CarTech 348 stainless is a columbium/tantalum stabilized austenitic stainless steel. Like CarTech 321 stainless, it has superior intergranular-corrosion resistance compared to typical 18-8 type alloys. Since columbium and tantalum have stronger affinity for carbon than chromium, carbides of those elements tend to precipitate randomly within the grains instead of forming continuous patterns at the grain boundaries. CarTech 348 stainless should be considered for applications requiring intermittent heating between 800°F (427°C) and 1650°F (899°C).

CarTech 348 has low tantalum and cobalt and should be considered for nuclear applications.