302 Stainless Steel
An austenitic Cr-Ni stainless steel with higher carbon, for springs and wire
Typical values for the temper in the title
302 is a close relative of 304, with more carbon (up to 0.15%). The carbon adds some strength, especially after cold work, so it was used for years for spring wire (ASTM A313) and strip. Annealed, its tensile strength is 515–720 MPa.
Today it has been replaced by 304 in most uses, which is more available and welds better. It remains mainly in spring wire and older specifications.
Mechanical and physical properties
| Property | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength Rm | 515–720 MPa | |
| Yield strength Rp0.2 | 205 MPa | |
| Elongation A | 55% | |
| Hardness | 150–190 HB | |
| Modulus of elasticity E | 193 GPa | |
| Density ρ | 8.00 g/cm³ | |
| Machinability | 45% | relative rating in the site database |
Chemical composition (wt %)
| Element | Range | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Cr chromium | 17.0–19.0 | the protective layer |
| Ni nickel | 8.0–10.0 | austenitic structure |
| C carbon | max 0.15 | higher than 304: a little more strength |
| Mn manganese | max 2.00 | |
| Si silicon | max 0.75 | |
| N nitrogen | max 0.10 | |
| Fe iron | balance |
Ranges per ASTM A240 (plate and sheet). Other product standards, and different editions of the standard, vary slightly. For purchasing, rely on the standard in the order.
Conditions and heat treatment
Like all austenitic stainless, it is not hardened by heat treatment. The normal delivery condition is annealed.
| Condition | Properties | When to choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Annealed | the normal condition: soft, ductile, most corrosion resistant | most applications |
| Cold worked (¼H to full hard) | much higher strength, slightly magnetic | strong springs, sheet and strip |
| Not hardenable by heat treatment | — | austenitic stainless strengthens only by cold work |
Applications
- Spring wire
- Strip and flat springs
- Parts to older specifications
- Mesh and wire
- Clips
Fabrication
Welding
Weldable, but the higher carbon increases the risk of sensitization next to the weld. For welded structures, 304L is better.
Cold work
Strengthens with cold work, which suits springs.
Corrosion
Similar to 304, and slightly worse after welding.
Compared with similar materials
| Material | Rm / Rp0.2 | Welding | When it is the better choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 304 / 304L | 515–620 / 205–310 MPa | Good — ER308L | more available and better for welding · material page |
| 301 | 515–1275 / 205–965 MPa | Good | strengthens more with cold work, for strong springs · material page |
| 17-4 PH (630) | 930–1310 / 725–1170 MPa | Excellent | for high strength by heat treatment · material page |
Common mistakes
Choosing 302 for a welded structure
The higher carbon raises sensitization next to the weld. For a welded structure, 304L.
Ordering 302 where 304 is enough
302 is less available. Without a special requirement, 304.
Replacing spring wire with ordinary 304
Spring wire has a dedicated specification (A313) with strength requirements. Check.
Equivalents, standards and supply
| JIS | SUS302 |
|---|---|
| ASTM | 302 |
| Standards | ASTM A240 / A313 (wire/springs) / EN 10088-2 |
| Forms | plate · wire · strip |
| Producers | Outokumpu · Sandvik · Ugitech |
Learn more
Values are typical and for comparison only. For design, rely on the standard and on the mill certificate. Sources: ASTM A240, ASTM A276 and EN 10088 (composition), producer data sheets, and the METAL HUB materials database.
Updated: October 31, 2026