AISI 321 (1.4541, 321S31, X6CrNiTi18-10) – Austenitic stainless steel
Online data sheet according to DIN EN 10088-3 for material 1.4541
The material AISI 321 is an austenitic stainless steel that is also known under the designations 1.4541, Alloy 321, BS 321S31, BS 321S51 and X6CrNiTi18-10. The material is a V2A steel that has been stabilised by the addition of titanium and is characterised by good corrosion resistance (PREN value 17.0 to 19.0). Stainless steel AISI 321 / 1.4541 is resistant to intercrystalline corrosion, but not to contact with seawater. The material is non-magnetic (amagnetic μr < 1.3) and can be used up to a temperature of 550 °C. In the solution-annealed state (+AT at room temperature), the material has a tensile strength of 500 to 700 N/mm², a hardness of ≤ 215 and a density of 7.9 kg/dm³. The rustproof steel AISI 321 is extremely easy to weld but only moderately easy to forge. It can be used for cold forming and cold heading. This material is used, for example, in the automotive industry, in mechanical engineering or in the chemical industry.
Our product range
We are a supplier in the B2B sector and offer titanium-stabilised stainless steel AISI 321 in our range as wire and rods. We have an extensive stock and can therefore often guarantee fast delivery times. Product details can be found via the links below.
Properties at a glance
Density: 7.9 kg/dm³
Tensile strength: 500 - 700 N/mm²
Yield strength (Rp0.2): ≥ 190 MPa
Elongation at break (A): ≥ 40 %
Corrosion resistance: Good
PREN value: 17.0-19.0
Magnetic: No (μr < 1.3)
Weldability: Good
Forging: Medium
Machinability: Poor
Cold forming: Possible
Cold heading: Possible
Specifications of the material
EN material number: 1.4541
EN short name: X6CrNiTi18-10
EN standard: 10088-3
Microstructure class: Austenitic stainless steel (V2A)
Comparable standards and designations
AFNOR Z6CNT18-10
AISI 321
Alloy 321
AMS 5645
ASM 5510
BS 321S31, BS 321S51
ČSN 17247, ČSN 17248
DIN X10CrNiTi18-9
GB 0Cr18Ni11Ti
JIS SUS321
PN 0H18N10T, PN 1H18N9T
RVS 321
UNI X6CrNiTi1811
UNS S32100
SAE 302
SFS 731
SIS / SS 2337
WL 1.4544
The chemical composition of stainless steel 1.4541 (AISI 321, X6CrNiTi18-10) is specified in mass percent according to DIN EN 10088-3 as follows:
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Carbon (C): ≤ 0.08
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Silicon (Si): ≤ 1.00
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Manganese (Mn): ≤ 2.00
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Phosphorus (P): ≤ 0.045
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Sulphur (S): ≤ 0.03
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Chromium (Cr): 17.0 - 19.0
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Nickel (Ni): 9.0 - 12.0
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Titanium (Ti): 5 x C - 0.70
Physical properties
Magnetisability: low
Thermal conductivity (at 20°C): 15
Electrical resistivity at room temperature (in Ω mm²/m): 0.73
Specific heat capacity (at 20°C): 500
Mechanical properties
These figures refer to mechanical properties in the solution-annealed condition (+ AT) for ≤ 160 & 160 < d ≤ 250 (Ø in mm) at room temperature according to EN 10088-3.
Hardness in HB: ≤ 215
Yield strength Rp0.2 in Mpa: ≥ 190
Strength / Tensile strength Rm in Mpa: 500 - 700 N/mm²
Elongation A in % (longitudinally at ≤ 160): ≥ 40
AV in J (longitudinally at ≤ 160): ≥ 100
Weldability: AISI 321 stainless steel (1.4541, X6CrNiTi18-10) has very good weldability and is suitable for all welding processes, such as TIG welding, MIG welding, MAG welding, electric welding or arc welding.
Welding temperature: The welding temperature should be kept as low as possible, ideally in the range of 150 °C to 200 °C. This minimises stresses in the material and reduces the formation of discolouration and scale. As these have a negative effect on corrosion resistance, discolouration and scale should be removed after welding.
Welding filler material: A welding filler material is not required. However, if a welding filler material is desired, materials 1.4316 (MT-308 L) and 1.4551 (MT-308 L) should be used.
Post-weld heat treatment: Heat treatment is not required after welding. In certain cases, such as with large wall thicknesses, this may be advisable. However, to avoid destroying the titanium additives, care must be taken not to exceed a temperature of 800 °C.
Forging
Careful temperature control is necessary to ensure optimum shaping. The material should first be heated slowly to a temperature between 1150 °C and 1180 °C. This prevents excessive stresses that can lead to cracks or deformation. The forging process itself should take place in a temperature range between 1180 °C and 950 °C. Rapid cooling in water or air is then required. This stabilises the austenitic structure of the stainless steel and prevents the formation of martensite, which would impair the mechanical properties. The material is suitable for open die forging and drop forging.
Please note: Before and during forging, the material must be free of impurities, as these could damage the material during heat treatment.
Heat treatment and hot forming
Hot forming (temperature 1200-950 °C) - cooling in air or in water
solution heat treatment (+AT) (temperature 1020-1100 °C) - cooling in air or in water
Note: The hot forming must take place over the temperature range of 600°C and 900°C, as this is where the sigma phase is formed, which has a negative effect on corrosion resistance.
Machinability, cold forming and cold upsetting
Machinability: Austenitic stainless steel AISI 321 (1.4541, X6CrNiTi18-10) has poor machinability because it tends to work harden during machining. This causes the material to become harder and more brittle, which can lead to chip breakage and cracks. Machinability can be improved by using a low cutting speed and higher cutting values, as this reduces heat generation.
Cold forming: Material 321 is suitable for cold forming and cold forging (according to DIN EN 10263-5). The good formability of the material allows the manufacture of screws, nuts and other fasteners.
Cold heading: The toughness and ductility of the material allow it to be used for cold heading. However, this should be done in a controlled manner to avoid crack formation. The surface quality of the formed parts is generally high.
Corrosion resistance
The material AISI 321 (1.4541, X6CrNiTi18-10) is characterised by good corrosion resistance. This is particularly true in natural environments with low chlorine and salt content, where the PREN value is between 17.0 and 19.0. When in contact with oxygenated water, a protective passive layer forms on the surface, which increases corrosion resistance under normal atmospheric conditions as long as it remains intact.
Stainless steel 1.4541 is resistant to water vapour up to 400 °C and to nitric acid and formic acid in low concentrations at room temperature. A major advantage of this material is its insensitivity to intergranular corrosion, with this resistance being guaranteed both before and after welding.
The material shows high resistance to many chemical influences. However, it is not resistant to seawater and salty environments. Prolonged contact with seawater or salts (NaCl) poses a risk of pitting corrosion.
Applications of stainless steel AISI 321 / BS 321S31, BS 321S51
Austenitic stainless steel 321 (Alloy 321, BS 321S31 & 321S51) is characterised by its high corrosion resistance, good heat resistance and formability. The material is therefore suitable for numerous industrial applications. Below we offer you an overview of the industries and possible products that can be manufactured from this material:
Automotive industry: In vehicles, stainless steel AISI 321 / 1.4541 is used for exhaust systems, catalytic converters, exhaust pipes, engine parts and connecting pipes. Its good temperature resistance makes this stainless steel ideal for components that are exposed to high thermal loads.
Apparatus and container construction: This stainless steel is used here for the manufacture of pressure vessels, heat exchangers, pipelines and reactors.
Construction industry: The material is used here for stainless steel elements in railings, facades, bridges and architectural elements that must be weather-resistant.
Chemical and petrochemical industry: Titanium-stabilised stainless steel 321 is used in the manufacture of pipes, containers, valves and pump housings that must withstand aggressive media and high temperatures.
Food industry: In food processing, this stainless steel is used for processing systems, tanks, agitators, cutting tools and hygienic equipment.
Mechanical engineering: Machine parts, bearings, screws, nuts and clamps are made from this material, which requires high load-bearing capacity and corrosion resistance.
Nuclear technology: Due to its temperature resistance, stainless steel 321 is used for reactor parts, containers and control systems.
The data provided in this data sheet or material information sheet has been compiled to the best of our knowledge and is based on the current version of the relevant standard. We do not accept any liability for any errors.
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