321 and 316 stainless steel
Gnee Steel
The difference between 321 and 316 stainless steel
The main difference between 321 stainless steel and 316 stainless steel lies in their composition and the resulting properties. 321 stainless steel is stabilized with titanium, making it resistant to intergranular corrosion (especially after welding) and offering excellent high-temperature strength. On the other hand, 316 stainless steel contains molybdenum, which enhances its corrosion resistance, especially in chloride-containing environments, but it is not as strong as 321 at high temperatures.
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Can 321 stainless steel be hardened?
In addition, 321 stainless steel plate resists oxidation at temperatures up to 1500°F, an excellent property for chemical processing equipment. 321 alloy cannot be hardened by heat treatment. It can be hardened by cold working and is easily welded and machined. 321 stainless steel is ductile and easily formable.
Chemical Composition
| Composotion of Stainless Steel 316 & 321 | ||
| Element | Stainless Steel 321
(Weight %) |
Stainless Steel 316
(Weight %) |
| Silicon | 0.75 | 0.75 |
| Carbon | 0.08 | 0.08 |
| Magnesium | 2.00 | 2.00 |
| Phosphorus | 0.045 | 0.045 |
| Titanium | 0.70 | – |
| Sulfur | 0.030 | 0.030 |
| Nitrogen | 0.10 | – |
| Chromium | 17.0-19.0 | 16.0-18.0 |
| Nickel | 9.0-12.0 | 10.0-14.0 |
Physical Property
| Physical Properties of Stainless Steel 316 & 321 | ||
| Property | Stainless Steel 316 | Stainless Steel 321 |
| Thermal Expansion | 16.5-16.7 | 16.5-16.9 |
| Thermal Conductivity (W/m'K) | 16.2 | 16.3 |
| Specific Heat (J/kg·K) | 500 | 500 |
| Modulus of Elasticity (GPa) | 740 | 720 |
| Density (g/cm3) | 7.98 | 7.92 |
| Melting Point (°C) | 1398-1420 |
1398-1420 |
Mechanical Property
| Mechanical Properties of Stainless Steel 321 Vs 316 | ||
| Property | Stainless Steel 316 | Stainless Steel 321 |
| Hardness | 217 | 217 |
| Yield Strength | 205-260 | 205-230 |
| Tensile Strength | 515-690 | 515-850 |
| Elongation | 30-40 | 35-40 |
Gnee Steel specializes in the production and sale of a wide range of stainless steel products, including 304, 316, 321, 904, 904L, 2205 Duplex, 2205 Duplex, and 316L stainless steel. Gnee Steel's products are widely used in the kitchen, aerospace, chemical, power, automotive, and nuclear energy sectors. We also provide custom stainless steel solutions tailored to customer needs. For stainless steel pricing or custom alloy solutions, please email ru@gneesteelgroup.com for a quote.
