Stainless Steel 321 / 321H Pipes & Tubes

Titanium-stabilized austenitic stainless steel designed for exceptional resistance to intergranular corrosion after exposure to high temperatures.

Product Overview

Stainless Steel 321 is a basic austenitic 18/8 steel (Grade 304) stabilized by Titanium additions. Grade 321 is used because it is not sensitive to intergranular corrosion after heating within the carbide precipitation range of 425-850°C. SS 321 is the grade of choice for applications in the temperature range of up to about 900°C, combining high strength, resistance to scaling, and phase stability with resistance to subsequent aqueous corrosion. Grade 321H is a modification of 321 with a higher carbon content, to provide improved high-temperature strength. Steel Emporium offers these in various sizes and schedules to meet diverse industrial needs.

Key Advantages & Features

Intergranular Stability

Titanium stabilization prevents carbide precipitation during welding and high-heat service.

Oxidation Resistance

Excellent oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures up to 900°C.

High Creep Strength

321H variant provides superior long-term creep strength for high-pressure service.

Chemical Composition (%)
GradeCMnSiCrNiTiPS
SS 3210.08 max2.00.7517-199-125x(C+N) min0.0450.030
SS 321H0.04-0.102.00.7517-199-124x(C+N) min0.0450.030
Mechanical & Physical Properties
PropertyGrade 321Grade 321H
Tensile Strength (MPa) min515515
Yield Strength 0.2% (MPa) min205205
Elongation (% in 50mm) min40%40%
Hardness (Rockwell B) max95 HRB95 HRB
Density (kg/m³)80008000
International Equivalent Grades
GradeUNS NoWerkstoff No.JISBS
SS 321S321001.4541SUS 321321S31
SS 321HS321091.4878SUS 321H321S51

Industrial Applications

Aerospace

Piston engine exhaust manifolds & stacks.

Refineries

Thermal oxidizers & refinery equipment.

Expansion Joints

Flexible bellows & high-temp seals.

Boiler Parts

Furnace components & heating elements.

Chemical Process

Welded equipment for chemical plants.

Exhaust Systems

Diesel & heavy-duty vehicle exhausts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Titanium is added to stabilize the steel. It has a higher affinity for carbon than chromium does, preventing chromium carbide precipitation and keeping the material resistant to intergranular corrosion after heating.

SS 321 provides excellent oxidation resistance in service up to 900°C (1650°F). It is commonly used in applications where temperatures reach this range frequently.

While both are 18/8 steels, 321 is stabilized with Titanium, making it superior for welded structures that will be exposed to high temperatures, whereas 304 may suffer from intergranular corrosion.

Grade 321H has a higher carbon content (0.04-0.10%), which provides better creep strength and higher strength at temperatures above 500°C.

No, SS 321 is an austenitic grade and is non-magnetic in the annealed condition.