Stainless Steel 321 Round Bar is a solid cylindrical metal bar manufactured from the Stainless Steel 321 alloy. Stainless Steel 321 is an austenitic stainless steel with titanium as a stabilizing ingredient. This alloy has good corrosion resistance, especially in high-temperature settings. The round bar shape facilitates machining and shaping for a wide range of applications, including components in the aerospace, automotive, chemical processing, and food sectors. Stainless Steel 321 Round Bar is recognized for its corrosion resistance, high-temperature performance, and mechanical strength, making it an ideal choice for demanding applications that require dependability and longevity.

321 stainless steel is an austenitic alloy made chiefly of chromium (17.0-19.0%) and nickel (9.0-12.0%). It also contains titanium (usually five times the carbon plus nitrogen concentration, with a maximum of 0.70%) to help stabilize the alloy and avoid chromium carbide precipitation during welding or exposure to high temperatures. It may also include trace quantities of manganese, silicon, carbon, phosphorus, and sulfur within prescribed limits to improve its mechanical and corrosion-resistant qualities. This composition makes 321 stainless steel appropriate for applications that need corrosion resistance and high-temperature strength, especially in sensitized settings.

Stainless Steel 321 Round Bar is widely used in various sectors due to its superior corrosion resistance and high-temperature characteristics. Typical uses include aircraft components like exhaust systems, which can easily resist harsh temperatures and corrosive conditions. In chemical processing, it is preferred for equipment such as reactors and pipelines because it is resistant to corrosive chemicals and high-temperature operations. It is also used in food processing gear to ensure sanitation and lifespan in mixers and storage tanks. Stainless Steel 321 Round Bar is also used in automobile exhaust systems, heat exchangers, and petrochemical industries due to its resistance to high temperatures and corrosive fluids. Its adaptability and dependability make it ideal for crucial applications under challenging conditions.

The fundamental difference between Stainless Steel 321 and 321H Round Bar is their carbon content and heat stability. Stainless Steel 321 Round Bar has a maximum carbon concentration of 0.08%, making it suitable for high-temperature applications up to about 900°C (1650°F). However, when exposed to temperatures exceeding 900°C (1650°F) for long periods or subjected to high-temperature cycle circumstances, the carbon concentration in 321 stainless steel can cause sensitization and subsequent intergranular corrosion. To overcome this issue, Stainless Steel 321H Round Bar is mainly processed with higher carbon content, generally ranging from 0.04 to 0.10 per cent. This higher carbon content facilitates the production of more stable carbides, lowering the risk of sensitization and intergranular corrosion, particularly in high-temperature applications. In conclusion, while Stainless Steel 321 and 321H Round Bar provide outstanding corrosion resistance and high-temperature performance, 321H is specially engineered for increased thermal stability in applications where sensitization and intergranular corrosion are a concern at higher temperatures.