X8CrNiS18-9 /1.4305 /303 stainless steel

X8CrNiS18-9 (1.4305) is the EN designation for AISI 303 stainless steel, a popular austenitic stainless steel known for its excellent machinability. Thanks to its sulfur addition, this grade is the go-to material when easy machining is a priority - particularly in the production of fasteners, shafts, and precision components.

This article covers its chemical composition, mechanical properties, typical applications, and equivalent materials to help engineers and buyers make informed decisions.

 

X8CrNiS18-9 /1.4305 /303 stainless steel.pdf

 

Equivalent grades of steel X8CrNiS18-9 (1.4305)

Standard	Grade
EN	X8CrNiS18-9 (1.4305)
AISI/ASTM	303
UNS	S30300
JIS	SUS 303
ISO	X8CrNiS18-9
GB (China)	06Cr19Ni10S

 

Grade :	X8CrNiS18-9
Number:	1.4305
Classification:	Austenitic stainless steel
Density:	7.9 g/cm ³
Standard:	EN 10088-2: 2005 Stainless steels. Technical delivery conditions for sheet/plate and strip of corrosion resisting steels for general purposes EN 10088-3: 2005 Stainless steels. Technical delivery conditions for semi-finished products, bars, rods, wire, sections and bright products of corrosion resisting steels for general purposes EN 10297-2: 2005 Seamless circular steel tubes for mechanical and general engineering purposes. Stainless steel. Technical delivery conditions EN 10088-1: 2005 Stainless steels. List of stainless steels EN 10088-5: 2009 Stainless steels. Technical delivery conditions for bars, rods, wire, sections and bright products of corrosion resisting steels for construction purposes

Chemical composition % of steel X8CrNiS18-9 (1.4305): EN 10088-2-2005

Elements not listed in this table shall not be intentionally added to the steel without the agreement of the purchaser except for finishing the cast.

C	Si	Mn	Ni	P	S	Cr	N	Cu
max 0.1	max 1	max 2	8 - 10	max 0.045	0.15 - 0.35	17 - 19	max 0.11	max 1

Mechanical properties of steel X8CrNiS18-9 (1.4305)

 

Property	Typical Value
Tensile Strength	500–750 MPa
Yield Strength (0.2%)	≥ 190 MPa
Elongation	≥ 35%
Brinell Hardness	≤ 230 HB
Density	~7.85 g/cm³
Modulus of Elasticity	~193 GPa

 

Can you weld AISI 303 stainless steel?
→ Welding is not recommended due to its sulfur content, which can lead to hot cracking.
Is 1.4305 magnetic?
→ It is non-magnetic in the annealed state but may become slightly magnetic after cold working.
What are some common alternatives to 1.4305?
→ If better corrosion resistance is needed with moderate machinability, consider 1.4301 (304) or 1.4404 (316L).