Z3CN18-10
AFNOR Z3CN18-10 Stainless Steel
Introduction
AFNOR Z3CN18-10 is an austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel designation associated with the French AFNOR classification system. It belongs to the 18% chromium–10% nickel family of stainless steels and is recognized for its combination of corrosion resistance, ductility, weldability and formability.
The designation Z3CN18-10 identifies a chromium-nickel austenitic stainless steel with approximately 18% chromium and 10% nickel. It is commonly compared with stainless steel grades in the AISI 304 / UNS S30400 / EN 1.4301 family, although the exact equivalence must be verified against the applicable standard, chemical composition, product form and material certificate.
Z3CN18-10 can be used for a wide range of industrial products, including pipes, tubes, sheets, plates, round bars, flanges and fittings. Its balanced properties make it suitable for applications in chemical processing, petrochemical, food processing, water treatment, construction and general engineering.
Key Features
- AFNOR-designated austenitic stainless steel.
- Chromium-nickel stainless steel.
- Approximately 18% chromium.
- Approximately 10% nickel.
- Good general corrosion resistance.
- Good resistance to atmospheric environments.
- Excellent ductility.
- Excellent formability.
- Excellent weldability.
- Good surface finishing characteristics.
- Generally non-magnetic in the annealed condition.
- Not hardenable by conventional heat treatment.
- Suitable for various industrial applications.
Specifications
| Property | Z3CN18-10 |
|---|---|
| Standard / Designation | AFNOR Z3CN18-10 |
| Material Family | Austenitic Stainless Steel |
| Type | Chromium-Nickel |
| Chromium | Approximately 18% |
| Nickel | Approximately 10% |
| Microstructure | Austenitic |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good to Very Good |
| Weldability | Excellent |
| Formability | Excellent |
| Heat Treatment | Solution Annealing, where applicable |
| Hardening | Not hardenable by conventional quenching |
| Magnetic Condition | Generally non-magnetic when annealed |
Equivalent Grades
Z3CN18-10 is commonly associated with the AISI 304 / UNS S30400 / EN 1.4301 family. However, equivalence between historical AFNOR designations and modern international grades should be confirmed based on the applicable product standard and chemical composition.
| Standard / System | Grade / Designation |
|---|---|
| AFNOR | Z3CN18-10 |
| AISI | 304 |
| UNS | S30400 |
| EN | 1.4301 |
| Common Description | 18Cr-10Ni Austenitic Stainless Steel |
Important: Equivalent-grade designations are reference comparisons and should not automatically be treated as interchangeable. For pressure, temperature or corrosion-critical applications, the applicable specification and MTC should be checked.
Available Products
Emirerri Steel can supply Z3CN18-10 in different product forms according to project requirements:
- Z3CN18-10 Seamless Stainless Steel Pipes
- Z3CN18-10 Welded Stainless Steel Pipes
- Z3CN18-10 Stainless Steel Tubes
- Heat Exchanger Tubes
- Stainless Steel Sheets
- Stainless Steel Plates
- Stainless Steel Round Bars
- Stainless Steel Flanges
- Butt Weld Fittings
- Forged Fittings
- Custom Industrial Components
Products can be supplied according to required dimensions, thicknesses, lengths, surface finishes and applicable specifications.
AFNOR Z3CN18-10 Chemical Composition
The following table provides indicative composition values for the 18Cr-10Ni stainless steel family. Actual chemical requirements should be verified against the applicable AFNOR specification and Material Test Certificate.
| Element | Indicative Composition |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.03%* |
| Chromium (Cr) | ≈ 17–19% |
| Nickel (Ni) | ≈ 9–11% |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 2.00%* |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.00%* |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.045%* |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030%* |
| Nitrogen (N) | According to applicable specification |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
* Actual limits depend on the applicable AFNOR designation, product form, specification and material condition.
AFNOR Z3CN18-10 Mechanical Properties
Typical reference values for a 304-type austenitic stainless steel are provided below. Guaranteed mechanical properties must be verified against the applicable product standard.
| Mechanical Property | Typical / Reference Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 515 MPa |
| Yield Strength | ≥ 205 MPa |
| Elongation | ≥ 40% |
| Elastic Modulus | ≈ 193 GPa |
| Hardness | According to material condition |
Mechanical properties can vary depending on product form, thickness, heat treatment and delivery condition.
AFNOR Z3CN18-10 Physical Properties
| Physical Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Density | ≈ 7.9–8.0 g/cm³ |
| Elastic Modulus | ≈ 193 GPa |
| Thermal Conductivity | ≈ 16 W/m·K |
| Specific Heat Capacity | ≈ 500 J/kg·K |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient | ≈ 17–18 × 10⁻⁶ /°C |
| Microstructure | Austenitic |
Types of Z3CN18-10 Products
Z3CN18-10 Stainless Steel Pipes
Z3CN18-10 pipes are suitable for fluid transportation, industrial piping, process systems and general corrosion-resistant applications.
They can be supplied in seamless or welded configurations depending on the application and applicable product standard.
Z3CN18-10 Stainless Steel Tubes
Z3CN18-10 tubes are used in process equipment, heat exchangers, food-processing systems, water-treatment equipment and general industrial applications.
Z3CN18-10 Stainless Steel Sheets & Plates
Z3CN18-10 sheets and plates are used for fabricating:
- Storage tanks
- Process equipment
- Industrial structures
- Chemical equipment
- Machine components
- Food-processing equipment
Z3CN18-10 Stainless Steel Round Bars
Round bars are suitable for machining and manufacturing:
- Shafts
- Pins
- Bushes
- Flanges
- Fastener components
- Industrial machine parts
Z3CN18-10 Stainless Steel Flanges & Fittings
Z3CN18-10 flanges and fittings are used for connecting stainless steel piping systems in industrial installations.
They can be supplied according to applicable flange and fitting standards, dimensions and pressure requirements.
Corrosion Resistance
Z3CN18-10 offers good general corrosion resistance in many atmospheric, aqueous and industrial environments.
The chromium content promotes the formation of a passive oxide layer that protects the material surface against many common corrosive conditions.
However, Z3CN18-10 may be susceptible to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-rich environments. Therefore, material selection should take into account the actual operating environment.
For highly aggressive chloride, marine or corrosive applications, materials such as 316L, Duplex 2205 or Super Duplex 2507 may be evaluated as alternatives depending on service requirements.
Important factors include:
- Chloride concentration
- Operating temperature
- pH
- Fluid composition
- Exposure duration
- Pressure
- Environmental conditions
Heat Resistance
Z3CN18-10 provides good oxidation resistance and can be used in various elevated-temperature applications.
Its suitability for high-temperature service depends on:
- Operating temperature
- Exposure duration
- Chemical environment
- Pressure
- Material condition
- Design requirements
For severe continuous high-temperature applications, a specialized heat-resistant stainless steel grade may be more suitable.
Heat Treatment
Z3CN18-10 is an austenitic stainless steel and cannot be hardened through conventional quenching and tempering.
Solution annealing may be used in applicable manufacturing conditions to restore the desired metallurgical structure and corrosion resistance.
The heat-treatment parameters should be established according to the applicable material and product specification.
Welding
Z3CN18-10 has excellent weldability and can be welded using several industrial processes:
- TIG / GTAW
- MIG / GMAW
- MAG
- SMAW
- FCAW
- SAW
- Orbital welding for suitable tubular applications
Welding parameters should be selected based on material thickness, joint configuration, welding process, filler material and approved welding procedures.
Proper cleaning after welding is important for maintaining the corrosion-resistant surface.
Fabrication
Z3CN18-10 is suitable for a wide range of fabrication operations.
Typical processes include:
- Cutting
- Bending
- Rolling
- Forming
- Stamping
- Drawing
- Machining
- Welding
- Polishing
- Brushing
Cold working may increase hardness and strength due to strain hardening. Appropriate tooling and machining parameters should therefore be used.
Surface Finishes
Depending on the product form, Z3CN18-10 can be supplied with different surface finishes:
- No. 1
- 2B
- BA
- No. 4
- Brushed
- Satin
- Polished
- Industrial finish
Surface finish can be selected according to the intended application, appearance, hygiene requirements and fabrication process.
Applications
Oil & Gas
- Process piping
- Industrial piping
- Storage equipment
- Piping components
- General process equipment
Petrochemical & Chemical
- Chemical process equipment
- Storage tanks
- Piping systems
- Heat exchanger components
- Corrosion-resistant equipment
Food & Beverage
- Food-processing equipment
- Storage tanks
- Sanitary tubing
- Conveying systems
- Processing components
Pharmaceutical
- Process equipment
- Stainless steel tubing
- Storage tanks
- Hygienic components
- Cleanable process systems
Water Treatment
- Water piping
- Filtration equipment
- Storage tanks
- Treatment systems
- Industrial water equipment
Construction & General Engineering
- Architectural components
- Industrial structures
- Machine components
- Fabricated equipment
- Decorative applications
Z3CN18-10 vs AISI 304
| Characteristic | Z3CN18-10 | AISI 304 |
|---|---|---|
| Material Family | Austenitic Stainless Steel | Austenitic Stainless Steel |
| Chromium | Approximately 18% | Approximately 18% |
| Nickel | Approximately 10% | Typically around 8–10.5%, depending on specification |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good | Good |
| Weldability | Excellent | Excellent |
| Formability | Excellent | Excellent |
| General Application | Industrial and general corrosion-resistant service | Industrial and general corrosion-resistant service |
| Equivalence | Requires verification | International reference grade |
Z3CN18-10 is commonly compared with the AISI 304 family, but exact equivalence should be established using the applicable AFNOR/product standard, chemical composition and MTC.
Quality & Certification
Z3CN18-10 products can be supplied with quality documentation according to customer and project requirements.
Available documentation may include:
- Material Test Certificate (MTC)
- EN 10204 3.1 certificate, where specified
- Chemical analysis
- Mechanical test reports
- Dimensional inspection
- Visual inspection
- Surface inspection
- Heat-treatment records, where applicable
- Non-destructive testing, where specified
- Material traceability
- Inspection documentation
Quality requirements can be aligned with applicable AFNOR, ASTM, ASME, EN or project-specific standards, subject to the selected product specification.
Why Choose Z3CN18-10?
Z3CN18-10 offers a practical combination of:
- Good general corrosion resistance
- Excellent weldability
- Excellent formability
- High ductility
- Good surface finish capability
- Good fabrication performance
- Availability in multiple product forms
- Broad industrial applicability
It is suitable for general corrosion-resistant applications where an 18Cr-10Ni austenitic stainless steel is appropriate.
Conclusion
AFNOR Z3CN18-10 Stainless Steel is an austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel designation associated with the 18% chromium–10% nickel stainless steel family.
Its combination of corrosion resistance, ductility, weldability, formability and fabrication performance makes it suitable for a broad range of industrial applications.
Z3CN18-10 is commonly compared with AISI 304, UNS S30400 and EN 1.4301, although exact equivalence should always be confirmed against the applicable standard, product form and material certificate.
Emirerri Steel can supply Z3CN18-10 in stainless steel pipes, tubes, sheets, plates, round bars, flanges, fittings and other industrial products, according to required dimensions, specifications and quality documentation.
The material is suitable for applications in oil and gas, petrochemical, chemical processing, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, water treatment, construction and general engineering.
For highly aggressive chloride, marine or specialized chemical environments, material selection should be based on detailed service conditions and the applicable engineering requirements.
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