1. Overview of 310S Stainless Steel Plates

1.1 Key Parameters

• Chemical Composition: Cr (24-26%), Ni (19-22%), C (≤0.08%), Si (≤1.5%), Mn (≤2%), P (≤0.045%), S (≤0.03%), N (≤0.10%). The high Cr and Ni content forms a dense oxide layer, enhancing heat and corrosion resistance.
• Mechanical Properties:
  • Tensile strength: 515-795 MPa
  • Yield strength: ≥205 MPa
  • Elongation: ≥40%
  • Hardness: ≤217 HBW
  • Continuous use temperature: Up to 1150°C (excellent oxidation resistance in air at this range).

1.2 Common Sizes

• Thickness: Typically 0.5 mm to 100 mm (custom thicknesses available for specialized applications).
• Width & Length: Standard sizes include 1220×2440 mm, 1500×3000 mm, 2000×6000 mm, with larger or smaller sizes customizable via cutting.

1.3 Standards

• ASTM A240/A240M (USA)
• EN 10088-2 (Europe)
• JIS G4305 (Japan)
• GB/T 4238 (China)

1.4 Key Characteristics

• Outstanding High-Temperature Resistance: Maintains strength and oxidation resistance at temperatures up to 1150°C, with short-term tolerance up to 1300°C (e.g., in furnace operations).
• Superior Corrosion Resistance: Resists oxidation, sulfidation, and corrosion in high-temperature gases (e.g., industrial exhaust, flue gases).
• Good Ductility & Formability: Can be bent, rolled, or cut without cracking, suitable for complex fabrication.
• Weldability: Welds well using common methods (TIG, MIG) with minimal risk of embrittlement, though post-weld annealing may be needed for thick sections.

1.5 Applications

• Heat Treatment Equipment: Furnace linings, heating elements, and retorts.
• Power Generation: Boiler components, exhaust systems, and turbine parts.
• Chemical & Petrochemical: High-temperature reactors, catalytic crackers, and piping for hot corrosive fluids.
• Metallurgy: Annealing trays, molten metal handling equipment.
• Aerospace: Jet engine components and exhaust manifolds.

2. Laser Cutting of 310S Stainless Steel Plates

2.1 Advantages of Laser Cutting

• High Precision: Achieves tight tolerances (±0.05 mm) and smooth edges (Ra ≤12.5 μm), reducing the need for post-processing—critical for high-temperature components where fit accuracy matters.
• Minimal Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ): Advanced laser systems limit HAZ to 0.1-0.5 mm, preserving 310S’s high-temperature and corrosion resistance (unlike plasma cutting, which may widen HAZ).
• Versatility in Shapes: Handles complex geometries (e.g., intricate slots, curves, or custom patterns) that are challenging with traditional methods (e.g., sawing or shearing).
• No Tool Wear: Non-contact cutting eliminates tool degradation, ensuring consistent quality even for large batches.
• Efficiency for Thin to Medium Thicknesses: Faster than mechanical cutting for 0.5-20 mm plates, suitable for both prototyping and mass production.
• Reduced Material Waste: Narrow kerf (0.1-0.5 mm) minimizes material loss, optimizing cost-effectiveness for high-value 310S.

2.2 Processing Range

• Thickness: 0.5 mm to 25 mm (fiber lasers with 4-12 kW power; thicker plates may require higher power or auxiliary gas (e.g., oxygen) to enhance material removal).
• Size: Accommodates large plates (up to 6000×2000 mm) with automated loading/unloading systems for continuous processing.
• Shape Complexity: Supports 2D cutting of any design, from simple squares to intricate high-temperature component profiles (e.g., furnace baffles, heat exchanger fins).