Type 301 is:
- Austenitic: a chromium nickel stainless steel that contains slightly more carbon and slightly less chromium and nickel than type 304. Cold working hardens this material; it is generally available in several tempers or conditions from annealed through full hard. It offers good ductility and high strength, is formable and weldable and offers good corrosion and oxidation resistance.
- Used in a variety of applications: Some of the typical uses of grade 301 include appliances, architectural and automotive molding and trim, consumer and industrial products, conveyor belts, door frames, food service equipment, hose clamps, mixer blades, pots and pans, roof drainage systems, sinks, springs and structural parts.
- Able to be processed in many ways: Metal processors and fabricators stamp, form, bend, cut, draw and weld alloy 301 to produce various parts. Cold working will increase strength and hardness. Cold working can also achieve various tempers from annealed through full hard.
- Available in many variants: Different levels of nickel, carbon and nitrogen define the different variants of this alloy. Each variant may offer benefits or drawbacks depending on the specific application.
The Chemical Composition and Mechanical Properties of the basic form of Type 301 are as follows:
| Type 301 | |
|---|---|
| ASTM A240/A240M (UNS Designation) | S30100 |
| Chemical Composition | |
| Chromium | 16-18% |
| Nickel | 6-8% |
| Carbon (max.) | 0.150% |
| Manganese (max.) | 2.000% |
| Silicon (max.) | 1.000% |
| Sulfur (max.) | 0.030% |
| Phosphorus (max.) | 0.045% |
| Nitrogen (max.) | 0.100% |
| Mechanical Properties (annealed) | |
| Tensile (min. psi) | 75,000 |
| Yield (min. psi) | 30,000 |
| Elongation (in 2″, min %) | 40 |
| Hardness (max Rb) | 95 |
T301, type 301 and grade 301 are interchangeable terms for 301 stainless steel.
