305 Stainless Steel
Type 305 Stainless Steel is an austenitic chromium nickel stainless steel that can be spun and deep drawn more easily due to an increased nickel content that decreases work hardening. The deep drawing process is a forming process which occurs under a combination of tensile and compressive conditions. A flat sheet metal blank is formed into a hollow body open on one side or a hollow body is formed into a hollow body with smaller cross-section. Directionality introduced during cold rolling process must be kept to a minimum amount to limit earring during the drawing process.
Inventory Size Ranges for 305
| Type | Thickness | Get a Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Precision Reroll Strip | 0.0008" - 0.015" | Get a Quote |
Characteristics of 305
305 alloy is used for applications requiring a low rate of work hardening during severe cold forming operations such as deep drawing and features increased nickel content which decreases working hardening. This material is corrosion resistant similar to 304/304L stainless steel. 305 features resistance to oxidation, ease of formability, high strength and low weight, and good strength and toughness at cryogenic temperatures.
Working with 305
305 is known for its excellent forming and deep drawing abilities and features high ductility, a low work-hardening rate, and less springback compared to other 300-series stainless steel grades. Some of the typical forming applications include battery cans, appliance components, electrical parts, and spin metal components. Grade 305 is weldable but may have carbine precipitation in the heat-affected zone similar to other high-nickel austenitic grades. Grade 305 cannot be hardened by heat treatment, Instead, the alloy can be annealed by heating to ~1850–2050°F (1010–1120°C) followed by a rapid quench to restore ductility and remove work-harndeing.
Other industry standards we comply with:
Common Trade Names
*The technical data provided is for information only and not for design purposes. It is not warranted or guaranteed.
Industry Applications for 305
- Deep draw and spun components
- Eyelets
- Electronics
- Food Processing
- Kitchen utensils
- Appliances
Chemical Composition
| Element | Min | Max | |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | Carbon | - | 0.12 |
| Mn | Manganese | - | 2.00 |
| Si | Silicon | - | 1.00 |
| Cr | Chromium | 17.00 | 19.00 |
| Ni | Nickel | 10.00 | 13.00 |
| Mo | Molybdenum | - | 0.75 |
| P | Phosphorus | 0.040 | - |
| S | Sulfur | - | 0.030 |
| Cu | Copper | - | 0.75 |
| Fe | Iron | - | Balance |
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.29 lb/in3 (8.03 g/cm3) |
| Modulus of Elasticity in Tension | 29 x 106 psi (200GPa) |
| Temperature Range | Mean Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| °C | °F | mm/mm/°C | in/in/°F · 10? |
| 20 - 100 | 68 - 212 | 16.6 · 10-6 | 9.2 · 10-6 |
| 20 - 870 | 68 - 1600 | 19.8 · 10-6 | 11 · 10-6 |
| Temperature Range | W/m · K | Btu/(hr/ft²/in/°F) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| °C | °F | ||
| 100 | 212 | 16.3 | 9.4 |
| 500 | 932 | 21.4 | 12.4 |
| °C | °F | Microhm-cm | Microhm-in. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 68 | 72 | 28.3 |
| 100 | 212 | 78 | 30.7 |
| 200 | 392 | 86 | 33.8 |
| 400 | 752 | 100 | 39.4 |
| 600 | 1112 | 111 | 43.7 |
| 800 | 1472 | 121 | 47.6 |
| 900 | 1652 | 126 | 49.6 |
Datasheet
Additional Info
A Brief History of 305
305 stainless steel belongs to the 300‑series austenitic stainless steels, derived from the original 18‑8 chromium‑nickel stainless steels developed in the early 20th century. As industries began demanding stainless steels that could be deep‑drawn without cracking, metallurgists increased the nickel content beyond that of 304. This higher‑nickel formulation stabilized the austenitic structure and reduced work‑hardening, giving rise to what is now designated UNS S30500.
How 305 Was Developed
Standard 304 stainless steel work‑hardens quickly, making deep drawing and severe cold‑forming difficult. To solve this, alloy designers increased the nickel content to 10.5–13%, compared to 8–10.5% in 304. The result was an alloy with very low work-hardening rates, excellent formability, and good corrosion resistance. This made 305 ideal for applications requiring extreme deformation without cracking or excessive tool wear.
Early Applications of 305
Early uses focused on industries that needed stainless steel that could be deep-drawn, stamped, or formed. Applications included deep-drawn consumer goods, automotive trim and components, food-processing equipment, electrical components and enclosures and decorative hardware. These applications took advantage of 305's ability to maintain structural integrity during aggressive forming operations.
How 305 is Used Today
305 stainless steel remains a go-to alloy for high formability stainless components across multiple industries.
- Appliances: Washer and dryer parts, refrigerator trim, housings
- Consumer Products: Deep drawn shells, kitchen equipment, decorative items
- Automotive: Trim, brackets, interior and exterior hardware
- Industrial & Electrical: Enclosures, terminals, formed brackets
- Food & Beverage: Tanks and trays
- Fasteners: Screws, washers, stamped parts
Your Trusted Supplier for 305 Stainless
United Performance Metals carries 305 precision thin gauge strip 0.0008" - 0.015". Applications for 305 stainless include complex conical shapes, expanded metal parts, small diameter deep containers or sleeves, and spinning metal.
Product FAQs
305 stainless steel offers excellent formability, good corrosion resistance, and remains non-magnetic due to its high nickel content. This alloy is ideal for complex shapes and deep-drawn parts.
The key difference is nickel content which directly correlates to work hardening rate. 304 has 8%-10.5% nickel, while 305 has 10.5%-13% nickel. Because of this, 305 stays softer and more formable during manufacturing.
Because it work-hardens slowly, 305 tends to be gummy during machining. If machinability is the priority, 303 is the better choice.