Strong Match — 90.6% match
based on chemical composition and mechanical property overlap.
SAE 30304 (SAE J405) and BS 970 (Part 1) 304S31 (BS 970 (Part 1):1983) are both steel grades.
Both fall under the Stainless Steel category.
SAE 30304 is typically used for used for chemical equipment, food processing machinery, architectural panels, fasteners, pressure vessels, and heat exchangers., while BS 970 (Part 1) 304S31 is commonly used for austenitic stainless and heat resisting steel for mechanical and allied engineering purposes (table 14, with table 15 for the cold drawn condition)..
SAE 30304 is defined under SAE International, originating from United States, while BS 970 (Part 1) 304S31 is defined under British Standards (BS), originating from United Kingdom.
As per chemical composition, SAE 30304 vs BS 970 (Part 1) 304S31 is a 90.6% match.
Mechanical property data is not available for both grades, so this factor could not be scored.
Combined, this makes them a strong match overall at 90.6%.
Matched by chemical composition and mechanical properties, not a formal equivalence claim. Always verify against the applicable standard before substitution.
Mechanical Properties
Property
SAE 30304
BS 970 (Part 1) 304S31
Tensile Strength
515-690 MPa
Not specified
Yield Strength
205 MPa min
Not specified
Elongation
40% min
Not specified
Hardness
201 HB max
Not specified
Typical Applications
SAE 30304
Used for chemical equipment, food processing machinery, architectural panels, fasteners, pressure vessels, and heat exchangers.
BS 970 (Part 1) 304S31
Austenitic stainless and heat resisting steel for mechanical and allied engineering purposes (Table 14, with Table 15 for the cold drawn condition).
Can SAE 30304 Be Substituted With BS 970 (Part 1) 304S31?
SAE 30304 and BS 970 (Part 1) 304S31 overlap closely enough on chemistry and mechanical properties that BS 970 (Part 1) 304S31 is often considered as a substitute for SAE 30304 in many applications. Always confirm the specific property range your application needs before substituting, and check with your supplier's mill certificate.
What is the difference between SAE 30304 and BS 970 (Part 1) 304S31?
Both grades share a similar composition profile; see the specification table above for the exact chemistry and mechanical property values.
Can SAE 30304 be substituted with BS 970 (Part 1) 304S31?
SAE 30304 and BS 970 (Part 1) 304S31 overlap closely enough on chemistry and mechanical properties that BS 970 (Part 1) 304S31 is often considered as a substitute for SAE 30304 in many applications. Always confirm the specific property range your application needs before substituting, and check with your supplier's mill certificate.