Stainless steel is a marvel of modern engineering and has been around for just over 100 years now. Unlike iron, or steel that was commonly used prior to 1915, stainless steel contains chromium. This causes the metal alloy to form a protective chromium oxide layer over the metal when exposed to oxygen, rather than brown, flaky iron oxide.
However, there are many different kinds of stainless steel available today, which is why we are here to help you understand when a 310 stainless steel bar is the right choice.
310 is Designed for Durability against Heat and Harsh Acids
310 is commonly used in chemical processing plants, refining industries and factories where harsh chemicals and high heat are present. This is because 310 is an austenitic alloy, meaning it contains high levels of chromium and nickel. These metals within the alloy offer high strengths at high temperatures, as well as enhanced resistance to chemical exposure. This, coupled with its ductile nature, makes it a great choice for almost any heat or chemical related application.
Common Applications of 310 and 310S Stainless Steel
While this particular type of stainless steel offers excellent features that improve its viability in a diverse range of applications, its benefits truly show through in environments where heat, chemicals and high acidity levels are commonplace. These areas are very violent in nature, and cause metals to oxidize far more rapidly. This not only strips away at the metal faster than usual, but also causes the metal to creep at a faster rate. Creeping is when the metal moves or deforms, making it appear to climb or “creep” along over long periods. 310 offers both oxidization and creep resistance, even when exposed to such harsh conditions, making it invaluable in many different industries.
Places where you would find 310 stainless steel, as well as the low-carbon variant 310S, include:
- Kilns and furnaces
- Combustion chambers and thermal vents
- Gas turbines
- Incinerators and furnaces
- Within equipment that handles sulfite liquors
As you can see, the 310 stainless steel bar offers many benefits for a variety of industries, but is ideal for applications requiring durability under extreme heat and chemical exposure. For more information on these, as well as other types of stainless steel bars, fittings, tubes and plates, contact Great Plains Stainless and speak with our knowledgeable consultants today.
