301 Stainless Steel properties
301 is an austenitic stainless steel that work-hardens rapidly, gaining strength as it is cold-worked. This makes it ideal for springs, formed parts, and structural components that need high strength with corrosion resistance. Values below are for the annealed condition.
Mechanical properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Yield strength | 40 ksi (275 MPa) |
| Ultimate tensile strength | 110 ksi (760 MPa) |
| Elongation | 60% |
| Hardness | about 85 HRB (Rockwell B) |
| Modulus of elasticity | 28,000 ksi (193 GPa) |
Physical properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.285 lb/in³ (7880 kg/m³) |
| Melting point | about 1400 to 1420 °C |
Thermal properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Thermal conductivity | 16.2 W/m·K |
| Thermal expansion | 17.0 µm/m·°C |
| Specific heat | 500 J/kg·K |
Values are typical for the grade and condition shown. Actual properties vary with temper, heat treatment, and product form, so use these for comparison and preliminary design and confirm against material certificates for final work.
Compare with other materials
See the Material Properties Comparison, Yield Strength, and Density charts.
Typical uses
301 is used for springs, clips, rail car bodies, conveyor parts, and structural panels where cold working builds in strength. Forming or rolling raises its strength dramatically, so a part can be soft and formable during manufacture yet strong in service.
How it compares
301 has slightly less chromium and nickel than 304, trading a little corrosion resistance for stronger work-hardening. It reaches much higher strength when cold-worked than 304, which is why it dominates spring and high-strength sheet applications.
FAQ
Why does 301 stainless work-harden so much?
Its leaner austenitic composition is unstable under cold work, transforming partly to martensite and rapidly raising strength as it is rolled or formed.
Is 301 magnetic?
Annealed 301 is essentially non-magnetic, but cold working makes it partly magnetic as some austenite transforms to martensite.
What is 301 used for?
Springs, clips, structural sheet, and formed parts that benefit from high strength gained through cold working, with good corrosion resistance.