Table of Contents
1. Introduction
Stainless Steel 310, or SS 310, is a high-temperature resistant alloy that is particularly known for its superior oxidation resistance and ability to withstand extreme heat. Due to its unique chemical composition and mechanical properties, SS 310 is widely used in furnaces, boilers, and high-heat processing applications.
In this blog, we’ll break down the chemical composition of SS 310, explain how it contributes to its outstanding properties, and explore its uses in various industries.
2. What Is SS 310?
SS 310 is an austenitic stainless steel alloy primarily composed of chromium and nickel. It is specifically engineered to perform at high temperatures, maintaining its strength, resistance to scaling, and overall durability. Unlike other stainless steel grades, SS 310 contains a higher nickel content for enhanced heat resistance, making it ideal for applications where metals are subjected to elevated temperatures over extended periods.
In simple terms, SS 310 is a heat-resistant alloy, perfect for industries like aerospace, petrochemical, and power generation.
3. Chemical Composition of SS 310
|
Element |
Percentage (%) |
|
Chromium (Cr) |
24.0 – 26.0 |
|
Nickel (Ni) |
19.0 – 22.0 |
|
Carbon (C) |
≤ 0.25 |
|
Manganese (Mn) |
≤ 2.0 |
|
Silicon (Si) |
≤ 1.5 |
|
Phosphorus (P) |
≤ 0.045 |
|
Sulfur (S) |
≤ 0.03 |
|
Iron (Fe) |
Balance |
Key takeaways:
- Chromium (24-26%) enhances corrosion resistance and oxidation resistance at high temperatures.
- Nickel (19-22%) provides ductility and strength, ensuring SS 310 remains durable in high-heat environments.
- Low Carbon (≤ 0.25%) helps prevent carbide precipitation during welding, improving weldability.
4. Properties of SS 310 Stainless Steel
SS 310 boasts exceptional physical and mechanical properties that make it ideal for demanding applications:
- High Strength-to-Weight Ratio – retains strength at elevated temperatures without adding significant weight.
- Oxidation Resistance – can resist oxidation up to 1100°C in continuous operation and 1200°C in intermittent use.
- Good Weldability – low carbon content allows easy welding without the risk of carbide precipitation.
- Thermal Stability – remains stable under extreme heat, making it resistant to thermal shock.
- Ductility and Toughness – maintains toughness even at low temperatures.
5. Advantages of SS 310 in High-Temperature Environments
SS 310’s unique combination of nickel and chromium provides several distinct advantages in high-temperature settings:
- Longer Service Life – SS 310 is highly resistant to oxidation and scaling, which significantly reduces maintenance costs.
- Increased Durability – performs well in environments exposed to both oxidizing and reducing conditions.
- Resistance to Thermal Cycling – maintains strength even when exposed to rapid temperature changes.
6. Applications of SS 310
Due to its heat resistance and oxidation resistance, SS 310 is used across industries where materials face high temperatures and corrosive conditions.
- Petrochemical & Chemical Processing – used in catalytic crackers and high-temperature reactors.
- Power Generation – SS 310 is employed in boilers, heat exchangers, and superheater tubes.
- Aerospace & Aviation – components like jet engine parts and exhaust systems rely on SS 310 for thermal stability.
- Food Processing – ideal for high-temperature sterilization equipment.
7. SS 310 vs Other Stainless Steel Grades
When compared to other popular stainless steel grades, SS 310 stands out for its heat resistance and high oxidation resistance. Here’s how it compares to SS 304 and SS 316:
|
Feature |
SS 310 |
||
|
Chromium Content |
24-26% |
18-20% |
16-18% |
|
Nickel Content |
19-22% |
8-10% |
10-14% |
|
Heat Resistance |
Up to 1100°C |
Up to 870°C |
Up to 870°C |
|
Corrosion Resistance |
Excellent |
Good |
Excellent (chlorides) |
|
Best Use |
High-temperature environments |
General-purpose use |
Marine & chemical industries |
SS 310 offers superior performance in extreme heat conditions, while SS 316 excels in chloride-rich environments.
SS 310 is a high-performance stainless steel alloy known for its exceptional heat resistance and oxidation resistance. Whether you need a material for furnaces, aerospace, or chemical processing, SS 310 delivers reliable performance in high-temperature environments.
At Riyaarth Overseas, we supply premium-quality SS 310 sheets, pipes, fittings, and tubes. Get in touch with us to source the right SS 310 alloy products tailored to your industrial needs.