304 vs 321: Understanding Stainless Steels for Automotive Applications
Overview
304 vs 321: Understanding Stainless Steels for Automotive Applications, listed by YIGE in Changsha, Hunan. Tensile strength Close to 72,000 psi (500 MPa), yield strength About 31,000 psi (215 MPa) and elongation 40% in 50 mm are among the specifications published.
Technical specifications
| Tensile Strength | Close to 72,000 psi (500 MPa) |
|---|---|
| Yield Strength | About 31,000 psi (215 MPa) |
| Elongation | 40% in 50 mm |
| Hardness (Brinell) | 123 HB max |
| Density | 8.00 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1400–1450 °C (2550–2650 °F) |
| Element | 304 Stainless Steel |
| 321 Stainless Steel | Key Notes |
| Titanium | Not present |
| Property | Material A |
| Hardness (Brinell or HB) | ≤ 217 HB |
| Impact Energy | ≥ 27 J at -20°C |
| 505–600 MPa | Similar strength in annealed condition |
| Thermal Stability | Moderate |
| High | 321 resists thermal cycling better |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent |
| Excellent at high temps | 321 excels in high-temperature environments |
| Impact Toughness | Good |
| Good | Retains toughness at elevated temperatures |
| Fatigue Resistance | Moderate |
| Application | 304 Stainless Steel |
| Food Processing Equipment | Commonly used |
| Less common | Suitable for moderate temperatures |
| Chemical Containers | Suitable for general use |
| Heat Exchangers / Boilers | Limited by temperature |
| Preferred | 321 excels in prolonged high heat |
| High-performance exhaust systems | 321 resists thermal fatigue better |
| Welding Environments | Suitable for most applications |
| Architectural Applications | Commonly used |
| Aerospace Components | Not suitable |
