ASTM A276
Basic Info
The ASTM A276 standard specifies the general specifications for stainless steel and hot-worked steel. This standard is applicable to various forms of stainless steel processing, including forging, quenching, hot rolling, and cold drawing. The A276 standard covers the chemical composition, mechanical properties, dimensions, and processing requirements of steel to ensure product quality meets the standards and meets the needs of various engineering applications.
Characteristics
Corrosion Resistance: ASTM A276 stainless steel exhibits excellent corrosion resistance, making it suitable for use in environments where exposure to moisture, chemicals, and harsh conditions is common.
High Strength: Stainless steel bars produced according to ASTM A276 standards typically possess high tensile strength and yield strength, providing structural integrity and reliability in various applications.
Versatility: ASTM A276 covers a wide range of stainless steel grades, offering versatility to meet diverse industrial requirements, including different levels of corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, and temperature resistance.
Formability: Stainless steel bars manufactured to ASTM A276 specifications are often easily formed, machined, and welded, allowing for flexibility in fabrication processes and enabling the creation of complex shapes and structures.
Surface Finish Options: ASTM A276 stainless steel bars are available in a variety of surface finishes, including smooth, polished, brushed, and textured finishes, providing aesthetic appeal and enhancing functionality in different applications.
Widely Accepted Standard: ASTM A276 is a globally recognized and accepted standard for stainless steel bars and shapes, ensuring consistency, quality, and interoperability in the manufacturing and construction industries.
ASTM A276 Data Sheet
Steel Grade
Dimensions and Tolerances
Equivalent Grades
Chemical Composition
Mechanical Properties
Fabrication and Welding
Steel Grade
303
Stainless steel with excellent machinability and good corrosion resistance, suitable for applications requiring high machining precision.
304
Versatile stainless steel grade with excellent corrosion resistance, widely used in various industries including food processing, architectural, and chemical processing.
304L
Low-carbon variant of ASTM A276 304, offering improved weldability and reduced risk of sensitization, suitable for applications requiring welding and high corrosion resistance.
316
Stainless steel with enhanced corrosion resistance, particularly in marine environments and chemical processing applications, often used for pump shafts, valve components, and marine equipment.
316L
Low-carbon variant of ASTM A276 316, offering improved weldability and reduced risk of sensitization, suitable for surgical instruments, medical implants, and pharmaceutical equipment.
321
Stainless steel with excellent high-temperature strength and oxidation resistance, often used in heat exchangers, furnace components, and aircraft exhaust systems.
410
Martensitic stainless steel with high strength, hardness, and wear resistance, suitable for applications requiring abrasion resistance, such as pump shafts, valve components, and fasteners.
416
Free-machining martensitic stainless steel with good corrosion resistance, often used for bolts, nuts, and studs in applications requiring high machinability.
420
Martensitic stainless steel with good corrosion resistance and high hardness, suitable for applications requiring wear resistance, such as surgical instruments and cutting tools.
430
Ferritic stainless steel with good corrosion resistance and formability, commonly used in decorative trim, automotive trim, and kitchen equipment.
Dimensions and Tolerances
Shape
Round, Square, Hexagonal, Flat
Diameter (Round Bars)
1/8 inch (3.175 mm) and above
Width (Flat Bars)
1/4 inch (6.35 mm) and above
Thickness (Flat Bars)
1/8 inch (3.175 mm) and above
Tolerances
Diameter: ±0.005 inches (0.13 mm)
Width/Thickness: ±10% or as specified
Length: ±1/8 inch (3.2 mm) or as specified
Equivalent Grades
United States
AISI/SAE 304, AISI/SAE 316, AISI/SAE 410
United Kingdom
BS 970-1 Grade 304S15, BS 970-1 Grade 316S16
Japan
JIS G4303 Grade SUS304, JIS G4303 Grade SUS316
European Union
EN 10088-3 Grade X5CrNi18-10, EN 10088-3 Grade X5CrNiMo17-12-2
Chemical Composition
Carbon (C)
ASTM A276 304: 0.08 max
ASTM A276 316: 0.08 max
ASTM A276 410: 0.15 max
Manganese (Mn)
ASTM A276 304: 2.00 max
ASTM A276 316: 2.00 max
ASTM A276 410: 1.00 max
Phosphorus (P)
ASTM A276 304: 0.045 max
ASTM A276 316: 0.045 max
ASTM A276 410: 0.040 max
Sulfur (S)
ASTM A276 304: 0.030 max
ASTM A276 316: 0.030 max
ASTM A276 410: 0.030 max
Silicon (Si)
ASTM A276 304: 0.75 max
ASTM A276 316: 1.00 max
ASTM A276 410: 1.00 max
Chromium (Cr)
ASTM A276 304: 18.0 – 20.0
ASTM A276 316: 16.0 – 18.0
ASTM A276 410: 11.5 – 13.5
Nickel (Ni)
ASTM A276 304: 8.0 – 10.5
ASTM A276 316: 10.0 – 14.0
Molybdenum (Mo)
ASTM A276 316: 2.00 – 3.00
Mechanical Properties
Tensile Strength
ASTM A276 304: 75 ksi (515 MPa) min
ASTM A276 316: 75 ksi (515 MPa) min
ASTM A276 410: 65 ksi (450 MPa) min
Yield Strength
ASTM A276 304: 30 ksi (205 MPa) min
ASTM A276 316: 30 ksi (205 MPa) min
ASTM A276 410: 30 ksi (205 MPa) min
Elongation
ASTM A276 304: 40% min
ASTM A276 316: 40% min
ASTM A276 410: 20% min
Reduction of Area
ASTM A276 304: 50% min
ASTM A276 316: 50% min
Hardness (Brinell)
ASTM A276 304: 201 max
ASTM A276 316: 217 max
Fabrication and Welding
Cutting: Use conventional cutting methods such as sawing, shearing, or abrasive cutting to cut ASTM A276 stainless steel bars to the desired length.
Forming: ASTM A276 stainless steel can be formed using cold working techniques such as bending, coining, and drawing. However, due to its high strength and work hardening characteristics, forming operations may require higher forces compared to carbon steels.
Machining: ASTM A276 stainless steel exhibits good machinability in annealed or solution-treated conditions. Use sharp tools, low cutting speeds, and ample coolant to minimize work hardening and tool wear.
Welding: Stainless steel bars covered by ASTM A276 can be welded using various welding processes such as shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), and resistance welding. Preheating and post-weld heat treatment may be necessary to reduce the risk of cracking and ensure adequate corrosion resistance.
Finishing: ASTM A276 stainless steel bars can be finished using processes such as grinding, polishing, and buffing to achieve the desired surface finish and appearance.
Preparation: Ensure proper fit-up and joint preparation to achieve full penetration and minimize distortion. Clean the weld area to remove any contaminants or surface impurities.
Welding Method: Select a suitable welding method based on the specific grade of stainless steel and the application requirements. GTAW, GMAW, and SMAW are commonly used for welding ASTM A276 stainless steel.
Consumables: Choose welding consumables, including electrodes and filler metals, compatible with the base material to ensure proper weld quality and mechanical properties.
Welding Parameters: Control welding parameters such as heat input, travel speed, and interpass temperature to minimize distortion, prevent overheating, and ensure adequate fusion.
Post-Weld Treatment: Perform post-weld heat treatment as necessary to relieve residual stresses and restore material properties. This may include annealing, stress relieving, or solution heat treatment.
Inspection: Conduct visual inspection and non-destructive testing (NDT) to detect weld defects such as cracks, porosity, or incomplete fusion. Follow relevant codes and standards for inspection procedures.
Availability and Supply Chain
Global Distribution: ASTM A276-compliant stainless steel materials are widely available globally, thanks to an extensive network of manufacturers, distributors, and service centers spanning multiple regions.
Diverse Product Range: Customers have access to a diverse range of ASTM A276-compliant materials, including various grades, sizes, and shapes, to meet their specific application requirements.
Value-Added Services: Suppliers often offer value-added services such as customization, fabrication, and finishing, providing customers with tailored solutions and added convenience.
