S321 Stainless Steel
Equivalent Standard Grades: Corresponds to Chinese grade 1Cr18Ni9Ti, U.S. grades 321, S32100, TP321, and Japanese grade SUS321.
Material Properties
2.1 Chemical Composition:
Carbon (C) ≤ 0.08%, Silicon (Si) ≤ 1.00%, Manganese (Mn) ≤ 2.00%, Sulfur (S) ≤ 0.030%, Phosphorus (P) ≤ 0.035%, Chromium (Cr): 17.00–19.00%, Nickel (Ni): 9.00–12.00%, Titanium (Ti) ≥ 5×C%.
The addition of Ti enhances resistance to intergranular corrosion but makes it unsuitable for decorative components.
2.2 Corrosion Resistance:
Exhibits good corrosion resistance in organic and inorganic acids of varying concentrations and temperatures, particularly in oxidizing media.
Prolonged heating in temperature ranges prone to chromium carbide formation may degrade corrosion resistance in harsh environments.
Generally comparable to S347 in most environments but slightly inferior to annealed S347 in strongly oxidizing conditions.
Mechanical Properties:
Tensile strength (σb) ≥ 520 MPa, Yield strength (σ0.2) ≥ 205 MPa, Elongation (δ5) ≥ 40%, Reduction of area (ψ) ≥ 50%, Hardness ≤ 187 HB, ≤ 90 HRB, ≤ 200 HV.
Offers better ductility and stress rupture resistance than 304 stainless steel at elevated temperatures.
Weldability:
Good weldability. Ti addition suppresses chromium carbide formation during welding, reducing intergranular corrosion risks.
Requires controlled welding parameters (current, voltage, speed). Common methods include TIG and manual arc welding.
Fabrication:
Suitable for cold/hot working. Cold working may require intermediate annealing due to significant work-hardening. Hot working temperature: 1000–1150°C.
Applications:
Structural engineering (beams, bridges, transmission towers), industrial equipment (furnaces, reactors, pipelines), and high-temperature components (427–816°C), such as aircraft engine parts.
Post-Weld Heat Treatment:
Solution treatment (920–1150°C rapid cooling) is recommended for high-temperature or high-stress applications. Stabilization treatment (850–930°C) may be specified.
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT):
Ultrasonic and radiographic testing for internal defects. Fluorescent magnetic particle testing (enhanced sensitivity for magnetic zones) and penetrant testing for surface defects.
S347 Stainless Steel
Equivalent Standard Grades: 347, S34700, 0Cr18Ni11Nb.
Material Properties
2.1 Chemical Composition:
Carbon (C) ≤ 0.08%, Manganese (Mn) ≤ 2.00%, Nickel (Ni): 9.00–13.00%, Silicon (Si) ≤ 1.00%, Phosphorus (P) ≤ 0.045%, Sulfur (S) ≤ 0.030%, Niobium (Nb) ≥ 10×C%, Chromium (Cr): 17.00–19.00%.
Nb addition improves resistance to intergranular corrosion.
2.2 Corrosion Resistance:
Excellent resistance in acids, alkalis, and salts, with oxidation resistance up to 800°C.
Similar to S321 in most environments but slightly superior in aqueous and low-temperature conditions.
Designed for high-temperature applications requiring strong anti-sensitization to prevent intergranular corrosion.
Mechanical Properties:
Solution-treated: Yield strength ≥ 206 MPa, Tensile strength ≥ 520 MPa, Elongation ≥ 40%, Hardness ≤ 187 HB.
Superior high-temperature stress rupture and creep resistance compared to 304 stainless steel.
Weldability:
Good weldability (TIG, submerged arc welding). Nb minimizes intergranular corrosion, but excessive heat input must be avoided.
Fabrication:
Similar to S321. Cold working requires attention to work-hardening; hot working temperature: 1050–1200°C.
Applications:
Aerospace, power generation, chemical/petrochemical industries. Common in high-temperature equipment (boilers, heat exchangers).
Post-Weld Heat Treatment:
Solution treatment is standard. Stabilization may be added for specific requirements.
NDT:
Similar to S321. Fluorescent magnetic particle and penetrant testing for surface defects.
Key Differences & Selection Guidelines
Sensitization Resistance: S347 (with Nb) outperforms S321 (with Ti) in post-weld and high-temperature anti-corrosion.
Fabrication: S321’s Ti increases cold-working difficulty; S347’s Nb has less impact on workability.
Cost: S347 is more expensive due to Nb scarcity.
Summary:
S347: Preferred for long-term high-temperature stability and weld reliability (e.g., boilers, aerospace).
S321: Cost-effective for moderate/low-temperature applications (e.g., structural components, pipelines).