Alloy 321/321H

Sandmeyer Steel Company stocks Alloy 321 stainless steel plate in thicknesses from 3/16" through 4". A high carbon version, Alloy 321H (UNS S32109) stainless steel plate, can also be ordered in the same thickness range.

Available thicknesses for Alloy 321/321H:

Alloy 321 (UNS S32100) is stabilized stainless steel plate which offers as its main advantage an excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion following exposure to temperatures in the chromium carbide precipitation range from 800 to 1500°F (427 to 816°C). Alloy 321 stainless steel plate is stabilized against chromium carbide formation by the addition of titanium.

Alloy 321 stainless steel plate is also advantageous for high temperature service because of its good mechanical properties. Alloy 321 stainless steel plate offers higher creep and stress rupture properties than Alloy 304 and, particularly, Alloy 304L, which might also be considered for exposures where sensitization and intergranular corrosion are concerns.

General Properties

Alloy 321 (UNS S32100) is titanium stabilized austenitic stainless steel plate with good general corrosion resistance. It has excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion after exposure to temperatures in the chromium carbide precipitation range of 800 - 1500°F (427 - 816°C). The alloy resists oxidation to 1500°F (816°C) and has higher creep and stress rupture properties than alloys 304 and 304L. It also possesses good low temperature toughness.

Alloy 321H (UNS S 32109) stainless steel plate is the higher carbon (0.04 - 0.10) version of the alloy. It was developed for enhanced creep resistance and for higher strength at temperatures above 1000oF (537°C). In most instances, the carbon content of the plate enables dual certification.

Alloy 321 stainless steel plate cannot be hardened by heat treatment, only by cold working. It can be easily welded and processed by standard shop fabrication practices.

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Corrosion Resistance

Alloy 321 stainless steel plate exhibits good general corrosion resistance that is comparable to 304. It was developed for use in the chromium carbide precipitation range of 1800 – 1500°F (427 – 816°C) where un-stabilized alloys such as 304 are subject to intergranular attack.

The alloy can be used in most diluted organic acids at moderate temperatures and in pure phosphoric acid at lower temperatures and up to 10% diluted solutions at elevated temperatures. Alloy 321 resists polythionic acid stress corrosion cracking in hydrocarbon service. It can also be utilized in chloride or fluoride free caustic solutions at moderate temperatures.

Alloy 321 stainless steel plate does not perform well in chloride solutions, even in small concentrations, or in sulfuric acid service.

Chemical Analysis

Weight % (all values are maximum unless a range is otherwise indicated)

Mean Coefficient of Thermal Expansion

Temperature Range
°F	°C	in/in °F	cm/cm °C
68-212	20-100	9.2 x 10-6	16.0 x 10-6
68-1112	20-600	10.5 x 10-6	18.9 x 10-6
68-1832	20-1000	11.4 x 10-6	20.5 x 10-6

Mechanical Properties

Typical Values at 68°F (20°C)

NOTE: The information and data in this product data sheet are accurate to the best of our knowledge and belief, but are intended for informational purposes only, and may be revised at any time without notice. Applications suggested for the materials are described only to help readers make their own evaluations and decisions, and are neither guarantees nor to be construed as express or implied warranties of suitability for these or other applications.