Introduction
AISI 321 stainless steel plate is a versatile austenitic stainless steel grade renowned for its excellent resistance to a specific type of corrosion and good overall performance. This steel belongs to the 300 series and is essentially a variation of AISI 304 with a stabilizer added to improve its resistance to intergranular corrosion (IGC).
Composition
AISI 321 shares the core elements of 304 stainless steel:
Chromium (17-19%): Provides the foundation for overall corrosion resistance.
Nickel (8-10%): Enhances corrosion resistance and formability.
The key differentiator is the addition of:
Titanium (stabilizer - typically around 0.5%) - This addition helps prevent chromium carbide precipitation during exposure to high temperatures (typically in the range of 427°C to 816°C or 800°F to 1500°F). Chromium carbide precipitation can deplete chromium in grain boundaries, leading to IGC.
Characteristics
Excellent Resistance to Intergranular Corrosion (IGC): The key advantage of AISI 321 is its superior resistance to IGC compared to standard 304 stainless steel. This makes it ideal for applications involving exposure to elevated temperatures during service or welding.
Good Formability: AISI 321 exhibits good formability, allowing for shaping and drawing during fabrication. This characteristic makes it suitable for applications requiring moderate bending and forming.
Good Weldability: AISI 321 offers good weldability with minimal risk of weld decay due to the stabilizing effect of titanium. However, proper welding procedures are still recommended to maintain optimal corrosion resistance, especially in critical applications.
Strength and Hardness: While not the strongest stainless steel, 321 offers moderate strength and hardness compared to other austenitic grades. These properties can be further enhanced through cold working.
Temperature Resistance: AISI 321 exhibits good resistance to oxidation and maintains its strength at elevated temperatures up to 900°C (1652°F), exceeding the recommended service limit for IGC prevention.
Ductile: AISI 321 is ductile, meaning it can deform under stress without breaking, making it suitable for applications requiring some flexibility.
Uses
Due to its excellent resistance to IGC, good weldability, and formability, AISI 321 stainless steel plate finds application in various industries, including:
High-Temperature Applications: Components exposed to elevated temperatures during operation, such as exhaust manifolds, heat exchangers, or furnace parts, can benefit from the IGC resistance of 321.
Welded Equipment: Pressure vessels, piping systems, and other welded structures requiring good corrosion resistance and resistance to IGC can utilize 321. especially when exposed to high temperatures.
Chemical Processing Equipment: Tanks, vessels, and piping handling certain chemicals at elevated temperatures can benefit from the combined corrosion resistance and IGC resistance of 321.
Aerospace Applications: Certain aerospace components requiring good performance at high temperatures can utilize 321 due to its IGC resistance.
| Product Name | AISI 321 stainless steel plate | |
| Commodity | Austenitic, Ferritic, Martensitic, Duplex, Cold rolled, Hot rolled | |
| Grade | 201. 202. 301. 304. 304L, 347. 321. 309S, 310S, 316L,2205. 409.410. 410S, 420. 420j1. 420j2. 430. 439. 443. 444.32760.32750.904L etc | |
| Austenitic stainless steel | 200 Series: 201. 202 | |
| 300 Series: 304. 304L, 309S, 310S, 316. 316L, 316Ti, 317L, 321. 347 | ||
| Ferritic stainless steel | 409L, 430. 436. 439. 441. 444. 446 | |
| Martensitic stainless steel | 410. 410S, 416. 420J1. 420J2. 431.440.17-4PH | |
| Duplex and Special Stainless: | S31803. S32205. S32750. 630. 904L | |
| Standard | ISO, JIS, ASTM, AS, EN, GB,DIN, JIS etc | |
| surface | N0.1. N0.4. 2D, 2B, HL, BA, 6K, 8K, etc | |
| Delivery time | 3-15 days subject to the clients' requirement and quantity | |
| Package | clients' requirement and Standard export sea-worthy packing | |
| MOQ | 1 ton | |
| Sample | Free Sample | |
Available Size Range
| Dimension | Range |
| Thickness | 0.1-200mm |
| Width | 10-2000mm |
| Length | 1000mm-11000mm or as customer' s requirement |
Additional Points
AISI 321 comes in various standard specifications, such as ASTM A240/ASME SA240. ensuring consistent material properties.
AISI 321 is not magnetic in its annealed (untreated) state. However, it can become slightly magnetic after cold working.
When IGC is not a major concern and cost is a primary factor, AISI 304 stainless steel might be a suitable alternative.
