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301 Stainless Steel

301 stainless steel is a high-performance austenitic alloy optimized for high-strength applications. Through precise cold working, it achieves exceptional tensile strength (up to 1850 MPa) and elasticity, making it the premier choice for springs, automotive components, and structural aerospace parts.

Why Choose Huaxiao 301 Stainless Steel?

Full Hardness Range: Available in Annealed, 1/4 Hard, 1/2 Hard, 3/4 Hard, Full Hard, and Extra Hard.
Precision Processing: Ultra-thin foil capabilities and precision slitting with tolerances as tight as ±0.01mm.
Certified Quality: 100% PMI testing and Mill Test Certificate (MTC) provided with every shipment (EN 10204 3.1).
Ready to Ship: Large inventory of standard sizes for rapid global delivery.

Available Forms

We supply full range of 301 stainless steel products:

301 Stainless Steel Strips

Cold Rolled 301 Stainless Steel Sheet

301 Cold Rolled Stainless Steel Coil

Each product is available in custom width, thickness, and hardness condition.

301 Stainless Steel Technical Specifications

Material Overview

AISI 301 (UNS S30100 / EN 1.4310) is a high-performance austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel known for its exceptional work-hardening rate. It is the industry standard for components requiring high tensile strength and ductility.

Key Capabilities: Superior fatigue resistance and high elasticity.
Best For: Precision springs, structural aerospace components, and automotive high-strength parts.

Chemical Composition (ASTM A666)

Precise alloy control ensures consistent performance during cold forming and welding.

Element	Chromium (Cr)	Nickel (Ni)	Carbon (C)	Manganese (Mn)	Silicon (Si)	Phosphorus (P)	Sulfur (S)
Content (%)	16.0 – 18.0	6.0 – 8.0	≤ 0.15	≤ 2.0	≤ 1.0	≤ 0.045	≤ 0.03

Mechanical Properties & Temper Conditions

301 stainless steel’s properties vary significantly based on the Cold Working (Temper) level. We provide customized hardness to meet your specific engineering requirements.

Temper Grade	Tensile Strength (MPa)	Yield Strength (MPa)	Elongation (Min %)	Hardness (HV/HRC)
Annealed	≥ 515	≥ 205	40%	≤ 218 HV
1/4 Hard	≥ 860	≥ 510	25%	250 – 300 HV
1/2 Hard	≥ 1030	≥ 760	15%	310 – 370 HV
3/4 Hard	≥ 1210	≥ 930	10%	370 – 430 HV
Full Hard	≥ 1275	≥ 1000	5%	430 – 490 HV
Extra Hard	Up to 1850	Up to 1450	< 3%	≥ 500 HV

Choosing the Right Grade: 301 vs. 304 Stainless Steel

Understanding the trade-offs between these two popular grades is essential for cost-efficiency and performance. 301 stainless steel offers significant mechanical advantages over 304 stainless steel in specific high-stress environments.

304 vs 301 Stainless Steel: The Ultimate Comparison for Sourcing Managers (2026)

Feature	301 Stainless Steel	304 Stainless Steel
Work Hardening	Very High (Rapidly gains strength)	Moderate
Tensile Strength	Superior (Up to 1850 MPa)	Standard (Approx. 515 MPa)
Corrosion Resistance	Good (Moderate environments)	Higher (Aggressive environments)
Primary Advantage	High Elasticity & Fatigue Resistance	Formability & General Durability

Choose 301 for: High-tension springs, structural frames, and automotive clips.
Choose 304 for: Food processing, chemical containers, and architectural paneling.

Industry Applications

Thanks to its high yield strength, 301 stainless steel is the preferred structural alloy for:

Automotive: Structural components, wheel covers, and wiper arms.
Aerospace: Auxiliary structures and precision aircraft components.
Electronics: Precision stamping parts, connectors, and battery clips.
Transport: Railway car components and heavy-duty trailer frames.

Why Partner with Huaxiao Metal?

As a leading 301 Stainless Steel Supplier in China, we bridge the gap between mill-scale production and precision engineering needs.

Expert Exporting: 15+ years of experience serving clients in over 60 countries.
Precision Processing: Advanced slitting technology offering tolerances as tight as ±0.01mm.
Full Traceability: Every shipment includes a Mill Test Certificate (MTC) per EN 10204 3.1.
Custom Solutions: Flexible hardness levels (1/4H to EH) tailored to your drawing requirements.

Stock, Packaging & Logistics

We ensure your material arrives in factory-prime condition, ready for production.

Available Size Range:
- Thickness: 0.02mm – 3.0mm
- Width: 5mm – 1250mm
Supply Forms: Precision Strips, Coils, and Cut-to-length Sheets.
Export Packaging: Huaxiao Metal utilizes heavy-duty sea-worthy wooden cases with VCI anti-rust wrapping and desiccant to prevent oxidation during transit.

FAQ for 301 Stainless Steel

What hardness levels can you provide for 301 stainless steel strips?

At Huaxiao Metal, we provide a full range of tempers tailored to your project:

Annealed (Soft)
1/4 Hard, 1/2 Hard, 3/4 Hard
Full Hard & Extra Hard (Tensile strength up to 1850 MPa)

Is 301 stainless steel magnetic?

In its annealed state, 301 is non-magnetic. However, due to its high work-hardening rate, it becomes strongly magnetic after cold working (such as rolling or stamping into springs). This is a key characteristic to consider during your design process.

What is the typical lead time for an export order?

For standard stock sizes (thickness 0.05mm – 2.0mm), we can ship within 7-10 days. For custom-slit widths or specific hardness requirements, the typical lead time is 15-20 days depending on the order volume.

Do you provide Mill Test Certificates (MTC)?

Yes, all shipments from Huaxiao Metal are accompanied by an original Mill Test Certificate (EN 10204 3.1). We also support third-party inspections (SGS, BV, TUV) upon request to ensure chemical composition and mechanical properties meet your standards.

Can 301 stainless steel be welded?

Yes, 301 can be welded using common methods like TIG or MIG. However, please note that welding will soften the cold-worked area (heat-affected zone), reducing the high strength back to annealed levels in that specific spot.