305 vs 304
These two grades are listed as equivalents of each other: their chemistry windows overlap and they serve the same applications. They are not always identical — check the differences below before substituting, especially in certified designs.
305
Stainless Steel
305 is a high-nickel austenitic grade whose extra nickel lowers the work-hardening rate compared with 304. It is chosen for severe deep drawing and spinning where 304 would harden and crack too quickly.
Standards: DIN 1.4303 · AISI 305 · JIS SUS305
304
Stainless Steel
304 is the most widely used stainless steel in the world, an 18-8 austenitic grade balancing corrosion resistance, formability and weldability. It covers the majority of food, architectural and general industrial applications.
Standards: DIN 1.4301 · AISI 304 · JIS SUS304 · GB 06Cr19Ni10
Chemical composition compared (%)
| Element | 305 | 304 |
|---|---|---|
| C | ≤0.12 | ≤0.08 |
| Si | ≤1.00 | ≤0.75 |
| Mn | ≤2.00 | ≤2.00 |
| P | ≤0.045 | ≤0.045 |
| S | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 |
| Cr | 17.00–19.00 | 18.00–20.00 |
| Ni | 10.50–13.00 | 8.00–10.50 |
| N | — | ≤0.10 |
Properties compared
| Property | 305 | 304 |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery condition | Annealed | Annealed |
| Hardness | ≤187 HB (annealed) | ≤187 HB (annealed) |
| Tensile strength | 485–655 MPa | 515–720 MPa |
| Density | 7.90 g/cm³ | 7.90 g/cm³ |
| Yield strength | — | ≥205 MPa |
Sourcing either grade?
Nasteel stocks both families from Shenzhen with EN 10204 3.1 mill certificates by heat number.
Ask for a quotationSee full data sheets: 305 · 304. Substitution decisions for certified parts stay with the design authority.