EDELSTAHL SCHNEIDTECHNIK RHEIN-RUHR

Alloy 1.4541 /
AISI 321

Non-rusting, austenitic stainless steel – stabilized version of 1.4301 (AISI 304)

1.4541, also known as AISI 321, is a non-rusting, austenitic stainless steel developed as a stabilized version of 1.4301 (AISI 304). This material is particularly used where thermal loads could promote sensitization and corrosion susceptibility.

Chemical Composition (in %):

Element

Content

Chromium (Cr)

17,0 – 19,0 % 

Nickel (Ni)

9,0 – 12,0 % 

Titanium (Ti)

≥ 5x C content

Carbon (C)

≤ 0,08 %

Manganese (Mn)

≤ 2,0 %

Silicon (Si)

≤ 1,0 %

Phosphorus (P)

≤ 0,045 %

Sulfur (S)

≤ 0,015 %

Properties:

Corrosion resistance:

  • Good resistance in oxidizing and mildly reducing media
  • Less susceptible to intergranular corrosion between 450–800 °C due to titanium stabilization

Heat resistance:

  • Resistant up to approx. 600 °C in oxidizing environments
  • Suitable for applications with repeated heating and cooling

Mechanical properties:

  • Tensile strength: approx. 500–700 MPa
  • Yield strength: ≥ 190 MPa
  • Elongation: ≥ 40 %
  • High ductility and toughness, even at low temperatures

Weldability:

  • Good weldability with all common processes
  • No post-weld heat treatment required

Magnetism:

  • Non-magnetic in solution-annealed condition

Advantages compared to 1.4301:

The main advantage of 1.4541 is its stabilization against intergranular corrosion. While 1.4301 can suffer from chromium depletion between 450–800 °C, titanium stabilization in 1.4541 prevents this problem.

Applications:

  • Chemical industry:
    Containers, heat exchangers, pipes
  • Food industry:
    Equipment for processing at high temperatures
  • Power plants:
    Flue gas ducts, boiler tubes
  • Automotive industry:
    Exhaust systems, heat shields
  • Aerospace:
    Structures exposed to thermal stress

Limitations:

  • In chloride-containing environments (e.g., seawater, swimming pools) it is prone to pitting and stress corrosion cracking. Higher-alloyed steels like 1.4404 (AISI 316L) are preferable.
  • Processing (e.g., polishing) is more demanding due to titanium content

Conclusion:

1.4541 is a versatile stainless steel offering advantages under thermal stress and greater resistance to intergranular corrosion. It is preferred in applications with higher temperatures or challenging chemical conditions.

Note: The information in this datasheet is provided for description purposes only; no liability is assumed!