AISI 305 | 1.4303 | BS 305S19 | X4CrNi18-12 | Austenitic stainless steel
AISI 305 is an austenitic stainless steel, also known as 1.4303, BS 305S19 and X4CrNi18-12. Due to its higher nickel content of 11–13%, this steel has good corrosion resistance (PREN value 18.0 to 20.7) in natural environmental media such as water or in conditions of high humidity. However, the material is not resistant to chlorine, salt and seawater. Stainless steel 1.4303 has a tensile strength of 500 to 700 N/mm², a hardness of ≤ 215 HB and a density of 7.90 kg/dm³ (at 20 °C). It can be used at temperatures up to 600 °C as well as in the low-temperature range. The material exhibits very good weldability and forgeability, but has only poor machinability. Stainless steel 305 belongs to the non-magnetic steels (μr < 1.3) and is therefore neither magnetic nor magnetisable. It is characterised by good polishability and cold formability and is therefore ideally suited to cold forming and cold heading.
Product range for AISI 305 (1.4303) stainless steel wire and bars
We are a global supplier of stainless steel wire and, as a wholesaler, supply customers in industry and commerce as well as processing companies with high-quality, stainless steel wire. Thanks to our large stock levels and efficient logistics, we can deliver many products at short notice. In addition, we also offer this material as stainless steel bars. You can find an overview of our complete product range for stainless steel wire via the following links.
Data sheet according to DIN EN 10088-3 for AISI 305 / 1.4303
Technical properties at a glance
Elongation at break (A): ≥ 45 %
Density: 7.9 kg/dm³
Cold forming: Possible
Cold heading: Possible
Corrosion resistance: Good
Magnetic: Non-magnetic (μr < 1.3)
Magnetisable: No
Polishability: Good
PREN value: 18.0–20.7
Forgability: Very good
Weldability: Very good
Machinability: Rather poor
Yield strength (Rp0.2): ≥ 190 MPa
Machinability: Rather poor
Tensile strength: 500–700 N/mm²
Specifications and classification
EN-grade 1.4303
EN-short name X4CrNi18-12
EN-standard 10088-3
Microstructure austenite
Comparable standards and designations
AFNOR Z1CN18-12 & Z5CN18-11FF
AISI 305 / AISI 308
Alloy 305
AMS 5685
BS 305S19
Inox 305
JIS SUS305J1
RVS 305
SAE 305
UNS S30500
The chemical composition of stainless steel 305 (X4CrNi18-12) is specified in accordance with DIN EN 10088-3 in mass percentage as follows:
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Carbon (C): ≤ 0.06
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Silicon (Si): ≤ 1.00
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Manganese (Mn): ≤ 2.00
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Phosphorus (P): ≤ 0.045
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Sulphur (S): ≤ 0.03
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Nitrogen (N): ≤ 0.10
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Chromium (Cr): 17.0 - 19.0
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Nickel (Ni): 11.0 – 13.0
Mechanical properties at room temperature
The values given refer to the diameter range ≤ 160 (Ø in mm) and 160 < d ≤ 250 (Ø in mm)*
Hardness in HB: ≤ 215
Yield strength Rp0.2 in Mpa: ≥ 190
Yield strength Rp1.0 in Mpa: ≥ 225
Strength / tensile strength Rm in Mpa: 500-700
Elongation at break A in % (longitudinal) at ≤ 160: 45
* These figures refer to mechanical properties at room temperature in the solution-annealed state (according to EN 10088-3)
Yield strengths at elevated temperature in the solution-annealed condition
Temp in °C | 100 | 150 | 200 | 250 | 300 | 350 | 400 | 450 | 500 | 550 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rp1,0 in Mpa | 190 | 170 | 155 | 145 | 135 | 129 | 125 | 122 | 120 | 120 |
Rp0,2 in Mpa | 155 | 140 | 127 | 118 | 110 | 104 | 98 | 95 | 92 | 90 |
Physical properties
Magnetizability: No
Density (kg/dm³): 7,9
Thermal conductivity (up to 20°C): 15
Electronic resistance at room temperature (in Ω mm²/m): 0,73
Corrosion resistance of AISI 305 stainless steel
Stainless steel 305 (1.4303 / X4CrNi18-12) possesses good corrosion resistance (PREN value 18.0 to 20.7) in natural environmental media without chlorine or salt content, such as in combination with water, water vapour or atmospheric humidity. This stainless steel is also resistant to weak acids at low temperatures. However, it is not resistant to salt and seawater. Grade 305 should also not be used in heavily chlorinated environments, such as swimming pools, because chloride ions destroy the steel’s protective passive layer, leading to pitting and stress corrosion cracking.
Weldability: Stainless steel 305 (1.4303 / X4CrNi18-12) has very good weldability. The material is well suited to almost all common welding processes such as TIG welding, MIG/MAG welding and arc welding. However, its suitability for gas metal arc welding and submerged arc welding (SAW) is limited. Preheating is generally not required.
Welding temperature: The interpass temperature should be kept as low as possible and should not exceed approximately 150 °C to 200 °C in order to minimise stresses and distortion. Preheating and subsequent heat treatment are not usually necessary.
Filler metal: A filler metal is generally not required. However, if a filler is used, 1.4316 (AISI 308L) is particularly well suited. After welding, any discolouration should be removed, as this can locally impair corrosion resistance.
Forging
Heat treatment and hot forming
Solution heat treatment (cooling by air or water): 1000-1100 °C
Hot forming (cooling by air): 1200-900 °C
The stainless steel AISI 305 / 305S19 has very good forging properties. The material should first be heated slowly to a temperature of 1150°C to 1200°C. Forging can then take place in the temperature range between 750°C and 1150°C. Subsequent cooling can take place in air or in water. The material is suitable for freehand forging and joint forging.
Machinability and machining
Austenitic stainless steel 305 (X4CrNi18-12) exhibits poor to moderate machinability due to its tough microstructure. During machining, the material tends to form long, tough, flowing chips. The poor thermal conductivity also results in extreme thermal stress on the tool cutting edge.
Cold forming and cold heading
Cold forming: Due to its high nickel content, AISI 305 / 1.4303 is very well suited to cold forming and exhibits significantly lower work hardening than other austenitic stainless steels.
Cold heading: The material’s high ductility and toughness make it ideal for cold heading and extrusion.
FAQ on stainless steel AISI 305 / 1.4303
The data provided in this data sheet or material information sheet has been compiled to the best of our knowledge and is based on the current version of the relevant standard. We do not accept any liability for any errors.
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