304 vs 310 stainless steel:temperature
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When selecting stainless steel for industrial applications, temperature resistance is one of the most critical factors. Engineers and procurement specialists often ask: How do SS 304 and SS 310S compare in high-temperature performance? Can they withstand prolonged exposure to heat without failure?
Understanding the differences between SS 304 and SS 310S is essential for applications such as furnace components, heat exchangers, boilers, and high-temperature pipelines.
What is 304 Stainless Steel?
304 stainless steel is an 18/8 stainless steel, composed of 18% chromium and 8% nickel. It possesses a variety of properties and has a wide range of applications. 304 stainless steel has excellent formability and weldability, allowing for deep drawing and roll forming, and is widely used in industry, food processing, construction, and other fields.
What is 310Stainless Steel?
310 stainless steel is a high-chromium-nickel austenitic stainless steel with low magnetic permeability. It is primarily used in high-temperature applications. 310 stainless steel exhibits excellent oxidation resistance and corrosion resistance at high temperatures. It is also suitable for low-temperature applications, maintaining its toughness even at -268°C.
304 vs 310 stainless steel:Temperature Performance
SS 304L is suitable for low to medium temperature applications, up to ~450°C. It provides good corrosion resistance and weldability but may scale or lose strength at higher temperatures.SS 310S is designed for high-temperature service, capable of continuous operation up to 1100°C, with excellent oxidation and creep resistance.
| Property | SS 304 | SS 310S |
|---|---|---|
| Max Continuous Service Temperature | 870°F (465°C) in air | 2010°F (1100°C) in air |
| Melting Point | 1400–1450°C | 1425–1460°C |
| High-Temperature Strength | Moderate | Excellent |
| Oxidation Resistance | Good up to 400–450°C | Excellent up to 1100°C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 16 W/m·K | 15 W/m·K |
| Typical Applications | Food processing, chemical tanks, low-temp piping | Furnace parts, high-temp ducts, boilers, high-temp piping |
304 vs 310 stainless steel:Chemical composition
| Grade | Carbon
(max) |
Chromium | Nickel | Phosphorous
(max) |
Sulfur
(max) |
Manganese(max) | Silicon
(max) |
| 304 | 0.08 | 18-20 | 8.0 | 0.045 | 0.030 | 2.0 | 0.75 |
| 310 | 0.25 | 24-26 | 19-22 | 0.045 | 0.030 | 2.0 | 1.50 |
304 vs 310 stainless steel:Mechanical properties
| Property | SS 304 | SS 310S |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | ASTM A240 / ASME SA240 | ASTM A240 / ASME SA240 |
| Tensile Strength | 485 MPa | 515–700 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 170 MPa | 205–310 MPa |
| Elongation | 40–50% | 30–50% |
| Density | 8.0 g/cm³ | 7.9 g/cm³ |
| Typical Forms | Sheet, Plate, Tube, Pipe, Bar | Sheet, Plate, Tube, Pipe, Bar |
SS310 VS. SS 304L :Price
Due to increasing demand in high-temperature industries:
SS 304 Sheet/Plate: $3.5–$5.0 per kg
SS 310S Sheet/Plate: $5.5–$7.0 per kg
SS 304 Tubes/Pipes: $4.0–$6.0 per kg
SS 310S Tubes/Pipes: $7.5–$10.0 per kg
Urgency Note: Global supply constraints and rising steel prices make early procurement essential. Bulk orders secure stable pricing and timely delivery.
When selecting 304 and 310S stainless steel, operating temperature, environmental conditions, and service life requirements should be considered. For high-temperature and furnace applications, 310S stainless steel is the first choice; while 304 stainless steel is suitable for medium-temperature and corrosion-resistant environments. GNEE offers 304L and 310S stainless steel, guaranteeing competitive quality, competitive pricing, and fast delivery, helping industrial buyers select the right high-quality stainless steel for their projects.
| Stainless Steel Grade | Product Form | Typical Sizes / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SS 304 / 304L | Sheet / Plate | Thickness: 0.3–8 mm, Width: 1000–1500 mm, Length: 2000–6000 mm |
| SS 304 / 304L | Coil / Strip | Thickness: 0.3–3 mm, Width: 10–1500 mm |
| SS 304 / 304L | Tube / Pipe | OD: 6–273 mm, Wall: 0.5–12 mm, Seamless & Welded |
| SS 304 / 304L | Round Bar / Rod | Diameter: 6–200 mm, Hot Rolled / Cold Drawn |
| SS 304 / 304L | Square / Rectangular Bar | 10×10 mm to 150×150 mm |
| SS 304 / 304L | Wire | Diameter: 0.2–10 mm, Coil / Straight |
| SS 310S | Sheet / Plate | Thickness: 0.5–8 mm, Width: 1000–1500 mm, Length: 2000–6000 mm |
| SS 310S | Coil / Strip | Thickness: 0.5–3 mm, Width: 10–1500 mm |
| SS 310S | Tube / Pipe | OD: 6–273 mm, Wall: 0.5–12 mm, Seamless & Welded |
| SS 310S | Round Bar / Rod | Diameter: 6–200 mm, Hot Rolled / Cold Drawn |
| SS 310S | Square / Rectangular Bar | 10×10 mm to 150×150 mm |
| SS 310S | Wire | Diameter: 0.3–10 mm, Coil / Straight |
Packaging & Payment
Packaging: Industrial-grade spools, moisture-proof plastic wrap, and protective boxes for safe transportation.
Payment Terms: T/T, L/C, D/P, negotiable based on order volume.
Delivery: 7–15 days for standard stock; expedited delivery available for urgent orders.
