Stainless Alloy 321 – Properties, Applications and Technical Data
Alloy 321 is an austenitic stainless steel that is stabilized with titanium to improve resistance to intergranular corrosion at elevated temperatures.
The material is often used in applications where components are exposed to heat and where welding or prolonged exposure in the sensitization range could otherwise affect corrosion resistance.
321 is used in the process industry, energy, exhaust systems and high-temperature equipment where good oxidation resistance and stable structure are important properties.
Properties of Alloy 321
Alloy 321 belongs to the austenitic stainless steel family and is similar to 304, but is alloyed with titanium to bind carbon and reduce the risk of carbide precipitation.
This makes the material particularly suitable for welded structures and high temperature environments where intergranular corrosion may otherwise be a problem.
- Type: titanium-stabilized austenitic stainless steel
- Alloy: Fe-Cr-Ni-Ti
- Structure: austenitic structure
- Designations: Alloy 321, AISI 321, Werkstoff 1.4541, EN 1.4541, UNS S32100, X6CrNiTi18-10
- Typical composition: Cr ~17–19%, Ni ~9–12%, Ti stabilizing additive
Advantages
- Good oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures
- Improved resistance to intergranular corrosion
- Good weldability
- Good formability and machinability
- Suitable for heat-exposed welded structures
Limitations
- Not as resistant to chlorides as molybdenum alloy steels
- Lower corrosion resistance in some chemical environments than 316L
- Not intended for very aggressive acid environments
Common product forms for Alloy 321
- Round bar
- Sheet and strip
- Tubes and tubes
- Forgings
- Special dimensions according to drawing
Typical components made from 321
- Exhaust systems
- Heat exchangers
- Furnace components
- Pressure vessels and process equipment
- Piping systems for high temperature environments
Corrosion and oxidation resistance
Alloy 321 offers good corrosion resistance in many industrial environments as well as good oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures.
Thanks to the titanium stabilization, the alloy is particularly suitable in applications where welding or prolonged thermal exposure could otherwise lead to intergranular corrosion.
Environments where 321 works well
- High temperature processes
- Welded structures
- Exhaust and heating systems
- Process equipment in industry and energy
Environments to avoid
- Environments with high chloride levels
- Applications where 316L or more corrosion resistant alloys are required
Technical data
| Yield strength (0.2%) |
~205 MPa |
| Tensile strength |
~515–700 MPa |
| Elongation |
~40 % |
| Density |
~7.9 g/cm³ |
| Modulus of Elasticity |
~193 GPa |
| Maximum Recommended Temperature |
~870°C depending on environment |
With a global network of suppliers, we can offer Alloy 321 in engineering dimensions for demanding industrial applications.
Contact us for price, availability and technical consulting.
Supplier of Alloy 321 with certified quality
HARALD PIHL is one of Europe's largest suppliers of special alloys and advanced stainless steels, including high-temperature stable austenitic materials such as 321.
With over 100 years of experience in the metal industry, we deliver materials with full traceability and certification according to EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2 as well as relevant ASTM and ISO standards.
Cutting, testing and quality assurance are carried out in-house to ensure the right tolerances and fast global delivery for technically demanding projects.
- Europe's largest stock of nickel and titanium alloys
- Special alloys from stock
- ASTM / ISO standards
- Top quality for safety-critical applications
- Fast global delivery
- Full material certification (EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2)
- Over 100 years in the metal industry
- Nickel and titanium experts
