ASTM A213 TP321 Stainless Steel Seamless Tube Corrosion Resistance Low Temperature

ASTM A213 TP321 Stainless Steel Seamless Tube Corrosion Resistance Low Temperature

Stainless steel is often referred to as corrosion resistant steel - it does not stain, corrode or rust as easily as regular carbon steel. However, it would be misleading to say that it is corrosion resistant. It differs significantly from standard carbon steel due to its chromium content, the presence of which limits surface corrosion, whereas carbon steel rusts when exposed to air and any moisture in the atmosphere. Stainless steel is often a popular solution due to its antioxidant properties.

Stainless steel sheets are a natural choice where low maintenance and corrosion resistance are required and are used in a variety of applications from the cladding or fascia of modern buildings to the food hygiene industry due to their antimicrobial qualities.

Stainless Steel Seamless (SMLS) pipe is formed by drawing a solid billet over a perforated rod to form a hollow shell. Since the manufacturing process does not include any welding, seamless pipes are considered stronger and more reliable. Historically, seamless pipe has been considered more pressure-resistant than other types and is generally more readily available than welded pipe.

Grades 321 and 347 are basic austenitic 18/8 steels (grade 304) stabilized by the addition of titanium (321) or niobium (347). These grades are used because they are not susceptible to intergranular corrosion upon heating in the carbide precipitation range of 425-850°C. Grade 321 is the grade of choice for applications in the temperature range up to approximately 900°C, combining high strength, resistance to scaling and phase stability, and resistance to subsequent water corrosion.

Grade 321H is an improved version of 321 with a higher carbon content for higher high temperature strength.

One limitation of 321 is that titanium does not transfer well in high temperature arcs and is therefore not recommended as a welding material. In this case, the preferred grade 347 - Niobium performs the same carbide stabilization task but can be transferred by the welding arc. Therefore, Grade 347 is the standard consumable for welding 321. Grade 347 is only occasionally used as a motherboard material.

Like other austenitic grades, 321 and 347 have excellent forming and welding characteristics, are easy to brake or roll form, and have excellent welding characteristics. Post-weld annealing is not required. They also have excellent toughness, even at low temperatures. Grade 321 does not polish well and is therefore not recommended for decorative applications.

304L grade is more readily available in most product forms, so if post-weld intergranular corrosion resistance is only required, 321 is generally preferred. However, the thermal strength of 304L is lower than that of 321, so it is not the best choice if you need to withstand operating environments above about 500°C.

ASTM A 213 321 Stainless Steel Tubing Mechanical Properties

Stainless Steel 321 Tube Chemical Composition

SS 321 Tubes for sale

SA 213 TP 321 Stainless Steel Tubing Specification

Check Dimensions & sizes of 321 SS Welded Tubing

Application:

• Food processing equipment, especially beer brewing, milk processing and wine making.
• Kitchen benches, sinks, sinks, equipment and appliances
• Building paneling, railings and decoration
• Chemical containers, including for transportation
• Heat exchanger
• Woven or welded screens for mining, quarrying and water filtration
• Threaded fasteners
• Spring
• Other​