EN 10088-2 X10CrNi18-8 1.4310 Stainless Steel Plate

EN 10088-2 X10CrNi18-8 1.4310 stainless steel plate is an austenitic flat product supplied to EN 10088-2, the European standard for stainless steel sheet, plate and strip for general purposes. X10CrNi18-8 contains 0.05 – 0.15 % carbon, 16.0 – 19.0 % chromium, 6.0 – 9.5 % nickel, up to 0.80 % molybdenum and up to 2.00 % silicon. Its composition makes the austenite less stable than in 1.4301, so cold rolling raises strength strongly, which is why it is a classic spring steel. An important point for buyers: EN 10088-2 lists 1.4310 only as cold rolled strip (product form C) up to 8 mm thick, supplied solution annealed or cold worked (process route 2H) at tensile levels from +C700 to +C1300. Hot rolled strip and hot rolled plate are not covered, so “plate” here means cold rolled sheet cut from strip.

SHH STEEL works as a steel sourcing partner with long-term relationships with Chinese stainless mills that roll austenitic CrNi cold rolled strip and sheet in annealed and cold worked conditions. For large tonnages, the buyer can contract directly with a suitable mill, with SHH STEEL assisting for a modest service fee and handling follow-up and documents. For small orders we consolidate demand, so that 1 – 5 t lots are placed against genuine mill production instead of stock of unknown origin. Each shipment can be released after third-party inspection by TUV, ABS, BV, DNV, CCS or an agency the buyer nominates, and payment by TT or LC is accepted. The rest of this page covers the technical side of EN 10088-2 1.4310 and the steps we take so that the sheet that arrives is the sheet that was ordered.

The table below lists the concerns buyers raise most often when sourcing EN 10088-2 X10CrNi18-8 sheet and plate from China, and how SHH STEEL deals with each of them.

1.4310 is often compared with Type 301 in ASTM A240 (see ASTM A240 Type 301 sheet and plate), but the chemistry ranges differ. For precision spring strip, EN 10151 also applies and covers higher tensile strength levels than EN 10088-2.

1.4310 spans parts of both the 301 and 302 ranges, which is why cross-reference tables disagree. A heat can be dual certified to 1.4310 and 301 if it meets both sets of limits, including carbon of at least 0.05 % and silicon of at most 1.00 %. SHH STEEL checks this before quoting dual certification.

1.4310 is not listed in EN 10028-7, so it is not offered for pressure equipment on this basis.

Edition note: the values on this page are taken from EN 10088-2:2014. A revised edition (EN 10088-2:2024) has since been published. If your contract names the newer edition, SHH STEEL checks the order against that text before production, and any difference is raised at the quotation stage rather than after rolling.

The 1.4310 chemical composition below is the cast (heat) analysis from EN 10088-2:2014 Table 1. Values are percentages by mass; a single figure is a maximum.

The carbon minimum is a deliberate part of the grade: together with the nickel content, it controls how strongly the steel work-hardens. SHH STEEL checks carbon, nickel and chromium on every certificate as part of the 1.4310 chemical composition review.

Product analysis tolerances (EN 10088-2 Table 5)

A product analysis is a check made on the delivered sheet. It is not mandatory under EN 10088-2; it is carried out when agreed at the time of enquiry and order, and SHH STEEL can arrange it through a partner laboratory. The permissible tolerances on the cast limits are:

Where several product analyses are made on one cast, individual results may exceed the maximum or fall below the minimum, but not both for the same element. If a product analysis is required, it should be stated in the order together with the Table 5 tolerances.

The 1.4310 mechanical properties below are the room-temperature values from EN 10088-2:2014 Table 7 for austenitic steels in the solution annealed condition. Test pieces are transverse; the A80 elongation applies below 3 mm and the proportional elongation A from 3 mm.

EN 10088-2 gives values for product form C only; no values are given for hot rolled strip (H) or hot rolled plate (P). Rp1.0 values are for guidance only. For strip in rolling widths below 300 mm tested longitudinally, the minimum proof strength is reduced by 15 MPa and elongation by 5 % (constant gauge) or 2 % (proportional gauge).

Table 7 rates 1.4310 resistance to intergranular corrosion (EN ISO 3651-2) as “no” in both the delivery and the sensitized condition.

Cold worked condition (process route 2H)

EN 10088-2 Table 17 defines the tensile strength levels for the cold worked condition (process route 2H): +C700 = 700 – 850 MPa, +C850 = 850 – 1 000 MPa, +C1000 = 1 000 – 1 150 MPa, +C1150 = 1 150 – 1 300 MPa and +C1300 = 1 300 – 1 500 MPa. Table 18 defines 0.2 % proof strength levels: +CP350 = 350 – 500 MPa, +CP500 = 500 – 700 MPa, +CP700 = 700 – 900 MPa, +CP900 = 900 – 1 100 MPa and +CP1100 = 1 100 – 1 300 MPa. Intermediate values may be agreed. The steel may be specified by tensile strength, by proof strength or by hardness, but only one parameter in the order. The maximum thickness for each level decreases as the strength rises, and remaining elongation depends on the work-hardening behaviour, so more exact information should be requested from the mill.

EN 10088-2 lists 1.4310 2H material at all five tensile levels from +C700 to +C1300 and at the proof strength levels +CP500 to +CP1100 (X = available). A footnote refers to EN 10151 for higher tensile strength levels. The Lucefin datasheet notes that stress relieving at 280 – 420 °C after cold forming can raise tensile strength by about 250 MPa; the effect should be confirmed by tests.

Minimum proof strength at elevated temperature (EN 10088-2 Table 12, +AT)

EN 10088-2 gives no values above 350 °C for this grade. The values apply to the solution annealed condition, not to cold worked material.

EN 10088-2 Table A.1 gives the following guideline temperatures for 1.4310:

The footnotes to Table A.1 state that with a continuous furnace the upper part of the range is usually preferred or even exceeded, and that the lower end of the range should be aimed at when the heat treatment is part of further processing, because otherwise the mechanical properties may be affected. Solution annealing may be omitted if hot working and cooling achieve the required mechanical properties and resistance to intergranular corrosion.

Cold worked 2H strip gets its strength from cold rolling, so annealing removes it. For springs, a low-temperature stress relief after forming is common; Lucefin gives 280 – 420 °C. Annealed material is delivered as +AT; we check that the condition or 2H level is stated on each certificate.

The values below are approximate reference figures for X10CrNi18-8 at room temperature, as given in a producer datasheet (Swiss Steel, Acidur 4310), which also lists 194 GPa at 100 °C. They are suitable for design estimates and weight calculation; where a figure is critical, use EN 10088-1 itself.

The same datasheet notes that the steel is slightly magnetic in the quenched condition and that magnetism increases with cold work. Strongly cold worked 1.4310 should therefore not be used where a non-magnetic part is required without checking the permeability.

1.4310 has corrosion resistance similar to other 18-8 austenitic steels in mild environments such as indoor atmospheres and fresh water. Its higher carbon content, however, makes it sensitive to intergranular corrosion: EN 10088-2 Table 7 rates its resistance (tested to EN ISO 3651-2) as “no” both in the delivery condition and in the sensitized condition. A producer datasheet (Swiss Steel) advises avoiding the range 450 – 850 °C because of carbide precipitation.

Where a high-strength cold worked austenitic steel must also be welded, EN 10088-2 1.4318 plate is the low-carbon, nitrogen-alloyed alternative rated “yes” for intergranular corrosion.

As EN 10088-2 notes, corrosion resistance depends strongly on the environment and cannot always be judged from laboratory tests, so experience with the grade in similar service should be used.

1.4310 is mainly used unwelded, as springs and formed parts. Its weldability depends on the condition.

• The Euro Inox fabrication tables mark its weldability as poor in the 2H condition and give filler materials 1.4302 or 1.4316 for annealed material.
• Welding removes the cold worked strength in the heat-affected zone.
• Because Table 7 rates the grade as not resistant to intergranular corrosion in the sensitized condition, welded joints may be attacked in corrosive service.
• EN 10088-2 does not specify welding procedures; these are published guidelines.

These points reflect industry practice for austenitic CrNi stainless steels rather than requirements of EN 10088-2, which does not specify welding procedures. In the SHH STEEL workshop, blanks and slit strips are cut with clean, burr-free edges so that seam, spot and tube welding run without edge preparation problems.

Annealed 1.4310 forms well but work-hardens strongly, so forming forces and springback are higher than for 1.4301. At the higher 2H levels only limited bending is possible, and the bend radius should be confirmed by trials.

Cutting is by precision slitting, shearing, punching or laser. Machining needs sharp tools and positive feeds to avoid work hardening at the cut.

We run our own workshop next to the warehouse, so 1.4310 spring steel strip and X10CrNi18-8 strip can be delivered as slit coil, cut-to-length sheets, laser-cut blanks or bent parts. Details are on our steel cutting services and bending and forming services pages.

EN 10088-2 lists 1.4310 only as cold rolled strip up to 8 mm thick.

For 2H material, the maximum thickness falls as the strength level rises, so the mill should confirm it for the level ordered. EN 10088-2 does not cover 1.4310 hot rolled plate; a buyer needing thicker plate should discuss an alternative grade.

SHH STEEL can supply 1.4310 cold rolled sheet, coil and precision slit strip, in standard sizes or cut to your drawing.

Surface finish is ordered by the process route symbols of EN 10088-2 Table 6; trade names from ASTM and JIS are shown for reference. Not every route is available for every grade, and the mill confirms which ones it can supply.

The No.4 to 2J and BA to 2R cross-references follow IMOA and worldstainless comparison tables; EN 10088-2 itself defines only the EN symbols. The 1D hot rolled finish does not apply to 1.4310 because EN 10088-2 lists no hot rolled form for it.

There is no exact 1.4310 equivalent; the 301 stainless equivalent is the nearest match in most tables, but its ranges are narrower.

Some cross-reference tables list 302 instead (AISI 302 stainless steel plate, UNS S30200, Cr 17 – 19 %, Ni 8 – 10 %) or JIS G4305 SUS302 plate. Because 1.4310 spans parts of both ranges, the right counterpart depends on the actual heat.

1.4310 vs 1.4318 and 1.4301

Compared with EN 10088-2 1.4318 plate, 1.4310 has more carbon and less nitrogen, so it reaches higher cold worked levels (up to +C1300 against +C1000) but is not resistant to intergranular corrosion. Compared with 1.4301, it has a slightly higher annealed proof strength in Table 7 (250 against 230 MPa minimum for cold rolled strip) and work-hardens much more, which suits springs.

Typical applications of 1.4310 strip listed in published sources (Euro Inox and Swiss Steel) include:

• Springs and leaf springs for service up to about 300 °C
• Press plates
• Conveyor chains
• Mixer blades
• Parts under high mechanical loads
• Shoe inserts and spring components in automotive, food and electronic equipment

For precision spring strip with the highest tensile levels, EN 10151 is the usual standard; EN 10088-2 covers general purposes.

Most spring uses take 2H material at +C1000 or above. SHH STEEL can advise on the strength level for each part.

For 1.4310 the main risks are grade substitution, the wrong strength level and expecting plate thicknesses that the standard does not cover.

None of these steps is complicated, but they need to be agreed at the start. When you send an enquiry, tell us which of these points matters most to you, and the order will be built around it.

Every 1.4310 order is supported by documents and checks that make the material traceable to the heat:

• Cast analysis with carbon, chromium and nickel checked
• Tensile test for +AT or the ordered 2H level, or hardness if that is the ordered parameter
• Thickness and flatness checks to EN ISO 9445
• Surface inspection
• Additional checks through our third-party testing service: PMI, dimensional, flatness and surface inspection

If the order does not name an inspection document, EN 10088-2 requires only a test report 2.2. Because this is rarely enough for spring and component or export work, SHH STEEL supplies an EN 10204 3.1 inspection certificate as standard and a 3.2 certificate when an independent inspector (TUV, ABS, BV, DNV, CCS or an agency you nominate) witnesses testing and countersigns the document.

Ordering example and lead time

Following the pattern of the example in EN 10088-2, a typical order line would read: 2 t cold rolled strip, 0.5 mm × 300 mm, EN 10088-2, steel X10CrNi18-8 (1.4310), process route 2H, strength level +C1150, inspection certificate 3.1 to EN 10204. Mill production lead time is generally 30 – 40 days from order confirmation, depending on the rolling schedule, the size and the tests requested; cold worked 2H strip is rolled in campaigns, so their timing should be confirmed at enquiry. Consolidated small lots follow the same mill schedule, and we send progress updates at rolling, testing and packing.

• Mill relationships: long-term cooperation with Chinese stainless mills helps us secure competitive pricing and steadier delivery for 1.4310 and related austenitic grades.
• Direct mill contracts: for larger tonnages you can contract directly with a suitable mill, for a modest service fee, while we handle follow-up and documents.
• Order consolidation: 1 – 5 t lots are combined so they can be placed against genuine mill production.
• Own workshop: slitting, cut-to-length, laser cutting, bending and protective film before shipment.
• Inspection and certificates: third-party inspection by TUV, ABS, BV, DNV, CCS or your nominated agency, with EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 certificates.
• Flexible payment: TT, LC or a combination of both.
• Port logistics: coil and sheet are packed seaworthy with heat-number labels and shipped through our worldwide shipping service, together with other grades if needed.

As a 1.4310 plate supplier SHH STEEL also stocks and sources the wider range of stainless steel sheets and plates, so mixed orders of different stainless grades can travel in one container with one set of paperwork.

EN 10088-2 X10CrNi18-8 1.4310 is the higher-carbon 18-8 austenitic spring steel, supplied as cold rolled strip up to 8 mm, annealed or cold worked from +C700 to +C1300, for springs and high-load parts that are not welded. Choosing it is the easy part. Getting genuine material that matches the certificate, in the gauge and finish your parts need and on a predictable schedule, is where a sourcing partner earns its place, and that is the work SHH STEEL does every day through long-term mill cooperation, consolidation and its own workshop.

The next step is simple. Send SHH STEEL your drawing, or an enquiry with the quantity, thickness, width, finish and delivery destination, and we will judge whether a direct mill contract or consolidation with processing fits your order better, and quote accordingly. Send your sizes and quantities for a quotation.