AISI 321 | 1.4541 | 321S31 | X6CrNiTi18-10 | Austenitic stainless steel
Material information according to DIN EN 10088-3
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 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.
Specifications of the material
EN material number: 1.4541
EN short name: X6CrNiTi18-10
EN standard: 10088-3
Microstructure class: austenitic stainless steel
Comparable standards and designations
AFNOR Z6CNT18-10
AISI 321
Alloy 321
ASM 5510, AMS 5645
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
Properties and chemical composition of stainless steel AISI 321 / BS 321S31
C | Si | Mn | P | S | N | Cr | Cu | Mo | Ni | Ti |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
≤ 0,08 | ≤ 1,00 | ≤ 2,00 | ≤ 0,045 | ≤ 0,03 | - | 17,0 - 19,0 | - | - | 9,0 - 12,0 | 5 x C - 0,70 |
Mass fraction in % according to DIN EN 10088-3
Abbreviations: C = carbon, Cr = chromium, Cu = copper, Mn = manganese, Mo = molybdenum, N = nitrogen, Ni = nickel, P = phosphorus, S = sulphur, Si = silicon, Ti = thallium.
Physical properties
Magnetisability: low
Density (kg/dm³): 7.9
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
The stainless steel AISI 321 (1.4541, X6CrNiTi18-10) is very easy to weld and is suitable for all welding methods. A welding filler material and a heat treatment after welding are not necessary. If a welding additive is required, material 1.4316 should be used. To avoid negatively affecting the corrosion resistance, discolouration and scale should be removed after welding.
Forging
The austenitic stainless steel AISI 321 (1.4541, BS 321S31, 321S51) has medium forgeability. The material must first be heated slowly to a temperature between 1150 °C and 1180 °C. The forging process can then take place in the temperature range between 1180 °C and 950 °C. This is followed by rapid cooling in water or air. Open-die forging and drop forging are possible.
Note: Before and during forging, the material must be free of impurities, as these can lead to material damage 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 and cold forming
Machinability: The austenitic stainless steel 321 (1.4541, X6CrNiTi18-10) has poor machinability because it tends to work harden during machining.
Cold forming & cold heading: The material AISI 321 (BS 321S31, BS 321S51) is suitable for cold forming and cold mass forming (according to DIN EN 10263-5). The material can also be used for cold heading.
Corrosion resistance
The material AISI 321 (1.4541, X6CrNiTi18-10) has good corrosion resistance (PREN value 17.0 - 19.0) in a natural environment with a low chlorine and salt content. The material is resistant to steam up to 400°C and to nitric acid and formic acid in low concentrations at room temperature. The material is insensitive to intergranular corrosion, both before and after welding. It is not resistant to seawater and salt (NaCl). In connection with this, pitting corrosion may occur.
Applications of stainless steel AISI 321 / 1.4541
Atainless steel AISI 321 (1.4541, X6CrNiTi18-10) is used in a variety of industries. These include the automotive industry, apparatus and container construction and the construction industry. This stainless steel is also used in the chemical and petrochemical industries, as well as in the food industry. The material is also used in mechanical engineering, in nuclear technology, and in the pulp and paper industry.
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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