304 vs 302 Stainless Steel: Austenitic Workhorses

 

How do their chemical compositions differ?​

304 has 18-20% chromium, 8-10.5% nickel, and 0.08% max carbon. 302 increases carbon to 0.15% max and nickel to 10.5-13%, enhancing strength through work hardening.​

 

Which offers better strength and formability?​

302 has higher tensile strength (620 MPa vs 515 MPa for 304) due to more carbon, making it better for springs and fasteners. 304 is more ductile (40% elongation vs 30% for 302), easier for deep drawing and complex shapes.​

 

How do they compare in corrosion resistance?​

304 resists intergranular corrosion better, especially after welding, thanks to lower carbon. 302 performs similarly in dry environments but is more prone to post-weld corrosion in harsh settings.​

 

What about their weldability and applications?​

304 welds better, used in food processing and chemical tanks. 302 is harder to weld but suits parts needing high strength from cold working, like springs and clips.​

 

Where are 304 and 302 commonly used?​

304 is in food equipment, architectural stainless, and chemical tanks. 302 is used in springs, fasteners, and parts needing strength from cold working.