Views: 1 Author: Wang Publish Time: 2024-09-26 Origin: Site
Stainless Steel 321 is a titanium stabilized chromium nickel austenitic stainless steel with corrosion resistance similar to 304/304L. This grade is typically used in the 800-1500˚F temperature range where it is stabilized against chromium carbide precipitation by the addition of titanium, which results in the precipitation of titanium carbides. Stainless Steel 321 has excellent intergranular corrosion resistance after exposure to this temperature range, and this grade resists oxidation up to 1500˚F and has higher creep and stress rupture properties than 304/304L. It also possesses good low temperature toughness and is non-magnetic in the annealed condition.
Stainless Steel 321 is an austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel containing Titanium which is recommended for parts fabricated by welding which cannot subsequently be annealed. The titanium content is typically five times that of the carbon content, and this addition reduces carbide precipitation during welding and improves elevated working temperature properties. Stainless Steel 321 offers excellent resistance to oxidation and chemical corrosion. The alloy also possesses good creep strength. It can be readily formed or drawn though it is more difficult to form than other austenitic grades. Type 321 has usage in a wide range of applications including Oil & Gas, petrochemical, aerospace and general industry.
Stainless Steel 321 with a content of 17% to 19%, chromium is the primary alloying element in 321 stainless steel. It endows the alloy with its corrosion resistance properties. Present at 9% to 13%, nickel stabilizes the austenitic structure and provides 321 stainless with its flexibility and ductility. These elements, at no more than 0.70%, are a key feature of 321 stainless. They are responsible for the carbide precipitation resistance, which offers protection against sensitization in welding conditions. A lower carbon content, typically 0.08%, helps in the same function of chromium — preventing the formation of chromium carbide.
Element | 321 |
Carbon | 0.08 |
Chromium | 17.0-19.0 |
Nickel | 9.0-12.0 |
Manganese | 2.00 |
Silicon | 0.75 |
Nitrogen | 0.10 |
Phosphorus | 0.045 |
Sulfur | 0.030 |
Titanium | 5(C+N) min / 0.70 max |
321 stainless steel packs a range of properties that make it suitable for various applications. Its resistance to intergranular corrosion can be attributed to its composition, which ensures the alloy remains stable and unaffected along its grain boundaries. Additionally, 321 stainless steel’s excellent resistance to oxidation and scaling in high temperatures can be attributed to its addition of titanium and niobium.
321’s performance in high-temperature settings is notable. It can comfortably operate within the 427°C to 816°C (800°F to 1500°F) temperature range without losing its corrosion resistance. This characteristic makes it a mainstay in applications such as aircraft and exhaust systems.
321 stainless steel is both weldable and formable, without compromising its corrosion resistance. Its lower carbon content facilitates easy welding without post-weld annealing, and it retains its form even under severe bending or torsion.
Stainless steel, in general, is celebrated for its corrosion resistance, and 321 is no exception. This steel is able to withstand a variety of chemical environments, including organic compounds, weakly acidic, and various types of salt, making it highly desirable for those focusing on anticorrosive applications.
The unique properties of 321 stainless steel make it a sought-after material in several sectors. From its use in industrial ovens to manufacturing processes, its versatility and robustness are put to the test in diverse environments.
Aerospace and Military Applications
321 stainless steel is the alloy of choice for parts and structures within aircraft engines and other high-temperature aerospace applications. Its resistance to oxidation is particularly useful in aircraft applications that operate at high altitudes, where temperatures are extreme and there’s a scarce atmosphere.
Industrial Furnaces and Ovens
Its capability to withstand sustained periods at high temperatures without degradation makes 321 stainless ideal for lining industrial furnaces, making heating elements, and constructing ovens in applications ranging from wood drying to chemical processing.
Heat Exchangers
With the need for materials that can resist corrosion and maintain structural stability at high temperatures, 321 stainless steel is often used in the construction of heat exchangers. These are crucial components in a variety of industrial processes, from energy production to the semi-conductor industry.
Automotive Exhaust Systems
In exhaust systems, 321 stainless steel is used for its excellent weldability and its ability to maintain its strength, shape, and corrosion resistance at high temperatures. It’s a common material in exhaust manifolds, which are subject to the combustion gases’ repetitive heating and cooling cycles.