Meeting corrosion-resistance requirements while improving manufacturing efficiency.
Many corrosion-resistant materials can meet a specification. Few help reduce machining waste, improve material utilization, simplify sourcing, and provide the flexibility to produce tubing in the dimensions your application requires.
Spuncast combines the versatility of the 300 Series stainless steel family with the efficiency advantages of centrifugal casting, producing custom tubing in cast equivalents of 304, 304L, 316, 316L, 310, 347, 317, 317L, Nitronic 50®, and Nitronic 60®.
Learn more about our pricing, including our free shipping for first-time customers!
The Real Challenge: Finding the Right Manufacturing Partner
Whether you’re sourcing a new component or evaluating a forged or wrought alternative, the challenge is finding a manufacturing partner that can produce the 300 Series alloy you need while delivering on total cost of ownership.
Spuncast helps solve both sides of that challenge. Our metallurgical team can help identify the appropriate cast equivalent and manufacturing approach, while our centrifugal casting-focused foundry combines casting, testing, heat treating, machining, and logistics under one roof to improve total cost of ownership.
Performance that Balances Corrosion Resistance with Bottom-Line Efficiency
Corrosion Resistance Across a Wide Range of Environments
300 Series stainless steels are among the most widely specified corrosion-resistant alloys because they perform across a broad range of industrial environments.
- General-purpose corrosion resistance
- Chloride-resistant grades available
- High-temperature alloy options
- Specialty grades for wear and galling resistance
Broad Alloy Availability
Spuncast produces cast equivalents of many commonly specified 300 Series grades, allowing customers to maintain material specifications while taking advantage of centrifugal casting.
- 304 / 304L
- 316 / 316L
- 310
- 347
- 317 / 317L
- Nitronic 50®
- Nitronic 60®
Custom Tubing Instead of Standard Stock Sizes
Many applications require dimensions that are unavailable or impractical using standard mill products. Centrifugal casting allows Spuncast to produce tubing closer to finished dimensions, reducing material waste and machining requirements.
- Custom diameters
- Custom wall thicknesses
- Heavy-wall tubing
- Reduced material removal
Improved Material Utilization
Unlike machining large tubular components from solid bar stock or forgings, centrifugal casting starts with a hollow shape. This near-net geometry can significantly reduce the amount of material required to produce a finished component.
- Less machining waste
- Improved yield
- Lower material consumption
- Reduced processing time
Reliable Delivery Performance
Performance is not just about metallurgy. It is about whether your parts arrive when promised. Spuncast maintains a 95%+ on-time delivery rate by combining domestic material sourcing with disciplined capacity management.
- 95%+ domestic sourcing from 30+ certified suppliers reduces global supply disruption risk
- Operating at approximately 60% capacity protects schedule integrity during demand spikes
- Integrated melting, casting, heat treatment, and machining reduce vendor stacking delays
- Lifetime warranty commitment reinforces long-term program accountability
Value-Added Capabilities for 300 Series Stainless Steel Tubing
Material selection and casting methodology are only part of the equation. You also need a manufacturing partner focused on reducing total cost of ownership while ensuring the finished tubing performs as expected. Here’s how Spuncast’s value-adds complete the approach:
Metallurgical Expertise for Stainless Steel Applications
Spuncast’s metallurgical team helps ensure the manufacturing approach aligns with your specifications.
- Cast equivalent guidance
- Chemistry verification
- Microstructure evaluation
- Failure analysis assistance
- Process planning & support
In-House Testing and Traceability
Each production melt is tested and documented to verify compliance with applicable specifications and customer requirements. Spuncast provides:
- Chemical analysis
- Mechanical property testing
- Physical property verification
- Heat-number traceability
- Material certifications
Precision Machining
Spuncast’s machining capabilities help transform near-net tubular castings into finished components while maintaining dimensional control and reducing supplier handoffs.
- Turning
- Boring
- Honing
- Milling
- Tight ID and OD tolerances
Heat Treating
Heat treatment is available when required to support alloy-specific performance requirements and customer specifications. Spuncast offers:
- Annealing
- Stress relieving
- Process verification
1,000+ Permanent Molds
Spuncast maintains more than 1,000 permanent molds that support repeatability, faster program launches, and reduced tooling investment.
- Faster production startup
- Reduced tooling cost
- Broad dimensional coverage
- Repeatable results
Spuncast Shipping Services
Spuncast Shipping Services helps coordinate transportation, packaging, and delivery from casting through final shipment.
- Freight consolidation
- Protective packaging
- Domestic shipping
- International shipping
300 Series Stainless Steel Grades at a Glance
Spuncast produces centrifugally cast equivalents of many commonly specified 300 Series stainless steel grades. Whether you’re replacing a wrought or forged component, sourcing custom tubing, or evaluating manufacturing alternatives, these alloys provide a range of corrosion resistance, temperature capability, and specialty performance characteristics.
| Spuncast Alloy | Industry Equivalent | Primary Advantage | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| CF8 | 304 | General corrosion resistance | Industrial equipment, process systems |
| CF3 | 304L | Improved weldability | Fabricated and welded components |
| CF8M | 316 | Chloride resistance | Marine, washdown, chemical environments |
| CF3M | 316L | Corrosion resistance + weldability | Pressure-containing welded systems |
| CK20 | 310 | High-temperature performance | Furnaces, thermal processing |
| CF8C | 347 | Thermal cycling resistance | Elevated temperature service |
| CG8M | 317 | Enhanced corrosion resistance | Aggressive chemical exposure |
| CG3M | 317L | Corrosion resistance + weldability | Severe corrosive environments |
| CG6MMN | Nitronic 50® | Strength + corrosion resistance | High-load industrial applications |
| CF10SMnN | Nitronic 60® | Galling resistance | Sliding and wear applications |
300 Series Stainless Steel Specifications
Spuncast produces centrifugally cast equivalents of many commonly specified 300 Series stainless steel grades. Whether you’re replacing a wrought or forged component, sourcing custom tubing, or evaluating manufacturing alternatives, these alloys provide a range of corrosion resistance, temperature capability, and specialty performance characteristics.
| Spuncast Alloys | CF8 | CF3 | CF8M | CF3M | CK20 | CF8C | CG8M | CG3M | CF10SMnN | CG6MMN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Similar Alloy | 304 | 304L | 316 | 316L | 310 | 347 | 317 | 317L | Nitronic60® | Nitronic50® |
| Chemical Specifications | ||||||||||
| Carbon max | 0.08 | 0.03 | 0.08 | 0.03 | 0.20 | 0.08 | 0.08 | 0.03 | 0.10 | 0.06 |
| Manganese max | 1.50 | 1.50 | 1.50 | 1.50 | 2.00 | 1.50 | 1.50 | 1.50 | 7.00-9.00 | 4.00-6.00 |
| Silicon max | 2.00 | 2.00 | 2.00 | 1.50 | 2.00 | 2.00 | 1.50 | 1.50 | 3.50-4.50 | 1.00 |
| Phosphorus max | 0.04 | 0.04 | 0.04 | 0.04 | 0.04 | 0.04 | 0.04 | 0.04 | 0.06 | 0.04 |
| Sulfur max | 0.04 | 0.04 | 0.04 | 0.04 | 0.04 | 0.04 | 0.04 | 0.04 | 0.03 | 0.03 |
| Chromium | 18.0-21.0 | 17.0-21.0 | 18.0-21.0 | 17.0-21.0 | 23.0-27.0 | 18.0-21.0 | 18.0-21.0 | 18.0-21.0 | 16.0-18.0 | 20.5-23.5 |
| Nickel | 8.0-11.0 | 8.0-12.0 | 9.0-12.0 | 9.0-13.0 | 19.0-22.0 | 9.0-12.0 | 9.0-13.0 | 9.0-13.0 | 8.0-9.0 | 11.5-13.5 |
| Molybdenum | - | - | 2.0-3.0 | 2.0-3.0 | - | - | 3.0-4.0 | 3.0-4.0 | - | 1.50-3.00 |
| Other | - | - | - | - | - | Cb=8x%C not more than 1% | - | - | N .08-.18 | Cb .10-.30 V .1-.3 N .2-.4 |
| Mechanical Properties | ||||||||||
| Tensile (min) - KSI(MPa) | 70(485) | 70(485) | 70(485) | 70(485) | 65(450) | 70(485) | 75(520) | 75(520) | 85(585) | 85(585) |
| Yield (min) - KSI (MPa) | 30(205) | 30(205) | 30(205) | 30(205) | 28(195) | 30(205) | 35(240) | 35(240) | 42(290) | 42(290) |
| Elongation (2” min) | 35% | 35% | 30% | 30% | 30% | 30% | 25% | 25% | 30% | 30% |
| Brinell Hardness (10mm - 3000Kg) Typical Values | 163 | 163 | 179 | 179 | 163 | 156 | 176 | 179 | 179 | 200 |
| Density lbs/in | 0.28 | 0.28 | 0.28 | 0.28 | 0.28 | 0.28 | 0.28 | 0.28 | 0.28 | 0.29 |
| Industry Standards | ||||||||||
| ASTM Standard | A 743, A 744 A 351 | A 743, A 744 A 351 | A 743, A 744 A 351 | A 743, A 744 A 351 | A 743, A 744 A 351 | A 743 A 351 | A 743, A 744 A 351 | A 743 A 744 | A 743, A 744 A 351 | A 743, A 744 A 351 |
| UNS | J92600 | J92500 | J92900 | J92800 | J94202 | J92710 | J93000 | J92999 | J92972 | J93790 |
| Similar DIN | 1.4308 1.4815 | 1.4306 1.4435 | 1.44 | 1.44 | 1.48 | 1.46 | 1.44 | 1.44 | - | - |
The Big Question: How Does Centrifugal Casting Reduce Total Cost of Ownership for 300 Series Stainless Steel?
300 Series stainless steel often carries a higher per-pound cost than carbon steel, but total cost of ownership is driven by material utilization, machining efficiency, supply chain reliability, and component longevity.
- Reduce material waste with near-net tubular castings instead of machining from solid bar stock or forgings
- Maximize the amount of purchased material that becomes part of the finished component through 70–90% usable yield from centrifugal casting
- Reduce machining time and processing costs with custom dimensions that minimize excess material removal
- Simplify project management and reduce administrative overhead through integrated testing, heat treating, machining, and shipping services
- Minimize supply chain risk with 95%+ domestic sourcing and a network of 30+ certified suppliers
- Reduce internal staff time spent coordinating freight, claims, and logistics through Spuncast Shipping Services
When properly engineered, the manufacturing efficiencies and lifecycle benefits of centrifugally cast 300 Series stainless steel tubing often outweigh the initial material premium.
Learn more about our pricing, including our free shipping for first-time customers!
Who We Help
Design and Mechanical Engineers
Specify the corrosion-resistant alloy and tubing dimensions your application requires without being limited to standard stock sizes.
Manufacturing Engineers
Reduce machining waste, simplify production planning, and improve dimensional consistency with near-net tubular castings.
Procurement and Sourcing Teams
Consolidate suppliers and improve delivery reliability through an integrated manufacturing approach.
Operations and Reliability Teams
Support long service life by combining the appropriate 300 Series stainless steel grade with a manufacturing process optimized for tubular components.
Why Spuncast
For more than 50 years, Spuncast has focused exclusively on centrifugal casting, delivering custom steel tubing at a lower total cost of ownership. We provide:
- 50+ years of centrifugal casting expertise
- 200+ standard and custom alloy options
- 1,000+ permanent molds
- 95%+ domestic material sourcing
- 30+ certified material suppliers
- In-house metallurgical support
- Integrated testing, heat treating, machining, and shipping
- ISO 9001 certified quality system
- Lifetime product warranty
- Employee-owned accountability through ESOP ownership
Learn more about our pricing, including our free shipping for first-time customers!
Frequently Asked Questions About 300 Series Stainless Steel Tubing
Fundamentals
What is 300 Series stainless steel?
300 Series stainless steel is a family of austenitic stainless steels known for corrosion resistance, versatility, and broad industrial use. Common grades include 304, 304L, 316, 316L, 310, 347, 317, and specialty alloys such as Nitronic 50® and Nitronic 60®.
Why is 300 Series stainless steel commonly used for tubing?
300 Series stainless steel combines corrosion resistance, weldability, temperature capability, and fabrication flexibility. The wide range of available grades allows engineers to match the alloy to the application’s operating environment.
Is 300 Series stainless steel magnetic?
Most 300 Series stainless steels are slightly magnetic, but this can be eliminated with the right material choices and processing.
Is 300 Series stainless steel corrosion resistant?
Yes. Corrosion resistance is the primary reason many engineers select 300 Series stainless steel. However, the level of protection varies by grade and operating environment.
Grade Selection
Should I choose 304 or 316 stainless steel tubing?
304 is commonly selected for general corrosion resistance in industrial environments. When chloride exposure, saltwater, or more aggressive corrosive conditions are present, 316 is often preferred because of its molybdenum content.
What is the difference between 304 and 304L stainless steel?
304L contains less carbon than standard 304. The lower carbon content helps reduce the risk of carbide precipitation during welding and can improve corrosion resistance in welded assemblies.
What is the difference between 316 and 316L stainless steel?
316L is the low-carbon version of 316. It provides similar corrosion resistance while helping reduce welding-related corrosion concerns in fabricated components.
When is 316 worth the additional cost over 304?
316 is typically worth the additional cost when chloride exposure, saltwater service, or aggressive chemical environments increase the risk of corrosion. In those situations, the additional corrosion resistance can reduce maintenance and replacement costs.
When should I use Nitronic 50®?
Nitronic 50® is often selected when an application requires greater strength than conventional 300 Series grades while maintaining excellent corrosion resistance.
When should I use Nitronic 60®?
Nitronic 60® is commonly used when galling, wear, or metal-to-metal contact are concerns. It provides significantly improved galling resistance compared to many traditional stainless steel grades.
Performance and Operating Limits
Can 300 Series stainless steel be used in saltwater applications?
Yes. Grades such as 316 and 316L are commonly used in saltwater and chloride-containing environments because they provide improved corrosion resistance compared to 304.
Can 300 Series stainless steel suffer from stress corrosion cracking?
Yes. Certain 300 Series grades can be susceptible to stress corrosion cracking under specific combinations of tensile stress, temperature, and corrosive environments. Proper grade selection and operating conditions are important when evaluating long-term performance.
Which 300 Series stainless steel grade performs best at elevated temperatures?
310 and 347 are frequently selected for elevated-temperature service. The best choice depends on the operating temperature, thermal cycling conditions, and application requirements.
What causes 300 Series stainless steel to fail?
Common causes include selecting the wrong grade for the operating environment, chloride attack, stress corrosion cracking, excessive wear, galling, or using a material that does not provide sufficient mechanical strength.
When is 300 Series stainless steel the wrong choice?
300 Series stainless steel may not be the best option when strength is the primary requirement, when wear resistance is critical, or when the environment exceeds the corrosion capabilities of austenitic stainless steel.
Can 300 Series stainless steel be used in pressure-containing applications?
Yes. Many 300 Series grades are commonly used in pressure-containing applications when properly specified, manufactured, and tested to the applicable standards.
Manufacturing and Casting
Can 300 Series stainless steel be centrifugally cast?
Yes. Many commonly specified 300 Series grades are routinely produced through centrifugal casting, particularly when custom tubing dimensions, heavy walls, or specialty alloys are required.
What is the cast equivalent of 304 stainless steel?
The cast equivalent of 304 stainless steel is typically CF8.
What is the cast equivalent of 316 stainless steel?
The cast equivalent of 316 stainless steel is typically CF8M.
Is centrifugally cast stainless steel equivalent to wrought material?
Centrifugally cast stainless steel can meet the same chemical and mechanical requirements as comparable wrought grades when manufactured and tested to the appropriate specifications.
Why choose centrifugal casting instead of machining from solid bar stock?
Centrifugal casting begins with a hollow tubular shape rather than a solid piece of material. This can significantly reduce machining waste, improve material utilization, and lower manufacturing costs.
Why not simply purchase seamless tubing?
Seamless tubing can be an effective solution when standard sizes meet the application’s requirements. Centrifugal casting becomes attractive when custom dimensions, heavy-wall sections, specialty alloys, or improved material utilization are important.
Cost and Sourcing
How does centrifugal casting reduce total cost of ownership?
Centrifugal casting improves material utilization, reduces machining waste, simplifies supplier management, and helps manufacturers produce custom tubular components more efficiently.
Is 316 stainless steel always more expensive than 304?
Generally, yes. However, the more important consideration is whether the operating environment requires the additional corrosion resistance that 316 provides.
How does custom-cast tubing compare to stock stainless tubing?
Custom-cast tubing allows engineers to specify dimensions closer to the final component requirements, reducing excess machining and minimizing material waste.
How does Spuncast reduce supply chain risk?
Spuncast supports supply chain stability through 95%+ domestic sourcing, relationships with 30+ certified suppliers, integrated manufacturing services, and 95%+ on-time delivery performance.
What information is needed to quote a 300 Series stainless steel tubing project?
To provide an accurate quote, Spuncast typically requires dimensions, alloy requirements, quantity, machining requirements, applicable specifications, and information about the operating environment.