Stainless Steel 302
AISI/SAE 302 · UNS S30200 · EN 1.4319 · JIS SUS302 · GB 12Cr18Ni9
302 (UNS S30200, 1.4310, SUS302) is a general-purpose 18-8 austenitic stainless steel with slightly higher carbon than 304, which raises strength in cold-worked and spring tempers.
Values for the Annealed condition
302 tempers and conditions
302 is supplied in 10 conditions, soft to hard. Annealed is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 10 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AnnealedDefault solution annealed (1010–1120 °C, rapid cool) | Default stocked condition for sheet, strip, bar and wire that will be deep drawn, bent or coiled. | 275 | 620 | 55 | 150 HB | — |
1/16 Hard | Lightly cold-rolled 302 strip/sheet temper per ASTM A666 (Rp0.2 ≥310 MPa) that keeps most of the annealed ductility for bending and forming. | 380 | 655 | 35 | 190 HB | 2.4 % IACS |
Lightly cold rolled strip | Use where annealed strip is too soft for handling but full bendability is still required. | 380 | 720 | 30 | 11 HRC | 2.4 % IACS |
Quarter hard | Common temper for stamped brackets, clips and washers that still need moderate bending. | 550 | 900 | 12 | 27 HRC | 2.4 % IACS |
1/4 Hard | Cold-rolled 302 quarter-hard temper per ASTM A666 (Rp0.2 ≥515 MPa, Rm ≥860 MPa) for moderately formed springy parts, clips and brackets. | 585 | 900 | 15 | 25 HRC | 2.4 % IACS |
cold drawn bar / wire (as-drawn, ~10–20 % reduction) | Pick for shafts, pins and machined parts needing better straightness, surface finish and roughly double the annealed yield strength. | 690 | 860 | 14 | 24 HRC | — |
Half hard | Higher strength stamping temper for flat springs, shims and structural clips with gentle bend radii only. | 800 | 1,070 | 8 | 32 HRC | 2.4 % IACS |
1/2 Hard | Cold-rolled 302 half-hard temper per ASTM A666 (Rp0.2 ≥760 MPa, Rm ≥1035 MPa) — high-strength springy strip with limited bend ductility. | 830 | 1,080 | 10 | 32 HRC | 2.4 % IACS |
Three-quarter hard | Near-spring temper strip for flat springs and retaining parts formed with generous radii. | 965 | 1,240 | 5 | 37 HRC | 2.4 % IACS |
heavily cold rolled strip (ASTM A666) | Maximum cold-rolled strength for flat springs, blades and shims used essentially flat. | 1,030 | 1,320 | 4 | 41 HRC | 2.4 % IACS |
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways 302 is supplied — form, process route, surface or paperwork — without a datasheet of their own. The property values above apply.
| Option | What it is | Type |
|---|---|---|
Spring Temper Wire | Spring Temper | Supply form |
What is 302?
302 (UNS S30200, 1.4310, SUS302) is a general-purpose 18-8 austenitic stainless steel with slightly higher carbon than 304, which raises strength in cold-worked and spring tempers. It is stocked as annealed and cold-drawn bar, wire and strip in 1/16 through full hard and spring temper, giving 275 MPa yield, 620 MPa tensile, 55 % elongation, a formability score of 88 and service to 760 °C. The higher carbon leaves the weld HAZ sensitization-prone, so 304L is the better choice for welded parts in corrosive service. 302 has a density of 7.9 g/cm³ (0.285 lb/in³), heavier than 68% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,400°C (2,552 °F). 302 has a yield strength of 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) — weaker than 77% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 55% and the elastic modulus is 193 GPa (28 Msi).
What is 302 used for?
- Springs
- Kitchen sinks
- Cookware
Advantages
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 55%, better than 97% of stainless steel grades
- Forms and bends easily — 88/100, better than 97% of stainless steel grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 80/100, better than 89% of stainless steel grades
Limitations
- Low strength — 275 MPa (39.9 ksi), worse than 77% of stainless steel grades
302 properties
Typical room-temperature values for 302-Annealed; bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
302 has a density of 7.9 g/cm³ (0.285 lb/in³), heavier than 68% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,400°C (2,552 °F).
Mechanical16
302 has a yield strength of 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) — weaker than 77% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 55% and the elastic modulus is 193 GPa (28 Msi).
Thermal6
302 is rated for continuous service to 760°C (1,400 °F). It conducts heat at 16.2 W/m·K (9.36 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 64% of stainless steel grades. Thermal expansion is 17.3 µm/m·K (9.61 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
302 conducts electricity at 2.4 % IACS, better than 67% of stainless steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (66/100), better than 59% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 302 takes about 53 MJ of energy and emits 5.2 kg of CO₂ — less than 67% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 60%.
Manufacturability7
302's machinability is fair (42/100, better than 79% of stainless steel grades); weldability good (55/100); formability excellent (88/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the stainless steel family
Yield strength against density for every stainless steel grade FabDigit runs. 302 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with 302
Is 302 easy to machine?
Gummy and work-hardening like 304 — use rigid setups, sharp positive-rake carbide, heavy constant feed, 20–35 % lower surface speed than mild steel and flood coolant to avoid glazing.
Can 302 be welded?
GTAW/GMAW/resistance welding are all practical with 308L/347 filler, but the ≤0.15 % C makes the HAZ sensitization-prone: keep heat input low and post-weld solution anneal for corrosive or high-temperature service.
Can 302 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent deep-draw and spring-coiling behaviour with high work hardening; allow springback and interstage annealing on severe draws, and stress-relieve coiled springs at 260–400 °C.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit applies to 302. Every 302 part is priced by an engineer; design inside these and the quote comes back without a redesign loop.
CNC machining
| Machinability | Fair42 / 100 |
|---|---|
| ISO material group | M.1 |
| Cutting speed (rough / finish) | 150 / 180 m/min |
| Minimum wall | 0.8 mm |
| Minimum internal radius | 1.5 mm |
| Drill depth limit | 4× diameter |
| Best surface (machined / polished) | Ra 1.6 / — |
| Hardenable after machining | No |
Sheet metal
| Formability | Excellent88 / 100 |
|---|---|
| Weldability | Excellent55 / 100 |
| Bendable | Yes |
302 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Chigher than 304 — gives the extra cold-work strength | ≤ 0.15 | 0.1 |
| Cr | 17 – 19 | 18 |
| Ni | 8 – 10 | 9 |
| Mn | ≤ 2 | 1 |
| Si1.00 max in some product specs | ≤ 0.75 | 0.5 |
| N | ≤ 0.1 | 0.05 |
| P | ≤ 0.05 | |
| S | ≤ 0.03 | |
| Fe | balance |
What surface finishes work on 302?
Not anodizable — passivate per ASTM A967 or electropolish; takes a high mechanical polish (No.4 to mirror) and accepts electroplating with proper Woods-nickel strike.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on stainless steel parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Plating
Organic Coating
CVD Coating
Black / Phosphate
Thermal Spray
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Stainless Steel 302 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
How much does 302 cost?
302 is a premium-cost stainless steel ($$$), cheaper than about 58% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
302 — frequently asked
What is 302 used for?
302 is typically used for springs, kitchen sinks and cookware. In short: general-purpose austenitic bar.
What is the yield strength of 302?
302 has a typical yield strength of 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) — weaker than 77% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 10 listed tempers.
Is 302 easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (42/100, better than 79% of stainless steel grades). Gummy and work-hardening like 304 — use rigid setups, sharp positive-rake carbide, heavy constant feed, 20–35 % lower surface speed than mild steel and flood coolant to avoid glazing.
Can 302 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (55/100). GTAW/GMAW/resistance welding are all practical with 308L/347 filler, but the ≤0.15 % C makes the HAZ sensitization-prone: keep heat input low and post-weld solution anneal for corrosive or high-temperature service.
What surface finishes work on 302?
Not anodizable — passivate per ASTM A967 or electropolish; takes a high mechanical polish (No.4 to mirror) and accepts electroplating with proper Woods-nickel strike.
Can 302 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent deep-draw and spring-coiling behaviour with high work hardening; allow springback and interstage annealing on severe draws, and stress-relieve coiled springs at 260–400 °C.
What is the maximum service temperature of 302?
302 is rated for continuous use to about 760°C (1,400 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does 302 cost?
302 is a premium-cost stainless steel ($$$), cheaper than about 58% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Can FabDigit make parts in 302?
Yes — 302 is available for CNC machining and sheet metal; every part is priced by an engineer rather than instantly. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- ASTM A666 — Annealed or Cold-Worked Austenitic Stainless Steel Sheet, Strip, Plate and Flat Bar — ASTM International (2015)
- ASTM A276/A276M — Stainless Steel Bars and Shapes — ASTM International (2023)
- ASTM A313/A313M — Stainless Steel Spring Wire — ASTM International (2018)
- EN 10088-3 (X10CrNi18-8, 1.4319) — CEN (2014)
- JIS G 4313 / G 4303 (SUS302) — JSA (2011)
- GB/T 1220 (12Cr18Ni9) — SAC (2007)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol.13B — Corrosion: Materials — ASM International (2005)
- Machinery's Handbook, 31st ed. (machinability ratings) — Industrial Press (2020)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.