Stainless Steel 304 and Stainless Steel 321 are extremely similar at first glance. It is obvious that the chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) ranges of 321 Stainless Sheet and Grade 304 are extremely close when comparing their chemical compositions. Let’s go over their chemical elements, mechanical and physical characteristics, and uses in more detail.
About 321 Stainless Sheets
Basic austenitic “18/8” steel stabilized by titanium additions, known as stainless steel 321, minimizes or eliminates carbide precipitation during welding. Because they are resistant to intergranular corrosion following heating at temperatures between 425-850 degrees C for carbide precipitation, SS 321 is employed. The preferred grade for applications in the temperature range up to about 900 degrees Celsius is stainless steel 321. Because it combines excellent strength, scaling resistance, and phase stability with commensurate aqueous corrosion resistance. 321 Stainless Sheets are easily break or roll formed, have great welding capabilities, and are very durable even at cryogenic temperatures. They also have excellent forming and welding characteristics. When there are subsequent corrosive aqueous conditions, SS 321 works particularly well in the temperature range of 425 to 900 °C.
About 304 Stainless Sheets
Basic austenitic steel with “18/8” chromium-nickel is stainless steel 304. It is the type of stainless steel that is utilized the most. When exposed to a variety of hostile media and conditions, stainless steel 304 exhibits exceptional corrosion resistance. In locations where there are a lot of chlorides, pitting and crevice corrosion can happen. At temperatures higher than 60 degrees C, stress corrosion cracking might happen. Up to 870 degrees C in intermittent service and 925 degrees C in continuous service, stainless steel 304 has good oxidation resistance. After consistent heating to 1149–1260 °C, hot working processes, such as forging, can take place. After that, the pieces should be quickly cooled to guarantee optimal corrosion resistance.
Applications of 321 Stainless Sheets
Aircraft exhaust manifolds, expansion joints, bellows, furnace parts, thermal oxidizers, refinery equipment, and high-temperature chemical process equipment are just a few of the numerous uses for stainless steel 321 sheets.
