Views: 4 Author: Mike Publish Time: 2025-07-23 Origin: Site
In the high-temperature applications, where ordinary materials easy to oxidation, distortion, and failure, 310S stainless steel is the exception. UNS S31008, this austenitic stainless steel has exceptional resistance to oxidation and strength retention at elevated temperatures. But what earns it the well-deserved title of "high-temperature resistant stainless steel"?
The answer lies in its chemical composition and microstructure. 310S operates reliably in continuous service temperatures up to 1150°C, and can withstand intermittent exposure up to approximately 1035°C. Crucially, it maintains structural integrity and surface stability within these ranges.
JN as a leading manufacturer of 310S stainless steel products, this article exploring the reasons behind 310S's heat resistance – its chemistry, production processes, and its core performance advantages – to equip you with the knowledge needed to specify materials with confidence.
310S high-temperature property is rooted in its chemical composition, adhering to standards like ASTM A312, A213, A269, EN 1.4845, and JIS SUS 310S. 310S stainless steel has special chemical composition value:
Cr: 24-26%: The champion of oxidation resistance. At high temperatures, chromium rapidly diffuses to the surface, forming a dense, adherent, and self-healing layer of Cr₂O₃. This layer acts as an impermeable barrier, drastically slowing down further oxygen ingress and internal oxidation of the base metal. The high chromium content in 310S is the primary reason for its outstanding scaling resistance up to 1150°C.
Ni: 19-22%: Nickel is crucial for stabilizing the austenitic face-centered cubic FCC crystal structure. This structure provides inherent toughness, ductility even at elevated temperatures, and excellent fabricability. Importantly, the austenitic structure is resistant to harmful phase transformations that can occur in some stainless steels at high temperatures, which would otherwise cause embrittlement and loss of strength. Nickel also enhances general corrosion resistance.
Si: ~1.5% max, typically ~0.75%: Silicon significantly boosts the scaling resistance of the chromium oxide layer. It promotes the formation of a more complex, highly protective, and adherent scale, particularly under cyclic heating and cooling conditions. Silicon enhances the alloy's ability to resist "breakaway oxidation," where the protective scale fails catastrophically.
C: 0.08% max: While necessary for strength at room temperature, carbon is a double-edged sword at high temperatures. Excessive carbon can lead to the formation of chromium carbides at grain boundaries during service exposure in the 425-815°C. This depletes chromium locally near the boundaries, compromising both corrosion and oxidation resistance. The low maximum carbon content 0.08% in 310S minimizes this risk.
Mn: 2.0% max: Primarily aids in deoxidation during steelmaking and enhances hot workability. Its contribution to high-temperature properties is secondary to Cr, Ni, and Si.
S, P: Strict control of sulfur and phosphorus is essential. High levels can form low-melting-point phases that weaken grain boundaries, especially detrimental during hot working or high-temperature service, leading to hot shortness or premature failure.
Manufacturing 310S stainless steel pipe is not merely about achieving shape; it's a precise metallurgical process where every step influences the final high-temperature capability.
Melting and Refining:
Raw Material Selection: High-purity charge materials are essential.
AOD/VOD Refining: They allow precise control of carbon content to very low levels while minimizing oxidation loss of valuable chromium. This ensures the optimal Cr/Ni balance for oxidation resistance and prevents sensitization.
Deoxidation Control: Careful addition of silicon ensures thorough deoxidation without introducing excessive inclusions that could act as initiation points for scale spallation or cracking.
Casting: Continuous casting is carefully managed to achieve a homogeneous structure with minimal segregation of alloying elements. Segregation can create localized areas vulnerable to oxidation or corrosion.
Hot Working:
Temperature Control: Precise control of reheating and working temperatures is vital to prevent overheating or underheating. Large grains can reduce creep strength; fine grains offer better short-term high-temperature strength and ductility.
Deformation Ratios: Controlled reduction ratios ensure uniform microstructure refinement and mechanical properties throughout the cross-section.
Cold Working for Pipes/Tubes: Cold drawing or pilgering achieves precise dimensions and surface finish. Crucially, the induced cold work must be fully removed later. Any residual cold work reduces ductility and accelerates creep deformation at high temperatures.
Solution Annealing: To dissolve any carbides formed during processing or slow cooling back into solid solution, homogenize the microstructure, and achieve full austenitization. This restores maximum corrosion/oxidation resistance and ductility.
310S requires annealing at temperatures typically between 1040°C - 1120°C, followed by rapid cooling.
310S stainless steel has a four formidable properties that make it the material of choice for severe high-temperature environments:
High-Temperature Strength and Stability:
Retains useful load-bearing capability longer than standard 304/316 grades at temperatures above 600°C. Its austenitic structure and high alloy content resist deformation under prolonged stress. Good resistance to cracking caused by repeated heating and cooling cycles, thanks to its inherent toughness and ductility retained at high temperatures. Resists detrimental phase transformations within its recommended operating range, maintaining ductility.
Oxidation Resistance:
The high Cr and Si content form a tenacious, self-repairing Cr₂O₃/SiO₂ scale that effectively bars oxygen diffusion. This prevents rapid metal loss and catastrophic "breakaway" oxidation even under cyclic conditions up to 1150°C. Superior to alloy 304H and 309S in maximum continuous service temperature and scaling resistance.
Corrosion Resistance:
While primarily a heat-resistant grade, the high Cr and Ni content also confer excellent general corrosion resistance, outperforming 304 in many environments. The low carbon content minimizes sensitization risk during high-temperature service.
Mechanical Properties and Fabricability:
High tensile and yield strength at room temperature, combined with excellent ductility and toughness. It maintains useful ductility and impact strength at elevated operating temperatures. The austenitic structure allows good formability and weldability using standard austenitic stainless steel procedures with appropriate filler metals like 310.
Why Choose 310S Heat-Resistant Stainless Steel?
High temperature stability: It can maintain excellent performance under extremely high temperature, ensuring long-term stable operation of the equipment.
Long life: Anti-oxidation and corrosion resistance significantly extend the service life of the equipment and reduce the replacement frequency.
Versatility: It is suitable for a variety of high temperature and corrosive environments to meet the needs of different industries.
Economical: Although the initial cost is high, its long life and low maintenance cost make it highly cost-effective.
Industrial Furnace Components: Radiant tubes, muffles, retorts, furnace linings and rolls, conveyor belts/skelp, heat treatment baskets and fixtures, burner quarls/nozzles, thermowells, fan blades for hot gases.
Petrochemical and Chemical Processing: Tubing and fittings in catalytic reforming and pyrolysis furnaces, burner components, high-temperature heat exchanger tubing, transfer lines for hot gases/oils, reactor internals.
Power Generation: Superheater and reheater tubing, high-temperature heat exchangers, burner components, supports/hangers in boiler settings.
Glass and Ceramics Manufacturing: Kiln furniture, crucibles, forming tools, furnace rolls, regenerator components.
Aerospace and Automotive: Jet engine exhaust components, afterburner parts, turbocharger housings, high-performance exhaust systems.
Waste Incineration and Energy Recovery: Components exposed to high-temperature flue gases and corrosive combustion products.
Heat Treatment Equipment: Fixtures, baskets, trays, and furnace parts.
When performance under fire is non-negotiable, sourcing your 310S stainless steel from a knowledgeable and reliable manufacturer like JN is crucial.
Our 310S consistently meets and often exceeds the requirements of ASTM A312/A213/A269, EN 10216-5, JIS G3459, GOST, and other major international standards. Our team possesses profound knowledge of austenitic stainless steels, particularly heat-resistant grades like 310S. We understand the critical interplay between composition, processing, heat treatment, and final properties. This expertise ensures we deliver material optimized for your specific high-temperature challenge.
JN supplies 310S in a wide range of forms essential for high-temperature construction:
Seamless and Welded Pipes/Tubes
Sheets and Plates
Round, Hex, Square Ros
Fittings (Elbows, Tees, Reducers, Caps)
We accommodate smaller orders that larger mills often decline.
JN delivers high-quality 310S stainless steel at fair and competitive prices. We seamlessly supply material certified to the standards required in your region like ASTM, ASME, EN, DIN, JIS, GOST, GB, etc.
As your dedicated partner in high-performance stainless steel, JN combines rigorous metallurgical control, comprehensive product offerings, flexible order capabilities, and competitive pricing to deliver genuine 310S that meets the strictest global standards. Trust JN to supply the heat-resistant foundation your critical high-temperature applications require. Contact us today to discuss how our 310S stainless steel solutions.