Hardness and Characteristics of 321 Cold Rolled Stainless Steel Plate

321 cold rolled stainless steel plate exhibits the following hardness levels based on different measurement scales: 

Brinell Hardness (HBW): ≤217

Rockwell Hardness (HRB): ≤95

Vickers Hardness (HV): ≤220

Composition and Properties:

321 stainless steel is a nickel-chromium-molybdenum austenitic stainless steel, derived from 304 stainless steel with the addition of titanium (Ti). This alloy, classified under the national standard 06Cr18Ni11Ti, features enhanced stability and resistance to intergranular corrosion.

Key Properties:

Heat Resistance: The presence of titanium as a stabilizing element prevents carbide precipitation at temperatures between 500-600°C, thus avoiding intergranular corrosion.

High-Temperature Performance: It retains high strength and oxidation resistance up to approximately 900°C.

Corrosion Resistance: It maintains stability in water-based corrosive environments.

Formability and Weldability: 321 cold rolled stainless steel plate can be bent or roll-formed and welded without the need for post-weld annealing.

Low-Temperature Toughness: The material remains tough even at low temperatures.

Surface Finish: However, its polishing performance is not optimal, making it less suitable for decorative purposes.

Applications:

321 cold rolled stainless steel plate is commonly used in high-temperature and corrosive environments due to its robust properties. Typical applications include: expansion joints, bellows, furnace components, heating tubes, heat exchangers, high-temperature filters, burner pipes, spiral welded pipes for flues.

These applications leverage the material's exceptional heat and corrosion resistance, as well as its mechanical strength and stability under extreme conditions.