Metastable austenitic stainless steel
301 Stainless Steel
301 stainless steel is a high-strength, austenitic stainless steel known for its excellent mechanical properties, high work-hardening capability, and good corrosion resistance. It is widely used in applications requiring a combination of strength, ductility, and moderate resistance to corrosion.
301 Stainless Steel (SUS301 / 1.4310) is an austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel known for its high strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and outstanding formability.
Its typical chemical composition includes 16–18% Chromium (Cr) and 6–8% Nickel (Ni) with a low carbon content.
By cold working, 301 stainless steel can significantly increase in strength and hardness, making it ideal for applications that require high strength, light weight, and durability.
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Related Specifications
301 stainless steel (AISI 301) is an austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel known for its high strength, excellent ductility, and good corrosion resistance. It is widely used in industries requiring strong yet formable materials.
- 1Cr17Ni7 / SUS301
- AISI 301 / UNS S30100
- SUS301
- X10CrNi18-8 / 1.4310
- 301S21 / 301S22
- 12Х17Н7Г9 (12X17H7G9)
Properties
Chemical Composition
| Element | Content (%) |
| C | ≤ 0.15 |
| Si | ≤ 1.00 |
| Mn | ≤ 2.00 |
| Cr | 16.0–18.0 |
| Ni | 6.0–8.0 |
| N | ≤ 0.10 |
| S, P | ≤ 0.03 |
Mechanical Properties
| Condition | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) | Hardness (HRB/HRC) |
| Annealed (Soft) | 520–750 | 205 | 40 | ≤ 90 HRB |
| 1/4 Hard | 930 | 520 | 25 | 95 HRB |
| 1/2 Hard | 1070 | 760 | 15 | 30 HRC |
| 3/4 Hard | 1240 | 930 | 10 | 35 HRC |
| Full Hard | 1320–1570 | 1100 | 7 | 40 HRC |
General Physical Properties
| Property | Unit | Typical Value |
| Density | g/cm³ | 7.93 |
| Melti | °C | 140 |
| Sp | J/ | 5 |
| Th | W/ | 1 |
| Ele | µΩ· | 0.7 |
| Elas | GPa | 1 |
| Shear | GPa | 77 |
| Poisso | — | 0.3 |
| Therm | µm | 17.3 |
| (Values are nominal and may vary slightly with composition and processing conditions.) | ||
- Density
- With a density of approximately 7.,
- Therm
- Exhibits moderate thermal conductivity and a coefficient of thermal expansion similar to other austenitic stainless steels, allowing good dimensional stability during heating and cooli
- Electrical Properti
- Electrical resistivity is relatively high, typical of non-conductive austenitic alloys, suitable for non-magnetic and corrosion-resistant electri
- Magne
- Non-magnetic in the annealed condition but becomes magnetic after cold w, d
- Ela
- High modulus of elasticity and low thermal conductivity make it stable under mechanical stress and
Applications of 301 Stainless Steel
301 stainless steel is a high-strength, austenitic stainless steel with excellent formability and moderate corrosion resistance. Its combination of strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance makes it suitable for a variety of structural, industrial, and decorative applications.
1. Automotive Industry
Exterior trim and decorative moldings
Structural components in vehicle bodies
Springs and suspension components
Fasteners and brackets requiring high strength
2. Industrial and Structural Applications
Sheet metal parts for machinery and equipment
Industrial fasteners, screws, and rivets
Structural supports and frameworks
Components exposed to moderate corrosion and wear
3. Architectural and Decorative Applications
Cladding panels and interior/exterior trim
Decorative metalwork and handrails
Elevator panels, facades, and furniture components
4. Springs and High-Strength Components
Tension and compression springs
Clips, straps, and precision-formed components
Components requiring high work-hardening capability
5. Electrical and Mechanical Equipment
Motor parts, brackets, and enclosures
Springs and wire forms in electrical assemblies
Protective covers and housings for machinery
6. Limited Chemical or Food Applications
Light-duty chemical equipment in non-aggressive environments
Food processing equipment where moderate corrosion resistance is sufficient
Summary
301 stainless steel is widely used in applications requiring high strength, good formability, and moderate corrosion resistance. Typical industries include automotive, industrial machinery, architectural, and spring applications, where its combination of strength and ductility provides reliable performance.
Characteristics of 301 Stainless Steel
301 stainless steel is a high-strength, austenitic stainless steel with excellent formability and moderate corrosion resistance. It is often used in applications requiring high strength, good ductility, and moderate corrosion resistance.
1. Mechanical Strength
High tensile and yield strength, especially after cold working
Rapid work-hardening capability, which allows forming of springs, clips, and high-strength components
Maintains good toughness even at low temperatures
2. Corrosion Resistance
Good resistance to atmospheric and mild chemical corrosion
Moderate resistance to chlorides; less corrosion-resistant than 304 or 316
Susceptible to intergranular corrosion if welded without low-carbon or stabilized variants (e.g., 301L)
3. Formability and Ductility
Excellent cold-forming characteristics; can be rolled, bent, stamped, or drawn
Can be deep-drawn for complex components without cracking
High ductility combined with high strength makes it suitable for structural and decorative applications
4. Heat Resistance
Moderate heat resistance, suitable for continuous service up to 425°C (800°F)
Intermittent exposure up to 870°C (1600°F) is possible, but prolonged high-temperature use may reduce corrosion resistance
5. Weldability
Can be welded using conventional methods (TIG, MIG, SMAW)
High work-hardening rate requires careful heat control in the heat-affected zone (HAZ)
Low-carbon variants (301L) reduce risk of sensitization and intergranular corrosion
6. Magnetic Properties
Essentially non-magnetic in the annealed state
Can become slightly magnetic after cold working
Summary
301 stainless steel combines high strength, excellent formability, moderate corrosion resistance, and moderate heat resistance. Its rapid work-hardening and ductility make it ideal for automotive, industrial, architectural, and spring applications, where both strength and formability are required.
Characteristics
Fabrication
Fabrication of 301 Stainless Steel
301 stainless steel is highly formable and can be fabricated using a wide range of standard stainless-steel processing methods. Its ability to achieve high strength through cold working makes it suitable for applications requiring both durability and flexibility. However, its strong work-hardening behavior requires careful control during fabrication.
1. Forming
301 exhibits excellent cold formability, especially in the annealed condition.
It can be readily formed into complex shapes, including deep-drawn, stamped, or roll-formed components.
Because of rapid work hardening, forming operations may require intermediate annealing to restore ductility.
2. Cutting and Shearing
Cutting operations such as shearing, sawing, and laser cutting are readily performed.
Due to its work-hardening tendency, tooling must be sharp and feed rates should be consistent to avoid edge hardening.
3. Machining
301 stainless steel is more difficult to machine than carbon steel.
Use slower cutting speeds, rigid setups, and ample coolant to avoid tool wear and heat buildup.
Carbide tools are recommended for best performance.
4. Welding
301 has good weldability with conventional fusion and resistance welding processes.
Care must be taken to minimize sensitization in the heat-affected zone.
Low-carbon filler metals such as 308L are preferred if filler is required.
5. Cold Working
301 is capable of achieving very high strength levels through cold rolling, bending, or drawing.
Mechanical properties can be precisely controlled by adjusting the amount of cold work applied.
Extensive cold working will reduce ductility and may require annealing to prevent cracking.
6. Annealing
Annealing after heavy cold work restores ductility and removes residual stress.
Typical annealing temperature: 1010–1120°C, followed by rapid cooling.
7. Surface Finishing
Can be polished to a bright finish or supplied in various commercial finishes such as 2B or BA.
Work-hardened surfaces may require more aggressive polishing methods.
Summary
301 stainless steel is versatile, highly formable, and easily fabricated into both light and structural components. Its strong work-hardening ability offers excellent mechanical strength, while its good weldability and formability make it suitable for a wide range of manufacturing processes.
Weldability
Weldability of 301 Stainless Steel
301 stainless steel has good weldability and can be joined using most conventional fusion and resistance welding techniques. However, due to its higher carbon content compared with 304, special attention is needed to avoid sensitization and maintain corrosion resistance after welding.
Key Welding Characteristics
1. Compatible with Standard Welding Methods
301 stainless steel can be welded using:
TIG (GTAW)
MIG (GMAW)
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
Resistance welding (spot and seam)
These methods generally produce strong and reliable welds.
2. Sensitization Risk
The higher carbon content increases the risk of carbide precipitation (sensitization) in the heat-affected zone during welding.
Sensitization can reduce corrosion resistance, especially in chloride or acidic environments.
Using low heat input and avoiding prolonged exposure in the sensitization temperature range (450–850°C) helps minimize this risk.
3. Filler Metal Selection
Welding is often performed without filler metal for thin sections.
If filler is needed, recommended fillers include:
ER308L / E308L (preferred for minimizing carbide precipitation)
ER308 (acceptable for higher-strength welds)
4. Post-Weld Treatment
Annealing after welding can restore maximum corrosion resistance, especially for applications requiring high durability.
For many structural and decorative uses, post-weld annealing may not be necessary.
5. Distortion Control
301 stainless steel has high thermal expansion and can distort during welding.
Use:
Controlled heat input
Adequate fixturing
Intermittent welding techniques, if suitable
6. Resistance Welding Performance
301 exhibits excellent resistance welding characteristics due to its high electrical resistance.
Strong, clean weld nuggets can be achieved with proper parameters.
Summary
301 stainless steel is readily weldable and performs well with most welding processes. While sensitization and distortion are considerations, proper heat control, suitable filler metals, and post-weld treatments ensure strong, corrosion-resistant welds.
Machinability
Machinability of 301 Stainless Steel
301 stainless steel has moderate machinability, similar to other austenitic stainless steels, but is more challenging to machine than carbon steels due to its high work-hardening rate and toughness. With proper tooling, lubrication, and machining practices, good surface finishes and tool life can still be achieved.
1. High Work-Hardening Rate
301 hardens rapidly during cutting operations.
Light cuts or slow feeds can cause the material surface to harden, increasing tool wear.
Continuous, heavy feeds are recommended to avoid rubbing and strain hardening.
2. Tooling Recommendations
Carbide tools are preferred for high productivity and longer tool life.
High-speed steel (HSS) tools may be used at lower speeds but will wear faster.
Positive rake angles help reduce cutting forces and heat generation.
3. Cutting Speeds and Feeds
Cutting speeds should be lower than those used for carbon steel to control heat.
Use moderate to heavy feed rates to keep the tool engaged and minimize work-hardening.
4. Heat Control and Coolant
Machining generates significant heat due to the alloy’s low thermal conductivity.
Flood coolant or high-performance cutting oils improve tool life and surface quality.
Proper lubrication also helps in chip evacuation.
5. Chip Formation
301 produces tough, stringy chips.
Chip breakers or specially shaped inserts improve chip control and reduce safety hazards.
6. Surface Finish
Good surface finishes are achievable with the correct combination of tool geometry and cutting parameters.
Avoid dwell times, as stopping the tool on the workpiece can create hard spots.
Summary
301 stainless steel is fully machinable but requires controlled cutting parameters, sharp tooling, and effective cooling to counter its work-hardening nature. When proper techniques are applied, machining performance is comparable to other austenitic grades such as 304.
Corrosion Resistance
Corrosion Resistance of 301 Stainless Steel
301 stainless steel offers good corrosion resistance in a wide range of environments, though its performance is slightly lower than that of 304 due to its higher carbon content. It is suitable for many general-purpose applications but requires careful consideration in more aggressive or chloride-containing conditions.
1. General Corrosion Resistance
Exhibits good resistance to atmospheric corrosion, fresh water, and many organic chemicals.
Performs well in mildly corrosive industrial environments.
Not ideal for strong acids, alkalis, or environments requiring the highest level of corrosion protection.
2. Sensitization Risk
The higher carbon content increases the risk of chromium carbide precipitation in the heat-affected zone during welding or thermal exposure.
Sensitization can significantly reduce corrosion resistance, especially in:
Chloride-rich environments
Acidic or reducing environments
Areas around welds
Post-weld annealing can restore optimal corrosion resistance.
3. Resistance to Chlorides
Offers limited resistance to chloride-induced corrosion.
Susceptible to pitting and crevice corrosion in marine environments or environments containing halides.
Not recommended for seawater immersion.
4. Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC)
Austenitic grades like 301 can be prone to chloride stress corrosion cracking, especially at elevated temperatures.
Cold-worked 301 is more susceptible due to higher tensile stresses.
5. Improved Resistance After Annealing
Solution annealing dissolves carbides and restores chromium to the grain boundaries.
Enhances resistance to intergranular corrosion.
6. Comparison with Other Grades
Corrosion resistance is:
Better than: Ferritic and martensitic grades
Comparable to: 201/202 in many environments
Lower than: 304, 304L, 316, 316L, and other Mo-bearing grades
Summary
301 stainless steel provides reliable corrosion resistance for general applications but is not ideal for chloride-rich, acidic, or highly corrosive environments. Proper heat treatment, stress relief, and material selection help ensure long-term durability.
Cold Working
Cold Working of 301 Stainless Steel
301 stainless steel is highly responsive to cold working and is one of the most work-hardenable austenitic stainless steels. Through deformation processes such as rolling, bending, drawing, or stamping, 301 can achieve significant increases in strength while reducing ductility. This makes it ideal for applications requiring high mechanical strength without heat treatment.
1. High Work-Hardening Rate
301 has a very high rate of strain hardening, meaning its strength increases rapidly with deformation.
Cold working can transform some austenite into martensite, further increasing hardness and tensile strength.
Mechanical properties can be precisely tailored by adjusting the amount of cold reduction.
2. Strength Levels Achievable
Cold working allows 301 to reach:
Half-hard
Three-quarter-hard
Full-hard
Extra-hard conditions
These conditions offer progressively higher strength but reduced formability.
3. Forming Operations
In the annealed condition, 301 has excellent formability and can undergo deep drawing, bending, and roll forming.
As work-hardening progresses, formability decreases, and intermediate annealing may be necessary to restore ductility.
4. Effect on Ductility
Extensive cold reduction significantly lowers elongation and increases brittleness.
Components requiring multiple forming steps typically require solution annealing between operations.
5. Effect on Magnetic Properties
Although annealed 301 is non-magnetic, cold working induces martensite formation, which:
Makes the material magnetic
Increases strength and hardness
This behavior is often used for magnetic stainless-steel applications.
6. Welding After Cold Working
Cold-worked 301 may lose strength near welded areas due to recrystallization.
If strength retention is critical, post-weld heat treatment or reworking may be required.
7. Spring and Structural Applications
Because of its ability to achieve high strength through cold working, 301 is widely used in:
Springs
Clips and clamps
Structural components
High-strength stamped parts
Summary
301 stainless steel exhibits outstanding cold-working behavior, allowing it to reach very high strength levels without heat treatment. Its combination of work-hardening capability, formability, and adjustable mechanical properties makes it one of the most versatile materials for high-strength stainless-steel applications.
Heat Treatment
Heat Treatment of 301 Stainless Steel
301 stainless steel is an austenitic stainless steel with high work-hardening potential. Unlike some martensitic or precipitation-hardening grades, it is not hardened by conventional heat treatment. Instead, heat treatment is primarily used to restore ductility, relieve stresses, and improve corrosion resistance after cold working or welding.
1. Annealing / Solution Treatment
Purpose:
Relieve stresses from cold working
Restore ductility
Dissolve chromium carbides to prevent sensitization
Typical Temperature: 1010–1120°C (1850–2050°F)
Cooling: Rapid air or water quenching to maintain a fully austenitic structure
Effect:
Resets mechanical properties to annealed condition
Improves formability and corrosion resistance
2. Stress Relief
Purpose: Reduce residual stresses from forming, bending, or welding
Temperature Range: 450–650°C (840–1200°F)
Effect: Minimizes distortion and the risk of stress corrosion cracking without significantly altering mechanical properties
3. Cold-Worked Condition Considerations
Cold-worked 301 achieves very high strength, but ductility is reduced.
Intermediate annealing may be applied between forming operations to restore ductility.
Repeated cold working and annealing allow for precise control of strength and hardness.
4. Post-Weld Heat Treatment
301 stainless steel can be welded in the cold-worked or annealed condition.
Post-weld annealing is sometimes applied to restore ductility and corrosion resistance, especially in critical applications.
5. Limitations
Heat treatment does not significantly increase hardness; 301 is primarily strengthened through cold working.
High-temperature exposure (above ~500°C) for prolonged periods can reduce work-hardening effects and alter mechanical properties.
Summary
Heat treatment of 301 stainless steel is focused on stress relief, annealing, and corrosion protection rather than hardening. By using solution treatment and controlled stress relief, 301 stainless steel maintains its excellent ductility, formability, and corrosion resistance, making it suitable for structural, spring, and high-strength applications.
Heat Resistance
Heat Resistance of 301 Stainless Steel
301 stainless steel is an austenitic stainless steel with moderate heat resistance. It is designed primarily for structural and mechanical applications, not for prolonged high-temperature service. Its performance at elevated temperatures is influenced by its composition, cold-working condition, and thermal exposure duration.
1. Continuous Service Temperature
Suitable for continuous service up to 425–500°C (800–930°F) in oxidizing atmospheres.
Above this temperature, mechanical strength may decrease, and scaling can occur over prolonged exposure.
2. Intermittent Exposure
Can tolerate intermittent exposure up to 870°C (1600°F) without catastrophic failure.
Intermittent heating allows for short-term high-temperature performance in applications such as heat-treated springs or components subjected to occasional thermal cycles.
3. Oxidation Resistance
Forms a protective chromium oxide layer at elevated temperatures that helps resist scaling in air.
Not suitable for highly oxidizing environments or prolonged exposure at extreme temperatures, unlike high-temperature grades (e.g., 310, 321).
4. Thermal Effects on Mechanical Properties
Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 500°C can cause:
Reduced tensile strength
Loss of work-hardening benefits
Grain growth if heat-treated improperly
5. Applications Related to Heat Resistance
Structural components exposed to moderate temperatures
Automotive springs and clips
General mechanical equipment with occasional thermal exposure
Sheet metal or formed components in industrial machinery
6. Comparison to High-Temperature Grades
Heat resistance is lower than 304, 321, and 310 stainless steels.
301 is primarily chosen for high strength, formability, and cold-worked applications, not long-term high-temperature service.
Summary
301 stainless steel provides moderate heat resistance, suitable for continuous service up to ~500°C and short-term exposure up to ~870°C. Its high strength and work-hardening characteristics make it ideal for structural and mechanical components, but it is not recommended for prolonged high-temperature applications.
Hot Working
Hot Working of 301 Stainless Steel
301 stainless steel is an austenitic stainless steel with excellent hot workability. Hot working allows the material to be shaped, formed, or rolled at elevated temperatures while avoiding excessive work hardening and preserving ductility and toughness.
1. Recommended Hot Working Temperature
Typical hot working range: 1010–1175°C (1850–2150°F)
Working above this range may cause grain growth, while below this range increases flow stress and the risk of cracking.
2. Suitable Hot Working Processes
Hot Rolling: For plates, sheets, strips, and structural sections.
Hot Forging: For components requiring high strength and complex shapes.
Hot Extrusion: For rods, tubes, and profiles.
Hot Forming / Pressing: Allows shaping of larger or thicker sections with reduced cracking risk.
3. Advantages of Hot Working
Reduces the effects of work hardening compared to cold working.
Enhances ductility and toughness.
Produces uniform mechanical properties and grain structure.
Allows fabrication of large or complex components.
4. Post-Hot Working Treatments
Annealing can be applied to relieve stresses and restore uniform mechanical properties.
Pickling or passivation may improve surface corrosion resistance after hot working.
5. Applications Related to Hot Working
Automotive and aerospace structural components
Heavy-duty springs and clips
Industrial machinery and equipment requiring forming at elevated temperatures
Components where cold working is limited due to size or complexity
Summary
301 stainless steel exhibits excellent hot workability, enabling rolling, forging, extrusion, and forming at 1010–1175°C. Hot working improves ductility, reduces work hardening, and allows the production of large or complex components while maintaining strength and toughness.
