305 stainless steel is an austenitic alloy that contains chromium and nickel as its primary alloying elements. It is also known as UNS S30500 and has a relatively high nickel content compared to other austenitic stainless steel grades, ranging from 10.5% to 13%.

This grade of stainless steel has excellent corrosion resistance properties, and it is ideal for applications that require resistance to atmospheric corrosion, mild chemical environments, and freshwater. It has a maximum corrosion resistance in mildly corrosive environments at a pH range between 5-9, with higher resistance in the lower end of that range.

305 stainless steel has a maximum carbon content of 0.12%, making it a low carbon grade. This results in improved weldability and formability, and it can be easily welded using common techniques such as gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) and gas metal arc welding (GMAW). The low carbon content also makes it more suitable for cold forming and deep drawing applications.