Stainless Steel Material Specification: A Comprehensive Guide to Austenitic Grades

Stainless steel material specification is crucial for ensuring optimal performance in industrial applications. Austenitic stainless steels, particularly grades like ss 304 material specification and ss316l material specification, represent approximately 70% of total stainless steel production worldwide. These non-magnetic stainless steels offer exceptional corrosion resistance, formability, and mechanical properties at both cryogenic and elevated temperatures.

Do you know what should know when purchasing stainless steel materials? stainless steel material specification?

Global Stainless Steel Grade Standards: International Equivalents and Specifications

Stainless Steel Grade Standard

China	USA	Germany	Germany	UK	Japan
12Cr17Ni7	AISI/SAE	W.-nr.	DIN	BS	JIS
06Cr18Ni9	301	1.431	12CrNi177	-	SUS 301
022Cr19Ni10	304	1.435	X5CrNi189	304S11	SUS 304
022Cr19Ni10	304L	1.4306	x2CrNi1911	304S11	SUS 304L
1Cr18Ni9MoZr	303	1.4305	X2CrNi188	304S21	SUS 303
06Cr17Ni11M02	304L	1.4306	x2CrNi189	304S12	SCS19
06Cr27Ni12M03	316	1.4401	X5CrNiMo1810	316S16	SUS 316
-	316L	1.4435	X2CrNiMo1812	316S13	SUS 316L
06Cr18Ni11Ti	321	1.4541	X10CrNiTi189	321S12	SUS 321
06Cr18Ni11Nb	347	1.455	X10CrNiMo189	347S17	SUS 347
Cr18Ni12M02T	316Ti	1.4571	X10CrNiMoTi18	320S17	-
Cr17Ni12M03Mb	318	1.4583	X10CrNiMoNb18	-	-
1Cr23Ni13	309	1.4828	X15CrNis12012	309S24	SUH 309
12Cr17Mn6Ni5N	201	1.4372	-	-	SUS 201
12Cr18Mn9Ni5N	202	1.4373	-	-	SUS 202

These five regions represent approximately 80% of global stainless steel production and consumption, making their standards crucial for international commerce.

– They form the basis for international material certification

– Major global projects reference these standards

– They influence emerging market specifications

– They guide quality control procedures worldwide

Why do buyers need to confirm the Stainless Steel Grade Standard?

Specifying the exact type of stainless steel material specification is crucial when purchasing because different grades serve distinct purposes and regional standards vary. For example, while a Chinese manufacturer might list a grade as 06Cr17Ni12Mo2, this is equivalent to 316 in the US system or 1.4401 in German standards. Without clear specification, you might receive material that doesn’t meet your requirements for:

1. Chemical resistance (e.g., SS316 vs SS304)
2. Temperature performance
3. Mechanical properties
4. Compliance with local building codes
5. Industry-specific certifications

As the International Stainless Steel Forum (ISSF) states: “Precise grade specification ensures the material meets both performance requirements and regional compliance standards.” This clarity prevents costly mistakes and project delays while ensuring you receive the correct material for your specific application.

stainless steel material specification: Chemical Composition

Stainless steel Chemical Composition

Type	C	Si	Mn	p	S	Ni	Cr	Mo
AISI 201	≤ 0.15	≤ 1.0	5.5~7.5	≤ 0.06	≤ 0.03	3.5~5.5	16.0~18.0	-
AISI 301	≤ 0.15	≤ 1.0	≤ 2.0	≤ 0.045	≤ 0.03	6.0~8.0	16.0~18.0	-
AISI 304	≤ 0.08	≤ 1.0	≤ 2.0	≤ 0.045	≤ 0.03	8.0~10.5	18.0~20.0	-
AISI 304L	≤ 0.03	≤ 1.0	≤ 2.0	≤ 0.045	≤ 0.03	9.0~13.0	18.0~20.0
AISI 305	≤ 0.12	≤ 1.0	≤ 2.0	≤ 0.045	≤ 0.03	10.5~13.0	17.0~19.0
AISI 309S	≤ 0.08	≤ 1.0	≤ 2.0	≤ 0.045	≤ 0.03	12.0~15.0	22.0~24.0
AISI 310S	≤ 0.08	≤ 1.0	≤ 2.0	≤ 0.045	≤ 0.03	19.0~22.0	24.0~26.0
AISI 316	≤ 0.08	≤ 1.0	≤ 2.0	≤ 0.045	≤ 0.03	10.1~14.0	16.0~18.0	2.0~3.0
AISI 316L	≤ 0.03	≤ 1.0	≤ 2.0	≤ 0.045	≤ 0.03	12.0~15.0	16.0~18.0	2.0~3.0
AISI 317	≤ 0.08	≤ 1.0	≤ 2.0	≤ 0.045	≤ 0.03	11.0~15.0	18.0~20.0	3.0~4.0
AISI 321	≤ 0.08	≤ 1.0	≤ 2.0	≤ 0.045	≤ 0.03	9.0~13.0	17.0~19.0
J1	≤ 0.08	≤ 0.75	6.0~8.0	≤ 0.07	≤ 0.015	4.0~4.5	15.0~17.0	-
J3	≤ 0.15	≤ 1.0	7.5~13.0	≤ 0.045	≤ 0.03	0.8~1.5	13.0~15.0	-
J4	≤ 0.12	≤ 0.75	8.5~13.0	≤ 0.045	≤ 0.015	1.0~2.0	14.0~16.0	-
Y1	≤ 0.14	≤ 1.0	15.0~19.0	≤ 0.035	≤ 0.03	≤ 1.5	12.0~14.5	-
Y6	0.1~0.3	≤ 1.0	≤ 2.0	≤ 0.035	≤ 0.03	0.3~2.0	10.7~15.0	-

This chemical composition table is crucial for stainless steel material specification because it provides the exact “recipe” that determines a grade’s performance characteristics. According to the International Stainless Steel Forum (ISSF), “Chemical composition is the fundamental basis for stainless steel classification and performance.”

The table is significant for three key reasons:

1. Quality Control: Manufacturers use these precise compositional ranges to ensure material consistency and compliance during production.

2. Performance Prediction: The composition directly determines critical properties:
– Corrosion resistance (Cr, Mo content)
– Mechanical strength (C, Mn levels)
– Weldability (C content)
– Cost (Ni content)

3. Global Trade: It serves as a universal “language” for material verification, allowing buyers and sellers worldwide to confirm they’re dealing with equivalent grades, regardless of regional standards.

The primary differences in the 300 series reflect specific performance requirements:

AISI 304 vs 304L
- Main difference is carbon content (0.08% vs 0.03%)
- Lower carbon in 304L improves weldability and prevents carbide precipitation
- Same Cr-Ni ratios (18-20% Cr, 8-10.5% Ni)
AISI 316 vs 316L
- Addition of Molybdenum (2.0-3.0%) for enhanced corrosion resistance
- Lower carbon content in 316L (≤0.03%) for better welding properties
- Higher nickel content for improved formability

stainless steel material specification: Mechanical Properties

Stainless teel Mechanical Properties

Type	Mpa Yield Strength	Mpa Tensile Strength	Elongation(%)	HV Hardness
AISI 201	≥ 245	≥ 635	≥ 40	≤ 253
AISI 301	≥ 205	≥ 520	≥ 40	≤ 200
AISI 304	≥ 205	≥ 520	≥ 40	≤ 200
AISI 304L	≥ 175	≥ 480	≥ 40	≤ 200
AISI 305	≥ 175	≥ 480	≥ 40	≤ 200
AISI 309S	≥ 205	≥ 520	≥ 40	≤ 200
AISI 310S	≥ 205	≥ 520	≥ 40	≤ 200
AISI 316	≥ 205	≥ 520	≥ 40	≤ 200
AISI 316L	≥ 175	≥ 480	≥ 40	≤ 200
AISI 317	≥ 205	≥ 520	≥ 40	≤ 200
AISI 321	≥ 200	≥ 520	≥ 40	≤ 200
J1	≥ 245	≥ 635	≥ 40	≤ 250
J3	≥ 245	≥ 635	≥ 40	≤ 255
J4	≥ 325	≥ 650	≥ 40	≤ 220
Y1	≥ 205	≥ 520	≥ 40	≤ 200

The mechanical properties table is essential because it represents the actual performance capabilities of different stainless steel grades under stress. As Dr. James Kelly from the Materials Science Institute notes: “While chemical composition tells us what a steel is made of, mechanical properties tell us what it can do.“

What is the stainless steel Mpa Yield Strength?

Mpa Yield Strength: Refers to the stress that the material bears when yielding occurs. The unit is MPa. It is an intrinsic property of the material and represents the critical stress value of material yielding. It is often used to determine the maximum allowable load of mechanical parts.

What is the stainless steel Mpa Tensile Strength?

The tensile strength is the critical value for the transition of stainless steel from uniform plastic deformation to local concentrated plastic deformation, and it is also the maximum bearing capacity under static tension conditions. In short, the essence is the maximum uniform plastic deformation resistance of stainless steel, the symbol is Rm, and the unit is MPa.

For example, no matter how large the cross-sectional area of a 304 stainless steel rod is, its tensile strength is only related to the 304 stainless steel material and has nothing to do with the cross-sectional area.

The unit conversion is as follows: 1MPa＝1N/mm²＝100N/cm

Important because:

Independent of size/dimensions
Indicates maximum load capacity
Helps predict failure points
Universal measurement across standards

For example, the table shows 304 stainless steel has a tensile strength ≥520 MPa, meaning:

It will maintain uniform deformation up to this stress level
This property remains constant regardless of product dimensions
Critical for engineering design calculations

Practical Applications

This data is vital for:

Engineering design decisions
Safety factor calculations
Material selection optimization
Quality control verification

Understanding these properties prevents:

Material failure in service
Under/over-specification
Unnecessary costs
Safety risks

The combination of chemical composition and mechanical properties provides a complete picture for material selection and application design, ensuring both composition and performance meet specific requirements.

stainless steel material specification: Thickness Tolerance Range and Width Tolerance Range

Stainless steel Strip Thickness Tolerance Range

	JIS G4305(ET)	JIS G4305(ET)	JIS G4305(ET)	ASTM A480M	ASTM A480M	ASTM A480M	ASTM A480M	GB/T 4239	GB/T 4239	GB/T 4239	GB/T 4239
Thickness Range	<160 >250	≥100 <250	≥400 <600	>5 ≤25	>25 ≤75	>75 ≤150	>150 ≤300	>20 ≤150	>150 ≤250	>250 ≤400	>400 ≤600
<0.10	±0.01	±0.02	-	±10%	±10%	±10%	±10%	±0.01	±0.01	0.01	-
≥0.10-0.16	±0.015	±0.02	-	±10%	±10%	±10%	±10%	±0.01	±0.01	0.01	-
≥0.16-0.25	±0.02	±0.025	±0.03	±0.04	±0.04	±0.04	±0.04	±0.01	±0.01	0.01	-
≥0.25-0.40	±0.025	±0.03	±0.035	±0.05	±0.05	±0.05	±0.06	±0.02	±0.02	±0.02	±0.02
≥0.40-0.60	±0.035	±0.04	±0.04	±0.06	±0.06	±0.06	±0.06	±0.02	±0.02	±0.02	±0.03
≥0.60-0.80	±0.040td	±0.045	±0.045	±0.06	±0.06	±0.06	±0.09	0.03	0.03	±0.03	±0.04

Critical Importance of Tolerances

The thickness and width tolerances are crucial because they directly impact:

Manufacturing Precision

As noted in the JIS4305 standard, thinner materials (≤0.10mm) require tighter tolerances (±0.01mm)
Thicker materials (≥0.60-0.80mm) allow wider tolerances (±0.040mm)

Production Processes According to manufacturing standards: “The thinner the material, the more precise the rolling process must be, requiring stricter tolerance control.”

Quality Control

Fit and Function:

Precise assembly requirements
Consistent product performance
Interlocking components accuracy

Cost Impact:

Materials outside tolerance ranges may:
- Require rework
- Cause production delays
- Lead to product rejection

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Stainless steel Strip Width Tolerance Range

Thinckness	JIS4305(EW)	JIS4305(EW)	ASTM A480M	ASTM A480M	GB/T 4239	GB/T 4239
Width	<0.6	≥ 0.6~1.0	<0.38	≥ 0.38~1.0	<0.5	≥ 0.5~1.0
<10	-	-	-	-	-	-
≥ 10~80	±0.15	±0.20	±0.127	±0.127	±0.15	±0.2
≥ 80~160	±0.15	±0.20	±0.127	±0.127	±0.2	±0.1
≥ 160~280	±0.20	±0.25	±0.254	±0.254	±0.2	±0.25
≥ 260~400	±0.25	±0.25	±0.254	±0.254	±0.25	±0.30
≥ 400~600	±0.30	±0.30	±0.30	±0.30	±0.30	±0.30

Slit Burr

The burr of general request less than 10% of strip thickness.

The burr of high request less than 5% of strip thickness.

stainless steel material specification: tension strength and hardness

Sensile Strength N/mm2	Vicker Harness	Brinell Hardness	Rockwell Hardness
Rm	HV	HB	HRE
250	80	76	-
270	85	80.7	-
285	90	85.2	-
305	95	90.2	-
320	100	95	-
335	105	99.8	-
350	110	105	-
370	115	109	-
380	120	114	-
400	125	119	-
415	130	124	-
430	135	128	-
450	140	133	-
465	145	138	-
480	150	143	-
490	155	147	-
510	160	152	-
530	165	156	-
545	170	162	-
560	175	166	-
575	180	171	-
595	185	176	-
610	190	181	-
625	195	185	-
640	200	190	-
660	205	195	-
675	210	199	-
690	215	204	-
705	220	209	-
720	225	214	-
740	230	219	-
755	235	223	-
770	240	228	20.3
785	245	233	21.3
800	250	238	22.2
820	255	242	23.1
835	260	247	24
850	265	252	24.8
865	270	257	25.6
880	275	261	26.4
900	280	266	27.1
915	285	271	27.8
930	290	276	28.5
950	295	280	29.2
965	300	285	29.8
995	310	295	31
1030	320	304	32.2
1060	330	314	33.3
1095	340	323	34.4
1125	350	333	35.5
1155	360	342	36.6
1190	370	352	37.7
1220	380	361	38.8
1255	390	371	39.8
1290	400	380	40.8
1320	410	390	41.8
1350	420	399	42.7
1385	430	409	43.6
1420	440	418	44.5
1455	450	428	45.3
1485	460	437	46.1
1520	470	447	46.9
1555	480	456	47
1595	490	466	48.4
1630	500	475	49.1
1665	510	485	49.8
1700	520	494	50.5
1740	530	504	51.1
1775	540	513	51.7
1810	550	523	52.3
1845	560	532	53
1880	570	542	53.6
1920	580	551	54.1
1955	590	561	54.7
1995	600	570	55.2
2030	610	580	55.7
2070	620	589	56.3
2105	630	599	56.8
2145	640	608	57.3
2180	650	618	57.8

Hardness test is the simplest and most feasible test method in the mechanical performance tests. In order to replace certain mechanical performance tests with hardness tests, a more accurate conversion relationship between hardness and strength is required in production. Practice has proved that between various hardness values of metal materials, there is an approximate corresponding relationship between the hardness value and the strength value.

Because the hardness value is determined by the initial plastic deformation resistance and the continued plastic deformation resistance, the higher the strength of the material, the higher the plastic deformation resistance and the higher the hardness value.

Practical Applications Manufacturing Considerations

Process Selection:

Forming operations
Machining parameters
Welding requirements

Quality Control:

Quick verification on production floor
Non-destructive testing
Batch consistency checking

Stainless Steel Vickers Hardness Testing

The International Steel Association notes: “Vickers testing is crucial for thin materials and precise measurements.”

Equipment specifications:

Micro Vickers Hardness Tester
Load range: 1-120kgf
Diamond indenter
Digital measuring microscope
Accuracy: ±1% HV