Overview
321 stainless steel (1.4541) is a heat-resistant grade supplied to numerous industry sectors. The key property of this grade is its added titanium content (5 x C%), which stabilises the material and provides resistance to carbide precipitation when exposed to high temperatures, alongside resistance to oxidation.
321 stainless steel retains good strength and corrosion resistance when exposed to high temperatures. Like most austenitic stainless steel grades, it also maintains its strength and toughness at sub-zero temperatures, making it an excellent choice for applications ranging from oil refinery equipment to automotive exhaust systems.
This heat-resistant grade of stainless steel has a maximum dry air service temperature of 850°C.
Form of Supply
• Sheet
• Plate
• Round Bar
• Wire
• Tube & Pipe
Nationwide Stainless is one of the UK's largest independent stockholders and processors of 321 stainless steel (1.4541).
With extensive stocks of 321 stainless steel and a range of processing capabilities, we can supply materials for a wide variety of projects, including standard stock items and custom-made products.
Our available products and processing services include:
• Cold forming of plate, sheet and round bar
• Additional machining requirements where necessary
For enquiries about 321 stainless steel availability and processing, please contact sales@nationwidestainless.co.uk.
Applications
321 stainless steel is commonly used for:
• Exhaust systems
• Manifolds
• Chemical plant
• Heat exchangers
• Piping
• Furnace parts
• Chimney and stack liners
• Storage tanks
• Bellows
Corrosion Resistance
321 stainless steel (1.4541) has excellent corrosion resistance at normal temperatures but is primarily designed to perform at elevated temperatures.
The added titanium content of a minimum of five times the carbon percentage content (maximum 0.7%) means that grade 321 also possesses good creep strength, good resistance to chromium carbide precipitation and is very resistant to oxidation and intergranular corrosion up to 850°C in dry air service conditions.
Other corrosive compounds in the hot atmosphere, such as water and sulphur compounds, will significantly reduce the maximum service temperature.
The overall characteristics of 321 stainless steel make it an excellent, relatively low-cost choice for many applications.
Typical Analysis
321 | Cr% | Ni% | Mo% | Ti% | C% | Cu% | Mn% | Si% | N% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MIN | 17.0 | 9.0 | - | (5xC+N) | - | - | - | 0.25 | - |
MAX | 19.0 | 12.0 | 0.75 | 0.7 | 0.08 | 0.75 | 2.0 | 1.0 | 0.1 |
Mechanical Properties
Properties quoted below are guideline figures only and should not be used for any design purposes.
Grade | 0.2% Proof (N/mm²) | UTS (N/mm²) | Elongation (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
321 (1.4541) | 200 - 300 | 500 - 700 | 40 |
Related Specs & Trade Names
1.4541, Grade 321, Alloy 321, AISI 321, TYPE 321, UNS S32100, X6CrNiTi18-10, ASTM A240, 321H, 321 Stainless, T.321, SS321, 321SS, 321
