310 stainless steel tubing is the accurate choice when the application requires superior resistance to high-temperature oxidation and thermal cycling while maintaining good mechanical toughness; it outperforms common austenitic grades in furnace and heat-treatment environments and is usually specified to ASME/ASTM tubing standards for boilers, heat exchangers and high-temperature process equipment. If your design needs sustained exposure above 800°C (1470°F) or frequent thermal cycling, 310 (and its variants 310S / 310H) should be your primary candidate — MWAlloys supplies precision 310/310S tubing from China at factory-direct pricing with fast in-stock delivery for standard sizes.

What is 310 stainless steel tubing?

310 stainless steel (UNS S31000, sometimes referenced as Type 310) is an austenitic heat-resistant stainless steel with high chromium and nickel content engineered primarily for elevated-temperature service. In tubing form it is produced to industry tube/pipe specifications (for example ASME SA213 / ASTM A213 for heat-exchanger and boiler tubing, and ASTM A312/A269 for general-purpose pipe/tube) and is used where oxidation, sulfidation or scaling might degrade lower-alloy steels. The low-carbon variant 310S and the higher-carbon 310H exist to optimize weldability or creep strength respectively.

Grade variants: 310, 310S and 310H

• 310 (UNS S31000): Standard grade with higher carbon (up to ~0.25%). Balances high-temperature strength and oxidation resistance.

• 310S (UNS S31008): Low-carbon (lower risk of carbide precipitation during welding) — better weldability and resistance to intergranular corrosion; slightly reduced creep strength at very high temperatures.

• 310H (UNS S31009): Higher minimum carbon to increase creep strength for high-temperature structural service.

Practical selection rule: choose 310S for welded fabrications and environments below the highest creep regime; choose 310H for prolonged high-temperature load where creep matters; choose standard 310 for thermally-stable components where standard property balance is acceptable.

Chemical composition (wt%) — typical limits

Below is a concise specification table summarizing the commonly published composition limits for Type 310 (values are maximums or ranges typical to standards and datasheets):

(Source data are consolidated from material datasheets and grade standards — these are typical ranges used by tube makers.)

Why these elements matter

• Chromium (24–26%) supplies the oxidation resistance and scale formation resistance at elevated temperatures.

• Nickel (19–22%) stabilizes the austenitic structure and enhances toughness while improving resistance to high-temperature corrosion.

• Carbon control (low in 310S, higher in 310H) is used to tune weldability and creep strength.

Mechanical & physical properties

Mechanical properties vary widely with heat treatment, cold work and product form (seamless vs welded vs cold-drawn). For accurate design values use manufacturer mill certificates and the applicable standard for the tubing product. High-temperature behavior and creep data should be obtained from specialist datasheets for your exact grade variant.

Common tubing specifications and standards

310 tubing is manufactured to several common standards depending on application:

• ASME SA213 / ASTM A213 — seamless and welded alloy steel boiler, superheater and heat-exchanger tubes (commonly used for furnace and boiler tubing).

• ASTM A312 / ASME SA312 — seamless and welded austenitic stainless steel pipe (general pressure piping).

• ASTM A269 — seamless and welded austenitic stainless steel tubing for general service (precision tubing).

• EN / DIN equivalents — EN 1.4845 (WNr for 310/310S) and other European specifications for welded tube manufacture.

• NACE / specialty standards — for corrosive environments, check specific service standards.

When specifying material for a pressure system or boiler/heat-exchanger design, include the ASME/ASTM designation (for example “ASME SA213 TP310S”) and required test and certification documentation (mill test report, PMI, hydrotest as applicable).

Manufacturing forms, finishes and tolerances

Common tubing forms and processes:

• Seamless (SMLS): produced from billet or extrusion — generally preferred for high-pressure and critical heat-resistant tubes.

• ERW / Welded: economical for larger diameters; modern processes (welded and cold-drawn) achieve excellent dimensional control.

• Cold-drawn over mandrel (DOM): for precision OD/ID and surface finish.

• Finishes: pickled/annealed (AP), bright annealed (BA), polished (2B), electropolished — chosen by application.

• Testing: typically includes dimensional inspection, hardness, tensile test (sample), PMI or chemical analysis, and non-destructive examination for welds.

Common lengths: single random, double random, cut-to-length; some manufacturers offer long continuous lengths or coils for U-tube furnace designs.

Typical applications for 310 stainless steel tubing

310 tubing is selected for service where high temperature oxidation resistance is required in combination with reasonable mechanical strength and toughness:

• Furnace components (baffles, radiant tubes, burner tubes)

• Heat-treatment atmosphere equipment and retorts

• Heat-exchangers and superheaters for high temperatures

• Petrochemical reformers and catalyst supports in sulfidizing atmospheres (depending on chemistry)

• Industrial ovens, kilns and burner lines

• Aerospace and power-generation ancillary tubing where heat and oxidation resistance are critical

Because 310 retains strength at elevated temperature and tolerates thermal cycling, designers often select it over lower-alloy austenitics for components exposed to continuous or intermittent high heat.

Comparison: 304 vs 310 stainless steel

When to choose which: use 304 for general corrosion resistance and cost-sensitive applications at ambient to moderate temperatures; choose 310 when operating temperatures, scaling or oxidation risk exceed 800–900°C, or when retention of strength at temperature and cyclic scale resistance is required. For welded fabrications in corrosive or hygienic environments, 310S is commonly specified.

Sizes, weights and dimensional guidance

Tubing dimensions follow standard OD and wall thickness schedules. Below is a representative table showing common nominal pipe sizes (NPS) with schedule 40S approximate weights for stainless tubing — for precise mass/length use the exact ASTM/ASME dimension tables.

Representative weights (approximate) — schedule 40S, 304/310 similar for density purposes

For precision tubing (ASTM A269, thin-wall heat-exchanger tubes), sizes are normally quoted by OD and wall thickness in mm; for example small OD precision tubes 6.35 mm, 8 mm, 12.7 mm etc., with wall thickness from 0.3 mm to several mm. Vendor weight/OD tables and ASME dimension sheets must be referenced for exact design mass and pressure calculations (tube schedules, allowable stresses, and wall thickness correction for temperature).

310 stainless steel tubing Price 2025

Market note: stainless prices fluctuate with raw-material surcharges (nickel, chromium) and regional trade measures; the following are typical market ranges collected from current distributor pricing summaries and market reports in 2025 — use them as directional guidance and request live quotes for firm ordering.

Indicative price ranges (USD per kg) — 2025 (typical retail / small-lot distributor pricing)

(Source: regional distributor pricing snapshots and market summary articles compiled in 2025 — these figures are approximate and vary with form, order volume, thickness, and current nickel/ chrome surcharge levels).)

Buying tips to lower cost

• Purchase mill bundles or large coils to get mill/direct pricing (MWAlloys sells direct-from-factory stock for standard sizes).

• Specify 310S for welded assemblies to reduce rework risk (310S often priced similarly to 310).

• Confirm whether surcharge and cutting/inspection fees are included in the quote.

• Request mill test certificates (MTC) and PMI for alloy confirmation when nickel content and traceability matter.

FAQs

1) Can 310 tubing be welded easily?
Yes! 310 welds well with appropriate filler (often 309L filler is used when welding 310 to stabilize against hot cracking); for minimal carbide precipitation specify 310S. Use proper preheat/postweld treatment when needed for service at high temperatures.

2) What maximum service temperature can I expect?
As a rule of thumb 310 series resists oxidation up to roughly 1100–1150°C continuously and intermittently higher under favorable atmospheres; consult the Nickel Institute and specific vendor data for your exact environment.

3) Is 310 magnetic?
No. 310 and its austenitic variants are essentially non-magnetic in the annealed condition; some slight magnetism can appear after heavy cold working.

4) Should I pick 310 or 310S for my furnace tubing?
If welding is a significant part of fabrication, prefer 310S to reduce sensitization risk; for highest creep strength pick 310H. For generic furnace tubing 310S is a common default.

5) Is 310 a good choice in sulfurous / sulfidizing gases?
310 provides good general resistance, but aggressive sulfidation environments may require higher-alloy materials (e.g., high-nickel alloys). Evaluate with corrosion specialists and refer to Labs/industry data.

6) Are there direct EN equivalents?
Yes. 310 / 310S correspond to EN 1.4845 family; check the EN material datasheets for specific designation.

7) Can 310 be used for food contact?
While 310 has corrosion resistance, it is not the typical choice for food contact (304/316 are common). Use 310 only if high temperature is the overriding requirement and ensure surface finish/cleanliness meets regulations.

8) How do I calculate tube weight for purchasing?
Use the exact OD and wall thickness with the density (~7.9 g/cm³) and length. Suppliers generally publish weight tables for schedule pipes and precision tubing.

9) Are there material test certificates (MTC) for 310 tubing?
Yes, reputable mills/suppliers provide EN 10204/3.1 or equivalent mill test certificates, and third-party test reports can be supplied on request.

10) What inspection/testing is recommended on delivery?
Typical checks: dimensional inspection, visual, hydro or pneumatic pressure test (if pressure equipment), PMI or spectrochemical verification, hardness/tensile sample testing and NDE for welded products.

MWAlloys supply statement

MWAlloys is a China-based manufacturer and exporter of stainless tubing and precision tubular components. Our key commitments for 310/310S tubing:

• Factory-direct pricing: 100% mill/factory pricing for stocked sizes — competitive against local distributors.

• Stock & fast delivery: standard OD/wall sizes kept in inventory for immediate shipment; custom lengths and processing (cutting, bending, polishing) available.

• Quality control: full MTC (EN 10204 3.1 / equivalent), chemical analysis and optional third-party inspection; weld inspection and PMI available.

• Customization: seamless & welded, cold-drawn DOM, bright annealed finish, and special tolerances.

Contact MWAlloys for live stock status and a firm quotation; lead times for stocked items are typically measured in days, not weeks (confirm at RFQ).

Design & procurement checklist

• Specify grade variant clearly (310, 310S or 310H).

• State tubing standard (ASME SA213 / ASTM A269 / A312 as applicable).

• Include required tests, MTC level and inspection points.

• Define finish (AP, BA, polished) and straightness/OD tolerance.

• Ask supplier for current nickel surcharge and delivery terms.

Closing notes

310 stainless steel tubing is a specialist austenitic grade created to solve high-temperature oxidation and thermal cycling issues where standard austenitics struggle. Selecting the correct variant and specifying the proper tubing standard and testing scope are essential for long, reliable service. For procurement, requesting mill certificates and up-to-date sample test data eliminates confusion on alloy grade and helps avoid field failures. MWAlloys supplies 310/310S tubing with full traceability and factory pricing from our China mills — request a tailored quote for exact sizes, finishes, and inspection requirements.

Authoritative references

• Nickel Institute — High-Temperature Characteristics of Stainless Steels (technical bulletin)
• ASTM A312 / ASME SA312 — Standard Specification for Seamless and Welded Austenitic Stainless Steel Pipe
• AZoM — Stainless Steel — Grade 310 (UNS S31000) properties and composition
• ASM / MatWeb — AISI Type 310S Stainless Steel material datasheet