AISI 304 1/4 Hard vs AISI 301 1/4 Hard

MMPDS only lists properties for 301 but strengths listed apply to 301, 302, 304 and 316, as described in MIL-S-5059. As long as the two are the same hardness they'll be the same strength. 301 is 17-7 rather than 304's 19-10 but the Cr and Ni content quantities overlap so two samples could be identical. The main difference will be in any severe forming ops, as 301 should strain harden more rapidly than 304. We've always been happy to use either.

Thank you RPstress, that is the direction we are heading.

RPstress, all...

NOTE.
The latest MMPDS-10 actually breaks-out 301, 302, 304 and 316/321/437 into separate mechanical allowables tables. A quick glance at 1/4H allowables all tables, reveals that they have virtually the same material properties.

I think the greatest differences are for physical properties, thus:

Table 2.7.0.1. Characteristics of Some AISI 300 Series Stainless Steels
AISI Characteristics
301 High work-hardening rate; applications requiring high strength and ductility.
302 Higher carbon modification of Type 304 for higher strength on cold rolling.
303 Free-machining sulfur modification of Type 302.
303Se Free-machining selenium modification of Type 302.
304 General-purpose austenitic grade for enhanced corrosion resistance.
304L Low-carbon modification of Type 304 for welding applications.
305 Low work-hardening rate; spin-forming and severe spin-drawing operations.
309 High-temperature strength and oxidation resistance.
309S Low-carbon modification of Type 309 for welded construction.
310 High-temperature strength and oxidation resistance greater than Type 309.
310S Low-carbon modification of Type 310 for welded construction.
314 Increased oxidation resistance over Type 310.
316 Mo added to improve corrosion resistance in reducing environments; improved creep
resistance over Type 302.
316L Low-carbon modification of Type 316 for welded construction.
317 Increased Mo to improve corrosion resistance over Type 316 in reducing media.
321 Titanium stabilized for service in 800E to 1600EF range and to minimize carbide precipitation
when welding for resistance to intergranular corrosion.
[347 omitted, unsure why].

Regards, Wil Taylor

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