Stainless Steel, Austenitic1.4541 (321)

A titanium-stabilised chromium-nickel austenitic stainless steel with very good corrosion resistance.

Stainless steel 321 is the stabilized version of stainless steel 304. The 18/8 blend of chromium and nickel is tempered with titanium to give type 321 protection from intergranular corrosion that can occur after heat treatment. It is protected from temperatures ranging from 800 to 1500° F. The metal displays high strength and resistance to various forms of corrosions, including that from aqueous environments.

Type 321 finds application in heavy welding components, along with dynamic environments that are subject to changes.

However, the addition of titanium limits the application of 321 in terms of working. The metal is not recommended for certain welding techniques as it is not consumable. Beyond this, stainless steel 321 has excellent forming characteristics, does not require annealing after being welded, and displays toughness in a range of temperatures.

The metal shows strength even when exposed to cryogenic temperatures. Additionally, it is often chosen over Type 304 for its increased resistance to creep and rupture. Both metals may be susceptible to stress corrosion cracking.

Talk to an expertDownload PDF

Range

Bar ProductsImperial SizesMetric Sizes
Round Bar Bright Drawn H918" - 78"4mm - 25mm
Round Bar Smooth Turned H9/H101" - 3"30mm
Round Bar Peeled K12/K163 14" - 6"-
Sheet SizeFinishThicknesses
2500 x 12502B1.5mm - 3.0mm
If you do not see what you are looking for, please contact your local service centre with your specific requirements.

Related Specifications

  • 1.4541
  • X6CrNiTi18-10
  • Type 321
  • AISI 321
  • UNS 32100
  • ASTM A40

Properties

Chemical Composition

Applications

  • Exhaust Systems
  • Manifolds
  • Chemical Plant
  • Heat Exchangers
  • Piping
  • Furnace Parts
  • Storage Tanks
  • Pressure vessels
  • Industrial boilers

Characteristics

  • Good overall corrosion resistance
  • Excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion
  • Great weldability
  • Good resistance to creep and oxidation at high temperatures
  • Excellent toughness even down to cryogenic temepratures
  • High creep and stress rupture proerties than Type 304
  • Excellent resistance to oxidisation

Additional Information

Welding

Find your local Service Centre

An extensive UK network of Service Centres, backed up by a central distribution facility.

  • Experienced multi-product specialists

  • In-house state of the art processing facilities

  • Large fleet of bespoke delivery vehicles

RBL Truck Retouched
RBL Truck Retouched