301 S30100 1.4310 SUS301 Stainless Steel
301 S30100 1.4310 SUS301 Stainless Steel
Product Description
301 (1.4310, S30100) is a versatile austenitic stainless steel containing approximately 17% chromium and 7% nickel, designed to achieve high strength through cold working. This metastable austenitic grade is characterized by its exceptional work-hardening capabilities, allowing it to be supplied in multiple temper conditions from annealed to full hard, each offering distinct combinations of strength and formability. The carefully balanced chemical composition of 301 stainless steel enables a broad range of mechanical and magnetic properties to suit diverse engineering requirements.
Unlike more stable austenitic grades, 301 stainless steel’s microstructure transforms from austenite to martensite during cold deformation, resulting in significantly higher strength levels than conventional 18-8 chromium-nickel steels. This transformation also introduces varying degrees of magnetism, making 301 suitable for applications requiring both magnetic and non-magnetic properties.
While offering good corrosion resistance in various atmospheric and mild chemical environments, 301 provides a cost-effective alternative to higher-alloyed grades when extreme corrosion resistance is not required. Its resistance to oxidation at temperatures up to 1550°F (840°C) makes it suitable for moderately elevated temperature applications, though it is not recommended for service above this temperature.
FUSHUN METAL supplies 301 stainless steel in various product forms and temper conditions to meet the diverse requirements of industries ranging from automotive and transportation to architecture and general manufacturing. The combination of high strength, good formability, attractive appearance, and moderate corrosion resistance makes 301 an excellent choice for decorative structural applications where both performance and aesthetics are important.
Applications
301 (1.4310) stainless steel’s unique combination of work-hardening capability, good formability in the annealed condition, and high strength in the cold-worked state makes it ideal for a wide range of applications across multiple industries.
Primary applications for 301 stainless steel include:
- Automotive Industry: Automobile molding and trim, wheel covers, hose clamps, and decorative components where both strength and attractive appearance are required. The high strength-to-weight ratio of cold-worked 301 makes it valuable for reducing vehicle weight while maintaining structural integrity.
- Transportation Equipment: Truck and trailer bodies, railway and subway cars, and other transportation components requiring high strength, good corrosion resistance, and aesthetic appeal.
- Spring Applications: Flat springs, retaining rings, spring washers, and other spring components benefiting from 301’s excellent work-hardening properties. The material is especially suited for spring applications where service temperatures do not exceed 300°C, making it ideal for various industrial and consumer products.
- Architectural Applications: Roof drainage systems, door frames, structural elements, and decorative components where high strength, corrosion resistance, and attractive appearance are essential. The material’s ability to be polished to a bright finish makes it popular for visible architectural elements.
- Kitchen and Food Equipment: Utensils, tableware, kitchen sinks, and food processing equipment where moderate corrosion resistance and good mechanical properties are required. The material’s bright, attractive surface makes it suitable for these visible applications.
- Industrial Belting: Conveyor belts for various industrial applications, taking advantage of 301’s high strength and moderate corrosion resistance to provide durable, long-lasting performance.
- Aerospace Industry: Aircraft structural parts and components where high strength-to-weight ratio, fatigue resistance, and moderate corrosion resistance are essential performance characteristics.
- Fasteners and Hardware: Various fastening components requiring high strength and moderate corrosion resistance, including retaining rings, clips, and specialized fasteners.
The versatility of 301 stainless steel in both annealed and various cold-worked conditions allows engineers to select the optimal combination of strength and formability for specific applications. Its ability to develop high strength through cold working, coupled with good atmospheric corrosion resistance and attractive appearance, makes 301 an excellent choice for structural applications where appearance is as important as performance.
Standards
301 (1.4310) stainless steel conforms to numerous international standards and specifications, ensuring consistent quality and performance in demanding applications:
American Standards:
- ASTM A240/ASME SA240: Standard Specification for Chromium and Chromium-Nickel Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip for Pressure Vessels and for General Applications
- ASTM A666: Standard Specification for Annealed or Cold-Worked Austenitic Stainless Steel Sheet, Strip, Plate, and Flat Bar
- ASTM A167: Standard Specification for Stainless and Heat-Resisting Chromium-Nickel Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip
- ASTM A177: Standard Specification for Stainless and Heat-Resisting Steel Sheet for Spinning and Cold Drawing
- ASTM A554: Standard Specification for Welded Stainless Steel Mechanical Tubing
- ASTM A313: Standard Specification for Stainless Steel Spring Wire
- AMS 5901: Steel, Corrosion and Heat Resistant, Sheet, Strip, and Plate
- UNS: S30100
European Standards:
- EN 10088-3: Stainless steels – Part 3: Technical delivery conditions for semi-finished products, bars, rods, wire, sections and bright products of corrosion resisting steels for general purposes (1.4310)
- EN 10151: Stainless steel strip for springs – Technical delivery conditions
- EN ISO 9445: Cold-rolled stainless steel narrow strip, wide strip, plate/sheet and cut lengths
German Standards:
- DIN 17440: Stainless steels – Technical delivery conditions for drawn wire
British Standards:
- BS: 301S21
French Standards:
- AFNOR: Z12CN17-07 / Z12CN18-07
These comprehensive standards ensure that 301 stainless steel from FUSHUN METAL meets the rigorous requirements for use in critical applications across various industries, particularly in automotive, architectural, and spring applications where consistent quality and performance are essential.
Material Designation and Chemical Composition
301 stainless steel is known by various designations in different standards and specification systems:
| Standard System | Designation |
|---|---|
| UNS | S30100 |
| AISI/SAE | 301 |
| EN/DIN | 1.4310 |
| EN Designation | X10CrNi18-8 |
| BS | 301S21 |
| AFNOR | Z12CN17-07 / Z12CN18-07 |
The chemical composition of 301 stainless steel is carefully controlled to ensure optimal performance in demanding applications:
| Element | Minimum (%) | Maximum (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.05 | 0.15 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.0 | 18.0 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 6.0 | 8.0 |
| Manganese (Mn) | – | 2.0 |
| Silicon (Si) | – | 1.0 |
| Phosphorus (P) | – | 0.045 |
| Sulfur (S) | – | 0.03 |
| Nitrogen (N) | – | 0.10 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance | – |
The carefully balanced composition of 301 stainless steel, with its controlled levels of carbon, chromium, and nickel, provides the metastable austenitic structure that enables the material’s exceptional work-hardening capabilities. The moderate carbon content (0.05-0.15%) contributes to the material’s strength, while the chromium (16-18%) and nickel (6-8%) levels provide good corrosion resistance while maintaining the transformable austenitic structure that is essential to the material’s performance characteristics.
Physical and Mechanical Properties
301 (1.4310) stainless steel offers a unique combination of good formability in the annealed condition and exceptional strength in the cold-worked state. The mechanical properties vary significantly based on the degree of cold working, allowing for tailored performance in various applications.
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 7.9 g/cm³ (0.285 lb/in³) |
| Melting Range | 1399-1421°C (2550-2590°F) |
| Modulus of Elasticity at 20°C | 193 GPa (28 × 10⁶ psi) |
| Electrical Resistivity at 20°C | 0.73 Ω·mm²/m (72 microhm-cm) |
| Thermal Conductivity at 20-100°C | 16.3 W/m·K (9.4 Btu·ft/hr·ft²·°F) |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (20-100°C) | 16.6 × 10⁻⁶ /K (9.2 × 10⁻⁶ /°F) |
| Specific Heat Capacity at 0-100°C | 500 J/kg·K (0.12 Btu/lb·°F) |
| Magnetic Permeability (Annealed) | 1.02 max at 200H |
Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of 301 stainless steel vary significantly based on the level of cold working (temper). Below are the minimum mechanical properties specified by ASTM A240 and A666:
| Condition | Tensile Strength, MPa (ksi) | 0.2% Yield Strength, MPa (ksi) | Elongation in 50mm (2″), % | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annealed | 515 min (75 min) | 205 min (30 min) | 40 min | B85 |
| 1/4 Hard | 862 min (125 min) | 517 min (75 min) | 25 min | B90 |
| 1/2 Hard | 1034 min (150 min) | 758 min (110 min) | 18 min* | C32 |
| 3/4 Hard | 1207 min (175 min) | 931 min (135 min) | 12 min* | C37 |
| Full Hard | 1276 min (185 min) | 965 min (140 min) | 9 min* | C41 |
*Value shown for thickness greater than 0.015 in. (0.38mm)
According to EN 10151, 301 (1.4310) stainless steel strip is available in different tensile strength ranges identified by condition codes:
| Condition | Tensile Strength Range, MPa | Minimum Elongation A80, % |
|---|---|---|
| +C1150 | 1150-1300 | 15 |
| +C1300 | 1300-1500 | 10 |
| +C1500 | 1500-1700 | 5 |
| +C1700 | 1700-1900 | 2 |
| +C1900 | 1900+ | 1 |
Heat Treatment
301 stainless steel can be heat treated using the following parameters:
- Annealing Temperature: 1010-1120°C (1850-2050°F)
- Cooling: Rapid cooling (air cooling for thin sections, water quenching for heavier sections) is necessary to prevent carbide precipitation
- Stress Relieving: 700-1000°F (371-538°C) for periods of five minutes to five hours. Lower temperatures and shorter times minimize carbide precipitation.
- Forging Temperature:
- Initial: 1093-1204°C (2000-2200°F)
- Finishing: 927°C (1700°F)
It’s important to note that due to the moderate carbon content of 301 stainless steel, it is susceptible to sensitization (carbide precipitation) when exposed to temperatures in the range of 450-850°C (842-1562°F) for extended periods. This can reduce corrosion resistance, particularly resistance to intergranular corrosion. Rapid cooling after annealing is essential to minimize this effect.
Available Dimensions
FUSHUN METAL supplies 301 (1.4310) stainless steel in a wide range of product forms and dimensions to meet diverse application requirements:
Sheet and Plate
| Product Form | Thickness | Width | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheet | 0.05 mm – 6.0 mm (0.002″ – 0.236″) | Up to 1,500 mm (60″) | Up to 6,000 mm (236″) or coil form |
| Plate | 6.0 mm – 100 mm (0.236″ – 4″) | Up to 2,500 mm (98″) | Up to 10,000 mm (394″) |
Strip
| Thickness | Width | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| 0.05 mm – 3.0 mm (0.002″ – 0.118″) | Up to 600 mm (24″) | Annealed, 1/4 Hard, 1/2 Hard, 3/4 Hard, Full Hard, or to specified tensile range |
Bar
| Product Form | Dimension | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Round Bar | 3 mm – 250 mm (0.118″ – 10″) | Up to 6,000 mm (236″) |
| Flat Bar | Thickness: 2 mm – 100 mm (0.078″ – 4″) Width: 10 mm – 200 mm (0.394″ – 8″) |
Up to 6,000 mm (236″) |
Wire
| Diameter | Form | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| 0.1 mm – 12 mm (0.004″ – 0.472″) | Coil or straightened lengths | Annealed, spring temper, or to specified tensile range |
Dimensional Tolerances
301 stainless steel products are supplied in accordance with industry standard tolerances, including:
- Strip: To EN ISO 9445 or ASTM A666 tolerances
- Sheet and Plate: To ASTM A240 or EN 10088-2 tolerances
- Bar: To ASTM A276 or EN 10088-3 tolerances
- Wire: To ASTM A313 or EN 10088-3 tolerances
Custom dimensions, tolerances, and surface finishes are available to meet specific requirements. FUSHUN METAL can supply material with normal, fine, or precision tolerances as specified in the relevant standards.
Work Hardening and Magnetic Properties
301 (1.4310) stainless steel exhibits unique work hardening and magnetic behavior that distinguishes it from more stable austenitic stainless steels. Understanding these characteristics is essential for proper material selection and application design.
Work Hardening Behavior
The exceptional work hardening capability of 301 stainless steel is one of its most valuable characteristics. As the material is cold worked, its tensile and yield strength increase significantly, allowing for the development of higher strength levels than are possible with more stable austenitic grades.
The work hardening response results from the transformation of the austenitic structure to martensite during deformation. This transformation is affected by several factors:
- Amount of cold deformation
- Temperature during deformation
- Chemical composition (particularly carbon, chromium, and nickel content)
As shown in the typical work hardening curve from the DEW datasheet, the tensile strength of 301 stainless steel can increase from approximately 600 MPa in the annealed condition to over 2000 MPa with significant cold work, representing more than a 3-fold increase in strength. This remarkable strengthening capability allows for the production of high-strength components from relatively thin material, making 301 ideal for applications where high strength-to-weight ratio is important.
Magnetic Properties
In the properly annealed condition, 301 stainless steel is essentially non-magnetic, with a magnetic permeability of 1.02 maximum at 200H. However, as the material is cold worked and the austenite transforms to martensite, its magnetic permeability increases significantly. This change in magnetic behavior can be used as an indicator of the degree of cold working and strength development in the material.
The increase in magnetic permeability with cold rolling at room temperature varies depending on the specific chemical composition of the steel. Materials with slightly different compositions within the 301 specification range may show different rates of magnetic permeability increase with the same amount of cold work.
This transition from non-magnetic to magnetic behavior with cold working is an important consideration for applications where magnetic properties are critical. Depending on the specific requirements, 301 stainless steel can be processed to achieve either primarily non-magnetic or significantly magnetic characteristics.
Stress Relieving Effects
Cold-rolled 301 stainless steel shows slightly anisotropic properties in the direction of cold rolling (longitudinal) and at right angles to this direction (transverse). This difference becomes quite pronounced in compression. A more isotropic material can be produced by a stress relieving heat treatment in the 700 to 1000°F (371-538°C) temperature range.
Stress relieving has several effects on the material properties:
- Improves isotropy of mechanical properties
- Increases the modulus of elasticity in cold-worked material
- Enhances the fatigue resistance of cold-worked material
- May slightly reduce tensile strength compared to the as-rolled condition
- Can improve dimensional stability in precision components
It’s important to note that lower temperatures and shorter times are preferred for stress relieving to minimize carbide precipitation, which can reduce corrosion resistance.
Corrosion Resistance and Service Limitations
301 (1.4310) stainless steel offers good general corrosion resistance for many applications, but it has certain limitations that should be considered during material selection and design:
Corrosion Resistance
- General Corrosion: 301 provides good resistance to atmospheric corrosion and many mild chemical environments. However, its corrosion properties are generally not as robust as the 18-8 chromium-nickel steels like 304/304L.
- Intergranular Corrosion: Due to its moderate carbon content (0.05-0.15%), 301 is susceptible to sensitization and intergranular corrosion when exposed to temperatures in the range of 450-850°C (842-1562°F) for extended periods. This occurs due to the formation of chromium carbides at grain boundaries, creating chromium-depleted zones that are vulnerable to corrosion.
- Effect of Cold Working: As noted in the DEW datasheet, the corrosion resistance of 301 tends to diminish with increasing cold deformation. Higher strength/hardness conditions generally exhibit lower corrosion resistance compared to the annealed condition.
- Surface Finish: Surface condition plays an important role in the corrosion resistance of 301, with polished surfaces exhibiting far superior corrosion resistance compared to rougher surfaces on the same material.
- Oxidation Resistance: 301 possesses good resistance to oxidation at temperatures up to 1550°F (840°C). At 1600°F (871°C), it exhibits an oxidation weight gain of 10mg/cm² in 1,000 hours. Therefore, this stainless steel is not suggested for use at 1600°F or above.
Service Limitations
- Temperature Limitations: While 301 has good oxidation resistance up to 1550°F (840°C), its mechanical properties degrade at elevated temperatures. For long-term service, design based on creep and stress-rupture data is recommended for temperatures above 700-800°F (371-427°C).
- Sensitization During Welding: 301’s susceptibility to carbide precipitation during welding can restrict its use in many applications where post-weld corrosion resistance is critical. In such cases, lower-carbon grades like 304L may be preferred.
- Magnetic Changes: Applications requiring stable non-magnetic properties may be limited since 301 becomes increasingly magnetic with cold working.
- Stress Corrosion Cracking: Like other austenitic stainless steels, 301 can be susceptible to chloride stress corrosion cracking under certain conditions, particularly at elevated temperatures and in environments containing chlorides.
Applications Guidance
Given these characteristics, 301 stainless steel is best suited for:
- Applications where high strength through cold working is required
- Environments with mild to moderate corrosive conditions
- Components that will not be exposed to sensitizing temperatures for extended periods
- Applications where the increased magnetic permeability with cold working is acceptable or beneficial
- Structural or decorative applications where both appearance and performance are important
For more demanding corrosive environments, especially those involving high temperatures or strong chemicals, higher-alloyed grades may be more appropriate.
Why Choose FUSHUN METAL for 301 Stainless Steel
When selecting a supplier for premium 301 (1.4310) stainless steel, FUSHUN METAL stands as your preferred partner for several compelling reasons:
Superior Quality Control
At FUSHUN METAL, we implement rigorous quality control processes throughout our production chain. Our 301 stainless steel undergoes comprehensive testing for chemical composition, mechanical properties, microstructure, and surface quality to ensure full compliance with international standards. This meticulous attention to quality guarantees that our products consistently deliver the exceptional performance required in demanding applications, from precision springs to automotive components.
Precise Work Hardening Control
We understand that the work hardening behavior of 301 stainless steel is critical to its performance in your applications. Our specialized processing equipment and expertise allow us to precisely control the degree of cold working to achieve the exact strength, ductility, and magnetic permeability your application requires. Whether you need material in the soft annealed condition for complex forming operations or in various degrees of hardness for immediate high-strength applications, we can provide 301 stainless steel with consistent, predictable properties.
Comprehensive Product Range
FUSHUN METAL offers one of the most extensive ranges of 301 stainless steel products available, including sheet, strip, plate, bar, and wire in various temper conditions from annealed to full hard. We also offer custom tensile ranges according to EN 10151 specifications (+C1150 to +C1900). This diverse product portfolio allows you to source all your 301 stainless steel requirements from a single, reliable supplier, streamlining your procurement process and ensuring consistency across your projects.
Technical Support and Material Selection
Our team of metallurgical experts provides comprehensive technical support to help you select the optimal 301 stainless steel condition for your specific application. We can assist with material selection based on your strength requirements, forming needs, magnetic property specifications, and corrosion resistance demands. This expertise ensures that you receive the most cost-effective and technically appropriate material for your application, optimizing both performance and value.
Custom Processing Capabilities
We understand that standard products don’t always meet specialized requirements. FUSHUN METAL offers custom processing services including precision slitting, edge conditioning, special surface finishes, and non-standard dimensions to meet your exact specifications. Our ability to provide tailored solutions helps you optimize your manufacturing processes and reduce overall costs.
For your next project requiring the exceptional work hardening capabilities and versatile performance of 301 stainless steel, we invite you to contact our technical team to discuss your specific requirements. Our experts are ready to help you select the optimal material conditions and provide the premium quality products you need for reliable, long-term performance in your demanding applications.
