310 Stainless Steel
310 stainless steel is an austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel (24–26% Cr, 19–22% Ni) with the highest oxidation resistance of any standard austenitic stainless grade. Its elevated chromium and nickel content enables continuous service in oxidizing atmospheres to 2100°F (1150°C) — significantly higher than Type 304 (1650°F) or Type 316 (1700°F) — making it the first-choice alloy for high-temperature aerospace and industrial applications including furnace components, thermal processing fixtures, and exhaust system components.
Type 310 is fully austenitic and non-magnetic, with excellent resistance to sulfidation, carburization, and cyclic thermal fatigue. It does not harden by heat treatment and is supplied annealed for all product forms. The absence of molybdenum means 310 is not the optimal choice for aqueous chloride environments (316 or 317 are preferred there), but for high-temperature oxidizing service above 1700°F, Type 310 has no peer among standard austenitic grades.
Product Forms & Size Range of 310 Stainless Steel
310 stainless round bar, wire, forgings, and mechanical tubing are available per AMS 5572 in bar diameters from 0.250 inch to 8.000 inches and tubing in a range of outside diameters. Bar is supplied in the solution annealed condition. Cold-finished bar is available in smaller diameters for close-tolerance machined parts requiring the high-temperature properties of 310.
310 stainless sheet and strip per AMS 5521 are available in thicknesses from 0.010 inch to 0.188 inch and widths up to 60 inches. Sheet is solution annealed for maximum corrosion resistance and ductility. It is used for formed furnace shields, heat treating fixtures, aircraft exhaust heat shields, and thermal blanket frameworks.
310 stainless plate per AMS 5577 is available in thicknesses from 0.1875 inch to 2.000 inches for heavy-section industrial furnace components, machined brackets, and structural elements operating in high-temperature environments. Plate is solution annealed and descaled.
HEAT TREATMENT OF 310 STAINLESS STEEL
Type 310 is non-hardenable by heat treatment. It is solution annealed at 1900–2100°F (1038–1149°C) followed by rapid water quench or air cooling to dissolve sigma phase and carbides, maximizing corrosion resistance and ductility. Carbide sensitization occurs in the 800–1600°F (427–871°C) range with prolonged exposure; for applications requiring extended service in this range, the low-carbon 310S variant should be considered. No precipitation hardening or tempering is performed on 310.
317 Stainless Steel
Austenitic SS with higher Mo (3–4%) than 316 — superior corrosion resistance in chloride environments and aggressive chemical service.
430 Stainless Steel
Ferritic stainless steel with 17% Cr — moderate corrosion resistance with excellent formability for non-structural aerospace components.
Certified Material for Critical Service
310 stainless steel is supplied to AMS 5521 (sheet and strip), AMS 5572 (bar, wire, forgings, tubing), and AMS 5577 (plate). All forms are solution annealed. Certified mill test reports document composition, mechanical properties, and heat treatment condition. For heat-resistant alloy applications above 1800°F, consult with the distributor regarding service suitability and potential sigma phase formation.