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Alloy Technical Data Sheet
Type 301 Stainless Steel
Austenitic Stainless Steel · UNS S30100
Austenitic 17% chromium / 7% nickel stainless that develops the highest cold-worked strength of the stable austenitic grades — ideal for springs, clips and trim.
General Properties
Type 301 is an austenitic stainless steel with a nominal composition of 17 percent chromium and 7 percent nickel. Its high strength in the cold-rolled tempers, resistance to atmospheric corrosion and bright, attractive surface have made it widely used for springs and structural or decorative parts.
Typical applications include springs, hose clamps, automotive trim and wheel covers, conveyor belts, kitchen equipment, roof drainage systems, truck and trailer bodies, and railway cars. By varying chemistry within ASTM limits and by temper rolling, a broad range of magnetic and mechanical properties can be obtained.
Chemical Composition
| Element | 301 |
|---|---|
| Carbon | 0.15 |
| Manganese | 2.00 |
| Phosphorus | 0.045 |
| Sulfur | 0.030 |
| Silicon | 1.00 |
| Chromium | 16.00–18.00 |
| Nickel | 6.00–8.00 |
| Nitrogen | 0.10 |
| Iron | Balance |
Mechanical Properties
Type 301 is used in the annealed and cold-rolled conditions. When work-hardened it develops higher tensile strength than the other stable austenitic grades.
| Temper | Tensile, ksi (MPa) | 0.2% Yield, ksi (MPa) | Elong. in 2″, % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annealed | 75 (515) | 30 (205) | 40 |
| 1/4 Hard | 125 (862) | 75 (517) | 25 |
| 1/2 Hard | 150 (1,034) | 110 (758) | 18* |
| 3/4 Hard | 175 (1,207) | 135 (931) | 12* |
| Full Hard | 185 (1,276) | 140 (965) | 9* |
*Elongation shown for thickness greater than 0.015″ (0.38 mm).
Physical Properties
| Melting range | 2550–2590 °F (1399–1421 °C) |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.29 lb/in³ (8.03 g/cm³) |
| Specific gravity | 8.03 |
| Modulus of elasticity (tension) | 28 × 10⁶ psi (193 GPa)* |
| Specific heat, 32–212 °F | 0.12 Btu/lb·°F (500 J/kg·K) |
Annealed condition, average composition. *The modulus is lowered in the cold-worked condition.
Thermal Expansion
| °F | °C | in/in/°F | cm/cm/°C |
|---|---|---|---|
| 68–212 | 20–100 | 9.2 × 10⁻⁶ | 16.6 × 10⁻⁶ |
| 68–572 | 20–300 | 9.8 × 10⁻⁶ | 17.6 × 10⁻⁶ |
| 68–932 | 20–500 | 10.3 × 10⁻⁶ | 18.6 × 10⁻⁶ |
| 68–1292 | 20–700 | 10.8 × 10⁻⁶ | 19.5 × 10⁻⁶ |
| 68–1600 | 20–871 | 11.0 × 10⁻⁶ | 19.8 × 10⁻⁶ |
Expansion is higher than many other metals — consider it when designing assemblies with dissimilar materials.
Thermal Conductivity
| °F | °C | Btu/hr·ft·°F | W/m·K |
|---|---|---|---|
| 68–212 | 20–100 | 9.4 | 16.3 |
| 68–932 | 20–500 | 12.4 | 21.4 |
Electrical Resistivity
| °F | °C | Microhm-in | Microhm-cm |
|---|---|---|---|
| 68 | 20 | 28.3 | 72 |
| 212 | 100 | 30.7 | 78 |
| 392 | 200 | 33.8 | 86 |
| 752 | 400 | 39.4 | 100 |
| 1112 | 600 | 43.7 | 111 |
| 1472 | 800 | 47.6 | 121 |
| 1652 | 900 | 49.6 | 126 |
Magnetic Permeability
Properly annealed Type 301 is fully austenitic, with magnetic permeability of 1.02 maximum at 200 H. Cold working forms martensite and increases magnetic permeability.
Corrosion & Oxidation Resistance
Type 301 resists a variety of corrosive media, though not as well as the 18-8 chromium-nickel grades. Susceptibility to carbide precipitation during welding favors Types 304 or 304L for many welded applications.
Oxidation resistance is good up to about 1550 °F (840 °C). Use at 1600 °F (871 °C) and above is not suggested. Oxidation rates depend heavily on atmosphere, thermal cycling and design.
Values are typical or specification minimums as noted, provided for information only, and should not be used as design limits or as a guarantee of properties for any particular lot or application. Certified test reports are supplied with each order.Rev. 10/2026