FabDigitFabDigit

Stainless Steel 310HCb-AW (As-welded deposit)

Heat-treated state

UNS S31041

Condition of fabricated furnace assemblies welded with matching Nb-bearing 310 filler; Nb keeps HAZ sensitization-resistant so PWHT is usually unnecessary.

High cost $$$$

Values for the AW condition

Other 310HCb tempers and conditions

310HCb is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at 310HCb.

Compare all 4 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
AnnealedDefault
solution annealed (~1050–1150 °C) and rapidly cooled
Standard supply condition for plate, pipe and tube; maximum ductility and the condition for which ASME creep/allowable stresses apply.26059045170 HB—
AWThis page
As-welded deposit
Condition of fabricated furnace assemblies welded with matching Nb-bearing 310 filler; Nb keeps HAZ sensitization-resistant so PWHT is usually unnecessary.30057032185 HB2.1 % IACS
Cold drawn
Choose for tighter dimensional tolerance and higher room-temperature strength in bar/tube; strength gain is lost above ~600 °C service.4506903017 HRC2.2 % IACS
1/4 Hard
Occasional strip/wire condition where extra room-temperature strength and springback are needed; not used for creep-governed hot service.5157602022 HRC2.2 % IACS

What is 310HCb-AW?

310HCb-AW is 310HCb heat treated to AW — condition of fabricated furnace assemblies welded with matching Nb-bearing 310 filler; Nb keeps HAZ sensitization-resistant so PWHT is usually unnecessary. 310HCb-AW has a yield strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) and a tensile strength of 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) — weaker than 68% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 32% and the elastic modulus is 198 GPa (28.7 Msi). 310HCb-AW has a density of 7.98 g/cm³ (0.288 lb/in³), heavier than 85% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,400°C (2,552 °F). Annealed is the default condition FabDigit quotes; AW is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • High service temperature — 1,050°C (1,922 °F), better than 91% of stainless steel grades

Limitations

  • High embodied carbon — 5.8 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 86% of stainless steel grades

310HCb-AW properties

Typical room-temperature values for 310HCb-AW; 22 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are 310HCb reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among stainless steel grades.

Physical3

310HCb-AW has a density of 7.98 g/cm³ (0.288 lb/in³), heavier than 85% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,400°C (2,552 °F).

Density7.98 g/cm³0.29 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)1,400°C2,552 °F
Liquidus Temperature1,450°C2,642 °F

Mechanical16

310HCb-AW has a yield strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) and a tensile strength of 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) — weaker than 68% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 32% and the elastic modulus is 198 GPa (28.7 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus198 GPa28.7 Msi
Shear Modulus77 GPa11.2 Msi
Bulk Modulus160 GPa23.2 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.29
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)570 MPa82.7 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)300 MPa43.5 ksi
Elongation at Break32%
Reduction in Area40%
Compressive Strength310 MPa45 ksi
Shear Strength390 MPa56.6 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)180 MPa26.1 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)130 MPa·√m118 ksi·√in
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)60 J44.3 ft·lbf
Hardness, Brinell185 HB
Hardness, Rockwell B89 HRB
Hardness, Vickers195 HV

Thermal6

310HCb-AW is rated for continuous service to 1,050°C (1,922 °F). It conducts heat at 14 W/m·K (8.09 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 80% of stainless steel grades. Thermal expansion is 15.9 µm/m·K (8.83 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity14 W/m·K8.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity500 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)15.9 µm/m·K8.8 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion270 J/g116 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)1,050°C1,922 °F
Min Service Temperature-196°C-321 °F

Electrical3

310HCb-AW conducts electricity at 2.1 % IACS, worse than 73% of stainless steel grades.

Electrical Conductivity2.1 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity8.1×10⁻⁷ Ω·m31.9 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responsenon-magnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is good (67/100), better than 61% of stainless steel grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.05 V
Corrosion ResistanceGood67/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryExcellent high-temperature oxidation and hot-gas resistance to ~1100 °C; Nb stabilization prevents intergranular attack after 550–850 °C exposure. Good in nitric acid and mildly oxidizing media, resists thermal cycling. Poor in sulphur-bearing reducing gases, molten sulphates, halide-rich hot gases and chloride solutions (pitting/SCC, no Mo).

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of 310HCb-AW takes about 68 MJ of energy and emits 5.8 kg of CO₂ — more than 80% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 60%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)68 MJ/kg29,235 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)5.8 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water200 L/kg24 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content60%

Manufacturability7

310HCb-AW's machinability is poor (28/100, worse than 79% of stainless steel grades); weldability very good (70/100); formability fair (45/100).

MachinabilityPoor28/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)35%
WeldabilityVery good70/100
Formability (cold)Fair45/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityGood60/100
PolishabilityVery good70/100
Anodizing Responsen/a — ferrous alloy; use pickle/passivation or electropolish instead

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with 310HCb-AW

Is 310HCb easy to machine?

Slow speeds, heavy positive-rake carbide, rigid setups and flood coolant — the alloy work-hardens fast and produces stringy chips; avoid dwelling to prevent glazing.

Can 310HCb be welded?

GTAW/SMAW/FCAW with matching 310 or Nb-bearing 310 filler, low heat input, interpass ≤150 °C; keep ferrite-free weld pools clean to avoid hot cracking and no PWHT normally needed thanks to Nb stabilization.

Can 310HCb be formed, bent or molded?

Cold forms readily but with high force and springback (work-hardening rate ~2× carbon steel); hot work at 1150–1200 °C and finish above 950 °C, then solution anneal 1050–1150 °C and cool fast.

What surface finishes work on 310HCb?

Pickle/passivate or bead-blast after hot work to restore the Cr₂O₃ film; can be electropolished or mechanically polished, no anodizing — protect from chloride-bearing residues before high-temperature service.

310HCb 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.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
Ccontrolled high carbon for creep strength0.04 – 0.10.07
Cr24 – 2625
Ni19 – 2220.5
Nbstabilizer; forms NbC and prevents sensitization0.2 – 10.5
Mn≤ 21.5
Siaids oxidation resistance≤ 1.50.8
N≤ 0.030.02
P≤ 0.050.03
S≤ 0.030.01
Febalance—

310HCb-AW — frequently asked

What is 310HCb-AW used for?

310HCb-AW is typically used for high-temperature pressure vessels, petrochemical furnace piping, welded reformer internals, superheater and reheater tubing, furnace hangers and supports and hot-gas ducting and expansion joints. In short: stabilized high-carbon 310; creep strength with stabilization; welded high-temperature pressure parts.

What is the yield strength of 310HCb-AW?

310HCb-AW has a typical yield strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) and a tensile strength of 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) — weaker than 68% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.

Is 310HCb-AW easy to machine?

Not especially — machinability is rated poor (28/100, worse than 79% of stainless steel grades). Slow speeds, heavy positive-rake carbide, rigid setups and flood coolant — the alloy work-hardens fast and produces stringy chips; avoid dwelling to prevent glazing.

Can 310HCb-AW be welded?

Yes — weldability is rated very good (70/100). GTAW/SMAW/FCAW with matching 310 or Nb-bearing 310 filler, low heat input, interpass ≤150 °C; keep ferrite-free weld pools clean to avoid hot cracking and no PWHT normally needed thanks to Nb stabilization.

What surface finishes work on 310HCb-AW?

Pickle/passivate or bead-blast after hot work to restore the Cr₂O₃ film; can be electropolished or mechanically polished, no anodizing — protect from chloride-bearing residues before high-temperature service.

Can 310HCb-AW be formed, bent or molded?

Cold forms readily but with high force and springback (work-hardening rate ~2× carbon steel); hot work at 1150–1200 °C and finish above 950 °C, then solution anneal 1050–1150 °C and cool fast.

What is the maximum service temperature of 310HCb-AW?

310HCb-AW is rated for continuous use to about 1,050°C (1,922 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

What is the difference between 310HCb Annealed and 310HCb-CD?

Annealed is the default condition — standard supply condition for plate, pipe and tube; maximum ductility and the condition for which ASME creep/allowable stresses apply. CD: choose for tighter dimensional tolerance and higher room-temperature strength in bar/tube; strength gain is lost above ~600 °C service. Yield strength is 260 MPa in Annealed versus 450 MPa in CD.

Sources

  1. ASTM A240/A240M — Chromium and Chromium-Nickel Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip (UNS S31041) — ASTM International (2023)
  2. ASTM A213/A213M — Seamless Ferritic and Austenitic Alloy-Steel Boiler, Superheater and Heat-Exchanger Tubes — ASTM International (2022)
  3. ASTM A312/A312M — Seamless, Welded and Heavily Cold Worked Austenitic Stainless Steel Pipes — ASTM International (2022)
  4. ASME BPVC Section II Part D — Allowable stresses for S31041 — ASME (2023)
  5. ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
  6. 310S/310H/310HCb heat-resisting austenitic stainless datasheets — Outokumpu / Sandmeyer Steel / Sandvik (2022)

Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.