301 Stainless Steel
301 stainless steel is an austenitic chromium–nickel grade known for fast work hardening. It is often specified when buyers need a strong and spring-like material, while keeping corrosion resistance at a practical level.
- Springs, clips, and elastic parts
- Strip and coil for stamping and forming lines
- Knives, blades, and wear parts where strength matters
- Trim, panels, and structural parts needing a high strength-to-weight ratio
- Specify temper clearly (annealed, 1/4 hard, 1/2 hard, full hard, spring temper)
- Confirm thickness tolerance and flatness requirements
- Define surface finish and protective film for shipment
- Request mill test certificate (MTC) for each batch
The key value of 301 is how quickly it gains strength during cold rolling and forming. This makes it a common choice for spring parts and high-strength strip. Compared with 304, 301 can reach higher strength after cold work, while 304 is often chosen when corrosion resistance is the main target.
In many projects, the temper decision is as important as the grade. A correct temper can reduce scrap and stabilize performance in production.
| Standard system | Designation |
|---|---|
| ASTM | 301 |
| JIS | SUS301 |
| UNS | S30100 |
| EN | 1.4310 |
| EN name | X10CrNi18-8 |
| GOST | 12Х18Н9 |
| GB (China) | 1Cr17Ni7 |
Typical limits are shown for reference. Confirm final values with the mill test certificate.
| Grade | Standard | C | Cr | Ni | Mn | Si | P | S | Mo | Fe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 301 | ASTM A240 | ≤0.15 | 16.0–18.0 | 6.0–8.0 | ≤2.0 | ≤1.0 | ≤0.045 | ≤0.03 | — | Balance |
| 1.4310 | EN 10088-2 | ≤0.15 | 16.0–18.0 | 6.0–8.0 | ≤2.0 | ≤1.0 | ≤0.045 | ≤0.03 | — | Balance |
| SUS301 | JIS G 4304 / G 4305 | ≤0.15 | 16.0–18.0 | 6.0–8.0 | ≤2.0 | ≤1.0 | ≤0.045 | ≤0.03 | — | Balance |
Tempers below are commonly specified for strip and coil. If you need a specific temper standard, include it in your RFQ.
| Temper | Tensile strength | Yield strength | Elongation | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annealed (soft) | ~ 520 MPa | ~ 205 MPa | ≥ 40% | ≤ 90 HRB |
| 1/4 hard | ~ 930 MPa | ~ 520 MPa | ~ 25% | ~ 200 HV |
| 1/2 hard | ~ 1130 MPa | ~ 690 MPa | ~ 15% | ~ 250 HV |
| Full hard | ~ 1275 MPa | ~ 965 MPa | ~ 9% | ~ 300 HV |
| Spring temper (extra hard) | > 1550 MPa | > 1200 MPa | < 5% | > 370 HV |
LYH Steel can supply 301 stainless steel in common export forms. For strip and spring parts, the temper requirement should be confirmed before production.
Thickness: 0.3–6.0 mm
Thickness: 3–100 mm
Thickness: 0.3–6.0 mm
Thickness: 3–14 mm
Thickness: 0.3–10 mm
WT: 1–100 mm
WT: 1–100 mm
Length: 100–12000 mm
Thickness: 3–60 mm
301 gains strength quickly during cold rolling. This is why “full hard” and “spring temper” are widely used in spring parts and clips. For forming, annealed and quarter-hard are more forgiving.
301 is weldable by common methods such as TIG, MIG, and resistance welding. For cold-worked material, stress relief may be considered depending on part design and service requirement.
Annealed and quarter-hard are easier to form. Full hard and spring temper are more suitable for flat parts where strength is required.
Common finishes include 2B, BA, No.4, HL, and mirror polish. To reduce disputes, define the finish standard and protective film in the RFQ.
301 is widely used where high yield strength and spring performance are required.
- Springs and clips: stamped parts, clamps, retainers
- Knives and blades: strength and edge stability in many designs
- Transport: automotive trim and railway interiors
- Construction: roofing sheets, siding, architectural cladding
- Industrial equipment: structural parts, fasteners, conveyor components
| Item | 301 | 302 | 304 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nickel level (typical) | 6.0–8.0% | 8.0–10.0% | 8.0–10.5% |
| Strength after cold work | Very high | High | High |
| Work hardening | Fast | Good | Good |
| Corrosion resistance | Good | Very good | Excellent |
| Common buyer choice | Springs, high-strength strip | Transport, food equipment | General purpose, piping, food |
301 stainless steel has a melting point range of about 1399–1454 °C. For high temperature service, always confirm the application temperature, load condition, and oxidation requirements.
301 is often positioned as a practical balance:
- Commonly lower cost than 302 / 304 due to nickel level
- Commonly higher cost than 201 / 202 due to performance focus
- Value is highest when you need strength from cold work and stable temper control
Is 301 stainless steel magnetic?
In the annealed condition it is generally low-magnetic, but it can become noticeably magnetic after cold working.
What is the difference between full hard and spring temper?
Full hard is a high-strength temper achieved by cold rolling. Spring temper is further processed to reach very high yield strength, which is why it is widely used for springs, clips, and elastic parts.
Which temper should I choose for forming?
Annealed and quarter-hard are easier for forming. Half-hard can work for many stamped parts. Full hard and spring temper are normally used for flat parts where strength is more important than elongation.
301 or 304: which one is better?
Choose 301 when high strength after cold work is the priority. Choose 304 when corrosion resistance is the main priority, especially in harsher environments.
Share your standard, temper, size, finish, quantity, and destination port. We will respond with a workable offer and lead time.