Stainless Steel 310S was designed to be the low carbon version of SS 310, a medium carbon stainless steel. 310S has many of the same characteristics and applications as 310, such as the ability to withstand high temperatures, resistance to oxidation and corrosion, and machinability similar to that of Type 304.
Composed of 20% nickel and 25% chromium, 310S is efficient in reducing environments such as those that contain sulfur. Combined with its low carbon content, the metal is also effective at resisting embrittlement. The metal is commonly utilized in extreme conditions, such as furnace manufacturing and heat treating equipment.
While both hot and work practices can be applied, cold working is not commonly done on Stainless Steel 310S; however, it is the only way to work harden the metal. This resistance to cold temperatures is useful in cryogenic environments, as 310S is incredibly tough. However, it can be subject to thermal shock and therefore should be treated and hot-worked with care.

Stainless Steel 310H is the preferred metal of choice for high temperature conditions out of the 310 Stainless Steel grades. It finds use in the heat treatment industry, including the containment of concentrated acids. 310H is often exposed to sulfur dioxide environments and displays a high level of resistance to negative effects, as well as those from oxidation at high temperatures. The metal also displays increased resistance against creep corrosion.
While 310S is the low carbon version of the 310 grades, 310H is the high carbon modification of the metal specifically designed for better resistance to creep, as aforementioned. Its resistance to corrosion in high temperature environments exceeds that of many other stainless steel alloys. However, it does not display the same resistance against aqueous corrosion. In wet environments, its high carbon content works as a limitation.
While the metal can be easily welded and is relatively ductile, cold work practices should be carried out with caution. Extended exposure to cold working can cause carbon precipitation.