Stainless steel has become very important and one of the most popular and used metals around the world. It does not corrode, rust or stain as easily as ordinary steel. This is the reason why so many of our tools and equipment nowadays are made up of stainless steel. Its resistance to corrosion and staining makes it ideal for many applications.

Stainless Steel 321/321H

Stainless Steel 321/321H Pipes and Tubes is an austenitic stainless steel with a reduced titanium content that increases its resistance to general corrosion. After holding at temperature, it is resistant to intergranular corrosion in the chromium carbide deposition range from 800 to 1500 degrees F (427 to 816 degrees C).

321H Stainless Steel is a higher carbon version of SS 321 (0.04–0.10). It is manufactured to increase strength and withstand temperatures above 1000 degrees F (537 degrees C). In most cases, the carbon content of the plate allows for dual certification.

321 stainless steel Pipes show good overall corrosion resistance similar to 304. It is designed for use in the chromium carbide deposition range of 1800 to 1500 degrees F (427-816 ° C) where unstable alloys such as 304 are susceptible to intergranular attack. The alloy can be used in most dilute organic acids at moderate temperatures and pure phosphoric acid at lower temperatures and diluted solutions up to 10% at high temperatures.  SS 321 does not work well in chloride solutions even in low concentrations or in sulfuric acid.

SS 321 cannot be hardened by heat treatment, only by cooling. It can be welded and processed efficiently using standard manufacturing techniques.

Characteristics of SS 321/321H Tubes

• Oxidation is resistant to 1600 degrees F.
• Stabilized against weld heat-affected zone (HAZ) intergranular corrosion.
• Resists polyphonic acid stress corrosion cracking.

Applications of SS 321/321H Pipes

• Aircraft piston engine manifolds and exhaust stacks.
• Expansion joints.
• Thermal oxidizers.
• Refinery equipment.
• High-temperature chemical process equipment.
• Food Processing equipment and storage.