1.4541 Stainless Steel (AISI 321 / X6CrNiTi18-10): Technical Overview
The 1.4541 material, also known as AISI 321, X6CrNiTi18-10, or* SS 32*1, is an austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel stabilized with titanium. This alloy belongs to the group of titanium-stabilized stainless steels that are specifically developed to prevent intergranular corrosion after welding and prolonged heat exposure.
Due to its good corrosion resistance and thermal stability, 321 stainless steel is widely used in applications involving aggressive media or elevated temperatures. The balanced content of chromium and nickel creates an austenitic microstructure that provides both mechanical integrity and resistance to oxidation up to 900 °C in air, and approximately 650 °C in CO₂-rich atmospheres.
Key Characteristics of 321 Stainless Steel
- Titanium-stabilized for excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion
- Non-magnetic in the annealed condition
- Suitable for use up to 550 °C in continuous service
- Good general corrosion resistance in natural environments with low chloride and salt content
- Not resistant to seawater
- Good cold formability and excellent weldability
- Moderate mechanical properties and medium forgeability
- Poor machinability due to work hardening tendency
Stainless steel
Weldability of 1.4541 Stainless Steel
- Weldable with or without filler metals
- No post-weld heat treatment required
- Titanium stabilization prevents sensitization and maintains resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding
Applications of Stainless Steel 1.4541 and 321H
- Chemical and petrochemical industries
- Food processing and hygiene technology
- Tank and apparatus engineering
- Automotive and construction sectors
- Pulp and paper industries
- Nuclear and energy technology
Chemical Composition of 1.4541 Material
(weight proportion in %)
| Value | Proportion % |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C): | min. 0 % - max. 0.03 % |
| Manganese (Mn): | min. 0 % - max. 2.00 % |
| Silicon (Si): | min. 0 % - max. 1.00 % |
| Phosphorus (P): | min. 0 % - max. 0,045 % |
| Sulfur (S): | min. 0% - max. 0.030 % |
| Chromium (Cr): | 16.5 % – 18.5 % |
| Nickel (Ni): | 10 % – 13 % |
| Molybdenum (Mo): | 2.0 % – 2.5 % |
| Nitrogen (N): | min. 0 % - max. 0.1 % |
Mechanical Properties at Room Temperature
| Tensile strength: | 500 – 700 N/mm² |
| Yield strength (Rp0.2): | ≥ 200 N/mm² |
| Elongation (A5,65): | ≥ 40 % |
| Hardness (HB): | ≤ 215 |
| Elastic modulus: | 200 kN/mm² |
Physical Properties at 20 °C
| Density: | 7.9 kg/dm³ |
| Thermal conductivity: | 15 W/m·K |
| Specific heat capacity: | 500 J/kg·K |
| Electrical resistance: | 0.73 Ω·mm²/m |
| Magnetizability: | low |
Processing Capabilities of 1.4541 Material
During machining, it is recommended to use carbide or high-speed steel tools. Sufficient cooling is essential to ensure tool life and surface quality.
| Cold forming: | suitable |
| Cold heading: | suitable |
| Machining: | possible with restrictions due to poor thermal con |
| Open-die and drop forging: | suitable |
| Polishability: | not recommended |
Heat Treatment and Processing of 1.4541 Stainless Steel
- Solution annealing is performed between 1020 and 1110 °C, followed by water or air cooling
- Hot forming should take place between 1200 and 900 °C
- Before forging, all surface impurities must be removed and preheating should be carried out slowly at approximately 1150 °C to 1180 °C
- Final cooling can be done in water or air
1.4541 vs 1.4571 and 304 vs 321 Stainless Steel
- 1.4541 vs 1.4571: Both are titanium-stabilized austenitic stainless steels. However, 1.4571 (316Ti) contains added molybdenum, offering better resistance to chlorides and acidic environments than 1.4541 (321).
- 304 vs 321 stainless steel: 321 offers better resistance to intergranular corrosion in high-temperature environments due to titanium stabilization, whereas 304 is more commonly used in general-purpose applications with less thermal stress.
Designations and Standards for Stainless Steel 1.4541
- EN designation: 1.4541
- DIN designation: X6CrNiTi18-10
- AISI designation: 321
- UNS: S32100
- Related grades: 321H, 1.4878, 1.4878 stainless steel
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