Contents
301 Stainless Steel: Definition, Composition, Properties, Processing, Applications, and More
- John
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Overview of 301 Stainless Steel
301 stainless steel is a high-strength austenitic stainless steel in the 300 series, primarily composed of 16-18% chromium and 6-8% nickel. It conforms to standards such as ASTM A240 and is equivalent to grades like 1.4310 (EN).
301 has excellent work hardening capabilities, where strength increases significantly through cold working. This also results in partial magnetism, depending on the degree of cold rolling. 301 also offers good corrosion resistance but is slightly lower than grade 304.
It is commonly used in applications requiring a combination of formability and strength, such as springs, fasteners, automotive parts, railway cars, conveyors, and decorative components.
Unlike martensitic grades, 301 stainless steel cannot be hardened by heat treatment but solely through cold rolling.
Typical Applications of 301 Stainless Steel
| Industry | Application |
| Automotive | Exhaust components, springs, clamps, trim |
| Aerospace | Fasteners, springs, structural panels, clamps |
| Medical Equipment | Surgical tools, dental instruments, needles, clamps |
| Food Processing | Conveyor belts, storage tanks, mixing equipment, hoppers |
| Consumer Goods | Cutlery, kitchen appliances, sinks, springs |
| Electronics | Connectors, springs, brackets, shields |
| Construction | Structural support, fasteners, roofing, window frames |
| Marine | Springs, fasteners, pumps, valves |
Advantages and Disadvantages of 301 Stainless Steel
Here are the advantages and benefits of 301 stainless steel:
- High strength after cold working, ideal for applications needing extra durability.
- Excellent corrosion resistance in mild environments, providing long-lasting use.
- Good formability and ductility, making it suitable for bending and forming processes.
- Cost-effective compared to higher-grade stainless steel.
- Lightweight compared to other grades, allowing for weight reduction in products.
Here are the disadvantages and limitations of 301 stainless steel:
- Limited corrosion resistance in chloride-rich and harsh environments.
- Can lose some of its corrosion resistance after cold working.
- Not as heat resistant as other grades, limiting high-temperature applications.
- Prone to work hardening, which can make machining more difficult over time.
- Less resistant to stress cracking compared to higher alloy stainless steel.
Equivalent Grades of 301 Stainless Steel
| Country/Region | Standard/Specification | Equivalent Grade |
| International | ISO 15510 | X9CrNi18-8 |
| EU | EN 10088-1 | X10CrNi18-8 (1.4310) |
| USA | ASTM A240 | 301 |
| Germany | DIN 17440, WNr | X12CrNi17-7 |
| Japan | JIS G4305 | SUS301 |
| England | BS 1449-2 | 301S21, 302S26 |
| France | AFNOR NF A35-572 | Z11CN18-08, Z12CN18-09 |
| Sweden | SS 14 23 31 | 2331 |
Common Variants of 301 Stainless Steel
| Variant | What is it? | Why might it be chosen instead of 301？ | Typical Application |
| 301L | Low-carbon version | Better weldability, reduced carbide precipitation. | Structural parts, chemical equipment. |
| 301LN | Nitrogen-enhanced version | Higher strength, good formability. | Automotive, railway components. |
| 301H | High-carbon version | Improved high-temperature strength. | Heat exchangers, high-temp equipment. |
| 301J1 | Copper-added version | Enhanced formability and ductility. | Appliances, decorative parts. |
| 301Si | Silicon-added version | Better oxidation resistance at high temperatures. | Furnaces, exhaust systems. |
Heat & Corrosion Resistance of 301 Stainless Steel
Heat Resistance
301 stainless steel has good heat resistance. It can resist oxidation up to 840°C (1544°F) for short-term use and 900°C (1652°F) for continuous use. However, prolonged exposure to high temperatures can reduce strength and lead to sensitization and intergranular corrosion, especially in welded areas. It’s less suited for high-temperature applications compared to alloys like 347.
Corrosion Resistance
Grade 301 stainless steel offers good corrosion resistance in mild environments. It resists corrosion from atmospheric conditions, water, and some chemicals. However, it is less resistant to corrosion in harsh environments compared to higher-grade stainless steels like 316. Its higher carbon content increases the risk of intergranular corrosion, especially after welding or heat exposure. It’s not ideal for highly corrosive environments like marine or chemical industries.
Processing of 301 Stainless Steel
Cold Working
Cold working significantly increases the strength of 301 stainless steel due to its high work hardening rate, which rises by approximately 14 MPa for every 1% reduction in cross-sectional area. As the material is cold rolled or formed, its tensile strength rapidly increases. This process can also partially transform the austenite structure into martensite, further enhancing hardness. Despite this increase in strength, the alloy retains enough ductility for severe cold deformation. Additionally, while 301 stainless steel is non-magnetic in its annealed state, cold working induces strong magnetism.
Welding
301 stainless steel has good weldability. It can be welded using most standard techniques, with filler metal like grade 308L recommended. After welding, annealing is required to achieve the optimal corrosion resistance and remove effects caused by cold working. For low-carbon grades like 301L and 301LN, annealing is generally not required. Spot welding is commonly used for assembling cold-rolled 301 components, as it does not significantly affect the overall strength of the material.
Heat Treatment
301 stainless steel cannot be hardened through heat treatment; it is hardened solely by cold working. For annealing, the material is heated to a range of 1010°C to 1120°C, followed by rapid cooling, usually by water quenching or fast air cooling. This process restores ductility and relieves internal stresses without increasing hardness. Stress relieving after cold working can be done, but it does not significantly alter the material’s hardness or mechanical properties.
Chemical Composition of 301 Stainless Steel
Check the table below for the chemical composition of 410 stainless steel:
| Element | Carbon, C | Chromium, Cr | Iron, Fe | Manganese, Mn | Nickel, Ni | Nitrogen, N | Phosphorus, P | Silicon, Si | Sulfur, S |
| wt% | ≤0.15 | 16 – 18 | 70.7 – 78 (Balance) | ≤ 2.0 | 6.0 – 8.0 | ≤ 0.10 | ≤ 0.045 | ≤ 1.0 | ≤ 0.030 |
Properties of 301 Stainless Steel
Here are three major reasons that make 301 stainless steel unique:
- High strength due to work hardening.
- Excellent ductility, making it easy to form and shape into different products.
- Good corrosion resistance in mildly corrosive environments.
Physical Properties
Check the table below for the core physical properties of 301 stainless steel:
| Property | Typical Value (Metric/Imperial) | Performance |
| Density | 8.03 g/cc (0.290 lb/in³) | Fairly heavy, strong material. |
| Melting Point | 1399 – 1421 °C (2550 – 2590 °F) | Handles high heat without melting. |
| CTE, Linear | 16.6 – 19.5 µm/m-°C (9.22 – 10.8 µin/in-°F) | Expands moderately when heated. |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 0.500 J/g-°C (0.120 BTU/lb-°F) | Absorbs and holds heat moderately well. |
| Thermal Conductivity | 16.3 W/m-K (113 BTU-in/hr-ft²-°F) | Transfers heat at a moderate rate. |
| Electrical Resistivity | 0.0000720 ohm-cm | Not a good conductor of electricity. |
| Magnetic Properties | <= 1.02 (Annealed, H = 200 Oersted) | Slightly magnetic after cold working. |
*CTE, Linear refers to the Coefficient of Thermal Expansion, Linear.
Mechanical Properties
Check the table below for the core mechanical properties of 301 stainless steel:
| Condition | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength | Rockwell Hardness | Elongation at Break | Young’s Modulus (as rolled longitudinal/transverse) |
| Annealed | ≥ 515 MPa (74.7 ksi) | ≥ 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) | 10 HRC | ≥ 40% (in 2″ or 50 mm) | 214 GPa / 31.0 msi211 GPa / 30.6 msi |
| 1/4 Hard | ≥ 862 MPa (125 ksi) | ≥ 517 MPa (75 ksi) | 25 HRC | ≥ 25% (in 2″ or 50 mm) | 193 GPa / 28.0 msi197 GPa / 28.6 msi |
| 1/2 Hard | ≥ 1034 MPa (150 ksi) | ≥ 758 MPa (110 ksi) | 32 HRC | ≥ 18% (in 2″ or 50 mm) | 185 GPa / 26.8 msi186 GPa / 27.0 msi |
| 3/4 Hard | ≥ 1207 MPa (175.1 ksi) | ≥ 931 MPa (135 ksi) | 37 HRC | ≥ 12% (in 2″ or 50 mm) | 178 GPa / 25.8 msi190 GPa / 27.6 msi |
| Full Hard | ≥ 1276 MPa (185.1 ksi) | ≥ 965 MPa (140 ksi) | 41 HRC | ≥ 9% (in 2″ or 50 mm) | 174 GPa / 25.2 msi (as rolled)196 GPa / 28.4 msi (stress relieved) |
Chemical Properties
Check the table below for the core chemical properties of 301 stainless steel:
| Chemical Property | Description | Performance |
| Corrosion Resistance | Resistance to environmental oxidation or chemical damage. | Moderate; suitable for mild environments, less resistant than 304/316. |
| pH Sensitivity | Stability in varying pH environments. | Performs well in neutral/slightly acidic; less effective in extreme pH conditions. |
| Reactivity | Tendency to interact chemically with substances. | Low reactivity; higher in aggressive environments compared to 316. |
| Oxidation Resistance | Resistance to forming oxide layers. | Good at room and elevated temperatures; lower than 304/310. |
| Passivation | Ability to form protective oxide layers. | Passivates well, though less durable than 304/316 in harsh environments. |
| Combustibility | Ability to ignite and burn. | Non-combustible. |
| Flammability | Likelihood of sustaining combustion. | Non-flammable. |
Difference Between 301, 302, 304, and 316 Stainless Steel
Check the table below for a quick comparison between 301, 302, 304, and 316 stainless steel:
| Property | 301 | 302 | 304 | 316 |
| Type | Austenitic | Austenitic | Austenitic | Austenitic |
| Crystal Structure | Face-Centered Cubic (FCC) | Face-Centered Cubic (FCC) | Face-Centered Cubic (FCC) | Face-Centered Cubic (FCC) |
| Chemical Composition | Cr: 16-18%, Ni: 6-8%, C: ≤0.15% | Cr: 17-19%, Ni: 8-10%, C: ≤0.15% | Cr: 18-20%, Ni: 8-10.5% | Cr: ≤18%, Mo: ≤3%, Ni: ≤14% |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good | Good | Good | Excellent, especially in marine environments |
| Tensile Strength | 515 MPa (74.7 ksi) | 585 MPa (84.8 ksi) | 505 MPa (73.2 ksi) | 580 MPa (84.1 ksi) |
| Yield Strength | 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) | 255 MPa (37.0 ksi) | 215 MPa (31.2 ksi) | 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) |
| Rockwell Hardness | 92 HRB | 90 HRB | 70 HRB | 79 HRB |
| Weldability | Good | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Cost | Low | Low | Low | Higher than 304 |
| Applications | Springs, automotive parts, washers | Chemical equipment, utensils, food processing | Food equipment, architecture | Marine environments, chemical and medical equipment |
What You Might Also Concern
Does stainless steel 301 rust?
301 stainless steel is resistant to rust, but it can corrode in harsh environments if not properly maintained due to its lower chromium content compared to other stainless steel.
Related Reading
Will Stainless Steel Rust and How Can You Solve It?
How to Clean and Polish Stainless Steel?
Is 301 stainless steel magnetic?
Yes, 301 stainless steel is magnetic, especially after it has been cold-worked.
Related Reading
Is 301 stainless steel food grade?
Yes, 301 stainless steel can be used in food-grade applications, but it’s less common than 304 stainless steel due to its higher carbon content, which may make it more prone to corrosion in certain food environments. 304 is typically preferred for food-grade use.
Is 301 stainless steel medical grade?
301 stainless steel is not typically considered medical grade. Medical applications usually prefer 316 stainless steel due to its higher corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. 301 is more commonly used in non-medical industrial applications.
Summary & Furthermore
This article briefly explains the definition, composition, properties, processing, applications, and other important aspects of 301 stainless steel. To learn more about stainless steel or other steel types, check out our blog or contact our metal experts.
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