321 Stainless Steel Sheet and Plate Supplier

• Alloy Composition: 321 stainless steel contains titanium (Ti) elements, while 304 stainless steel does not contain titanium. The addition of titanium helps improve the high-temperature resistance and corrosion resistance of 321 stainless steel.
• Heat Resistance: In high-temperature environments (typically between 500-600 degrees Celsius), 321 stainless steel exhibits better heat resistance. This gives it an advantage in high-temperature applications.
• Corrosion Resistance: Although both 321 and 304 have excellent corrosion resistance, in certain specific environments, 321 may exhibit slightly stronger corrosion resistance.
• Mechanical Properties: Both have similar mechanical properties, but 321’s high-temperature strength and resistance to intergranular corrosion may be slightly superior to 304.

The surface treatment of 321 stainless steel sheets includes the following:

• 2B: The stainless steel sheet with 2B surface treatment has a smooth and glossy surface, which is suitable for manufacturing deep-drawn parts and products with high appearance requirements.
• BA: BA surface treatment is made of stainless steel plate with 2B surface treatment after continuous electrolytic polishing and surface treatment. BA surface treatment stainless steel plate has a smooth and lustrous surface, suitable for manufacturing high-grade kitchenware and decorative materials, etc.
• NO.1: NO.1 surface treatment is made in the hot rolling process, the surface is relatively rough, suitable for manufacturing some mechanical parts that do not require a surface finish.
• HL: HL surface treatment is made by grinding on the basis of NO.2D surface treatment, and the surface shows a fine rough surface with longitudinal abrasion marks, which is suitable for manufacturing decorative materials and metal products, etc.
• NO.3: NO.3 surface treatment is polished again on the basis of HL surface treatment to make the surface more flat and smooth, suitable for the manufacture of high-grade decorative materials.

The heat treatment methods of 321 stainless steel plate include the following:

• Solution Annealing: At a temperature of 800~900℃, the 321 stainless steel plate is heated for a period of time and then cooled, which can eliminate the residual stress in the material and improve the machinability and ductility of the material.
• Water Quenching and Annealing: 321 stainless steel plate is heated at high temperature and then cooled rapidly, which can increase the hardness and strength of the material.
• Hot Working: cold working or hot working of 321 stainless steel plate at high temperature can improve the mechanical properties and ductility of the material.
• Constant Temperature Quenching: 321 stainless steel plate is heated at high temperature and then quenched after being kept at constant temperature for a period of time, which can improve the strength and hardness of the material while maintaining a certain degree of toughness.
• Tempering Treatment: heating the 321 stainless steel plate at high temperature for a period of time and then cooling it at an appropriate rate can improve the plasticity and toughness of the material and reduce the brittleness of the material.

The service life of 321 stainless steel plate depends on a variety of factors, such as the use environment, stress state, surface treatment quality, use conditions, etc. Generally speaking, under normal use, the service life of 321 stainless steel plate can reach more than 20 years. But if in special use conditions, such as high temperature and pressure, strong corrosive environment, the service life may be reduced accordingly. Therefore, when using 321 stainless steel plate, you need to develop a corresponding use and maintenance plan according to the specific situation in order to extend its service life.

• Control of Usage Environment: Avoid using in harsh environments such as high temperature, strong acids, and alkalis to reduce corrosion and damage to stainless steel.
• Regular Cleaning and Maintenance: Regularly remove stains and impurities from the surface of stainless steel to keep it clean and dry, preventing corrosion and oxidation.
• Proper Material Selection and Design: Choose appropriate 321 stainless steel materials and design structures according to specific usage environments and requirements to enhance corrosion resistance and mechanical performance.
• Standardized Operation and Maintenance: Follow standardized operation and maintenance procedures to prevent stainless steel damage and deterioration caused by improper use and maintenance.