310S and 253MA are both stainless steels that are used in applications that require resistance to corrosion at elevated temperatures.

Nominal Chemical Compositions (%)

Composition of an alloy will dictate is ability to resist corrosion at elevated temperatures and in the first instance this may be achieved by the formation of a dense protective scale. In the case of 310S, the nature of the protective scale is dependent primarily on the chromium whilst for 253MA the higher silicon content improves the protective scale and the cerium enhances its adhesion to the metal beneath it. Both grades have comparable resistance to oxidation.

253MA has slightly greater resistance to high temperature corrosion in the presence of sulphur containing gasses whilst 310S is better suited for nitriding / low oxygen potential environments.

The nitrogen and carbon contents of 253MA result in this grade having better creep strength properties than 310S which may be advantageous. If this is considered at the design stage it will allow for the optimisation of the thickness of the metal.

Commercially, the lower nickel content of 253MA should reflect in the price of this grade but this will only be the case when it’s compared on a like for like basis. eg it may apply for plate, a product form which is imported per sea and stocked locally in the case of both grades.