What Is Austenitic Stainless Steel?
Austenitic stainless steel is the most widely used stainless steel austenitic family, built on a chromium‑nickel stainless steel base. It has:
- High chromium (≈16–26%) and nickel (≈8–35%)
- Excellent corrosion resistance and toughness
- Mostly non‑magnetic behavior in the annealed state
- Typical grades: 304 stainless steel (18‑8 stainless steel), 316 stainless steel, 304L stainless steel, 316L stainless steel, 321 stainless steel, 310S heat‑resistant stainless steel
This austenitic stainless steel alloy is the go‑to choice for food‑grade stainless steel, chemical equipment, and high‑cleanliness applications in the U.S. market.
Crystal Structure and Alloying Elements
Austenitic steel has a face‑centered cubic (FCC) crystal structure, stabilized by nickel and other austenite formers. This structure gives it high ductility and toughness, even at cryogenic temperatures.
Key alloying elements in austenitic steel grade design:
- Chromium (Cr): Forms passive film, delivers corrosion resistant stainless steel performance
- Nickel (Ni): Stabilizes austenite (FCC), improves toughness and non‑magnetic behavior
- Molybdenum (Mo): Boosts pitting and crevice corrosion resistance (e.g., 316 / 316L)
- Carbon (C): Controlled (low in “L” grades) to reduce sensitization and intergranular attack
- Nitrogen (N), Manganese (Mn), Titanium (Ti), Niobium (Nb): Fine‑tune strength, weldability, and stabilization (e.g., 321)
Why Austenitic Stainless Steel Is Non‑Magnetic
In the solution‑annealed condition, austenitic stainless steel is essentially non‑magnetic because:
- The FCC austenite phase does not support strong ferromagnetism
- Stable austenite phase suppresses magnetic ferrite or martensite formation
Important in real use:
- After cold working (bending, forming, machining), some austenite transforms to martensite, so it can become slightly magnetic at deformed zones
- Magnetic permeability typically stays low (μr ≈ 1.01–1.10) for most austenitic stainless steel grades, suitable for applications needing low magnetic signature
Austenitic vs Ferritic vs Martensitic vs Duplex
| Family | Typical Structure | Key Alloying | Magnetism | Strength Level | Corrosion Resistance | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austenitic (e.g., 304, 316) | FCC austenite | Cr‑Ni‑(Mo, N) | Non‑magnetic (slight after cold work) | Medium (can be cold‑worked) | Very good to excellent | Food processing, pharma, chemical, architectural |
| Ferritic | BCC ferrite | Cr (low Ni) | Magnetic | Medium | Moderate to good | Automotive trim, appliances, low‑cost corrosion use |
| Martensitic | BCT martensite | Cr (hardenable) | Strongly magnetic | High (after hardening) | Fair, lower than austenitic | Knives, turbines, wear parts |
| Duplex | Ferrite + austenite | Cr‑Ni‑Mo‑N | Slightly to moderately magnetic | High | Very high, especially in chlorides | Offshore, marine, highly loaded structural parts |
We position austenitic stainless steel as the primary choice when you need a non‑magnetic, corrosion resistant, easy‑to‑fabricate stainless solution that still offers solid mechanical performance.
Key properties of austenitic stainless steel
Austenitic stainless steel is our go‑to when customers in the U.S. need a strong, corrosion resistant stainless steel that still forms and welds easily.
- Mechanical properties: Typical austenitic steel grades like 304 stainless steel and 316 stainless steel offer tensile strength around 500–700 MPa, yield strength around 200–300 MPa, and high elongation (40%+), so parts can absorb impact and cold form without cracking.
- Corrosion resistance: This chromium‑nickel stainless steel family handles general corrosion very well and resists pitting, crevice attack, intergranular corrosion, and stress corrosion cracking when you pick the right grade and surface finish. That’s why 18‑8 stainless steel (AISI 304) and AISI 316 are standard in food‑grade stainless steel and chemical service.
- Temperature resistance (-196°C to 925°C): Austenitic stainless steel alloy keeps its toughness from cryogenic temperatures down to about -196°C and stays structurally stable in continuous service up to roughly 925°C, especially with heat‑resistant grades like 310S.
- Weldability and formability: Stainless steel austenitic grades have excellent weldability with all common processes and form easily into complex shapes, making them ideal for tanks, piping, brackets, and deep‑drawn parts. Low‑carbon “L” grades further reduce weld‑related sensitization.
- Magnetic permeability: In the annealed condition, austenitic steel is essentially non‑magnetic stainless steel (relative permeability close to 1.0). Cold working can introduce slight magnetism, but it stays far lower than ferritic or martensitic stainless.
If you’re comparing austenitic stainless to other alloy systems for strength and corrosion behavior, our detailed casting alloy guide on types, properties, and selection is a useful reference alongside these stainless options.
Common Austenitic Stainless Steel Grades We Supply
At vastmaterial, we stock the austenitic stainless steel grades U.S. manufacturers use most: 304 / 304L, 316 / 316L, 321, and 310S. These chromium-nickel stainless steel alloys cover everything from food contact to aggressive chemical and high-temperature service.
Key Austenitic Steel Grades and Identifiers
| Grade (Austenitic Steel) | AISI | UNS | EN / W.-Nr. | Key Characteristics | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 304 / 304L (18-8) | 304/L | S30400/03 | 1.4301/1.4307 | General-purpose, food-grade stainless steel, good formability and weldability | Food & beverage equipment, kitchen, tanks, OEM parts |
| 316 / 316L | 316/L | S31600/03 | 1.4401/1.4404 | Mo-alloyed corrosion resistant stainless steel, better pitting resistance | Marine fittings, chemical processing, pumps, valves |
| 321 | 321 | S32100 | 1.4541 | Ti-stabilized, resists intergranular corrosion after welding | Exhaust systems, thermal processing, aerospace parts |
| 310S | 310S | S31008 | 1.4845 | Heat-resistant stainless steel, high Cr-Ni, strong at elevated temperature | Furnaces, burners, heat exchangers, high-temp ducting |
- 304 / 304L stainless steel is the go-to stainless steel austenitic grade for sanitary and food-grade stainless steel service.
- 316 / 316L stainless steel is preferred where chlorides are present and a higher level of corrosion resistance is required.
- 321 stainless steel performs well for repeated heating cycles where standard 304 might suffer sensitization.
- 310S austenitic stainless steel alloy is chosen when you need stable strength and oxidation resistance at high temperatures.
If you need near-net-shape components instead of mill products, we can also support projects that use the stainless steel investment casting process for these same austenitic steel grades.
Austenitic Stainless Steel Forms & Dimensions at vastmaterial
We stock a full range of austenitic stainless steel forms so you can build, weld, and install without waiting on mill lead times. Most items are on the floor in common 304/304L and 316/316L stainless steel austenitic grades, with fast turnaround on custom sizes.
Sheet & Plate (HR / CR)
- Hot rolled and cold rolled sheet and plate in 18-8 stainless steel (AISI 304) and AISI 316
- Typical thickness: 0.028″–2.00″ (custom thicker plate on request)
- Standard widths: 36″, 48″, 60″, 72″; cut-to-size blanks available
- Surface finishes: 2B, No.1, No.4, BA, and patterned options
- Precision blanks, holes, and profiles available with in-house laser cutting (see our detailed laser cutting metal sheet guide)
Coils (HR / CR)
- Hot rolled and cold rolled coils in austenitic stainless steel alloy grades
- Thickness from light-gauge coil for stamping up to plate coil for heavy fabrication
- Stock widths for slitting, with tight-tolerance slit coil for roll forming and stamping lines
- Ready for decoiling, leveling, and blanking to your print
Pipe, Tube, Bars & Shapes
- Seamless and welded pipe/tube in 304 stainless steel, 316 stainless steel, and low-carbon 304L / 316L
- Nominal pipe sizes from 1/4″ to 24″+, with Sch 5S through XXS options depending on grade
- Round, flat, square, and hex bar, plus angle, channel, and other structural shapes
- Good fit with piping packages that use custom alloy steel flanges for high-spec systems, supported by our partners’ custom alloy steel flange solutions
Standard Sizes & Custom Cutting
- Stock lengths: 10’–24′ bar and pipe, standard sheet/plate sizes ready to ship
- Tolerance-controlled cutting: saw cutting, shearing, laser, plasma, and waterjet
- Pieces supplied rough cut or to finished dimensions, ready for welding or assembly
- Small job-shops and large OEMs across the U.S. rely on us for repeatable, just-in-time cut parts in austenitic steel grades.
Austenitic Stainless Steel Industry Applications
Austenitic stainless steel is our go‑to alloy for U.S. customers who need reliable, corrosion‑resistant, non-magnetic stainless steel in real-world production environments. We stock and process grades like 304 stainless steel, 304L, 316 stainless steel, 316L, 321, and 310S heat-resistant stainless steel to fit these key industries:
- Food and beverage processing – 304 and 304L food-grade stainless steel for tanks, CIP piping, conveyors, and filling lines where hygiene, cleanability, and FDA compliance matter.
- Pharmaceutical and medical equipment – 316L stainless steel austenitic tubing, housings, and frames for cleanrooms, bioreactors, and sterilization systems that must meet strict validation and surface finish requirements.
- Chemical and petrochemical plants – 316/316L, 321, and 310S austenitic steel grades for reactors, columns, and piping handling chlorides, acids, and elevated temperatures in refineries and process units; we often support large equipment manufacturing projects in this space.
- Architecture and construction – Non-magnetic stainless steel handrails, facades, roofing, anchors, and structural details where long-term appearance, low maintenance, and code compliance are critical in U.S. commercial and public projects.
- Marine environments – 316 and 316L chromium-nickel stainless steel for docks, shipboard equipment, pumps, and hardware constantly exposed to saltwater and coastal atmospheres.
- Heat exchangers and boilers – Austenitic stainless steel tubes and plates (304, 316, 310S) for condensers, boiler components, and process coolers where thermal cycling and corrosion are both issues; see our broader guide to stainless alloys and processes if you’re comparing designs.
- Aerospace and automotive uses – High-ductility austenitic stainless steel alloy brackets, exhaust components, clamps, and thermal shields that handle vibration, heat, and road salt in demanding service.
Standards & Certifications for Austenitic Stainless Steel
We supply austenitic stainless steel that meets strict US and international codes, so you can put it straight into critical service with full traceability and paperwork.
- ASTM standards – Our austenitic stainless steel grades comply with key specifications like ASTM A240 (plate and sheet), ASTM A666 (annealed sheet/strip), ASTM A276 and ASTM A479 (bars), and ASTM A312 (seamless and welded pipe) for corrosion resistant stainless steel.
- European norms – When you need dual-certified material, we offer stainless steel austenitic products according to EN 10088-2/3 for flat and long products.
- Pressure equipment compliance – For boilers, pressure vessels, and process piping, we can supply material qualified for PED 2014/68/EU and AD2000 requirements, making it suitable for US EPCs working on global projects.
- Industry-specific approvals – For offshore, subsea, and energy projects, we work with mills capable of meeting NORSOK M-650 for critical austenitic steel grades.
- Mill Test Certificates – Every heat is traceable with mill test certificates to EN 10204 3.1 or, when required, 3.2, backed by strict testing and quality procedures.
- Documented stainless portfolio – Our stainless steel product range covers common 304 stainless steel, 316 stainless steel, low‑carbon 304L/316L, and other austenitic stainless steel alloy grades with full documentation ready for your QA files.
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Technical Resources & Downloads for Austenitic Stainless Steel
We keep all key data for our austenitic stainless steel grades in one place so your team can move fast and make clean decisions.
Downloadable Data for Austenitic Steel Grades
You can download up-to-date technical sheets and a full PDF catalog covering:
- Chemical composition tables for 304, 304L, 316, 316L, 321, 310S and other chromium-nickel austenitic stainless steel grades
- Mechanical properties data (tensile strength, yield, elongation, hardness) for sheet, plate, bar, and pipe
- Corrosion resistance guides with PREN values for pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride and marine environments
- Welding recommendations for non-magnetic stainless steel austenitic alloys, including heat input, filler metal selection, and post-weld cleaning
- Complete PDF catalog with stocked sizes, tolerances, and finish options for food-grade stainless steel and industrial grades
Quick View: What You Can Download
| Resource type | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Chemical composition tables | C, Cr, Ni, Mo, N, and other elements for each austenitic stainless steel alloy |
| Mechanical property sheets | Min. yield, UTS, elongation, hardness by product form |
| Corrosion & PREN guides | PREN values, media suitability, and environment selection tips |
| Welding guides | Parameters for AISI 304, AISI 316, 304L, 316L, 321, 310S heat-resistant stainless steel |
| Full PDF catalog | All austenitic steel grade listings, stock sizes, and service options |
If you’re cross-checking stainless performance against other metals, our material content, including the detailed cast iron vs steel comparison guide, gives added context for choosing the right grade and form.
FAQs on Austenitic Stainless Steel
1. What’s the difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel?
Both are chromium-nickel austenitic stainless steel grades, but 316 adds molybdenum for better corrosion resistance.
Quick comparison – 304 vs 316
| Item | 304 stainless steel (AISI 304) | 316 stainless steel (AISI 316) |
|---|---|---|
| Nickel / Molybdenum | Cr-Ni, no Mo | Cr-Ni-Mo (2–3% Mo) |
| Corrosion resistance | Strong, general use | Higher, especially in chlorides / salt |
| Typical use | Food-grade stainless steel, tanks | Marine, chemicals, saltwater, brine |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
We usually recommend 304 for standard food, beverage, and architectural projects, and 316 when U.S. customers need stronger chloride or coastal corrosion resistance.
2. Is austenitic stainless steel magnetic?
- Austenitic stainless steel (304, 304L, 316, 316L, 321, 310S) is non-magnetic in the annealed condition.
- Cold forming (bending, deep drawing) can introduce a small amount of magnetism, but it stays much lower than ferritic or martensitic grades.
- If you need very low magnetic permeability for instruments or sensors, tell us up front so we control processing and surface treatment for stainless steel accordingly.
3. Can I harden austenitic stainless steel with heat treatment?
- No. Austenitic steel grades are not hardenable by heat treatment like martensitic stainless or carbon steel.
- You can:
- Use solution annealing + rapid cooling to restore corrosion resistance and toughness.
- Increase strength by cold working (rolling, drawing, forming), not by quenching and tempering.
4. Why choose low-carbon “L” grades (304L, 316L)?
Low-carbon austenitic stainless steel alloy (“L” = low carbon) is designed for welded and heavy-section parts.
- Lower carbon (≤0.03%) cuts the risk of carbide precipitation in the heat-affected zone.
- Better resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding.
- Ideal for:
- Pressure vessels and piping
- Heavy-gauge plate weldments
- Chemical and food equipment that must stay weld-safe for decades
If your project has a lot of welding or can’t be post-annealed, we strongly push 304L or 316L.
5. Maximum service temperature: 304 vs 310S
For dry air / flue gas (not structural design limits, just oxidation resistance):
| Grade | Typical max service temp | Typical use case |
|---|---|---|
| 304 / 304L stainless steel | ~870°C (≈1600°F) intermittent | General high-temp tanks, ducting |
| 310S heat-resistant stainless steel | ~1100°C (≈2010°F) intermittent | Furnaces, burners, high-temp linings |
For continuous service or if the part carries high load, we review each case and usually steer U.S. customers to 310S or a nickel alloy instead of pushing 304 beyond its comfort zone.
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