Type 301 is an austenitic stainless steel with a nominal composition of 17 percent chromium and 7 percent nickel. The high strengths of this grade of steel in the six available conditions or tempers, its resistance to atmosphere corrosion and its bright, attractive surface make it an excellent choice for decorative structural applications. Automobile molding and trim, wheel covers, conveyor belts, kitchen equipment, roof drainage systems, hose clamps, springs, truck and trailer bodies, railway and subway cars are some of the major applications for this versatile grade. By varying the chemical composition within the limits set by the ASTM specifications and by temper rolling, a broad range of magnetic and mechanical properties can be obtained for a variety of applications.

RESISTANCE TO CORROSION

Type 301 is resistant to a variety of corrosive media. However, the corrosion properties are not as good as the 18-8 chromium-nickel steels. Its susceptibility to carbide precipitation during welding restricts its use in many applications in favor of Types 304 or 304L.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Melting Point	Density	Specific Gravity	Modulus of Elasticity in Tension
2550-2590° F 1399-1421° C	.29 lb/in³ 8.03g/cm³	8.03	28 X 10⁶ psi 193 Gpa

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

Alloy	Temper	Tensile Strength Minimum (psi)	Yield Strength Minimum 0.2% offset (psi)	% Elongation in 2" Minimum	Notes
301	1/4 Hard	125,000	75,000	25 %	-
301	1/2 Hard	150,000	110,000	15 %	-
301	Full Hard	185,000	140,000	8 %	-

All values specified are approximate minimums unless otherwise specified. Values are derived from the applicable AMS and ASTM specifications.

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Alloy	C	Mn	P	S	Si	Cr	Ni	Mo	Cu	N	Other
301	.15	2.00	.045	.030	.75	16.00-18.00	6.00-8.00	.75	.75	.10	-

All values are maximum values unless otherwise specified. Values are derived from applicable AMS and ASTM specifications.

WELDING

N/A

HEAT TREATMENT

Austenitic stainless steels cannot be hardened by heat treatment.