Key Feature

The Superior Formability Austenitic Stainless Pipe. Elevated nickel content (10.5-13.0%) minimizes work hardening, enabling extreme forming operations without intermediate annealing.

The optimal choice for deep drawing, spinning, and severe forming applications where 304 would work-harden excessively.

Common Designations

UNS S30500
AISI 305
ASTM A554 (Welded Mechanical Tubing)
EN 1.4303, X4CrNi18-12
JIS SUS305
AMS 5557 (Aerospace)

Specifically formulated for maximum formability; less common than 304 but critical for specific applications.

Chemical Composition (Typical wt.%)

C: ≤ 0.12
Cr: 17.0 - 19.0
Ni: 10.5 - 13.0Mn: ≤ 2.00
Si: ≤ 1.00
P: ≤ 0.045
S: ≤ 0.030

Higher nickel than 304 (10.5-13% vs 8-10.5%) stabilizes austenite and reduces work hardening.

Mechanical Properties (Annealed)

Tensile Strength: ≥ 500 MPa
Yield Strength: ≥ 190 MPa
Elongation: ≥ 45%
Hardness: ≤ 183 HB
n-value (strain hardening exponent): 0.45-0.50

Higher elongation and lower yield strength than 304, indicating superior formability.

Work Hardening Characteristics

Work Hardening Rate: Very low
Martensite Formation: Minimal
Springback: Reduced compared to 304
Forming Limit: Significantly higher than 304

Enables multiple forming operations without intermediate annealing or property degradation.

Physical Properties

Density: 7.90 g/cm³
Melting Range: 1399 - 1454 °C
Thermal Expansion: 17.2 × 10⁻⁶/K (20-100°C)
Consistently non-magnetic

Maintains austenitic structure even after severe cold working.

Formability Metrics

• r-value (plastic strain ratio): 1.0-1.1
• Limiting Drawing Ratio (LDR): 2.2-2.3
• Minimum Bend Radius: 0.3t (annealed)
• Erichsen Cup Test: 11-12 mm

Quantifiably better formability than 304 in all standard tests.

Corrosion Resistance

Excellent general corrosion resistance comparable to 304. Good resistance to atmospheric exposure, fresh water, food products, and mild chemicals.

Similar to 304; suitable for most applications where 304 is specified.

Welding Characteristics

Excellent weldability
Low carbon content minimizes sensitization
Similar to 304L in weld behavior
Good HAZ properties

Weld properties similar to 304L due to low carbon and high nickel.

Pressure Ratings

Similar to 304 in annealed condition
Lower yield strength reduces ratings slightly
ASME B31.3 compliant

Adequate for most applications where 304 is used.

Key Standards

ASTM A554: Welded Mechanical Tubing
ASTM A632: Seamless & Welded Small Tube
AMS 5557 (Aerospace)
EN 10296-2: Welded Circular Tubes
JIS G3446: Light Gauge Tubes

Often specified for electronic and specialized forming applications.

Common Applications

• Deep-Drawn Components: Kitchen sink strainers, cookware handles, hollowware
• Spun Parts: Reflectors, lighting fixtures, decorative items
• Electronics: Shield cans, connector housings, chassis components
• Automotive: Complex trim parts, fuel system components, decorative elements
• Fastener Systems: Cold-headed parts requiring multiple forming operations
• Architectural: Complex formed panels, decorative elements
• Medical: Formed instrument parts, device housings, specialized components

Specifically selected where formability is the primary requirement.