321 vs 321H stainless steel: What is the difference?
321 stainless steel plate and 321H stainless steel plate have obvious differences in many aspects. The following is a detailed comparison of the two:
GNEE provides spectrometer testing before shipment
Chemical composition and carbon content
321 stainless steel plate: It is a titanium-stabilized version of 18/8 austenitic stainless steel (i.e. 304 stainless steel). In its chemical composition, the carbon (C) content is usually low, not exceeding 0.08%.
321H stainless steel plate: It is a high-carbon modified version of 321 stainless steel, and its carbon content is higher than 321 stainless steel. This higher carbon content gives 321H higher hot strength and high temperature resistance.
High temperature resistance
321 stainless steel cold rolled plate: It has good high temperature resistance, and the operating temperature range is usually between 800~1500°F (about 427~816°C). Its corrosion resistance is excellent in the temperature range of 425~900°C.
321H stainless steel cold rolled plate: Due to the increase in carbon content, 321H can withstand higher temperatures than 321 and is usually used in environments exceeding 1000°F (about 538°C). This makes 321H more suitable for high-temperature structural applications that require higher thermal strength.
Application scenarios
321 stainless steel hot rolled plate: widely used in fields with high requirements for resistance to intergranular corrosion, such as chemistry, coal, petroleum, etc. In addition, it is also used to manufacture high-temperature equipment, heat treatment equipment, ships, food processing equipment, medical equipment, etc.
321H stainless steel hot rolled plate: more suitable for high-temperature structural applications that require higher thermal strength, such as expansion joints, furnace components, etc. At the same time, it is also used to manufacture boilers, steam pipes and power generation equipment.
Type.
Welding performance: 321 stainless steel high temperature resistant plate has excellent welding performance, and 321H can also be welded using a variety of welding techniques, and still maintain good performance after welding. However, the titanium element in 321 stainless steel may not transfer arc well during welding, so 347 grade (niobium stabilized) is sometimes used as welding material.
