300 Series Stainless Steel Casting Heat Treatment

The base alloy elements of any nickel-base or stainless steel casting are chromium, nickel, and molybdenum (or “moly”). These three components will determine the casting's grain structure and mechanical properties, and will be instrumental in the casting's ability to combat heat and/or corrosion.

Stainless steel has a minimum chromium content of 10.5%, making it more resistant to corrosive liquid environments and to oxidation. However, this is not an absolute. Stainless steel investment castings are “corrosion-resistant” when used in liquid environments and vapors below 1200°F (650°C) and “heat-resistant” when used above this temperature.

There are differences between wrought and cast versions of stainless steel. This is due to their chemical composition and their micro-grain structure, which is affected by how the material is produced, cast or extruded These factors must be taken into consideration when choosing an alloy for your stainless steel investment casting metal project.

300 Series Stainless Steel Casting Heat Treatment

Alloy	Heat Treatment	UTS (kpsi)	YS (kpsi)	% Elongation	Hardness
303	Annealed	65-75	30-35	35-45	Rb 90 Max
304	Annealed	65-75	30-35	35-45	Rb 90 Max
310	Annealed	65-75	30-35	35-45	Rb 90 Max
316	Annealed	65-75	30-35	35-45	Rb 90 Max
347	Annealed	65-75	30-35	25-35	Rb 90 Max