What is 18-10 Stainless Steel?

18-10 stainless steel is a type of austenitic stainless steel with "about 18% chromium (Cr) + 10% nickel (Ni)" as the core components. It is an upgraded version of the classic 18-8 stainless steel (such as 304 stainless steel, with a nickel content of 8-10.5%), with increased nickel content. It has better corrosion resistance and structural stability, and is commonly used in scenarios with high requirements for corrosion resistance and safety, such as high-end kitchenware, medical equipment, marine equipment, etc.

Common Equivalent Grades of 18-10 Stainless Steel

Country / Standard System	Typical Grade	Standard Number
USA	AISI 304	ASTM A240
Japan	SUS304	JIS G4303
China	06Cr19Ni10	GB/T 3280
European Union	1.4301	EN 10088-1

 

Chemical Composition of 18-10 Stainless Steel (Typical Values)

Element	Content (% by weight)	Function
Chromium (Cr)	18.0 – 20.0	Enhances corrosion and oxidation resistance.
Nickel (Ni)	8.0 – 10.5	Improves ductility, toughness, and corrosion resistance.
Carbon (C)	≤ 0.08	Kept low to reduce carbide precipitation and intergranular corrosion.
Manganese (Mn)	≤ 2.00	Enhances strength and hot workability.
Silicon (Si)	≤ 1.00	Improves oxidation resistance and strength at high temperatures.
Phosphorus (P)	≤ 0.045	Should be minimized to avoid embrittlement.
Sulfur (S)	≤ 0.030	Controlled to ensure good weldability and toughness.
Iron (Fe)	Balance	Main base element.

 

Properties of 18-10 Stainless Steel

Performance Aspect	Description
Corrosion Resistance	Excellent resistance to oxidation and corrosion, suitable for most household and industrial environments.
Mechanical Properties	Tensile strength ≥520 MPa, yield strength ≥205 MPa, high elongation, and good toughness.
Heat Resistance	Usable up to approximately 870°C; however, prolonged exposure above 500°C may reduce strength.
Workability / Weldability	Easy to cold form and weld; not prone to cracking.

 

18-10 Stainless Steel vs. 316L Stainless Steel

Category/Property	18-10 Stainless Steel	316L Stainless Steel
Typical Grade	AISI 304 (High Nickel version)	AISI 316L, SUS316L
Main Alloying Elements	Cr ≈ 18%, Ni ≈ 10%	Cr ≈ 17%, Ni ≈ 12%, Mo ≈ 2.5%
Carbon Content (C)	≤ 0.08% (Standard)	≤ 0.03% (Low carbon, intergranular corrosion resistant)
Molybdenum (Mo)	Not present	Present - improves chloride and pitting resistance
Corrosion Resistance	Suitable for mild industrial/atmospheric use	Excellent, ideal for chloride-rich or acidic environments
Intergranular Corrosion Resistance	Moderate - welding heat-affected zones need caution	Excellent - no post-weld heat treatment required
Pitting Resistance (Cl⁻)	Moderate - suitable for <300 ppm chloride media	Excellent - usable in up to ~1000 ppm chloride
High-Temperature Capability	Continuous use up to ~870°C	Up to ~800°C - better creep and oxidation resistance
Mechanical Properties (Annealed)	UTS ≥ 520 MPa, YS ≥ 205 MPa	UTS ≥ 485 MPa, YS ≥ 170 MPa (Slightly lower)
Magnetism	Non-magnetic (may show slight magnetism after cold work)	Fully non-magnetic (stable austenite)
Weldability	Excellent - commonly TIG/MIG welded	Excellent - ideal for repeated welding
Cost	Medium (cost-effective)	Higher (for demanding or specialized applications)