Looking for a high-performance stainless steel that can withstand extreme temperatures and resist corrosion? Look no further than 321 stainless steel!
With its exceptional resistance to acid and alkali corrosion, this steel is the perfect choice for a wide range of applications, from aircraft exhaust systems to heat exchangers. But what makes 321 stainless steel so special?
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the composition and properties of this remarkable material, and explore its many uses in the world of engineering and manufacturing.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover the power of 321 stainless steel!
Introduction to 321 Stainless Steel
321 stainless steel is created by adding a titanium element to the base composition of 304 stainless steel. Its performance is highly similar to that of 304 stainless steel. The addition of titanium results in exceptional resistance to acid and alkali corrosion. Even a small amount of titanium (around 1%) added to stainless steel can significantly enhance its rust resistance.
Austenitic stainless steel is prone to sensitization when exposed to temperatures between 450 ℃ and 850 ℃.
During sensitization, carbides, mainly chromium carbide (C23C6), precipitate along grain and twin boundaries, which results in damage to the neighboring alloy elements. This leads to intergranular corrosion in specific corrosive environments.
321 stainless steel is capable of withstanding the formation of chromium carbide between 426 ℃ and 815 ℃ due to the addition of titanium as a stabilizing element. As a result, it exhibits better resistance to intergranular corrosion, high temperature performance, and higher resistance to creep and stress fractures than 304 and 304L.
Furthermore, 321 also has excellent low-temperature toughness, formability, and welding properties. It does not require annealing after welding.
321 Stainless steel composition
| Standard | GB/T20878 | ASTM A276 | JIS G4303 | DIN EN10088-3 |
| Grade | 06Cr18Ni11Ti（0Cr18Ni10Ti） | S32100321 | SUS 321 | X6CrNiTi18-101.4541 |
| C | ≤0.08 | ≤0.08 | ≤0.08 | 0.08 |
| Si | 1.00 | 1.00 | ≤1.00 | 1.00 |
| Mn | ≤2.00 | ≤2.00 | 2.00 | ≤2.00 |
| P | 0.045 | 0.045 | 0.045 | 0.045 |
| S | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | 0.030 |
| Ni | 9.00~12.00 | 9.00~12.00 | 9.00~13.00 | 9.00~12.00 |
| Cr | 17.0~19.0 | 17.0~19.0 | 17.0~19.0 | 17.0~19.0 |
| Ti | 5C~0.70 | 5（C+N）~0.70 | >5×C% | 5×C~0.70 |
Physical property
|
Density (g/cm3) 20 ℃ |
8.03 |
|
|
Melting point (℃) |
1398~1427 |
|
|
Specific heat capacity [kJ/(kgK)] 0~100 ℃ |
0.50 |
|
|
Thermal conductivity [W/(m-K)] |
100℃ |
16.3 |
|
500℃ |
22.2 |
|
|
Linear expansion coefficient (10-6/K) |
0~100℃ |
16.6 |
|
0~500℃ |
18.6 |
|
|
Resistivity (Ωmm2/m) 20 ℃ |
0.72 |
|
|
Longitudinal elastic modulus (kN/mm2) 20 ℃ |
193 |
|
|
Magnetic |
Slightly magnetic after cold deformation |
|
321 stainless steel application scenario
The addition of titanium to 321 stainless steel enhances its suitability for high-temperature applications, making it a better choice than 304 stainless steel, which can experience sensitization reactions, and 304L stainless steel, which may not have sufficient high-temperature strength.
Common uses for 321 stainless steel plate and tube products include thermal expansion joints, corrugated pipes, components for aircraft exhaust systems, casings for heating elements, furnace body components, and heat exchangers.
