Austenitic 321 (S32100) Stainless Steel Plate & Coil
Austenitic 321 (S32100) Stainless Steel Plate & Coil: Data, Equivalents & Applications
Complete reference for 321 (S32100) stainless steel plate and coil: chemical composition per ASTM A240, mechanical properties, thermal physical properties, global equivalents, and typical uses.
Hot rolling, cold rolling, solution annealing, pickling, descaling, bright annealing, cutting to length
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Austenitic 321 Stainless Steel Plate & Coil Introduction
Grade 321 (UNS S32100) is a titanium-stabilized austenitic stainless steel designed for superior resistance to intergranular corrosion after exposure to temperatures in the chromium carbide precipitation range (427–816°C / 800–1500°F). It offers excellent oxidation resistance up to about 900°C (1650°F) and good creep and stress-rupture properties. The addition of titanium, at least five times the carbon plus nitrogen content, prevents chromium depletion along grain boundaries, enabling the alloy to be used in the as-welded condition without post-weld annealing for many corrosion services.
- Key characteristics: high toughness, ductility, and weldability; non-magnetic in annealed condition; resistant to intergranular attack in moderate to high-temperature environments.
- Forms: plate, coil, sheet, strip, as well as bars, tubing, and forgings; commonly supplied in solution-annealed and descaled condition.
Austenitic 321 Stainless Steel Plate & Coil Chemical Composition per ASTM A240/A240M for Grade 321
The titanium-stabilized composition of 321 stainless steel is critical to its intergranular corrosion resistance. Titanium must be present in an amount at least five times the total carbon plus nitrogen content, and the maximum is limited to 0.70% to maintain fabricability. All values are maximum unless a range is shown. Iron constitutes the balance.
| Element | Content (%) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.08 max | |
| Manganese (Mn) | 2.00 max | |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.75 max | |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.045 max | |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.030 max | |
| Chromium (Cr) | 17.0 – 19.0 | |
| Nickel (Ni) | 9.0 – 12.0 | |
| Titanium (Ti) | 5×(C+N) min ; 0.70 max | Stabilization element |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.10 max | May be reported for high-temperature property control |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance | Approximately 65.8 – 73.0% |
Austenitic 321 Stainless Steel Plate & Coil Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties
Representative physical data for 321 stainless steel in the annealed condition. Values may vary slightly with exact composition and processing history. Multiple temperature points are given for thermal expansion and conductivity to facilitate engineering design at elevated temperatures.
| Property | Typical Value | Unit | Test Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density (ρ) | 7.92 | g/cm³ | 20°C (68°F) |
| Elastic Modulus (E) | 193 | GPa | 20°C |
| Elastic Modulus (E) | 170 | GPa | 300°C |
| Elastic Modulus (E) | 155 | GPa | 600°C |
| Shear Modulus (G) | 77 | GPa | 20°C |
| Poisson's Ratio (ν) | 0.30 | — | 20°C |
| Thermal Expansion (α) | 16.6 | µm/m·°C | 20 – 100°C |
| Thermal Expansion (α) | 17.2 | µm/m·°C | 20 – 300°C |
| Thermal Expansion (α) | 17.8 | µm/m·°C | 20 – 500°C |
| Thermal Expansion (α) | 18.9 | µm/m·°C | 20 – 700°C |
| Thermal Conductivity (λ) | 16.1 | W/m·K | 100°C |
| Thermal Conductivity (λ) | 18.7 | W/m·K | 300°C |
| Thermal Conductivity (λ) | 22.2 | W/m·K | 500°C |
| Thermal Conductivity (λ) | 26.8 | W/m·K | 700°C |
| Specific Heat Capacity (cp) | 500 | J/kg·K | 20°C |
| Specific Heat Capacity (cp) | 560 | J/kg·K | 500°C |
| Electrical Resistivity (ρ_e) | 720 | nΩ·m | 20°C |
| Melting Range | 1371 – 1454 | °C | — |
Austenitic 321 Stainless Steel Plate & Coil Mechanical Properties per ASTM A240
These tensile and hardness requirements apply to plate, sheet, and coil in the solution-annealed condition. No impact or bending tests are mandated by the base standard. Actual values may exceed the minimums; typical annealed 321 exhibits tensile strength in the range 515–720 MPa and yield strength around 205–310 MPa.
| Property | Standard Requirement | Unit | Test Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (Rm) | 515 min | MPa | Room temperature, transverse or longitudinal |
| Tensile Strength (Rm) | 75 min | ksi | Room temperature |
| Yield Strength (0.2% offset) (ReH) | 205 min | MPa | Room temperature |
| Yield Strength (0.2% offset) (ReH) | 30 min | ksi | Room temperature |
| Elongation (A) in 50 mm (2 in) | 40 min | % | Gage length 50 mm, full-thickness specimen |
| Hardness | 201 max | HBW | Annealed condition |
| Hardness | 95 max | HRB | Annealed condition |
Austenitic 321 Stainless Steel Plate & Coil Fully Equivalent Material Standards & Substitutable Grades
| Country/Region | Standard | Grade | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | ASTM A240/A240M | 321 (UNS S32100) | Original specification |
| European Union | EN 10028-7, EN 10088-2/3 | 1.4541 / X6CrNiTi18-10 | Identical in intent; slightly narrower alloy ranges |
| Japan | JIS G4304/G4305 | SUS321 | Direct equivalent |
| China | GB/T 4237, GB/T 3280 | 06Cr18Ni11Ti (formerly 0Cr18Ni10Ti) | Titanium stabilized as per ASTM 321 |
| Russia | GOST 5632 | 08Ch18N10T | Compositionally equivalent |
| International | ISO 15510 | X6CrNiTi18-10 | Mirrors EN 1.4541 |
Austenitic 321 Stainless Steel Plate & Coil Application Introduction
321 stainless steel is selected for environments where resistance to intergranular corrosion at elevated temperatures is mandatory, and where post-weld heat treatment is impractical. Its oxidation resistance allows continuous service up to approximately 900°C (1650°F).
- In aerospace, 321 is a standard for exhaust components, firewalls, and manifold collector rings.
- The chemical and petrochemical sectors use it for nitric acid coolers, thermal crackers, and high-temperature piping.
- Power generation employs 321 for superheater tubing and boiler components.
- It also serves in automotive exhaust systems and turbocharger hardware.
Product Applications: Jet engine exhaust cones and thrust reversers, Aircraft piston engine exhaust manifolds, Expansion bellows and joints for ducting, Heat exchanger tubes and tube sheets, Boiler and superheater tubes, Thermal oxidizer shells and internals, Catalytic converter shells and substrates, Welded process pipes and tanks containing hot acids, Spiral wound gaskets with high-temperature service, Furnace parts and radiant tubes
Processed into products: Manifolds and headers, Flexible metal hoses, Thermowells, Afterburner spray bars and liners, Welded flanges and fittings, Tube-to-tubesheet welds, Expansion bellows diaphragms, Corrosion-resistant fasteners (hot-worked), Distillation column trays and internals
Application industries: Aerospace (commercial & military), Chemical processing, Petrochemical, Oil & gas, Power generation, Automotive, Food & beverage equipment (high-temperature), Pharmaceutical (thermal equipment), Pulp & paper, Industrial furnace manufacturing
Austenitic 321 Stainless Steel Plate & Coil Similar or Alternative Stainless Steels for Consideration
| Country/Region | Standard | Grade | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | ASTM A240 | 347 (S34700) | Niobium-stabilized; similar corrosion resistance, slightly better high-temp strength and resistance to sigma phase |
| USA | ASTM A240 | 321H (S32109) | Higher carbon version of 321 for improved high-temperature strength up to ~815°C (1500°F) |
| USA | ASTM A240 | 304L (S30403) | Lower cost unstabilized grade; not suitable for service above ~425°C (800°F) without risk of sensitization |
| USA | ASTM A240 | 316L (S31603) | Contains molybdenum for enhanced pitting resistance; unstabilized |
| USA | ASTM A240 | 316Ti (S31635) | Titanium-stabilized version of 316; improved high-temperature intergranular resistance with better overall corrosion performance |
Notes:
- For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications, stress values are listed in Section II Part D. 321 may be used up to 816°C (1500°F) depending on code case restrictions.
- Prolonged exposure between 540–900°C (1000–1650°F) can lead to sigma-phase embrittlement; caution is advised for heavy sections operating in this range.
- A post-weld solution anneal is not typically required when using stabilized filler metals (ER347 or E347). Unstabilized fillers (ER308/ER308L) may cause localized sensitization.
- Cold working increases strength and may induce slight magnetism; the alloy remains essentially non-magnetic in the fully annealed condition.
- Plate and coil are normally supplied in compliance with ASTM A240/A240M with mill test certificates (EN 10204 Type 3.1 or equivalent).
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