24 July 2021 300 Series Stainless Steel
321 Stainless Steel Bar
Alloys 321 is austenitic stainless steel that contains stabilizing elements. It is easily welded. Annealing is often not required after welding unless stress relief is desired. It has excellent resistance to oxidation and corrosion. The addition of titanium in 321 stainless steel give some desired characteristics:
Prevents harmful carbide precipitation in the heat affected zone (HAZ) of the weld area
Imparts partial immunity to intergranular corrosion
Reduced embrittlement in the HAZ of the weld area
321H stainless steel is a widely used stainless steel, where parts are heated within carbide-precipitation temperature range (800°F-1500°F) and exposed to the corrosive atmosphere. 321 stainless steel is similar to 304 stainless steel, but with higher nickel content and stabilized with titanium. Titanium preferentially reacts with carbon in the steel and prevents precipitation of chromium carbides at the grain boundaries, thus preserving corrosion-resistant properties by preventing depletion of chromium near the grain boundaries during exposure within the critical temperature range. This grade responds well to hardening by cold working. It has good welding characteristics, and post-weld annealing is not normally required to restore its excellent performance in a wide range of corrosive conditions.
Responds well to hardening by cold working
Good welding characteristics
Excellent corrosion resistance in a wide variety of corrosive media
High creep & stress rupture properties