305 Stainless Steel (UNS S30500) is an austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel that features a higher nickel content (typically 10.5% to 13.0%) compared to the more common 304 grade (which has 8-10.5% nickel). The increased nickel content significantly reduces its work hardening rate, meaning it becomes less brittle and more ductile during cold forming processes like spinning, stamping, and deep drawing. This allows for more severe deformation without the need for frequent intermediate annealing, leading to more efficient and cost-effective production for complex shapes. While its corrosion resistance is generally comparable to 304, its primary distinction lies in its superior formability. Like other austenitic stainless steels, 305 is non-magnetic in its annealed state but may become slightly magnetic after extensive cold working.

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Key Properties of 305 Stainless Steel

 

The higher nickel content is the defining feature of 305 stainless steel, directly influencing its exceptional formability.

 

Low Work Hardening Rate

 

• Exceptional Formability: This is the most crucial property of 305. Its elevated nickel content drastically lowers its work hardening rate compared to 302 or 304 stainless steel. This means it remains ductile even after significant deformation, allowing for:
  • Deeper Draws: It can be deep-drawn into more intricate and deeper shapes in a single stage or with fewer intermediate annealing steps.
  • Less Process Annealing: Reduced need for annealing between forming stages, saving time and energy in manufacturing.
  • Reduced Springback: Often exhibits less springback after forming due to its softer nature.

 

Good General Corrosion Resistance

 

• Comparable to 304: In many environments, 305 offers corrosion resistance similar to 304 stainless steel. It performs well in mild atmospheric conditions, fresh water, and a wide range of organic chemicals.
• Applications: It’s suitable for various solutions found in chemical, textile, petroleum, dairy, and food industries.
• Limitations: Like 304, it does not contain molybdenum, so it has limited resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-rich environments (e.g., saltwater) or highly aggressive chemical solutions.

 

Good Heat Resistance

 

• Oxidation Resistance: 305 stainless steel offers good resistance to oxidation in continuous service up to approximately 899°C (1650°F) and in intermittent service up to about 815°C (1500°F).

 

Mechanical Properties

 

• Moderate Strength and High Ductility: 305 has moderate tensile and yield strengths, typically slightly lower than 304 in the annealed condition, but with very high elongation, indicating its excellent ductility.
• Not Hardenable by Heat Treatment: Like other austenitic grades, 305 cannot be hardened by heat treatment. Its strength can only be increased through cold working, though its low work hardening rate means it won’t achieve the same high strengths as grades like 301 or even 304 through cold work.

 

Weldability

 

• Good Weldability: 305 is generally considered to have good weldability by common fusion and resistance welding processes. However, autogenous (without filler metal) arc welding may sometimes increase sensitivity to hot cracking.
• Filler Metal Recommendation: When a filler metal is needed, AWS E/ER 308 is often recommended.
• Post-Weld Annealing: While its low work hardening benefits forming, post-weld annealing may be advised for thicker sections or critical applications to mitigate any potential chromium carbide precipitation, although this is less of a concern than with higher carbon, unstabilized grades.

 

Non-Magnetic

 

• Generally Non-Magnetic: In its annealed condition, 305 stainless steel is non-magnetic. It resists becoming magnetic even after considerable cold work, unlike some other austenitic grades (e.g., 301 or 304, which can become slightly magnetic when cold-worked).

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Detailed Specifications: Dimensions and Parameters

 

305 Stainless Steel Coil is commonly supplied conforming to ASTM A240/A240M and other relevant standards, in dimensions suitable for its specific forming applications.

Parameter	Standard Range
Thickness	0.1mm – 6mm (0.004 in – 0.236 in)
Width	1000mm – 2000mm (39.37 in – 78.74 in)
Length	Coil form (continuous length)
Surface Finish	2B, BA, No.1, Polished Finishes (e.g., No.4)
Edge Condition	Mill Edge, Slit Edge
Standard	ASTM A240/A240M, ASTM A666

Note: Specific thicknesses and widths may vary based on supplier capabilities and market demand. For specialized applications, it’s always best to consult with a supplier.

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Chemical Composition of 305 Stainless Steel

 

The controlled chemical composition of 305 stainless steel, particularly its nickel content, is key to its unique formability.

Element	Weight Percentage (%)
Carbon (C)	$\le 0.12$
Silicon (Si)	$\le 0.75$
Manganese (Mn)	$\le 2.00$
Phosphorus (P)	$\le 0.045$
Sulfur (S)	$\le 0.030$
Chromium (Cr)	17.0 – 19.0
Nickel (Ni)	10.5 – 13.0
Iron (Fe)	Balance

The slightly elevated Nickel content (10.5-13.0%) is the defining feature, leading to its low work hardening rate.

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305 Stainless Steel vs. Other Stainless Steel Grades: A Comparative Look

 

Comparing 305 to other common austenitic stainless steels highlights its specialized niche in formability.

Feature	305	304	304L	316L
Stainless Steel Family	Austenitic	Austenitic	Austenitic	Austenitic
Primary Advantage	Superior Deep Drawing & Formability	General Purpose, Excellent Balance	Excellent Weldability (low C)	Superior Corrosion (esp. chlorides)
Work Hardening Rate	Very Low	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
Need for Process Annealing	Significantly Less	Often Required for Severe Draws	Often Required for Severe Draws	Often Required for Severe Draws
General Corrosion Resistance	Good (similar to 304)	Excellent	Excellent	Superior (due to Molybdenum)
Chloride Pitting/Crevice Resistance	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate	High
Magnetic After Cold Work	Remains Non-Magnetic	Can become slightly magnetic	Can become slightly magnetic	Can become slightly magnetic
Cost	Moderate	Low	Low	Moderate to High
Typical Use	Deep drawn parts (cups, pans, eyelets), spun parts	Kitchen sinks, appliances, general fabrication	Tanks, piping, heavy gauge welded components	Marine, chemical processing, pharmaceutical

305 is the go-to choice when complex and severe cold forming operations are required, especially for parts that need to be deep-drawn or spun with minimal inter-stage annealing.

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Key Industries and Applications for 305 Stainless Steel Coil

 

The excellent formability and low work hardening rate of 305 Stainless Steel Coil make it ideal for specific manufacturing processes and products.

Industry	Typical Applications
Consumer Products	Deep drawn kitchenware (e.g., pots, pans, mixing bowls, sinks), appliance components, pens, eyelets, rivets, small diameter deep containers.
Automotive	Formed components, fluid-carrying lines, decorative trim (where complex shaping is needed).
Electrical / Electronics	Stamped and deep-drawn electrical parts, eyelets, connectors, non-magnetic enclosures or instrumentation components.
Textile Industry	Components requiring intricate shapes and good corrosion resistance to mild processing chemicals.
Medical Devices	Some surgical tools and devices that require intricate forming and good corrosion resistance (e.g., catheters, small housings).
General Fabrication	Any application requiring severe cold forming, spinning, or deep drawing where 304’s work hardening is problematic.

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Global Price Overview: 305 Stainless Steel Coil

 

The price of 305 Stainless Steel Coil is typically slightly higher than 304 due to its higher nickel content, but generally falls within the mid-range for austenitic stainless steels. Pricing is influenced by global demand, the cost of its raw materials (especially nickel and chromium), energy prices, and the specific producer. The figures below are illustrative and subject to market fluctuations. For the most accurate and current pricing, please contact us directly.

Region / Factor	Price Range (USD per Metric Ton) – Illustrative	Notes
Asia	$2,800 – $5,000	Often competitive, influenced by nickel market and local production efficiency.
Europe	$3,200 – $5,800	Reflects regional production costs, quality standards, and alloy surcharges.
North America	$3,500 – $6,200	Influenced by domestic demand, import dynamics, and raw material costs.
Raw Material Cost (Nickel, Chromium)	High Impact	Fluctuations in nickel prices are a significant factor in 305’s cost.
Order Volume	Discounts for Bulk	Larger purchase quantities may receive more favorable per-unit pricing.
Surface Finish & Thickness	Varies	Specific finishes (e.g., bright annealed) or very thin gauges can incur slightly higher costs.

Disclaimer: These are approximate price ranges and should not be considered as definitive quotes. For precise pricing and lead times, please reach out to our sales team.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about 305 Stainless Steel Coil.

 

Q1: What is the primary difference between 305 and 304 stainless steel?

 

A1: The primary difference between 305 and 304 stainless steel is 305’s higher nickel content (10.5-13% vs. 8-10.5%), which results in a significantly lower work hardening rate. This makes 305 much more suitable for severe deep drawing, spinning, and other cold forming operations, often requiring fewer intermediate annealing steps than 304.

 

Q2: Is 305 stainless steel magnetic?

 

A2: In its annealed condition, 305 stainless steel is non-magnetic. A key advantage of its higher nickel content is that it generally remains non-magnetic even after extensive cold working, unlike 304, which can become slightly magnetic under severe cold deformation.

 

Q3: What kind of corrosion resistance does 305 stainless steel offer?

 

A3: 305 stainless steel offers good general corrosion resistance, comparable to 304 stainless steel. It resists atmospheric corrosion, fresh water, and a variety of mild chemicals. However, like 304, it is not resistant to pitting or crevice corrosion in environments with high chloride concentrations, such as saltwater or highly chlorinated solutions.

 

Q4: Can 305 stainless steel be hardened by heat treatment?

 

A4: No, 305 stainless steel cannot be hardened by heat treatment. As an austenitic stainless steel, its microstructure does not transform in a way that allows for hardening through heating and quenching. Its strength can only be increased through cold working.

 

Q5: What are common applications for 305 stainless steel coil?

 

A5: 305 stainless steel coil is primarily used for applications requiring severe deep drawing or cold forming, where its low work hardening rate is critical. Common applications include deep drawn kitchenware (pots, pans, mixing bowls), appliance components, pen casings, eyelets, rivets, small diameter deep containers, and spun parts in various industries.