 0.08% Kept low (maximum 0.08 percent for 310S) to limit sensitisation; 310 and 310H allow higher carbon (Atlas; Righton).
Manganese Mn 0 to 2% Deoxidiser and austenite former.
Silicon Si 0 to 1.5% Deoxidiser, as printed for the melt chemistry (Atlas specification).
Phosphorus P 0 to 0.045% Impurity, limited by the specification (Atlas).
Sulphur S 0 to 0.03% Impurity, limited by the specification (Atlas).

Weight shares are as printed in the sources.

What it can do

Stand heat in air

1,050 °C continuous

measured

Aperam gives 1,050 °C continuous with sulphur at or below 2 g/m3, and 1,100 °C peak. The German datasheet gives a range of use up to about 1,050 °C in oxidising conditions.

Strength when annealed

610 MPa tensile

measured

Typical annealed tensile strength is 610 MPa and yield is 290 MPa at 20 °C, with 42 percent elongation (Aperam). The minimum for flat product to ASTM A240 is 515 MPa tensile and 205 MPa yield.

Stiffness

195 GPa

measured

Young's modulus is 195 GPa at 20 °C (Aperam) and 196 GPa in the German datasheet.

Density

7.8 kg/dm3

measured

The producer gives 7.8 kg/dm3 at 20 °C. Goodfellow gives 8.03 g/cm3 for the same grade, so the density is about 7.8 to 8.0.

How it compares

Among the three rows below, the density is about 7.8 to 8.0 kg/dm3 and the thermal conductivity is about 13 to 15 W/(m·K) at 20 °C, both from the two datasheets that print them. The service limit is the sulphur-dependent figure from Aperam. Read the rows as examples of this grade only, because other profiles in this site are different alloys.

The same measurements for each material, so you can compare them. Each row names the key condition under the value; the full conditions and methods are in the numbered notes under Technical details. Other materials are shown beside it; each was measured under its own conditions, so open its page before comparing closely. Compare every grade in the family.

Benchmarks
Measurement310S (UNS S31008, EN 1.4845)304 (UNS S30400)301 (UNS S30100)303 (UNS S30300)316 (UNS S31600)316L (UNS S31603)302304L (UNS S30403)309317L321347347H904L (UNS N08904, EN 1.4539)Nitronic 60
Thermal behavior and safety
Melting point (liquidus), 310SValue printed in a producer's product data sheet1410 °C31673 K1399 to 1421 °C1455 °C1390 °C1390 °C1420 °C1399 to 1421 °C2550 to 2650 °F1390 to 1440 °C1398 to 1446 °C1398 to 1446 °C2550 to 2635 degF1300 to 1390 °Cno data
Specific heat capacity at 20 °C, 310SValue printed in a producer's product data sheet480 J/(kg·K)4490 J/kg.K500 J/kg.K500 J/kg°C450 J/kg.K450 J/kg °K500 J/kg K500 J/kg·K502 J/kg·K500 J/(kg·K)500 J/kg K500 J/(kg·K)485 J/(kg.°C)450 J/(kg·K)0.12 Btu/lb °F
Thermal conductivity at 20 °C, 310S (producer)Value printed in a producer's product data sheet13 W/(m·K)514 W/m.K16.3 W/m.K15 W/m°C14.6 W/m.K14.6 W/m·K16.2 W/(m·K)16.3 W/m·K15.6 W/m·K14 W/(m·K)16.3 W/(m·K)16.3 W/(m·K)14 W/m.°C12 W/(m·K)9 Btu/ft hr °F
Thermal conductivity at 20 °C, 310S (distributor)15 W/(m·K)614 W/m.K16.3 W/m.K15 W/m°C14.6 W/m.K14.6 W/m·K16.2 W/(m·K)16.3 W/m·K15.6 W/m·K14 W/(m·K)16.3 W/(m·K)16.3 W/(m·K)14 W/m.°C12 W/(m·K)9 Btu/ft hr °F
Physical and electrical
Density, 310S cold rolled and annealed sheet7.8 kg/dm317.85 Mg/m38.03 g/cm³7.9 kg/dm38.027 g/cm³8.03 g/cm³7.9 g/cm³7.9 g/cm³8.03 g/cm³8.027 g/cm³7.92 g/cm³7.96 g/cm³7.98 kg/dm37.95 g/cm³7.622 gm/cm³
Density, 310SValue printed on a stockholder's AISI 310S page8.03 g/cm³27.85 Mg/m38.03 g/cm³7.9 kg/dm38.027 g/cm³8.03 g/cm³7.9 g/cm³7.9 g/cm³8.03 g/cm³8.027 g/cm³7.92 g/cm³7.96 g/cm³7.98 kg/dm37.95 g/cm³7.622 gm/cm³
Electrical resistivity at 20 °C, 310SValue printed in a producer's product data sheet0.86 Ω·mm²/m1065 10-8 ohm.m72 µΩ·cm72 microhm-cm69 10-8 ohm.m74 μΩ·cm72 µΩ·cm72 microhm-cm78 µΩ·cm475 Ohm-circ mil/ft72 microhm·cm72 µΩ·cmno data95.2 µΩ·cm98.2 microhm-cm
Other measurements
Mean coefficient of thermal expansion, 20 to 200 °C, 310SValue printed in a producer's product data sheet16.5 ppm/K7no data16.6 10-6/K16 10-6/°C16.5 10-6/K16.5 10-6 cm/cm/°C16.6 µm/(m·°C)16.6 10-6 cm/cm/°C15.6 µm/(m·K)16.5 10^-6 cm/cm/°C16.6 ppm/K16.6 ppm/K9.2 in/in.degF x 10^-615.8 ppm/K15.8 µm/m/°C
Mean coefficient of thermal expansion, 20 to 1000 °C, 310SValue printed in a producer's product data sheet18.3 ppm/K8no data16.6 10-6/K16 10-6/°C16.5 10-6/K16.5 10-6 cm/cm/°C16.6 µm/(m·°C)16.6 10-6 cm/cm/°C15.6 µm/(m·K)16.5 10^-6 cm/cm/°C16.6 ppm/K16.6 ppm/K9.2 in/in.degF x 10^-615.8 ppm/K15.8 µm/m/°C
Mean coefficient of thermal expansion, 20 to 100 °C, 310SValue printed on a stockholder's AISI 310S page15.9 µm/(m·K)9no data16.6 10-6/K16 10-6/°C16.5 10-6/K16.5 10-6 cm/cm/°C16.6 µm/(m·°C)16.6 10-6 cm/cm/°C15.6 µm/(m·K)16.5 10^-6 cm/cm/°C16.6 ppm/K16.6 ppm/K9.2 in/in.degF x 10^-615.8 ppm/K15.8 µm/m/°C
Young's modulus at 20 °C, 310SValue printed in a producer's product data sheet195 GPa11200 GPa193 GPa193 GPa200 GPa193 GPa200 GPa200 GPa200 GPa200 GPa193 GPa193 GPa200 GPa195 GPa180 GPa
Modulus of elasticity at 20 °C, 1.4845196 GPa12200 GPa193 GPa193 GPa200 GPa193 GPa200 GPa200 GPa200 GPa200 GPa193 GPa193 GPa200 GPa195 GPa180 GPa
Tensile strength Rm, typical, 310S annealed610 MPa13> 515 MPa515 MPa> 517 MPa515 MPa485 MPa655 MPa> 485 MPa621 MPa> 515 MPa> 515 MPa> 515 MPa> 75 ksi530 to 730 MPa> 655 MPa
Yield strength Rp0.2, typical, 310S annealed290 MPa14> 205 MPa205 MPa> 172 MPa205 MPa170 MPa290 MPa> 170 MPa290 MPa> 205 MPa> 205 MPa> 205 MPa> 30 ksi> 240 MPa> 345 MPa
Elongation A, typical, 310S annealed42 %15> 40 %40 %> 35 %40 %40 %55 %> 40 %49 %> 40 %> 35 %> 40 %> 40 %> 35 %> 35 %
Tensile strength, specified minimum, ASTM A240 flat product> 515 MPa16> 515 MPa515 MPa> 517 MPa515 MPa485 MPa655 MPa> 485 MPa621 MPa> 515 MPa> 515 MPa> 515 MPa> 75 ksi530 to 730 MPa> 655 MPa
Yield strength 0.2 percent proof, specified minimum, ASTM A240 flat product> 205 MPa17> 205 MPa205 MPa> 172 MPa205 MPa170 MPa290 MPa> 170 MPa290 MPa> 205 MPa> 205 MPa> 205 MPa> 30 ksi> 240 MPa> 345 MPa
Elongation, specified minimum, ASTM A240 flat product> 40 %18> 40 %40 %> 35 %40 %40 %55 %> 40 %49 %> 40 %> 35 %> 40 %> 40 %> 35 %> 35 %
Tensile strength, EN 1.4845 at 20 °C, annealed tube500 to 750 MPa19> 515 MPa515 MPa> 517 MPa515 MPa485 MPa655 MPa> 485 MPa621 MPa> 515 MPa> 515 MPa> 515 MPa> 75 ksi530 to 730 MPa> 655 MPa
Yield strength Rp0.2 at 20 °C, minimum, 1.4845> 210 MPa20> 205 MPa205 MPa> 172 MPa205 MPa170 MPa290 MPa> 170 MPa290 MPa> 205 MPa> 205 MPa> 205 MPa> 30 ksi> 240 MPa> 345 MPa
Tensile strength at 649 °C, annealed 310S393 MPa21> 515 MPa515 MPa> 517 MPa515 MPa485 MPa655 MPa> 485 MPa621 MPa> 515 MPa> 515 MPa> 515 MPa> 75 ksi530 to 730 MPa> 655 MPa
Yield strength at 649 °C, annealed 310S178 MPa22> 205 MPa205 MPa> 172 MPa205 MPa170 MPa290 MPa> 170 MPa290 MPa> 205 MPa> 205 MPa> 205 MPa> 30 ksi> 240 MPa> 345 MPa
Maximum continuous service temperature in air with sulphur at or below 2 g/m31050 °C23no data840 °Cno data1023 Kno data925 °C< 426 °C2000 °Fno data850 °C800 °C850 °C< 400 °Cno data
Maximum service temperature in sulphur above 2 g/m3Limit printed in a producer's product data sheet950 °C24no data840 °Cno data1023 Kno data925 °C< 426 °C2000 °Fno data850 °C800 °C850 °C< 400 °Cno data
Continuous service temperature, 310SValue printed on a stockholder's AISI 310S page1100 °C25no data840 °Cno data1023 Kno data925 °C< 426 °C2000 °Fno data850 °C800 °C850 °C< 400 °Cno data
Service temperature in oxidising air, 1.48451050 °C26no data840 °Cno data1023 Kno data925 °C< 426 °C2000 °Fno data850 °C800 °C850 °C< 400 °Cno data

Why choose it, and why not

Good for

  • Hot air and furnace service up to 1,050 °C continuous, with sulphur at or below 2 g/m3 (Aperam).
  • Parts that must keep strength and scale resistance at high temperature, such as heat-treatment baskets and jigs (Atlas).
  • Cryogenic toughness is claimed in the datasheets as austenitic toughness, but no low-temperature number was read.

Watch out for

  • Sulphur in the hot gas cuts the usable limit to 950 °C.
  • Long exposure between 427 and 899 °C causes chromium-carbide sensitisation, and between 650 and 900 °C sigma-phase embrittlement.
  • Hot cracking during welding: keep the interpass temperature below 150 °C and the heat input low.
  • Welding fume contains hexavalent chromium and nickel. Use local exhaust ventilation.

Type 310S is an austenitic stainless steel for hot air and furnace parts up to about 1,050 °C, with a typical annealed tensile strength of 610 MPa at 20 °C. Its limits are sulphur-bearing gas, which drops the limit to 950 °C, and long time between 427 and 900 °C, which causes sensitisation and sigma-phase embrittlement. The producer and distributor values differ, so specify the grade and standard on the order.

Technical details

For scientists and researchers. Everything above comes from the record below: every number with its method, its conditions and its source.

Other names and standards

The same grade under other systems, as datasheets and standards print them. Each code was checked against the page it comes from.

Other names and standards
SystemCodes
UNSS31008
EN1.4845
EN nameX8CrNi25-21
DINX8CrNi25-21
AISI310S
SAE310S
JISSUS 310S
SS2361
BS310S24
AFNORZ12CN25-20
ASTMA240 (plate, sheet and strip)

Notes

The method, full conditions and any caveat for the numbered rows above.

Notes for the numbered rows
#MeasurementMethodConditionsCaveat
1Density, 310S cold rolled and annealed sheetValue printed in a producer's product data sheet (typical value)grade 310S (1.4845, S31008)form cold rolled and annealed sheettemperature 20 °Cunit in source kg/dm³—
2Density, 310S—grade 310Stemperature not statedunit in source 0.29 lb/in³The producer sheet gives 7.8 kg/dm3 for the same grade. The two differ by about 3 percent, so both are recorded.
3Melting point (liquidus), 310S—grade 310S (1.4845)point liquidusunit in source °C—
4Specific heat capacity at 20 °C, 310S—grade 310S (1.4845)form cold rolled and annealed sheettemperature 20 °Cunit in source J/kg·K—
5Thermal conductivity at 20 °C, 310S (producer)—grade 310S (1.4845)form cold rolled and annealed sheettemperature 20 °Cunit in source W/m·K—
6Thermal conductivity at 20 °C, 310S (distributor)Value printed in a German stockholder's 1.4845 data sheet, physical properties at 20 °Cgrade 1.4845 / 310Stemperature 20 °Cunit in source W/m KTwo datasheets give 13 and 15 W/(m·K) at 20 °C, so the value is about 13 to 15.
7Mean coefficient of thermal expansion, 20 to 200 °C, 310S—grade 310S (1.4845)temperature 20 to 200 °Cunit in source 10 -6/K—
8Mean coefficient of thermal expansion, 20 to 1000 °C, 310S—grade 310S (1.4845)temperature 20 to 1000 °Cunit in source 10 -6/K—
9Mean coefficient of thermal expansion, 20 to 100 °C, 310S—grade 310Stemperature 20 to 100 °Cunit in source µm/m·K—
10Electrical resistivity at 20 °C, 310S—grade 310S (1.4845)temperature 20 °Cunit in source Ω mm2 /m—
11Young's modulus at 20 °C, 310S—grade 310S (1.4845)temperature 20 °Cform cold rolled and annealed sheet—
12Modulus of elasticity at 20 °C, 1.4845Value printed in a German stockholder's 1.4845 data sheet, mechanical properties at 20 °Cgrade 1.4845temperature 20 °Cunit in source kN / mm²—
13Tensile strength Rm, typical, 310S annealedTypical value printed in a producer's product data sheetgrade 310S (1.4845, S31008)temper annealedtemperature 20 °Cbasis typical value, length 50 mm for thickness below 3 mm—
14Yield strength Rp0.2, typical, 310S annealedTypical value printed in a producer's product data sheetgrade 310S (1.4845, S31008)temper annealedtemperature 20 °Cbasis typical value—
15Elongation A, typical, 310S annealedTypical value printed in a producer's product data sheetgrade 310S (1.4845, S31008)temper annealedbasis typical value, length 50 mm for thickness below 3 mm—
16Tensile strength, specified minimum, ASTM A240 flat productMinimum specified value printed in a distributor's data sheetgrade 310Sform flat rolled product (plate, sheet and coil) to ASTM A240basis minimum specifiedunit in source ksi 75 min—
17Yield strength 0.2 percent proof, specified minimum, ASTM A240 flat productMinimum specified value printed in a distributor's data sheetgrade 310Sform flat rolled product (plate, sheet and coil) to ASTM A240basis minimum specifiedunit in source ksi 30 min—
18Elongation, specified minimum, ASTM A240 flat productMinimum specified value printed in a distributor's data sheetgrade 310Sform flat rolled product to ASTM A240gauge length 50 mmbasis minimum specified—
19Tensile strength, EN 1.4845 at 20 °C, annealed tubeRange printed in a German stockholder's data sheet, mechanical properties at 20 °Cgrade 1.4845 / 310Stemperature 20 °Cunit in source N / mm²basis range printed in a datasheet—
20Yield strength Rp0.2 at 20 °C, minimum, 1.4845Minimum printed in a German stockholder's data sheetgrade 1.4845 / 310Stemperature 20 °Cunit in source N / mm²basis minimum printed—
21Tensile strength at 649 °C, annealed 310SValue printed in a stockholder's table of tensile properties at temperaturegrade 310Stemper annealedtemperature 649 °C (1200 °F)basis value printed in a table of tensile properties at temperature—
22Yield strength at 649 °C, annealed 310SValue printed in a stockholder's table of tensile properties at temperaturegrade 310Stemper annealedtemperature 649 °C (1200 °F)basis value printed in a table of tensile properties at temperature—
23Maximum continuous service temperature in air with sulphur at or below 2 g/m3Typical working temperature printed in a producer's product data sheetgrade 310S (1.4845)service continuousatmosphere sulphur content of 2 g/m3 or lesspeak 1,100 °C peak temperature (same source)—
24Maximum service temperature in sulphur above 2 g/m3—grade 310S (1.4845)atmosphere sulphur content above 2 g/m3service maximum limit—
25Continuous service temperature, 310S—grade 310Sservice continuousatmosphere not statedunit in source 2010 °FAperam gives 1,050 °C continuous for sulphur at or below 2 g/m3. The stockholder page gives about 1,100 °C without a condition.
26Service temperature in oxidising air, 1.4845Value printed in a German stockholder's data sheetgrade 1.4845atmosphere oxidising air, not sulphur-bearingservice heat resistant range up to about 1050 °C—

Corrosion and compatibility

What happens when it meets other materials and environments.

Corrosion and compatibility
EnvironmentConcernWhat happens
Sulphur-bearing hot gases, oxidising or reducing severe Sulphur in the hot gas cuts the usable temperature of 310S from 1,050 °C to 950 °C.1
Long exposure at high temperature, then aqueous service moderate After long exposure at high temperature, 310S can suffer intergranular corrosion from chromium carbide precipitation.2
Cyclic oxidation in air at 1,000 °C low 310S resists repeated heating and cooling in air at 1,000 °C well.3
Carburising atmospheres at high temperature moderate Sources disagree on carburising resistance, so test before using 310S in carburising service.4
Chloride and sea water, aqueous low Atlas says 310 family grades resist sea water at about 22 °C about as well as 316.5
Corrosion details
#EnvironmentDetailsTest conditions
1 Sulphur-bearing hot gases, oxidising or reducing Aperam says sulphur contents above 2 g/m3 decrease the maximum temperature to 950 °C. The German datasheet says 1.4845 has only low resistance in oxidising and reducing sulphur-bearing atmospheres. atmosphere sulphur content above 2 g/m3 at high temperaturebasis limit printed in producer and stockholder datasheets
2 Long exposure at high temperature, then aqueous service Aperam says grade 310S can be susceptible to intergranular corrosion after a long period of exposure to high temperature because of chromium carbide precipitation. Goodfellow gives a sensitisation range of 427 to 899 °C. temperature 427 to 899 °C (800 to 1650 °F), sensitisation rangeexposure long period, duration not stated
3 Cyclic oxidation in air at 1,000 °C Aperam ran a thermal cycle between 600 and 1,000 °C with 33 h dwell to reach 3,000 h total at 1,000 °C. It reports very high oxidation resistance. The mass-gain curve is in the source as a figure only. environment 1,000 °C air, thermal cycle 600 to 1,000 °Ctotal dwell 3,000 h at 1,000 °C
4 Carburising atmospheres at high temperature Aperam gives excellent resistance to carburising. The German datasheet says 1.4845 is not suited to carburising conditions at high temperatures, and Righton says it can be used in moderately carburising atmospheres. basis statements in three datasheets, no measured rate given
5 Chloride and sea water, aqueous Atlas gives a pitting resistance equivalent of about 25 and says sea water resistance at about 22 °C is similar to grade 316. Atlas says this is for the 310 family, not for 310S alone. No pitting rate for 310S was read. basis family-level statement, no test conditions printed

Risks and side effects

Hazards to people, what happens when a cell overheats, and how the material is handled and stored.

For people

The welding fume is the main health concern named in the sources. Nothing read says the solid steel is a health hazard.

Welding fume
Stainless steel welding releases hexavalent chromium and nickel. The CDC source calls these more serious concerns than the other fume components, and asks for local exhaust ventilation.

If it fails

These are failure routes named in the sources. Most are heat-related and depend on time at temperature and on the gas.

Sulphur gas
With sulphur above 2 g/m3 in the hot gas, the usable limit falls from 1,050 °C to 950 °C (Aperam).
Long heat exposure
Between about 650 and 900 °C, long service can cause sigma-phase embrittlement, and between 427 and 899 °C it can cause chromium-carbide sensitisation (Atlas, Aperam, Goodfellow).
Welding
310S is somewhat prone to hot cracking, so the producer keeps the interpass temperature below 150 °C and the heat input low.

Handling and storage

Shielding gas
Use argon-based shielding. Hydrogen and nitrogen are forbidden for 310S welds (Aperam).
Restore the structure
After cold forming or welding, anneal at 1,050 °C plus or minus 25 °C, then air cool or quench (Aperam).

Test details
The original wording and numbers from the sources, for readers who want them.

Failure risks

Failure risks
FailureTrigger and consequence
Intergranular corrosion after long high-temperature exposuremoderate severityLong exposure between about 427 and 899 °C, for example in a furnace that runs for many hours in that bandChromium carbide forms at grain boundaries, so the steel can corrode between the grains in aqueous service
Sigma-phase embrittlementmoderate severityLong service between 650 and 900 °CThe steel loses toughness. Atlas says heating to 1,040 to 1,150 °C restores ductility after each 1,000 hours above 650 °C.
Loss of service limit in sulphur-bearing gascritical severityHot gas with sulphur content above 2 g/m3Maximum service temperature falls from 1,050 °C to 950 °C
Hot cracking during weldingmoderate severityWelding at high interpass temperature or high heat inputThe producer says 310S is somewhat susceptible to hot cracking, and recommends interpass temperature below 150 °C and low heat input

Side effects on surrounding parts

Side effects on surrounding parts
AffectsEffect
Cost and availability of the alloyNickel supply is concentrated in Indonesia, which the USGS estimates at about two thirds of 2025 world mine production, and nickel is a main cost of the grade.

Handling and storage

  • Weld with argon shielding. Hydrogen and nitrogen shielding gases are forbidden for 310S by the producer. The welds must be mechanically descaled and cleaned.
  • Pickle with 10 % HNO3 plus 2 % HF at ambient temperature or up to 60 °C, or with 10 % H2SO4 plus 0.5 % HNO3 at 60 °C. Passivate with 20 to 25 % HNO3 at 20 °C.
  • Use local exhaust ventilation when welding indoors, and respiratory protection where ventilation is not adequate.

Mitigations

  • Anneal at 1,050 °C plus or minus 25 °C for a couple of minutes after cold forming and welding, then air cool or water quench.

Supply and geography

How common the raw materials are and where they come from.

Nickel production by country

World nickel mine production was an estimated 3.9 million t in 2025, and world reserves are more than 140 million t (USGS 2026).

Top producers (2025)
Indonesia 66.7%, Philippines 6.9%, Russia 5.1%, New Caledonia 3.6%, Canada 3.6%
Recycling
Nickel recovered from scrap was about 60 percent of US apparent consumption in 2025, and most secondary nickel is stainless-steel scrap (USGS).
Substitutes
Low-nickel, duplex or ultrahigh-chromium stainless steels have been substituted for austenitic grades in construction (USGS).

Chromium supply

Chromium has no substitute in stainless steel, the leading end use (USGS 2026). South Africa was the leading chromite ore producer.

Top producers
South Africa 96%
Recycling
Recycled chromium in stainless-steel scrap receipts supplied 21 percent of US apparent consumption in 2025 (USGS).
Substitutes
Chromium has no substitute in stainless steel, the leading end use, or in superalloys (USGS).