Introduction of 321 stainless steel and 304 stainless steel

The similarity between 321 stainless steel and 304 stainless steel

Corrosion resistance: Both 321 and 304 stainless steels have good corrosion resistance and are commonly used in environments where rust and oxidation resistance is required.

Mechanical Properties: Both types of stainless steel have similar mechanical properties, including high tensile strength and good ductility.

Weldability: Both 321 and 304 stainless steels have high weldability and are suitable for a variety of manufacturing processes .

Applications: Both are used in a variety of applications, including the chemical, food and pharmaceutical industries, due to their durability and corrosion resistance.

Difference between 321 stainless steel and 304 stainless steel

Chemical composition

321 Stainless Steel: Contains titanium, an element that stabilizes the structure and prevents carbide precipitation at high temperatures.

304 Stainless Steel: Contains no titanium and reduces carbide precipitation by lowering the carbon content.

Heat resistant

321 Stainless Steel: Better heat resistance due to the presence of titanium, which maintains its properties at high temperatures (up to 900°C).

Stainless Steel 304: Can withstand temperatures up to 800°C, but carbide precipitation may occur at these high temperatures.

Corrosion resistance

321 Stainless Steel: Slightly less corrosion resistant than 304 due to the addition of titanium, which forms complex oxides.

Stainless Steel 304: has excellent corrosion resistance and is more commonly used in applications exposed to corrosive environments.

Areas of application

321 Stainless Steel: Preferred for high temperature applications such as aerospace and automotive industries.

304 Stainless Steel: Commonly used in general purpose applications including kitchen equipment, chemical containers and building structures.

For more detailed information, please visit another article about stainless steel