AISI 302 Stainless Steel Plate | 302 China steel mill-Direct Supply
What is AISI 302 Stainless Steel Plate?
As a professional China steel mill-Direct Supply and stainless steel plate supplier, SHH STEEL is pleased to present AISI 302 Stainless Steel Plate.
AISI 302 (UNS S30200) is one of the original 18-8 austenitic stainless steels. It contains approximately 18% chromium and 8–10% nickel, with a higher maximum carbon content (up to 0.15%) compared with the more common Type 304. The elevated carbon gives AISI 302 slightly higher strength, particularly after cold working, while maintaining excellent formability, toughness and good corrosion resistance in mild to moderate environments.
Although Type 304 and 304L have largely replaced 302 in many modern applications due to better weldability and lower carbon, AISI 302 remains a useful grade for components that benefit from higher strength and good cold-forming characteristics. It is non-magnetic in the annealed condition and becomes slightly magnetic after heavy cold working.
SHH STEEL supplies AISI 302 as true China steel mill-Direct Supply, sourcing directly from major Chinese stainless steel mills. This model delivers competitive mill pricing, consistent quality, complete heat traceability and reliable delivery. We offer AISI 302 in plate and sheet form across a practical range of thicknesses and surface finishes.
AISI 302 is frequently compared with a240 304, a240 304l, a240 301 and a240 201 when selecting an economical austenitic grade with good strength and formability.
Material Specification
| Specification Element | Requirement | SHH STEEL Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Grade | AISI 302 / UNS S30200 | Confirmed |
| Related Standards | ASTM A240, ASME SA240, JIS G4305 (SUS302), EN | Available |
| Product Form | Plate, Sheet, Coil | Available |
| Delivery Condition | Solution Annealed or Cold Worked | Available |
| Thickness Range | 0.4 mm – 50 mm (thicker available on request) | Custom sizes supported |
| Width | Up to 1500–2000 mm | Available |
| Length | Up to 6000 mm or coil / cut-to-length | Available |
| Surface Finish | 2B, BA, No.1, No.4, HL, Polished | Available |
| Certification | EN 10204 3.1 / Mill Test Certificate | Available |
Chemical Composition
Typical Chemical Composition of AISI 302 (UNS S30200):
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.15 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.00 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 2.00 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.045 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 17.00 – 19.00 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 8.00 – 10.00 |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.10 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
The higher allowable carbon content (up to 0.15%) compared with Type 304 is the main distinguishing feature of AISI 302. This contributes to higher strength, especially in the cold-worked condition, but also increases the risk of sensitization during welding compared with low-carbon grades such as a240 304l.
Mechanical Properties
Annealed Condition (typical)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 515 MPa (75 ksi) |
| Yield Strength (0.2%) | ≥ 205 MPa (30 ksi) |
| Elongation (in 50 mm) | ≥ 40% |
| Hardness | ≤ 201 HB |
Cold Worked Condition AISI 302 can be significantly strengthened by cold working. Strength levels similar to those of a240 301 can be achieved depending on the degree of cold reduction.
Physical Properties
- Density: 7.93 g/cm³
- Magnetic: Non-magnetic in the annealed condition
- Melting Range: approximately 1400–1420°C
Material Comparison
| Grade | Carbon Content | Strength Level | Weldability | Typical Preference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AISI 302 | ≤ 0.15% | Higher | Moderate | Higher strength 18-8 applications |
| AISI 304 | ≤ 0.08% | Standard | Good | General purpose |
| AISI 304L | ≤ 0.03% | Standard | Excellent | Heavy welding |
| AISI 301 | ≤ 0.15% | Very High (work hardened) | Moderate | Maximum strength after forming |
| AISI 316L | ≤ 0.03% | Standard | Excellent | Better pitting resistance |
AISI 302 sits between standard 304 and the higher-strength work-hardening grades. When maximum weldability and resistance to intergranular corrosion are required, a240 304l is preferred. For higher strength after cold forming, a240 301 is often selected. For improved pitting resistance, a240 316l is the common upgrade.
Corrosion Resistance
AISI 302 offers good resistance to atmospheric corrosion, fresh water, food products and many mild chemical environments. Its corrosion performance is generally similar to Type 304 in most conditions, although the higher carbon content makes it more susceptible to intergranular corrosion after welding or exposure to the sensitization temperature range.
It is suitable for indoor applications, kitchen equipment, architectural components and general fabrication. For welded constructions in corrosive service or for chloride-containing environments, low-carbon or molybdenum-bearing grades such as a240 304l or a240 316l are recommended. In more severe conditions, a240 2205 or a240 904l may be considered.
Weldability
AISI 302 can be welded by standard fusion and resistance welding methods. Due to its higher carbon content, it is more prone to sensitization than low-carbon grades. Matching or 308-type filler metals are commonly used. Post-weld annealing is recommended for critical corrosive service to restore corrosion resistance.
For applications involving heavy welding, a240 304l or a240 316l is generally preferred.
Heat Treatment
AISI 302 is normally supplied in the solution-annealed condition.
Recommended Solution Annealing Parameters
- Temperature range: 1010 – 1120°C
- Cooling: Rapid cooling (water quench preferred for thicker sections)
Annealing restores ductility after cold working and optimizes corrosion resistance. Because of the higher carbon content, careful control of cooling rate is important to minimize carbide precipitation.
Surface Finishes
| Finish | Description | Typical Use / Keywords |
|---|---|---|
| 2B | Cold-rolled, annealed, pickled, skin-passed | AISI 302 2B – most common for general fabrication |
| BA | Bright Annealed | AISI 302 BA – decorative and kitchen applications |
| No.1 | Hot-rolled, annealed and pickled | AISI 302 No.1 – industrial plate |
| No.4 | Brushed finish | AISI 302 No.4 – architectural surfaces |
| HL | Hairline finish | AISI 302 HL – decorative panels |
| Polished | Mirror or custom polish | AISI 302 Polished – high-end applications |
SHH STEEL regularly supplies AISI 302 in 2B and BA finishes. Other finishes can be arranged according to project requirements. Related decorative grades include A240 430.
Tolerances
Dimensional tolerances for AISI 302 Stainless Steel Plate generally conform to ASTM A480 practices.
Typical available size range:
- Thickness: 0.4 mm – 50 mm
- Width: up to 1500–2000 mm
- Length: up to 6000 mm or coil / cut-to-length
SHH STEEL provides precise dimensional control and can support tighter tolerances when required.
Equivalent Material Grades
Applications
AISI 302 is used in applications requiring good strength, formability and corrosion resistance. Typical applications of AISI 302 include:
| Industry / Sector | Typical Components / Equipment |
|---|---|
| Kitchen & Food Equipment | Sinks, tabletops, kitchenware, food service equipment |
| Architecture & Construction | Decorative panels, interior cladding, elevator components |
| Transportation | Trim, structural and formed parts |
| Springs & Fasteners | Springs, clips, fasteners (especially cold-worked) |
| General Fabrication | Tanks, containers, frames and enclosures |
| Household Appliances | Structural and formed components |
For related industry solutions, see our construction industry and equipment manufacturing pages. Fabrication support is available through steel cutting services and steel welding services.
Why Choose SHH STEEL
SHH STEEL is a China steel mill-Direct Supply specializing in stainless steel plate and sheet. By working directly with major Chinese stainless steel mills, we supply AISI 302 with the following advantages:
- Genuine China steel mill-Direct Supply pricing
- Consistent quality and complete heat traceability
- Full Mill Test Certificates (EN 10204 3.1)
- Flexible dimensions and surface finishes (including AISI 302 2B and AISI 302 BA)
- Technical support for material selection among 301, 302, 304 and 316 families
- Value-added services including steel cutting services, stainless surface finishing services and worldwide shipping service
For more information about our company and full product range, please visit China steel Mill Agent-SHH STEEL.
FAQ
- What is the main difference between AISI 302 and AISI 304?AISI 302 has a higher maximum carbon content (0.15% vs 0.08%), which gives it slightly higher strength, especially after cold working. AISI 304 and especially 304L offer better weldability and resistance to intergranular corrosion. SHH STEEL recommends 304L for most welded applications
- Is AISI 302 still commonly used?It is less common than 304/304L in new designs, but it remains useful for applications that benefit from higher strength and good formability. SHH STEEL can supply it when specified.
- Is AISI 302 magnetic?Non-magnetic in the annealed condition. It may become slightly magnetic after heavy cold working.
- What is the density of AISI 302?7.93 g/cm³. SHH STEEL provides material certificates confirming physical and mechanical properties.
- Does SHH STEEL supply dual-certified ASTM A240 / AISI 302 material?Yes, SHH STEEL commonly supplies dual-certified material upon request.
Conclusion
AISI 302 Stainless Steel Plate is a classic 18-8 austenitic stainless steel with higher carbon content than Type 304, offering good strength, excellent formability and reliable corrosion resistance in mild to moderate environments. It remains a practical choice for kitchen equipment, architectural components, springs and general fabrication where slightly higher strength is advantageous.
As a professional China steel mill-Direct Supply, SHH STEEL provides high-quality AISI 302 Stainless Steel Plate with competitive pricing, full certification and complete technical support.
Contact SHH STEEL today for stock availability, surface finish options (including AISI 302 2B and AISI 302 BA), or a competitive quotation.
AISI 302 Stainless Steel Plate, 302 China steel mill-Direct Supply, AISI 302, 302 Stainless Steel Plate, UNS S30200, AISI 302 supplier
Quality Steel Needed? Inquire for Offers
Related Products
