Stainless Steel 321 and 321H are titanium-stabilized austenitic stainless steels designed to resist intergranular corrosion and carbide precipitation during prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures. These grades maintain excellent mechanical strength, oxidation resistance, and structural stability in high-temperature environments. SS 321 is suitable for moderate high-temperature service, while SS 321H contains higher carbon for improved creep and rupture strength.
Typical applications of SS 321/321H include aircraft exhaust systems, automotive manifolds, heat exchangers, boiler components, petrochemical equipment, and thermal expansion joints. Their superior thermal stability and weldability make them highly reliable for cyclic heating and continuous high-temperature service.
321/321H STAINLESS STEEL ROUND BAR EQUIVALENT GRADES
STANDARD
UNS
WNR.
JIS
EN
SS 321
S32100
1.4541
SUS 321
X6CrNiTi18-10
SS 321H
S32109
1.4878
SUS 321H
X12CrNiTi18-9
SPECIFICATION OF STAINLESS STEEL 321/321H ROUND BAR
Stainless Steel Round Bar Specification
ASTM A276 / A479, ASME SA276 / A479
Dimension Standard
EN, DIN, JIS, ASTM, BS, ASME, AISI
Size
14 mm – 300 mm
Thickness
50 mm to 6000 mm Long
Length
1 to 6 Meters, Custom Cut Length
Form
Round, Square, Hex (A/F), Rectangle, Billet, Ingot, Forging Etc.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF STAINLESS STEEL 321/321H ROUND BAR
Grade
Cr%
Ni%
C%
Si%
Mn%
P%
S%
N%
Ti%
Fe%
321
17.0 – 19.0
9.0 – 12.0
0.08 max
0.75 max
2.0 max
0.045 max
0.03 max
0.10 max
Min 5×(C+N), Max 0.70
Balance
321H
17.0 – 19.0
9.0 – 12.0
0.04 – 0.10
1.0 max
2.0 max
0.045 max
0.03 max
0.10 max
Min 5×(C+N), Max 0.70
Balance
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF STAINLESS STEEL 321/321H ROUND BAR
Grade
Tensile Strength (ksi)
Yield Strength 0.2% (ksi)
Elongation (%) in 50 mm
Hardness (Brinell) MAX
321 / 321H
75
30
40
217
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF 321/321H STAINLESS STEEL ROUND BAR
Density lb/in³
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (min/in)-°F
Thermal Conductivity BTU/hr-ft-°F
Specific Heat BTU/lb-°F
Modulus of Elasticity (psi)
0.286 at 68°F
9.2 at 68–212°F 20.5 at 68–1832°F
9.3 at 200°F
0.12 at 32–212°F
28 × 10⁶ (annealed, E)
💡 Practical Difference in Use
Use Stainless Steel 321 Round Bars when: resistance to intergranular corrosion, good oxidation stability, and reliable performance after welding are required for medium-temperature industrial environments. Titanium stabilization prevents carbide precipitation during fabrication and service.
→ Example: exhaust system components, heat exchanger rods, chemical processing shafts, pressure piping, and structural fasteners.
Use Stainless Steel 321H Round Bars when: higher tensile strength, improved creep resistance, and long-term durability are required at elevated operating temperatures, especially in continuous thermal service conditions.
→ Example: furnace parts, power plant hardware, high-temperature piping, thermal equipment supports, and heavy-duty fasteners.
Applications of Stainless Steel 321 / 321H Round Bars
Stainless Steel 321 and 321H round bars are widely used in heat-resistant and welded applications where thermal stability, oxidation resistance, and structural reliability are essential.
Power Generation & Thermal Systems: Heat exchanger rods, boiler supports, turbine hardware, and exhaust assemblies.
Chemical & Process Industry: Shafts, piping systems, structural supports, and fabrication components.
When to Choose Stainless Steel 321 vs. 321H Round Bars?
The selection mainly depends on operating temperature, strength requirement, welding exposure, and long-term thermal stability.
Choose SS 321 Round Bars when:
Resistance to sensitization and intergranular corrosion is critical
Welded fabrication without post-weld heat treatment is required
Stable mechanical performance is needed at moderate temperatures
Used in exhaust systems, piping, frames, and structural assemblies
Good oxidation resistance improves service life
Balanced cost and performance are preferred
Choose SS 321H Round Bars when:
Continuous exposure to elevated temperatures is expected
Higher carbon content delivers increased strength and creep resistance
Long-term thermal durability is essential
Used in furnaces, power plants, thermal processing equipment
Improved load-bearing capability at high temperature
Excellent stability during thermal cycling conditions
Industries That Use Stainless Steel 321 / 321H Round Bars
These grades are preferred in industries where heat resistance, welding reliability, oxidation protection, and long operational service life are required.
Power & Energy Industry
Used in high-temperature mechanical and thermal environments.