Why does 253MA outperform 310S?

Nitrogen raises creep strength, while silicon and cerium form a tighter, self-repairing oxide scale, extending scaling life at 1000–1150 °C where 310S scales rapidly.

Grades · Stainless Steel · 253MA

253MA

Data verified

253MA is a nitrogen-alloyed, cerium-bearing heat-resistant austenitic stainless (a proprietary Outokumpu grade under UNS S30815). Its silicon and rare-earth additions give oxidation resistance to about 1150 °C with creep strength well above 310S.

Hardness≤217 HB (annealed)

DIN1.4835

AISIUNS S30815 (253MA)

CategoryStainless Steel

Chemical composition

Element	Content (%)
C	0.05–0.10
Si	1.40–2.00
Mn	≤0.80
P	≤0.040
S	≤0.030
Cr	20.00–22.00
Ni	10.00–12.00
N	0.14–0.20
Ce	0.03–0.08

Weight percent, per the governing standard ranges. Actual values per heat are on the mill certificate.

Properties

Delivery condition	Solution annealed
Hardness	≤217 HB (annealed)
Tensile strength	650–850 MPa
Density	7.80 g/cm³
Max scaling temperature	~1150 °C

Heat treatment

Solution anneal 1050–1150 °C, rapid cool. Silicon, nitrogen and cerium give the oxidation and creep performance; avoid unnecessary holding in the sigma range.

Equivalent grades

Standard	Designation
din	1.4835
aisi	UNS S30815 (253MA)

Compare side by side: 253MA vs 310S · 253MA vs 310

Equivalents overlap in chemistry and use but are not always identical — see our equivalents guide before substituting in certified designs.

Applications & Processing

Applications: Furnace tubes and rollers, radiant tubes, thermocouple protection tubes, waste incineration, steel-mill reheating furnaces.

Processing: Welds with matching or nickel-base fillers using standard high-alloy practice; widely used to upgrade 310S parts that fail by scaling or creep.

FAQ

Why does 253MA outperform 310S?: Nitrogen raises creep strength, while silicon and cerium form a tighter, self-repairing oxide scale, extending scaling life at 1000–1150 °C where 310S scales rapidly.

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Source: ASTM A240 published ranges (UNS S30815) / maker data · Last updated 2026-11-03. Data is indicative — verify critical values against the governing standard and mill certificate before use.