Cold Rolled 301 Stainless Steel Sheet (UNS S30100) is a high-strength austenitic chromium-nickel steel engineered for applications requiring exceptional work-hardening and fatigue resistance. While similar to 304, Type 301 provides significantly higher tensile strength when cold-worked. Huaxiao Metal supplies precision 301 sheets in a full range of tempers—including 1/4 Hard, 1/2 Hard, Full Hard (FH), and Extra Hard—meeting ASTM A666 standards for aerospace, automotive, and spring manufacturing.
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Specification: Cold Rolled 301 Stainless Steel Sheet
| Feature | Specification Details |
|---|---|
| Standard | ASTM A666, EN 10088-2, JIS G4305, ASTM A240 |
| Grade / UNS | Type 301 / UNS S30100 / SUS301 |
| Thickness | 0.01mm – 3.0mm (Precision Thin Gauge Available) |
| Width | 600mm – 2000mm (Custom Slitting Service) |
| Tempers | Annealed, 1/4 Hard, 1/2 Hard, 3/4 Hard, Full Hard (FH), Extra Hard (EH) |
| Tensile Strength | 515 MPa (Annealed) to ≥1310 MPa (Full Hard) |
| Surface Finish | 2B, BA, No.4, Hairline, Mirror, Polished |
| Edge Condition | Slit Edge, Deburred Edge, Round Edge |
| Key Advantage | High work-hardening rate & superior fatigue resistance |
Note: Custom mechanical properties can be tailored to your specific application requirements.
Huaxiao Metal is one of the leading Cold Rolled China 301 stainless steel sheet manufacturers. If you need any stainless steel sheet prices, please feel free to contact us.
Available Hardness Conditions & Tempers of 301 Stainless Steel
1. Annealed 301 Stainless Steel Sheet (Soft Condition)
- Tensile Strength: ≤ 750 MPa (approx.)
- Best For: Deep drawing, intricate general fabrication, and complex welding applications.
- Key Features: Offers maximum ductility and the highest corrosion resistance in the 301 series. It is the easiest to process and form into complex shapes.
2. 1/2 Hard & 3/4 Hard 301 Stainless Steel
- Tensile Strength: 930 MPa – 1135 MPa
- Best For: Precision stamping, structural reinforcement, and automotive clips/brackets.
- Key Features: A perfect balance between strength and formability. These tempers provide stable springback control and enhanced elastic performance for structural durability.
3. Full Hard (FH) 301 Stainless Steel Sheet
- Tensile Strength: ≥ 1275 MPa
- Best For: High-performance springs, high-strength stamping, and critical rail transit components.
- Key Features: Characterized by extremely high hardness and outstanding fatigue resistance. It is the industry standard for components that must withstand repetitive stress without deformation.
Available Hardness Conditions & Tempers of 301 Stainless Steel
1. Technical Standards & Equivalents
301 stainless steel is a versatile grade recognized globally under various standards. Our material strictly complies with the following:
- ASTM/ASME: UNS S30100
- EURONORM: X 12 CrNi 17-7
- DIN: 1.4310
- JIS: SUS301
2. Chemical Composition (%)
The precise balance of Chromium and Nickel ensures the high work-hardening capability of Type 301.
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.15 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.0 – 18.0 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 6.0 – 8.0 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.0 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 2.0 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.045 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030 |
301 stainless steel offers an excellent balance of strength, corrosion resistance, and work hardening capability, making it suitable for high-strength industrial applications.
3. Mechanical Properties (ASTM A666 Standard)
We provide a wide range of tempers. Note how tensile strength increases significantly from 1/4 Hard to Full Hard.
| Grade / Temper | Tensile Strength (min) | Yield Strength (0.2% min) | Elongation (in 50mm, min) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 301 1/4 Hard | 125 ksi (860 MPa) | 75 ksi (515 MPa) | 25% |
| 301 1/2 Hard | 150 ksi (1035 MPa) | 110 ksi (760 MPa) | 18% |
| 301 Full Hard | 185 ksi (1275 MPa) | 140 ksi (965 MPa) | 9% |
| Note: Custom high-strength “Extra Hard” tempers are available upon request for specialized spring applications. |
4. Physical Properties
These values represent the standard physical characteristics of 301 stainless steel sheets in typical ambient conditions.
| Physical Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 7.93 g/cm³ (0.285 lb/in³) |
| Melting Point | 1399°C – 1421°C (2550°F – 2590°F) |
| Thermal Conductivity | 16.3 W/m·K (at 100°C) |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 193 GPa (28.0 x 10⁶ psi) |
| Hardness (Typical) | 25-45 HRC (Depending on Temper) |
| Magnetic Properties | Non-magnetic when annealed; becomes Strongly Magnetic after cold rolling. |
Characteristics of Cold Rolled 301 Stainless Steel Sheet
Certainly, here are five key characteristics of cold-rolled 301 stainless steel sheets:
Superior Corrosion Resistance: Type 301 exhibits excellent resistance to atmospheric corrosion and mildly acidic environments, making it ideal for outdoor and industrial hardware.
Exceptional Tensile Strength: Known for its rapid work-hardening rate, 301 can achieve extremely high tensile strength (up to 1300+ MPa) through cold rolling, far exceeding standard 304.
Outstanding Cold Workability: Despite its high strength, it remains highly malleable. It can be precision-formed, bent, and stamped into complex shapes like high-performance springs and clips.
Excellent Cryogenic Performance: It retains toughness and mechanical integrity even at sub-zero temperatures, making it a reliable choice for cryogenic and low-temperature structural parts.
Reliable Weldability: Can be welded using TIG, MIG, and spot welding. Note: While weldable, the high-strength cold-worked properties may be reduced in the heat-affected zone.
These characteristics make cold-rolled 301 stainless steel sheets a versatile choice for a range of industrial and commercial applications.
Application of Cold Rolled 301 Stainless Steel Sheet
Here are five common applications of cold rolled 301 stainless steel sheets:
Automotive Components: Cold rolled 301 stainless steel is used in various automotive parts such as trim, exhaust systems, and brackets due to its corrosion resistance and high strength.
Kitchen Appliances: It is employed in the manufacturing of kitchen appliances like sinks, cookware, and refrigerator panels for its durability and aesthetic appeal.
Fasteners: Cold rolled 301 stainless steel is a popular choice for making fasteners such as screws, bolts, and nuts due to its excellent corrosion resistance and high tensile strength.
Electronics: It finds application in the electronics industry for producing components like connectors, springs, and shielding due to its electrical conductivity and formability.
Aerospace: In aerospace applications, cold rolled 301 stainless steel is used in the fabrication of aircraft structural components and fasteners, benefiting from its strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance.
These applications showcase the versatility of cold rolled 301 stainless steel in industries where corrosion resistance, strength, and formability are critical requirements.
Looking for high-strength stainless steel for deep drawing or forming? Huaxiao Metal’s 301 stainless steel plate can be one of your choices.
Why Choose Huaxiao Metal as Your 301 Stainless Steel Sheet Supplier?
To ensure your project’s success, we offer more than just raw materials. Our commitment to quality and transparency helps you reduce risk and costs:
- 10+ Years Stainless Steel Export Experience
Direct Factory Supply: Competitive price with fast delivery
Large Inventory: Over 5,000 tons in stock
ISO Certified Quality: Strict quality control for every batch
Professional Support: Technical consultation and custom processing
Global Export Experience: Serving clients in over 60 countries
Request a free quote or get technical advice today!
FAQ
Is 301 stainless steel magnetic? Why does it change?
In its annealed (soft) state, 301 is non-magnetic. However, due to its unique chemical composition, it has a high work-hardening rate. During cold rolling, the austenite structure partially transforms into martensite, making the material magnetic. Generally, the higher the hardness (e.g., Full Hard), the stronger the magnetism.
Why choose 301 over 304 for spring applications?
While 304 is the “all-purpose” grade, 301 is the industry standard for springs. It work-hardens much faster and can achieve a tensile strength of over 1300 MPa (185 ksi). This allows 301 springs to store more elastic energy and resist fatigue better than 304, providing a longer service life in high-stress components.
What are the challenges of welding 301 stainless steel?
301 can be easily welded via TIG, MIG, and Spot welding. However, be aware that the heat from welding will “anneal” the local area, causing it to lose the high strength gained from cold rolling. For high-strength structural parts, we recommend mechanical fastening or localized welding to preserve the temper’s integrity.
Can I get custom widths and specific tempers for 301 sheets?
Absolutely. At Huaxiao Metal, we specialize in precision slitting for narrow strips and provide customized tempers including 1/4H, 1/2H, 3/4H, Full Hard, and Extra Hard. We can tailor the mechanical properties to match your specific stamping or forming requirements.
Does 301 stainless steel rust in outdoor environments?
301 offers excellent atmospheric corrosion resistance. While its chromium content (16-18%) is slightly lower than 304, it performs exceptionally well in automotive trim and architectural applications. For extreme marine environments, please consult our team for specific surface treatment recommendations.
How can I verify the quality of your 301 sheets?
Quality is our priority. Every order is shipped with a Material Test Report (MTR) according to ASTM A666. This includes the chemical breakdown and actual mechanical test results (Tensile, Yield, Elongation). Samples are also available for your prototype testing.
Get the Latest 301 Stainless Steel Sheet Price
✔ Factory-Direct Pricing: Skip the middlemen to save on your project costs.
✔ Massive Inventory: Ready-to-ship stock in various tempers (1/4H, 1/2H, FH).
✔ Precision Processing: Custom slitting, precision leveling, and edge-dressing.
✔ Global Export Support: Fast shipping with full export documentation and MTRs.
✔ Free Samples: Quality testing support before you place a bulk order.