302 Stainless is an austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel that is available in the annealed and cold worked conditions. 302 is a higher carbon, earlier version of 304 stainless steel, and many 302 Stainless applications have switched to 304 with the improvements in melting technology. 302 Stainless is non-magnetic in the annealed condition but becomes magnetic as a result of cold working.

302 Stainless Steel is corrosion resistant in many environments, and the corrosion properties are similar to that of 304 stainless steel. The susceptibility to carbide precipitation during welding restricts the use of Type 302 in some applications and 304L is used because of its lower carbon content for welded applications.