310S Austenitic Stainless Steel Plate Excellent Oxidation Resistance up to 1150°C

310S Austenitic Stainless Steel Plate – Excellent Oxidation Resistance up to 1150°C

Product Overview

310S austenitic stainless steel plate is a premium high-alloy material engineered for extreme thermal environments where oxidation resistance, structural integrity, and long-term reliability are non-negotiable. With a composition of 25% chromium and 20% nickel, and an ultra-low carbon content (≤0.08%), 310S delivers outstanding performance in continuous service temperatures up to 1150°C (2100°F)—making it one of the most heat-resistant stainless steels available without resorting to costly nickel-based superalloys.

Unlike standard grades like 304 or 316, which degrade rapidly above 800°C, 310S maintains its mechanical strength, resists scaling, and forms a stable, self-healing chromium oxide layer even under prolonged exposure to air, combustion gases, or mildly carburizing atmospheres. This makes it the material of choice for furnace components, thermal processing equipment, petrochemical reactors, and energy systems operating at the edge of conventional metallurgy.

Available in hot-rolled or forged plate formats with thicknesses from 3 mm to over 100 mm, 310S combines industrial robustness with fabricability—ideal for heavy-duty applications demanding both durability and precision.

Why 310S Excels at High Temperatures

The exceptional performance of 310S stems from its carefully balanced chemistry:

• Chromium (24–26%): Forms a dense, adherent Cr₂O₃ scale that dramatically slows further oxidation.
• Nickel (19–22%): Stabilizes the austenitic structure, preventing embrittlement and maintaining ductility at elevated temperatures.
• Low Carbon (<0.08%): The “S” denotes special low-carbon, minimizing chromium carbide precipitation during welding or high-temp exposure—thus preserving corrosion and oxidation resistance in heat-affected zones.

This synergy enables 310S to outperform not only common stainless grades but also many heat-resistant alloys in oxidizing conditions.

Key Properties & Advantages

Technical Specifications

Industrial Applications

310S plate is specified wherever extreme heat meets structural demand:

Surface Finish & Delivery Condition

• Hot-Rolled, Annealed & Pickled (No.1 Finish): Standard for plate; matte surface with scale removed—ready for fabrication.
• As-Rolled (Black Scale): Available for cost-sensitive applications where surface finish isn’t critical.
• Custom Finishes: Machined, blasted, or ground surfaces upon request for precision fit-up.

All plates undergo ultrasonic testing (UT) on request for critical applications (e.g., pressure vessels).

Fabrication Guidelines

Cutting:

• Plasma, oxy-fuel (with caution), or abrasive sawing recommended.
• Laser cutting possible for thinner sections (<25 mm).

Machining:

• Work-hardens rapidly—use slow speeds, high feed rates, and sharp carbide tools.
• Coolants essential to control heat buildup.

Forming:

• Hot forming preferred above 900°C for thick plates.
• Cold forming feasible for thinner gauges with generous bend radii.

Welding:

• Use ER310 or ER312 filler metals.
• No preheat required; interpass temp <150°C.
• Post-weld heat treatment not required due to low carbon content.

310S vs. Alternatives at High Temperature

✅ 310S offers the best value for oxidizing atmospheres up to 1150°C.

Maintenance & Service Life

• Inspect periodically for warping, excessive scaling, or cracking in cyclic operations.
• Clean with non-chloride agents if exposed to process contaminants.
• Avoid rapid quenching—thermal shock can induce microcracks.
• With proper design and operation, service life exceeds 10–20 years in continuous high-temp applications.

Sustainability & Certification

• Fully recyclable with high scrap recovery value.
• Mill Test Reports (EN 10204 3.1) provided with full chemical and mechanical data.
• Compliant with ASME Section II, PED 2014/68/EU, and ISO 9001 quality systems.
• Supports net-zero initiatives by enabling efficient, long-life thermal systems.

Conclusion

310S austenitic stainless steel plate is the benchmark for high-temperature oxidation resistance in industrial engineering. Its unique blend of chromium, nickel, and controlled carbon content ensures unmatched reliability in furnaces, reactors, and energy systems operating near the limits of conventional materials.

Whether you’re designing a next-generation incinerator or upgrading legacy thermal equipment, 310S delivers proven performance, global code acceptance, and lifecycle cost savings—degree after degree, year after year.

Request a Quote or Mill Certificate Today
Contact our technical sales team for thickness availability, cut-to-size options, or high-temperature design consultation. Trust your heat to the steel that won’t quit.