AISI 305 Stainless Steel Plate | 305 China steel mill-Direct Supply
What is AISI 305 Stainless Steel Plate?
As a professional China steel mill-Direct Supply and stainless steel plate supplier, SHH STEEL is pleased to present AISI 305 Stainless Steel Plate.
AISI 305 (UNS S30500) is a high-nickel austenitic stainless steel specially developed for applications requiring severe cold forming. By increasing the nickel content (typically 10.5–13%) compared with standard 304, the grade achieves a significantly lower work-hardening rate. This makes AISI 305 particularly suitable for deep drawing, spinning, cold heading and other complex forming operations where standard 304 would harden too quickly and risk cracking.
The grade retains good corrosion resistance similar to Type 304 in mild to moderate environments, excellent toughness and non-magnetic properties in the annealed condition. It is widely used for kitchen sinks, hollowware, complex stamped parts, and components that undergo extensive cold deformation.
SHH STEEL supplies AISI 305 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. SHH STEEL offers AISI 305 in plate and sheet form across a practical range of thicknesses and surface finishes optimized for forming.
AISI 305 is frequently compared with a240 304, a240 304l, a240 304cu and a240 301 when projects require superior formability. SHH STEEL provides technical support to help customers select the most suitable grade
Material Specification
| Specification Element | Requirement | SHH STEEL Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Grade | AISI 305 / UNS S30500 | Confirmed |
| Related Standards | ASTM A240, ASME SA240, JIS, EN related | Available |
| Product Form | Plate, Sheet | Available |
| Delivery Condition | Solution Annealed | Standard |
| 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 | Available |
| Certification | EN 10204 3.1 / Mill Test Certificate | Available |
SHH STEEL can supply AISI 305 dual-certified to relevant ASTM/ASME specifications when required by the project.
Chemical Composition
Typical Chemical Composition of AISI 305 (UNS S30500):
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.12 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.00 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 2.00 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.045 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 17.00 – 19.00 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 10.50 – 13.00 |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.10 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
The higher nickel content (10.5–13%) is the key feature of AISI 305. Elevated nickel stabilizes the austenitic structure and markedly reduces the rate of work hardening during cold deformation, enabling more severe forming operations without intermediate annealing. SHH STEEL carefully controls composition to ensure consistent low work-hardening behavior.
Mechanical Properties
Annealed Condition (typical values)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 515 MPa (75 ksi) |
| Yield Strength (0.2%) | ≥ 205 MPa (30 ksi) |
| Elongation (in 50 mm) | ≥ 40% |
| Hardness | ≤ 201 HB |
AISI 305 offers mechanical properties similar to standard 304 in the annealed condition, with the critical advantage of a much lower work-hardening rate. This allows deeper draws and more complex shapes in a single operation. SHH STEEL supplies material with consistent properties optimized for severe cold forming.
Physical Properties Density is approximately 7.93 g/cm³. The grade is non-magnetic in the annealed condition. Melting range is approximately 1400–1450°C.
Material Comparison
| Grade | Ni Content | Work Hardening Rate | Formability | Corrosion Resistance | Typical Preference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AISI 304 | 8.0–10.5% | Moderate | Good | Excellent | General purpose |
| AISI 304L | 8.0–12.0% | Moderate | Good | Excellent | Heavy welded constructions |
| AISI 305 | 10.5–13.0% | Low | Excellent | Good to Excellent | Severe deep drawing & spinning |
| AISI 304Cu | 8.0–10.0% + Cu | Lower | Better | Good | Deep drawing with copper benefit |
| AISI 301 | 6.0–8.0% | Very High | High (hardens) | Good | High-strength formed parts |
| AISI 316L | 10.0–14.0% | Moderate | Good | Superior (pitting) | Chloride environments |
AISI 305 is selected when the lowest work-hardening rate and maximum deep drawing capability are required. Compared with standard a240 304, it allows more severe forming without intermediate annealing. When welding is the primary concern, SHH STEEL recommends a240 304l. For better pitting resistance, a240 316l is preferred.
Corrosion Resistance
AISI 305 offers good to excellent resistance to atmospheric corrosion, fresh water, food products and many mild chemical environments, comparable to standard 304 in most conditions. The higher nickel content can provide a slight improvement in resistance to certain media.
In chloride-containing environments, AISI 305 remains susceptible to pitting and stress corrosion cracking. For such service, SHH STEEL recommends upgrading to a240 316l or a240 2205.
Weldability
AISI 305 has good weldability using standard fusion welding methods. Matching or 308-type filler metals are commonly used. Due to its higher nickel content, it maintains good ductility in the weld zone.
For applications requiring maximum resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding, SHH STEEL recommends a240 304l.
Heat Treatment
AISI 305 is normally supplied in the solution-annealed condition by SHH STEEL.
Recommended solution annealing temperature range is 1010–1120°C, followed by rapid cooling. Proper annealing restores maximum ductility and optimizes formability for subsequent severe cold working. SHH STEEL controls heat treatment to ensure consistent low work-hardening performance.
Surface Finishes
| Finish | Description | Typical Use / Keywords |
|---|---|---|
| 2B | Cold-rolled, annealed, pickled, skin-passed | AISI 305 2B – preferred for deep drawing |
| BA | Bright Annealed | AISI 305 BA – decorative and kitchen applications |
| No.1 | Hot-rolled, annealed and pickled | AISI 305 No.1 – industrial plate |
| No.4 | Brushed finish | AISI 305 No.4 – architectural surfaces |
SHH STEEL regularly supplies AISI 305 in 2B and BA finishes, which are ideal for severe forming and deep drawing operations.
Tolerances
Dimensional tolerances for AISI 305 Stainless Steel Plate supplied by SHH STEEL generally conform to ASTM A480 practices.
Typical available size range is thickness 0.4 mm – 50 mm, width up to 1500–2000 mm, and length up to 6000 mm or coil/cut-to-length. SHH STEEL provides precise dimensional control and can support tighter tolerances when required for forming applications.
Equivalent Material Grades
Applications
AISI 305 is specifically chosen for applications requiring severe cold forming, deep drawing or spinning. Typical applications of AISI 305 include:
| Industry / Sector | Typical Components / Equipment (with keywords) |
|---|---|
| Kitchen & Food Equipment | AISI 305 deep-drawn sinks, pots, pans and kitchenware |
| Hollowware & Tableware | AISI 305 spun and deep-drawn containers and decorative items |
| Architecture & Construction | AISI 305 complex formed panels and cladding |
| Automotive & Transportation | AISI 305 severely formed trim and components |
| General Fabrication | AISI 305 deep-drawn, spun and cold-headed parts |
| Household Appliances | AISI 305 complex formed housings and components |
SHH STEEL supplies AISI 305 for these forming-intensive applications with consistent quality. For related industry solutions, see our construction industry and equipment manufacturing pages. Supporting services include steel cutting services and steel bending and forming 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, SHH STEEL supplies AISI 305 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)
- Material optimized for low work-hardening and excellent deep drawing
- Flexible dimensions and surface finishes (including AISI 305 2B and AISI 305 BA)
- Technical support for selection among 304, 304L, 304Cu and 305 forming grades
- Value-added services including steel cutting services, steel bending and forming 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 advantage of AISI 305 over standard AISI 304?The higher nickel content significantly reduces the work-hardening rate, allowing much more severe deep drawing and complex forming without intermediate annealing. SHH STEEL recommends 305 for demanding forming applications.
- How does AISI 305 compare with AISI 304Cu?Both grades improve formability. AISI 305 relies on higher nickel for lower work hardening, while 304Cu uses copper. SHH STEEL can help select the better option based on the specific forming requirements and cost considerations.
- Is AISI 305 magnetic?Non-magnetic in the annealed condition. SHH STEEL supplies fully annealed material as standard.
- What is the density of AISI 305?Approximately 7.93 g/cm³. SHH STEEL provides material certificates confirming physical and mechanical properties.
- Does SHH STEEL supply dual-certified AISI 305 material?Yes, SHH STEEL commonly supplies dual-certified material upon request.
Conclusion
AISI 305 Stainless Steel Plate is a high-nickel austenitic grade specially designed for low work-hardening rate and excellent deep drawing, spinning and severe cold forming performance. It is the preferred choice for sinks, hollowware, complex stamped parts and other components that undergo extensive cold deformation.
As a professional China steel mill-Direct Supply, SHH STEEL provides high-quality AISI 305 Stainless Steel Plate with competitive pricing, full certification and complete technical support.
Contact SHH STEEL today for stock availability, surface finish options (including AISI 305 2B and AISI 305 BA), or a competitive quotation.
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