What is 1.4310 Stainless Steel?
Apr 02, 2026
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1.4310 stainless steel, commonly known as 301 or UNS S30100, is a high-strength austenitic stainless steel that offers exceptional work hardening characteristics. With its lower nickel and chromium content compared to 304, it achieves higher strength through cold working, making it ideal for applications requiring high strength, good ductility, and moderate corrosion resistance. Its excellent spring properties and high yield strength after cold reduction make it the material of choice for springs, clips, fasteners, and structural components where high strength-to-weight ratio is critical.
This high-strength austenitic grade is standardized under key international systems.
| Standard | Equivalent Grade |
|---|---|
| EN (Europe) | 1.4310 |
| ASTM/AISI (USA) | 301, UNS S30100 |
| JIS (Japan) | SUS301 |
| KS (Korea) | STS301 |
| Common Name | 301 |
Its composition is balanced for high work hardening rates and good formability.
| Element | C | Si | Mn | P | S | Cr | Ni |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Content (%) | ≤ 0.15 | ≤ 2.0 | ≤ 2.0 | ≤ 0.045 | ≤ 0.03 | 16.0 - 18.0 | 6.0 - 8.0 |
Mechanical properties vary dramatically with cold work reduction.
| Condition | Yield Strength (Rp0.2) | Tensile Strength (Rm) | Elongation (A) | Hardness (HRB/HRC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annealed | ~ 205 MPa | ~ 520 MPa | ~ 40% | ~ 85 HRB |
| 1/4 Hard | ~ 410 MPa | ~ 860 MPa | ~ 25% | ~ 92 HRB |
| 1/2 Hard | ~ 620 MPa | ~ 1030 MPa | ~ 18% | ~ 33 HRC |
| 3/4 Hard | ~ 760 MPa | ~ 1170 MPa | ~ 12% | ~ 38 HRC |
| Full Hard | ~ 860 MPa | ~ 1270 MPa | ~ 9% | ~ 41 HRC |
Key Characteristics and Applications of 1.4310 / 301
Exceptional Work Hardening: Rapid work hardening rate allows for achieving high strength through cold working, with tensile strengths exceeding 1200 MPa in the full hard condition.
Excellent Spring Properties: High yield strength and good fatigue resistance make it ideal for springs, clips, and other elastic components.
Good Corrosion Resistance: Provides corrosion resistance similar to 304 in many environments, suitable for atmospheric and mild chemical exposure.
Good Formability: Can be formed in the annealed condition and then work hardened to achieve desired strength.
Primary Applications:
Springs: Flat springs, coil springs, leaf springs, and spring washers.
Clips and Fasteners: Retaining clips, hose clamps, and spring fasteners.
Automotive: Seat belt springs, window regulator components, and suspension parts.
Aerospace: Aircraft structural components, seat tracks, and fasteners.
Railway: Passenger seat components and interior fittings.
Electronics: Battery contacts, switch springs, and connector components.
Industrial: Conveyor belts, screens, and press plates.
How does 301 (1.4310) compare to 304 (1.4301) stainless steel?
301 has lower nickel (6-8% vs. 8-10.5%) and slightly lower chromium (16-18% vs. 17.5-19.5%) than 304, making it less expensive but also slightly less corrosion resistant. However, 301 work hardens much more rapidly than 304, allowing it to achieve significantly higher strengths through cold working. In the full hard condition, 301 can achieve tensile strengths over 1200 MPa, compared to 304 which typically maxes out around 800 MPa. 301 is the preferred choice for spring applications and components requiring high strength, while 304 is better for applications requiring maximum corrosion resistance and formability.
What are the heat treatment considerations for 301?
301 is not hardenable by heat treatment; its strength is achieved through cold working. Key heat treatment considerations include:
Annealing: Heat to 1010-1120°C, then water quench or rapid air cool to soften the material
Stress Relieving: Heat to 250-400°C to relieve residual stresses without significantly reducing strength
Solution Treatment: 1010-1120°C followed by rapid cooling to restore corrosion resistance
Avoid prolonged exposure in the 400-900°C range to prevent sensitization
Annealing should be performed before complex forming operations
What are the welding considerations for 301?
301 has good weldability using common methods, but care is required:
Suitable for TIG, MIG, and resistance welding
Matching filler metals (ER308, ER309) are recommended
Low heat input techniques help maintain corrosion resistance
Sensitization can occur in the 450-850°C range, so rapid cooling is recommended
Post-weld heat treatment is not required for most applications
For heavily cold worked material, annealing may be needed before welding to prevent cracking
Looking for a Reliable Supplier of 1.4310 / 301 Stainless Steel?
GNEE Steel supplies high-strength 301 (1.4310) stainless steel in strip, sheet, wire, and bar forms, available in various tempers from annealed to full hard. We provide full material certification (EN 10204 3.1) and processing support including slitting, cutting, and forming services. If you have any requirements, please feel free to contact us.
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