AISI 301L Stainless Steel Plate | 301L China steel mill-Direct Supply
What is AISI 301L Stainless Steel Plate?
As a professional China steel mill-Direct Supply and stainless steel plate supplier, SHH STEEL is pleased to present AISI 301L Stainless Steel Plate.
AISI 301L is the low-carbon variant of the well-known AISI 301 austenitic stainless steel. By limiting the carbon content to a maximum of 0.03%, AISI 301L significantly improves resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding, while still maintaining the outstanding work-hardening characteristics and high strength that define the 301 family. This combination makes AISI 301L particularly suitable for welded structures that also require high strength after cold forming.
The grade retains an austenitic microstructure in the annealed condition and is non-magnetic when fully annealed. After cold working it becomes magnetic and can achieve very high strength levels. AISI 301L offers a practical balance of formability, strength, weldability and cost, positioning it between standard 304L and the higher-strength work-hardening grades.
SHH STEEL supplies AISI 301L as true China steel mill-Direct Supply, sourcing directly from major Chinese stainless steel mills. This supply model delivers competitive mill pricing, consistent quality, complete heat traceability and reliable delivery schedules. We offer AISI 301L in plate and sheet form across a practical range of thicknesses, widths and surface finishes to meet both industrial and commercial project requirements.
AISI 301L is frequently evaluated alongside A240 301, A240 304L, A240 304 and A240 201 when projects require an optimal combination of strength, weldability and economy.
Compared with standard AISI 301, the low-carbon 301L version is preferred whenever significant welding is involved or when the fabricated component will operate in environments where intergranular corrosion could become a concern. At the same time, it preserves the ability to reach high strength through cold working, which remains the key advantage of the 301 series over conventional 304L.
Material Specification
| Specification Element | Requirement | SHH STEEL Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Grade | AISI 301L / UNS S30103 | Confirmed |
| Related Standards | ASTM A240, ASME SA240, JIS, EN related | Available |
| Product Form | Plate, Sheet, Coil | Available |
| Delivery Condition | Annealed or Cold Worked (1/4 Hard, 1/2 Hard, etc.) | Available |
| Thickness Range | 0.3 mm – 50 mm (thicker available on request) | Custom sizes supported |
| Width | Up to 1500–2000 mm | Available |
| Length | Up to 6000 mm or coil / cut-to-length | Available |
| Surface Finish | 2B, BA, No.1, No.4, HL, Polished | Available |
| Certification | EN 10204 3.1 / Mill Test Certificate | Available |
AISI 301L can be dual-certified or cross-referenced with ASTM A240 Type 301L when project specifications require it. Related product pages for comparison include A240 304L and A240 301.
Chemical Composition
Typical Chemical Composition of AISI 301L (UNS S30103):
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.03 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.00 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 2.00 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.045 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.00 – 18.00 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 6.00 – 8.00 |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.20 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
The decisive difference from standard AISI 301 is the strict limitation of carbon to ≤ 0.03%. This low carbon level greatly reduces the risk of chromium carbide precipitation at grain boundaries during welding or exposure to the sensitization temperature range, thereby improving resistance to intergranular corrosion. The nickel and chromium ranges remain similar to standard 301, preserving the rapid work-hardening behavior that characterizes the grade.
For applications requiring still higher corrosion resistance, customers often evaluate A240 316L or A240 316Ti.
Mechanical Properties
Annealed Condition (typical values)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 515 MPa (75 ksi) |
| Yield Strength (0.2%) | ≥ 205 MPa (30 ksi) |
| Elongation (in 50 mm) | ≥ 40% |
| Hardness | ≤ 217 HB |
Cold Worked Conditions (typical ranges)
| Condition | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength | Elongation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 Hard | 860 – 1035 MPa | 515 – 725 MPa | ≥ 25% |
| 1/2 Hard | 1035 – 1275 MPa | 760 – 965 MPa | ≥ 15% |
| Full Hard | ≥ 1275 MPa | ≥ 965 MPa | ≥ 9% |
AISI 301L retains the excellent work-hardening capability of the 301 family. Even with the low carbon content, the grade can still achieve very high strength levels after cold rolling or forming. This makes it suitable for components that require both welding and subsequent high strength.
When higher baseline strength without relying on cold work is required, grades such as A240 2205 may be considered.
Physical Properties
- Density: 7.93 g/cm³
- Magnetic Response: Non-magnetic in the annealed condition; becomes magnetic after cold working
- Melting Range: approximately 1400–1420°C
Material Comparison
| Grade | Carbon | Work Hardening | Weldability & IGC Resistance | Strength Potential | Typical Preference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AISI 301 | ≤ 0.15% | Very High | Moderate | Very High | Maximum strength after forming |
| AISI 301L | ≤ 0.03% | High | Improved | Very High | Welded + high-strength applications |
| AISI 304L | ≤ 0.03% | Moderate | Excellent | Standard | Maximum weldability & corrosion |
| AISI 304 | ≤ 0.08% | Moderate | Good | Standard | General purpose |
| AISI 201 | ≤ 0.15% | High | Moderate | High | Economical alternative |
AISI 301L is positioned as the low-carbon, more weldable version of AISI 301. It is the preferred choice when the design involves welding and the component must still achieve high strength through cold working. When corrosion resistance becomes more critical, the usual upgrades are A240 304L or A240 316L.
Corrosion Resistance
AISI 301L provides good resistance to atmospheric corrosion, fresh water and many mild chemical environments. The low carbon content gives it significantly better resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding compared with standard AISI 301.
Its overall corrosion performance remains slightly lower than that of Type 304L, particularly in chloride-containing or more aggressive media. It is suitable for indoor architectural applications, transportation components, welded high-strength structures and general fabrication in mildly corrosive environments.
For outdoor exposure or more severe service conditions, higher-alloy grades such as A240 316L or A240 2205 should be evaluated.
Weldability
AISI 301L offers noticeably better weldability than standard AISI 301 because of its low carbon content. The risk of intergranular corrosion in the as-welded condition is substantially reduced, making it suitable for multi-pass welding and fabricated structures that also require high strength.
Common welding processes (TIG, MIG, resistance welding, laser welding, etc.) can be used. Matching or 308L-type filler metals are frequently selected. Proper cleaning after welding is recommended to restore surface corrosion resistance. When maximum as-welded corrosion performance is required, many fabricators still prefer A240 304L.
Heat Treatment
AISI 301L is commonly supplied in the annealed condition or in various cold-worked tempers.
Solution Annealing Parameters
- Temperature range: 1010 – 1120°C
- Holding time: Sufficient to ensure uniform temperature throughout the section
- Cooling: Rapid cooling (water quench preferred for thicker sections)
Proper solution annealing restores ductility after cold working and maximizes corrosion resistance. Because of the low carbon content, the risk of sensitization during normal fabrication is greatly reduced compared with standard 301.
Surface Finishes
| Finish | Description | Typical Use / Keywords |
|---|---|---|
| 2B | Cold-rolled, annealed, pickled, skin-passed | AISI 301L 2B – most common for general fabrication |
| BA | Bright Annealed | AISI 301L BA – decorative applications |
| No.1 | Hot-rolled, annealed and pickled | AISI 301L No.1 – industrial plate |
| No.4 | Brushed finish | AISI 301L No.4 – architectural surfaces |
| HL | Hairline finish | AISI 301L HL – decorative panels |
| Polished | Mirror or custom polish | AISI 301L Polished – high-end applications |
SHH STEEL regularly supplies AISI 301L in 2B and BA finishes. Other finishes can be arranged according to project requirements. Related decorative grades such as A240 430 are also available.
Tolerances
Dimensional tolerances for AISI 301L Stainless Steel Plate generally conform to ASTM A480 practices.
Typical available size range:
- Thickness: 0.3 mm – 50 mm
- Width: up to 1500–2000 mm
- Length: up to 6000 mm or coil / cut-to-length
Hot-Rolled Plate Thickness Tolerance (typical reference):
| Specified Thickness (mm) | Approximate Tolerance (mm) |
|---|---|
| 3.00 – 5.00 | ±0.30 – ±0.40 |
| 5.00 – 8.00 | ±0.40 – ±0.50 |
| 8.00 – 12.00 | ±0.50 – ±0.60 |
| 12.00 – 20.00 | ±0.60 – ±0.80 |
| 20.00 – 30.00 | ±0.80 – ±1.00 |
| 30.00 – 50.00 | ±1.00 – ±1.20 |
Actual tolerances depend on mill capability and order agreement. SHH STEEL can provide tighter tolerances upon request.
Equivalent Material Grades
Applications
AISI 301L is used in applications that require both good weldability and high strength after cold forming. Typical applications of AISI 301L include:
| Industry / Sector | Typical Components / Equipment |
|---|---|
| Transportation | Rail car structural parts, truck bodies, trailer components |
| Architecture & Construction | Welded structural panels, roofing, decorative elements |
| Springs & Fasteners | High-strength springs, clips, fasteners |
| Automotive | Structural and formed components |
| Kitchen & Food Equipment | Welded high-strength formed parts |
| General Fabrication | High-strength welded and cold-formed assemblies |
For related industry solutions, see our construction industry and equipment manufacturing pages. Fabrication support is available through steel cutting services and steel bending and forming services.
Why Choose SHH STEEL
SHH STEEL is a China steel mill-Direct Supply specializing in stainless steel plate and sheet. By working directly with major Chinese stainless steel mills, we supply AISI 301L with the following advantages:
- Genuine China steel mill-Direct Supply pricing
- Consistent quality and complete heat traceability
- Full Mill Test Certificates (EN 10204 3.1)
- Supply in annealed or cold-worked conditions
- Flexible dimensions and surface finishes (including AISI 301L 2B and AISI 301L BA)
- Technical support for selection between 301, 301L, 304L and higher-alloy grades
- Value-added services including steel cutting services, steel welding services and worldwide shipping service
For more information about our company and full product range, please visit China steel Mill Agent-SHH STEEL.
FAQ
- What is the main advantage of AISI 301L over AISI 301?AISI 301L has a much lower carbon content (≤ 0.03%), which greatly improves resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding while still retaining excellent work-hardening capability. SHH STEEL recommends 301L whenever welding is involved.
- How does AISI 301L compare with AISI 304L?AISI 301L offers higher strength potential after cold working, while 304L provides better overall corrosion resistance. SHH STEEL can help evaluate which grade better matches the specific service conditions.
- Is AISI 301L magnetic?Non-magnetic in the annealed condition. It becomes magnetic after cold working. SHH STEEL supplies both conditions according to project needs.
- What is the density of AISI 301L?7.93 g/cm³. SHH STEEL provides material certificates confirming physical and mechanical properties.
- Does SHH STEEL supply dual-certified ASTM A240 / AISI 301L material?Yes, SHH STEEL commonly supplies dual-certified material upon request.
Conclusion
AISI 301L Stainless Steel Plate is the low-carbon version of the high-strength 301 austenitic stainless steel. It successfully combines improved weldability and better resistance to intergranular corrosion with the excellent work-hardening capability and high strength that characterize the 301 family. It is an outstanding choice for welded high-strength components in transportation, architecture, springs and general fabrication.
As a professional China steel mill-Direct Supply, SHH STEEL provides high-quality AISI 301L Stainless Steel Plate with competitive pricing, full certification and complete technical support.
Contact SHH STEEL today for stock availability, temper conditions, surface finish options (including AISI 301L 2B and AISI 301L BA), or a competitive quotation.
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