AISI 308 Stainless Steel Plate | 308 China steel mill-Direct Supply
What is AISI 308 Stainless Steel Plate?
As a professional China steel mill-Direct Supply and stainless steel plate supplier, SHH STEEL is pleased to present AISI 308 Stainless Steel Plate.
AISI 308 (UNS S30800) is an austenitic stainless steel containing higher levels of chromium and nickel compared with standard Type 304. The typical composition provides approximately 19–21% chromium and 10–12% nickel, giving the grade improved corrosion resistance and better high-temperature oxidation resistance than 304 in many environments.
Although AISI 308 is most widely known as a welding filler metal (ER308 / ER308L) for joining 304 and 304L base materials, the corresponding plate and sheet form is also used in applications requiring slightly higher alloy content, good weldability and reliable performance in mildly to moderately corrosive service. The grade is non-magnetic in the annealed condition and offers excellent toughness and formability.
SHH STEEL supplies AISI 308 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 308 in plate and sheet form across a practical range of thicknesses and surface finishes.
AISI 308 is frequently compared with a240 304, a240 304l, a240 309s, a240 310s, a240 321 and a240 316l when selecting materials for corrosion resistance, welding compatibility or elevated-temperature service. SHH STEEL provides technical support to help customers choose the most appropriate grade.
Material Specification
| Specification Element | Requirement | SHH STEEL Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Grade | AISI 308 / UNS S30800 | Confirmed |
| Related Standards | ASTM A240, ASME SA240, related filler metal specs | Available |
| Product Form | Plate, Sheet | Available |
| Delivery Condition | Solution Annealed | Standard |
| Thickness Range | 0.5 mm – 50 mm (thicker available on request) | Custom sizes supported |
| Width | Up to 1500–2000 mm | Available |
| Length | Up to 6000 mm or cut-to-length | Available |
| Surface Finish | 2B, No.1, BA, No.4 | Available |
| Certification | EN 10204 3.1 / Mill Test Certificate | Available |
SHH STEEL can supply AISI 308 dual-certified to relevant ASTM/ASME specifications when required by the project.
Chemical Composition
Typical Chemical Composition of AISI 308 (UNS S30800):
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.08 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.00 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 2.00 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.045 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 19.00 – 21.00 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 10.00 – 12.00 |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.10 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
The higher chromium (19–21%) and nickel (10–12%) contents compared with standard 304 provide improved general corrosion resistance and better oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures. This composition also makes AISI 308 an excellent matching material for welding a240 304 and a240 304l. SHH STEEL carefully controls composition to ensure consistent performance.
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 308 offers mechanical properties similar to the 304 family, with good strength, excellent ductility and toughness. SHH STEEL supplies material with consistent mechanical properties suitable for fabrication and welding applications.
Physical Properties Density is approximately 7.90–7.93 g/cm³. The grade is non-magnetic in the annealed condition. Melting range is approximately 1400–1450°C.
Material Comparison
| Grade | Cr (%) | Ni (%) | Key Feature | Corrosion / Oxidation | Typical Preference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AISI 304 | 18–20 | 8–10.5 | Standard 18-8 | Good | General purpose |
| AISI 304L | 18–20 | 8–12 | Extra-low carbon | Good | Heavy welded constructions |
| AISI 308 | 19–21 | 10–12 | Higher Cr + Ni | Better | Welding compatibility & moderate service |
| AISI 309S | 22–24 | 12–15 | Higher alloy | Very Good | Higher-temperature oxidizing service |
| AISI 310S | 24–26 | 19–22 | Highest Cr-Ni | Excellent | Severe high-temperature service |
| AISI 316L | 16–18 | 10–14 | Molybdenum addition | Superior (pitting) | Chloride environments |
AISI 308 provides a step up in chromium and nickel from standard a240 304 and a240 304l, offering improved corrosion and oxidation resistance. For more demanding high-temperature service, SHH STEEL recommends a240 309s or a240 310s. For better pitting resistance, a240 316l is preferred. Stabilized grades such as a240 321 or a240 347 are selected when resistance to intergranular corrosion after high-temperature exposure is critical.
Corrosion Resistance
AISI 308 offers good resistance to atmospheric corrosion, fresh water, food products and many mild to moderate chemical environments. The higher chromium and nickel contents provide improved general corrosion resistance and better oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures compared with standard 304.
In chloride-containing environments, AISI 308 can still be susceptible to pitting. For such service, SHH STEEL recommends upgrading to a240 316l or a240 2205.
Weldability
AISI 308 has excellent weldability and is widely used as a filler metal for joining 304 and 304L base materials. When used as plate, it can be readily welded by standard fusion methods using matching or 308/308L filler metals.
The higher alloy content helps maintain good corrosion resistance in the weld zone. SHH STEEL recommends proper welding procedures and post-weld cleaning to achieve optimum performance. For maximum resistance to intergranular corrosion, low-carbon or stabilized grades such as a240 304l or a240 321 may be preferred as base materials.
Heat Treatment
AISI 308 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 ductility and optimizes corrosion resistance. SHH STEEL controls heat treatment to ensure consistent quality.
Surface Finishes
| Finish | Description | Typical Use / Keywords |
|---|---|---|
| 2B | Cold-rolled, annealed, pickled, skin-passed | AISI 308 2B – general fabrication |
| No.1 | Hot-rolled, annealed and pickled | AISI 308 No.1 – industrial plate |
| BA | Bright Annealed | AISI 308 BA – cleaner surface applications |
| No.4 | Brushed finish | AISI 308 No.4 – architectural surfaces |
SHH STEEL regularly supplies AISI 308 in 2B and No.1 finishes, and can provide other finishes according to project requirements.
Tolerances
Dimensional tolerances for AISI 308 Stainless Steel Plate supplied by SHH STEEL generally conform to ASTM A480 practices.
Typical available size range is thickness 0.5 mm – 50 mm, width up to 1500–2000 mm, and length up to 6000 mm or cut-to-length. SHH STEEL provides precise dimensional control and can support tighter tolerances when required.
Equivalent Material Grades
| Grade / Designation | Standard / UNS | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AISI 308 | — | — |
| UNS S30800 | — | Unified Numbering System |
| ASTM A240 Type 308 | ASTM A240 | When dual certified |
| Related 308 grades | EN / JIS / GB | Approximate national equivalents |
Related grades for comparison include a240 304, a240 304l, a240 309s, a240 310s, a240 321, a240 347 and a240 316l.
Applications
AISI 308 is used in applications requiring good corrosion resistance, oxidation resistance and compatibility with 304/304L materials. Typical applications of AISI 308 include:
| Industry / Sector | Typical Components / Equipment (with keywords) |
|---|---|
| Welding & Fabrication | AISI 308 matching plate and components for 304/304L structures |
| Chemical & Process Industry | AISI 308 tanks, vessels and process equipment |
| Food & Beverage | AISI 308 processing equipment and containers |
| High-Temperature Service | AISI 308 components requiring better oxidation resistance |
| Architecture & Construction | AISI 308 decorative and structural elements |
| General Fabrication | AISI 308 welded structures and enclosures |
SHH STEEL supplies AISI 308 for these applications with consistent quality. For related industry solutions, see our petrochemical industry, construction industry and equipment manufacturing pages. Supporting services include 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, SHH STEEL supplies AISI 308 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 with higher Cr-Ni content for improved performance
- Flexible dimensions and surface finishes (including AISI 308 2B and AISI 308 No.1)
- Technical support for selection among 304, 308, 309S, 310S and 316L grades
- Value-added services including steel cutting services, steel welding 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 308 and AISI 304?AISI 308 has higher chromium (19–21%) and nickel (10–12%) contents, providing improved corrosion and oxidation resistance. SHH STEEL recommends 308 when a modest upgrade from 304 is required or for welding compatibility.
- s AISI 308 mainly used as filler metal?Yes, ER308/ER308L is the most common form, but plate and sheet are also available for applications needing the higher alloy content. SHH STEEL can supply both forms according to project needs.
- Is AISI 308 magnetic?Non-magnetic in the annealed condition. SHH STEEL supplies fully annealed material as standard.
- What is the density of AISI 308?Approximately 7.90–7.93 g/cm³. SHH STEEL provides material certificates confirming physical and mechanical properties.
- Does SHH STEEL supply dual-certified AISI 308 material?Yes, SHH STEEL commonly supplies dual-certified material upon request.
Conclusion
AISI 308 Stainless Steel Plate is a higher chromium-nickel austenitic grade that offers improved corrosion and oxidation resistance compared with standard 304, along with excellent compatibility for welding 304/304L materials. It is a practical choice for process equipment, welded structures and applications requiring a modest upgrade in alloy content.
As a professional China steel mill-Direct Supply, SHH STEEL provides high-quality AISI 308 Stainless Steel Plate with competitive pricing, full certification and complete technical support.
Contact SHH STEEL today for stock availability, surface finish options (including AISI 308 2B and AISI 308 No.1), or a competitive quotation.
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