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304H vs 321 Stainless Steel: High-Temperature Comparison

At Gangsteel, a trusted supplier of stainless steel, we provide high-quality SA 240 GR 304H and SA 240 GR 321 plates compliant with ASME SA 240 and ASTM A240 standards.

304H stainless steel(UNS S30409, AISI 304H, EN 1.4948) is a high-carbon austenitic grade designed for high-temperature strength up to 1500°F (815°C).

321 stainless steel(UNS S32100, AISI 321, EN 1.4541) is a titanium-stabilized austenitic grade for enhanced weldability and high-temperature performance.

Both are non-magnetic with a density of 8.00 g/cm³. This guide compares 304H vs 321 stainless steel, focusing on high-temperature performance, stabilization, and applications like plat stainless 304 and SA 240 GR 304 pipe. Contact us at admin@gangsteel.com or explore our ASME SA240 Stainless sheet.

 

Overview of 304H vs 321 Stainless Steel

304Huses high carbon for creep resistance in high-heat environments like boilers.

321employs titanium stabilization to prevent sensitization, improving weldability at high temperatures.

Both excel in high-temperature applications, but 321 is better for welded components.

 

Chemical Composition Comparison

Titanium in 321 and carbon content in 304H drive performance differences.

Element

304H (%)

321 (%)

Role

Carbon (C)

0.04 - 0.10

0.00 - 0.08

304H’s high carbon boosts creep strength; 321’s lower carbon aids weldability.

Chromium (Cr)

18.00 - 20.00

17.00 - 19.00

Both resist corrosion via oxide layer.

Nickel (Ni)

8.00 - 10.50

9.00 - 12.00

Higher Ni in 321 enhances toughness.

Titanium (Ti)

-

5xC - 0.70

321’s Ti prevents sensitization.

Iron (Fe)

Balance

Balance

Base metal for structure.

Titaniumin 321 binds carbon, preventing chromium carbide formation. Carbon in 304H enhances high-temperature strength. See sa240 gr 304h and sa240 gr 321.

 

High-Temperature Performance Comparison

304H:

  • Continuous: Up to 1500°F (815°C).
  • Intermittent: Up to 1600°F (871°C).
  • Creep resistance enhanced by high carbon (25.5 ksi at 1000°F).

321:

  • Continuous: Up to 1500°F (815°C).
  • Intermittent: Up to 1650°F (900°C).
  • Titanium stabilization improves corrosion resistance in welds at high temperatures.

Performance: 304H excels in non-welded high-heat; 321 is superior for welded high-temperature components. See sa240 gr 321h.

 

Corrosion Resistance Comparison

304H: Resists mild acids and atmospheric conditions, outperforming SS204 vs SS 304.

321: Similar resistance but better in welded applications due to titanium stabilization.

Titanium Benefit: 321 maintains corrosion resistance in welds at high temperatures. See sa240 gr 316l.

 

Strength Comparison

Property

304H (Min)

321 (Min)

Notes

Tensile Strength (MPa)

515

515

Equal at room temperature.

Yield Strength (MPa)

205

205

Both resist deformation well.

Elongation (%)

40

40

Highly formable for plat SS 304 3mm.

Hardness (Brinell)

≤ 201 HB

≤ 217 HB

321 slightly harder due to Ti.

Both offer similar strength, but 321’s stabilization enhances weld performance at high temperatures. See sa240 gr 304.

 

Weldability Comparison

304H: Fair with ER308H fillers; higher carbon risks sensitization, needing annealing.

321: Excellent with ER347 fillers; titanium prevents sensitization.

For welds, see sa240 gr 321.

 

Applications

304H: Boilers, heat exchangers, power generation (non-welded).

321: Welded high-temperature components, aerospace, chemical processing.

For cost-effective options, see sa240 gr 201.

 

Cost Comparison

As of October 19, 2025:

  • 304H: $1.60-$3.50/kg.
  • 321: $2.00-$3.80/kg.

 

Gangsteel offers $1.60/kg for 304H, $2.00/kg for 321 FOB (MOQ 1 ton). Visit astm a 240 stainless plate.

 

Summary

304His cost-effective for high-temperature, non-welded applications, leveraging high carbon for strength. 321’s titanium stabilization enhances weldability and corrosion resistance for high-temperature welded components. Choose 304H for heat, 321 for welds.

 

 

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