304 Stainless Steel VS 321 Stainless Steel

Stainless steel type 304 and 321 are amongst a few versatile grades in the family of stainless steel. 321 grade is derived from the SS 304 grade; however, both these modules can be differentiated based on certain key features.

• SS 321 is stabilized by a small concentration of titanium. SS 304 is a low carbon nickel-chromium grade that doesn’t require any stabilizing agent to function effectively.
• The titanium concentration in the 321 SS makes them more resistant against carbide precipitation and subsequent corrosion over the 304 stainless steel grade.
• SS 304 grade and its types can be utilized in applications for intergranular corrosion resistance while possessing good anti-sensitization properties when compared to their counterpart.
• SS 304 is designed with an oxidation resistance up to 870 degrees C in-service conditions. For continuous service systems, they can be employed in 925 degrees C. Stainless steel 321 is a grade of choice in temperature systems of 900 degrees C.
• Grade 321 has a slight advantage over SS 304 in terms of fatigue strength. This fatigue strength invariably gives the 321 SS grade an edge in terms of tensile strength as well.
• The temperature reduction factors at high temperatures in the 321 grade are slightly higher compared to the 304-grade items.
• The 304 grade is designed with moderate stress fracture and ductility. The 321 grade exhibits higher levels of stress fracture and ductility.

 

The 304 and 321-grade stainless steel can be differentiated by their titanium content; however, the concentration of carbon is the main differentiating factor. The 321 grade is a higher carbon component having a carbon concentration of 0.08 percent and above. The concentrations give it excellent yield strength while invariably affecting its ductility within the system. The grade is difficult to machine and fabricate, making it difficult to process due to its superior strength. A 304 stainless steel is mild carbon steel having a carbon content of 0.07 or below. This enables the components within this range to be machined and fabricated more easily.

 

Check Grade 304 Price Per KG in India and USA, also know more about difference between Type 304 and Grade 321 temperature limits, yield strength and Weight

 

The prices of 304 stainless steel keep increasing every day in India but, the same price in the markets of the US is also soaring fast.  The price for stainless steel 304 per square foot in India starts at $2. In the USA, the rates of the same 304 stainless steel start at $5 per square foot.

 

304 grade shows excellent tolerances against oxidation in intermittent service temperatures up to 870 degrees C. It shows good strength in continuous service of up to 925 degrees C. For corrosion resistance services in water for continuous use it is not recommended for use at temperatures between 425 to 860 degrees C.

 

The maximum stress the 304 stainless steel can be subjected to is 290mpa. If it surpasses this point, the material is deformed. Any deformation that takes place within the items in this grade is irreversible. The excellent yield strength within this grade is thereby very important in designing structures across different industries.

 

Stainless steel 304 grade possesses excellent mechanical properties. The grade has a comprehensive strength of 210mpa while exhibiting a tensile strength ranging between 500 to 700mpa. The item within this grade possesses proof stress of 190mpa and can be easily elongated by 45%. Apart from this, they have a hardness of 215 Max HB.

 

SS 321 and SS 304 grades have near-identical chemical compositions. They have a general composition of carbon, manganese, chromium, silicon, phosphorous, sulfur, nickel, and nitrogen. They can be separated based on certain chemical compositions.

• 321 utilizes titanium to stabilize the components; however, the 304 grade doesn’t comprise of titanium and requires no stabilizing component.
• The 304 grade may have a slightly low content of nickel compared to the 321 grade; however, both these grades possess similar corrosion resistance properties.
• Carbon content in the SS 321 is greater in volume than in the SS 304 grade.

 

Know Why 304 Stainless Steel is Suitable for Food, Dairy and pharmaceutical industry and 321 Stainless Steel is best for chemical processing equipments and Heat Exchangers

 

The 304 grade is the most used alloy in home and commercial applications within the stainless steel family. The ability of the items to withstand several corrosive media and acids present in food articles makes them an ideal choice for use in domestic tools. It can be employed in the brewing industry, milking machines, sterilizers, hauling tanks, railroad food carts, containers, and so on. The components from this grade have a high and low-temperature resistance coupled with excellent strength. This allows these modules to be used in refrigerators, stoves, steam tables cream, dispensers, hot pans, flatware, etc.

 

SS 304 and 316 are amongst the most common and widely used grades of stainless steel. Both these grades can be distinguished based on certain key features.

• Chemical composition- SS 304 is designed with a chemical composition of 18% chromium and 8% nickel. SS 316 has 16% chromium with 10% nickel and 2% molybdenum. The content of molybdenum gives the grade SS 316 module enhanced corrosion resistance compared to the 304 grade.
• Seawater systems- 304 stainless steel components cannot perform well in seawater and de-icing salts. The 316 grade shows resistance to pitting by chlorides giving the components enhanced performance in seawater applications.
• Melting point- Stainless steel 304 grade is designed with a higher melting point in comparison to standard 316 stainless steel components.
• Formability- Grade 304 exhibits higher ductility than the molybdenum-containing grade 316.
• Strength- Grade 316 is designed with superior strength and toughness when compared to the 304 grade.
• Cost-The cost of SS 316 components is 1.5 times more than SS 304 modules.

Service life- Grade 316 is tough and versatile, making it an ideal choice for having higher longevity compared to the 304 grade

 

Compare Stainless steel 321 price per kg in India and United States of America | Also Don't Forget to check difference between 321 and 321H stainless Steel

 

Stainless steel 321 and 321h can be dual certified structures that can be distinguished based on certain key features.

• Stainless steel 321 is an austenitic grade of stainless steel designed with an 18/8 chemical concentration. These components are stabilized making use of Titanium. 321H SS is a higher carbon version of the 321 grade.
• The 321h provides greater strength in high temperature systems compared to the 321 stainless steel components.
• Stainless steel 321h components are designed with higher creep and stress rupture properties when compared to the 321 grade of stainless steel.

 

Go through with Stainless Steel 304 specification, corrosion resistance, material properties, density, chemical composition, Properties, rust and melting point before using in your application

 

SS 304 is an austenitic grade of stainless steel having a high concentration of chromium and nickel. This allows them to withstand oxidative and corrosive media. This grade of items shows excellent forming and welding capacities. They allow for excellent lower temperature service and can be easily cleaned and fabricated, allowing it to maintain an aesthetical appearance.

 

304 stainless steel chemical composition can be classified based on the weight of the constituents present in it.

• Carbon- 0.07%
• Manganese- 2%
• Chromium 17.50% to 19.50%
• Sulfur- 0.015%
• Nickel- 8% to 10.50%
• Nitrogen- 0.10%
• Silicon- 1%
• Phosphorus- 0.045%
• Iron- Balance

The content of this concentration varies based on the requirements of the equipment.

 

304 stainless steel is made up of 18/8 chemical concentration which gives these components excellent resistance to rust while being employed in stress-induced environments. Their excellent toughness enables them to suffice in high and cryogenic temperatures. The high-strength grade of steel is designed with an excellent melting point of 1450 degrees C.

 

Type 304 or 1.4301 come in three varieties: 304, 304L, and 304H. All these 3 components have similar properties barring their carbon concentration.

• 304L has a low carbon concentration of 0.03% while 304H is a high carbon grade having a concentration between 0.04% to 0.10%. The standard 304 grade has a balanced carbon content of 0.08%.
• 304L is employed in welding applications requiring no post-weld annealing exhibiting low ductility. 304H grade is utilized in high-temperature systems where the higher carbon content helps in preserving its strength. The standard 304 grade balances out both the parameters and can be employed in moderate service systems.

 

SS 304 items are designed with excellent physical and chemical properties
Physical properties

• Density- 8g/cm3
• Melting point- 1450 °C
• Modulus of Elasticity- 193 GPA
• Thermal expansion- 17.2 x 10-6/K
• Thermal conductivity- 16.2 W/m.K
• Electrical resistivity- 0.72 x 10-6 Ω.m

Mechanical properties

• Tensile strength- 500-700mpa
• Proof stress- 190mpa
• Hardness- maximum 215 HB
• Elongation A50 mm- minimum 45%

 

SS 304 is an austenitic grade which is the most widely used material grade in the stainless steel family. The module is designed with a material density of 8.00g/cm3. This density ensures that different alloys can be constituted within this grade to give it added resistances and strength.

 

Get Complete and accurate information about 321 stainless steel equivalent, applications, Grade 321 material properties, density of ss 321 in kg/m3, thermal conductivity and SS 321 Applications

 

321 stainless steel has a chemical concentration by weight of the following constituents.

• Carbon- 0.08%
• Phosphorus- 0.045%
• Chromium- 17-19%
• Nickel- 9-12%
• Nitrogen- 0.10%
• Sulfur- 0.03%
• Manganese- 2%
• Silicon-75%
• Iron- balance
• Titanium- 5x(C+N) min to 0.70 max

The above data is typical composition ranges and cannot be warranted for design purposes having various functionality

 

SS 321 plate is a derivate product of the 321 stainless steel grade. These plates can be shipped across different parts of the world and be available with a standard price ranging between $4 to $5 per piece. The thickness and sizes will dictate the overall costs of the different types of plates.

SS 321 material is an austenitic grade material that is designed with a density of 0.286 lbs/in3. Designed with a melting range between 2550 to 2635 degrees F these, modules exhibit an electrical resistivity of 72 Microhm-cm at 20°C. The grade exhibits good mechanical properties, having a minimum yield strength of 30,000psi with a minimum ultimate tensile strength of 75,000psi. They can be readily elongated by a minimum of 40% and have a hardness of 217 Brinell.

 

• SS 321 is designed with a chemical composition of chromium, nickel, carbon, manganese, silicon, phosphorous, sulfur. The components in this grade are stabilized, making use of titanium.
• SS 316 is a standard molybdenum-bearing grade designed with a chemical concentration of carbon, manganese, silicon, phosphorus, sulfur, nickel, chromium, nitrogen, and iron.

 

321 grade of stainless steel is designed with a yield strength of 205Mpa, exhibiting a tensile strength of 515Mpa. Designed with a maximum hardness of 217 Brinell these, components can be elongated by 40%. The items show superior resistance against corrosion and oxidative systems while having a melting range between 1398 to 1446 degrees C. Apart from, this the components possess a good coefficient of linear thermal expansion and electrical resistivity.

321 stainless steel is an austenitic chromium-nickel component having corrosion resistance properties similar to grade 304 and 304L in the annealed condition. The steel in this grade possesses higher creep resistance properties coupled with excellent stress rupture properties. The non-magnetic grade is ideal for heat resistance services at elevated temperatures.

 

321 stainless steel is an austenitic 18/8 grade stabilized making use of titanium. The components have a density of 8027 kg/m3. The items across this grade have a modulus of elasticity in the tension of 193Gpa. The density in the alloy enables other components to be added to the system.

 

Stainless steel components are designed to work in temperatures up to 900 degrees C. The thermal conductivity of these modules at temperatures between 20 to 100 degrees C is 16.3 W/m·KW/. In temperature ranges between 20 to 500 degrees, the thermal conductivity is in the range of 21.4 W/m·KW/.