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1.4306 | BS 304S11 | X2CrNi19-11 | Austenitic stainless steel

Online data sheet according to DIN EN 10088-3 for material 1.4306

Material 1.4306 is an austenitic stainless steel, also known as BS 304S11, AISI 304L and X2CrNi19-11. It is characterised by good formability and very good corrosion resistance. However, it is not resistant to saline environments such as seawater. The PREN value of the material is 18.6–20.6. Stainless steel 1.4306 belongs to the V2A steels. It is non-magnetic (non-magnetic, μr < 1.3), suitable for low temperatures and can be used at temperatures up to 600 °C. The material has a tensile strength of 460 to 680 N/mm², a hardness of ≤ 215 HB and a density of 7.9 kg/dm³. The material 1.4306 is characterised by very good forgeability and weldability, but its machinability is poor. Typical areas of application are the food industry, apparatus and container construction and the chemical industry.

Product range for stainless steel wire 1.4306

We are an experienced wholesaler and specialist supplier of high-quality stainless steel wire with customers throughout Europe. As a reliable B2B partner, we meet the diverse requirements of industrial and commercial customers and can often guarantee fast delivery times thanks to our large stock. Further information about stainless steel wire 1.4306 (BS 304S11) and other stainless materials can be found via the link below.

Properties at a glance

Elongation (A): ≥ 45%
Density: 7.9 kg/dm³
Cold forming: Possible
Cold heading: Possible
Corrosion resistance: Good
Mechanical properties: Medium
Magnetic: No (μr < 1.3)
Magnetisable: Very low
Polishability: Good
PREN value: 18.6-20.8
Forging: Very good
Weldability: Very good
Machining: Possible
Yield strength (Rp0.2): ≥ 180 MPa
Machinability: Poor
Tensile strength: 460 - 680 N/mm²

Specifications of the material

EN material number: 1.4306
EN short name: X2CrNi19-11
EN standard: 10088-3
Microstructure class: Austenitic stainless steel (V2A)

Comparable standards and designations

AFNOR Z2CN18-10, AFNOR Z3CN19-11
AISI 304L

Alloy 304L

AMS 5647

BS 304S11
ČSN 17249

DIN X2CrNi19-11
GB 0Cr19Ni10

Inox 304L
JIS SUS304L

PN 00H18N10

RVS 304L

UNI X2CrNi18-11
UNS S30403

SAE 304L

SFS 720

SIS / SS 2352

Chemical composition

The chemical composition of stainless steel 1.4306 (BS 304S11, X2CrNi19-11) is specified in mass percent according to DIN EN 10088-3 as follows:

  • Carbon (C): ≤ 0.03

  • Silicon (Si): ≤ 1.00

  • Manganese (Mn): ≤ 2.00

  • Phosphorus (P): ≤ 0.045

  • Sulphur (S): ≤ 0.015

  • Nitrogen (N): ≤ 0.10

  • Chromium (Cr): 18.0 - 20.0

  • Nickel (Ni): 10.0 - 12.0

Physical properties

Thermal conductivity (at 20°C): 15
Electrical resistivity at room temperature (in Ω mm²/m): 0.73
Specific heat capacity (at 20°C): 500

Mechanical properties

These specifications refer to mechanical properties at room temperature (20 °C) in accordance with EN 10088-3.
Hardness in HB: ≤ 215
Yield strength Rp0.2 in MPa: ≥ 180
Tensile strength Rm in MPa: 460 - 680 N/mm²
Elongation at break A5 in %: ≥ 45
Notch impact energy (KV): ≥ 100

Weldability: Stainless steel 1.4306 (BS 304S11, X2CrNi19-11) has very good weldability and is suitable for all common welding processes, such as TIG welding, MIG welding, MAG welding, UP welding, laser welding or arc welding.
Welding temperature: To minimise distortion and stress, the welding temperature should be kept as low as possible and should not exceed the interpass temperature range of 150 °C to 200 °C. Preheating or post-heating is not necessary.
Welding filler material: The material can be used without the addition of a welding filler material. If a welding filler material is desired, 1.4316 (MT-308L) can be used.

Forging

Austenitic stainless steel 1.4306 is characterised by very good forgeability. To ensure good formability, the material should be heated slowly and in a controlled manner to a temperature between 1150 °C and 1180 °C during forging. The actual forging then takes place in the temperature range between 1180 °C and 950 °C. After forging, the workpiece can be cooled in air or water. Both open-die forging and drop forging are possible.
Note: Before and during forging, the material must be free of impurities, as these could cause damage to the material during heat treatment.

Heat treatment and hot forming

Hot forming (temperature 1180-950 °C) - cooling in air or water
Solution annealing (+AT) (temperature 1050-1100 °C) - Cooling in air or water
Note: Hot forming must be carried out at a temperature above 900 °C, ideally between 1050 °C and 1150 °C. This ensures good formability without the risk of sigma phase formation.

Machinability, cold forming and cold upsetting

Machinability: Austenitic stainless steel 1.4306 (BS 304S11, X2CrNi19-11) has moderate to poor machinability. Due to its tough austenitic structure, the material tends to work harden significantly during machining. This results in long, tough and thread-like chips. The high friction and comparatively low thermal conductivity of the material also cause increased heat generation at the cutting edge.
Cold forming: The material 1.4306 is well suited for cold forming. Due to its good formability, components such as screws, nuts and other fasteners can be produced by cold forming in accordance with DIN EN 10263-5.
Cold heading: The toughness and ductility of the material allow it to be used for cold heading. To avoid crack formation, the forming process must be carefully controlled.

Corrosion resistance

Austenitic stainless steel 1.4306 (X2CrNi19-11) is characterised by good corrosion resistance, particularly in neutral and slightly acidic environments. When in contact with oxygenated water, a protective passive layer forms on the surface. As long as this remains intact, corrosion resistance is increased under normal atmospheric conditions. Stainless steel 1.4306 is resistant to water vapour up to a temperature of approximately 300 °C and to many chemical influences, such as weak acids and alkaline solutions. The material is insensitive to many chemical influences. However, it is not resistant to seawater or other saline environments. Prolonged contact with salt water or chloride-containing media can lead to pitting corrosion.

Applications of stainless steel 1.4306 / BS 304S11

Austenitic stainless steel 1.4306 (BS 304S11, X2CrNi19-11) is characterised by its excellent corrosion resistance, good formability and high temperature resistance. These properties make the material suitable for use in numerous industries. Below, we present some of the most important areas of application and typical products made from this stainless steel.
Apparatus and container construction: Here, stainless steel 1.4306 is used in the manufacture of pressure vessels, heat exchangers, piping and reactors.
Automotive industry: In the automotive industry, the material is used in exhaust systems, trim strips and fasteners.
Construction industry: In the construction industry, this stainless steel is used for architectural elements such as railings, facades and bridges, as well as in weather-resistant outdoor structures.
Food industry: In food processing, stainless steel 1.4306 (BS 304S11) is used in the manufacture of processing systems, tanks, agitators and cutting tools.
Ventilation and air conditioning systems: Due to its hygienic properties and good corrosion resistance, stainless steel 1.4306 is used in ventilation systems, air conditioning systems and air filters.
Mechanical engineering: In mechanical engineering, components such as machine parts, bearings, screws, nuts and clamps are made from this material.
Medical technology: Due to its hygienic properties and corrosion resistance, stainless steel 1.4306 is also used in medical technology applications such as surgical instruments and medical devices.

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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