Key Feature

The Original "18-8" High-Strength Austenitic Bar Stock. Higher carbon content (≤0.15%) provides slightly better cold-worked strength than 304, while maintaining excellent corrosion resistance and formability.

The foundational grade offering enhanced strength in cold-worked conditions for specialized applications.

Common Designations

UNS S30200
AISI 302
ASTM A276 (Stainless Steel Bars)
ASTM A479 (Bars for Pressure Vessels)
EN 1.4310 (often grouped with 301)
JIS SUS302
AMS 5516 (Aerospace)

Historically significant but increasingly replaced by 304 in modern specifications.

Chemical Composition (Typical wt.%)

C: ≤ 0.15
Cr: 17.0 - 19.0
Ni: 8.0 - 10.0
Mn: ≤ 2.00
Si: ≤ 1.00
P: ≤ 0.045
S: ≤ 0.030

Distinguishing feature: Higher carbon than 304 (≤0.15% vs ≤0.08%).

Mechanical Properties (Annealed)

Tensile Strength: ≥ 515 MPa
Yield Strength: ≥ 205 MPa
Elongation: ≥ 40%
Hardness: ≤ 201 HB
Machinability: 45% of B1112 steel

Virtually identical to 304 in annealed condition.

Mechanical Properties (Cold Worked)

1/4 Hard: Rm ≥860 MPa, Rp0.2 ≥515 MPa
1/2 Hard: Rm ≥1035 MPa, Rp0.2 ≥760 MPa
3/4 Hard: Rm ≥1210 MPa, Rp0.2 ≥930 MPa
Full Hard: Rm ≥1275 MPa, Rp0.2 ≥965 MPa
Spring Temper: Rm ≥1550 MPa

Slightly higher attainable strengths than 304 due to higher carbon content.

Physical Properties

Density: 7.90 g/cm³
Melting Range: 1399 - 1454 °C
Thermal Expansion: 17.2 × 10⁻⁶/K (20-100°C)
Thermal Conductivity: 16.3 W/m·K (100°C)
Non-magnetic when annealed

Essentially identical to 304 in all physical properties.

Available Forms

Rounds: 6mm - 200mm diameter
Squares: 6mm - 100mm
Flats: Various sizes
Hexagons: 6mm - 75mm
Angles: Structural angles
Wire: For spring applications

Available in similar forms to 304 but may have more limited size range.

Surface Conditions

Hot Rolled: Black, scaled surface
Cold Drawn: Bright, smooth finish
Centerless Ground: Precision ground
Polished: For decorative applications
Peeled: Improved surface for machining

Surface finishes identical to 304 grade.

Corrosion Resistance

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

Similar to 304; both perform well in most environments.

Work Hardening Rate

Moderate work hardening rate between 301 (high) and 304 (lower).

Provides good formability with reasonable strengthening during cold working.

Machining Characteristics

• Similar to 304 in machinability
• Slightly better chip control than 304
• Good surface finish achievable
• Standard tooling works well
• Moderate tool wear

Machining characteristics virtually identical to 304 grade.

Key Standards

ASTM A276 302: Stainless Steel Bars
ASTM A479 302: Bars for Pressure Vessels
ASTM A484: General Requirements
EN 10088-3: Stainless Steel Bars
JIS G4303: Stainless Steel Bars
ASME SA479: Code Construction

Still specified in some aerospace and legacy applications.

Common Applications

• Spring Applications: Coil springs, flat springs, spring clips, retainer rings
• Fastener Systems: Cold-headed bolts, screws, nuts, specialized fasteners
• Aerospace Components: Aircraft structural parts, high-strength fittings
• Wire Forms: Formed wire components, clips, hooks, specialized shapes
• Medical Devices: Surgical instrument components, specialized equipment
• Industrial Equipment: High-strength machine parts, brackets, clips
• Consumer Products: High-quality springs, precision components

Where enhanced cold-worked strength and traditional specifications apply.