302 vs 301
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.
302
Stainless Steel
302 is essentially 304 with a slightly higher carbon allowance, giving a little more strength after cold work. It is widely used for stainless springs, wire and mesh where 304 chemistry is acceptable.
Standards: DIN 1.4300 · AISI 302 · JIS SUS302 · GB 12Cr18Ni9
301
Stainless Steel
301 is a metastable austenitic stainless steel with lower nickel than 304, so it work-hardens dramatically during cold forming. It is the classic grade for springs and high-strength formed parts in stainless.
Standards: DIN 1.4310 · AISI 301 · JIS SUS301 · GB 12Cr17Ni7
Chemical composition compared (%)
| Element | 302 | 301 |
|---|---|---|
| C | ≤0.15 | ≤0.15 |
| Si | ≤1.00 | ≤1.00 |
| Mn | ≤2.00 | ≤2.00 |
| P | ≤0.045 | ≤0.045 |
| S | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 |
| Cr | 17.00–19.00 | 16.00–18.00 |
| Ni | 8.00–10.00 | 6.00–8.00 |
Properties compared
| Property | 302 | 301 |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery condition | Annealed | Annealed (also supplied in hard tempers) |
| Hardness | ≤187 HB (annealed) | ≤187 HB (annealed) |
| Tensile strength | 515–720 MPa | 515–1035 MPa (temper dependent) |
| Density | 7.90 g/cm³ | 7.90 g/cm³ |
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: 302 · 301. Substitution decisions for certified parts stay with the design authority.