AISI 301LN Stainless Steel Plate | 301LN China steel mill-Direct Supply
What is AISI 301LN Stainless Steel Plate?
As a professional China steel mill-Direct Supply and stainless steel plate supplier, SHH STEEL is pleased to present AISI 301LN Stainless Steel Plate.
AISI 301LN is an advanced variant within the 301 family of austenitic stainless steels. It combines a low carbon content (maximum 0.03%) with intentional nitrogen addition. The low carbon significantly improves resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding, while the nitrogen provides solid-solution strengthening that raises both yield and tensile strength above the levels of standard 301 and 301L. At the same time, the grade retains the outstanding work-hardening characteristics that make the 301 series unique.
This dual optimization makes AISI 301LN particularly suitable for applications that require welding, high strength after cold forming, and better mechanical properties than conventional 304L or 301L. The material remains non-magnetic in the fully annealed condition and becomes magnetic after cold working, when it can reach very high strength levels.
SHH STEEL supplies AISI 301LN as true China steel mill-Direct Supply, sourcing directly from major Chinese stainless steel mills. This model delivers competitive mill pricing, consistent quality, complete heat traceability and reliable delivery. We offer AISI 301LN in plate and sheet form across a practical range of thicknesses, widths and surface finishes to meet industrial and commercial project requirements.
AISI 301LN is frequently compared with A240 301, A240 301, A240 304L, A240 304LN and A240 201 when projects seek an optimal balance of strength, weldability and cost.
The grade is especially valuable in transportation, structural fabrication, springs and high-strength welded components where designers want higher mechanical properties without moving to more expensive duplex or higher-nickel austenitic grades.
Material Specification
| Specification Element | Requirement | SHH STEEL Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Grade | AISI 301LN / UNS S30153 | Confirmed |
| Related Standards | ASTM A240, ASME SA240, EN, JIS related | Available |
| Product Form | Plate, Sheet, Coil | Available |
| Delivery Condition | Annealed or Cold Worked (1/4 Hard, 1/2 Hard, Full Hard) | 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 301LN can be dual-certified or cross-referenced with ASTM A240 Type 301LN when required by the project specification. Related comparison grades include A240 304LN and A240 301.
Chemical Composition
Typical Chemical Composition of AISI 301LN (UNS S30153):
| 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) | 0.10 – 0.25 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
The combination of very low carbon (≤ 0.03%) and elevated nitrogen is the defining feature of AISI 301LN. Low carbon improves resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding, while nitrogen increases strength through solid-solution hardening and helps stabilize the austenitic structure. This chemistry allows the grade to deliver higher mechanical properties than both standard 301 and 301L while preserving good weldability.
For applications requiring still higher corrosion resistance, customers commonly evaluate A240 316L or A240 316Ti.
Mechanical Properties
Annealed Condition (typical values)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 550 MPa |
| Yield Strength (0.2%) | ≥ 240 – 280 MPa |
| Elongation (in 50 mm) | ≥ 35 – 40% |
| Hardness | ≤ 220 HB |
Cold Worked Conditions (typical ranges)
| Condition | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength | Elongation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 Hard | 900 – 1100 MPa | 550 – 750 MPa | ≥ 20% |
| 1/2 Hard | 1100 – 1300 MPa | 800 – 1000 MPa | ≥ 12% |
| Full Hard | ≥ 1300 MPa | ≥ 1000 MPa | ≥ 8% |
AISI 301LN offers higher annealed strength than both standard 301 and 301L due to the nitrogen addition, while still retaining excellent work-hardening capability. This dual benefit makes it attractive for components that must be welded and then cold-formed or that require higher baseline strength.
When significantly higher strength and chloride resistance are required, grades such as A240 2205 or A240 2507 may be considered.
Physical Properties
- Density: approximately 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 | Nitrogen | Strength Level | Weldability & IGC | Typical Preference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AISI 301 | ≤ 0.15% | Low | Very High (work hardened) | Moderate | Maximum strength after forming |
| AISI 301L | ≤ 0.03% | Low | High | Improved | Welded + high-strength applications |
| AISI 301LN | ≤ 0.03% | Elevated | Higher | Improved | Higher strength + good weldability |
| AISI 304L | ≤ 0.03% | Low | Standard | Excellent | Maximum corrosion & weldability |
| AISI 304LN | ≤ 0.03% | Elevated | Higher | Excellent | Higher strength 304 family |
AISI 301LN sits at the top of the 301 series in terms of combined strength and weldability. It is the preferred choice when the design requires higher mechanical properties than 301L together with reliable as-welded performance. When corrosion resistance becomes more critical, the usual upgrades are A240 304L or A240 316L.
Corrosion Resistance
AISI 301LN 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 the 304 and 316 families, 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 301LN offers good weldability due to its low carbon content. The risk of intergranular corrosion in the as-welded condition is substantially reduced compared with standard 301.
Common fusion welding methods (TIG, MIG, resistance welding, laser welding, etc.) can be applied. Matching or 308L-type filler metals are frequently used. Proper post-weld cleaning is recommended to restore surface corrosion resistance. When maximum as-welded corrosion performance is required, many fabricators prefer A240 304L.
The nitrogen content should be considered during welding procedure development to maintain the desired strength and microstructure in the weld zone.
Heat Treatment
AISI 301LN is commonly supplied in the solution-annealed condition or in various cold-worked tempers.
Recommended Solution Annealing Parameters
- Temperature range: 1010 – 1120°C
- Holding time: Sufficient to ensure uniform temperature throughout the cross-section
- Cooling: Rapid cooling (water quench preferred for thicker sections)
Proper solution annealing is important to retain nitrogen in solid solution and to optimize both strength and corrosion resistance. Because of the low carbon content, the risk of sensitization during normal fabrication is greatly reduced.
Surface Finishes
| Finish | Description | Typical Use / Keywords |
|---|---|---|
| 2B | Cold-rolled, annealed, pickled, skin-passed | AISI 301LN 2B – most common for general fabrication |
| BA | Bright Annealed | AISI 301LN BA – decorative applications |
| No.1 | Hot-rolled, annealed and pickled | AISI 301LN No.1 – industrial plate |
| No.4 | Brushed finish | AISI 301LN No.4 – architectural surfaces |
| HL | Hairline finish | AISI 301LN HL – decorative panels |
| Polished | Mirror or custom polish | AISI 301LN Polished – high-end applications |
SHH STEEL regularly supplies AISI 301LN in 2B and BA finishes. Other finishes can be arranged according to project requirements. Related decorative options include A240 430.
Tolerances
Dimensional tolerances for AISI 301LN 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
| Grade / Designation | Standard / UNS | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AISI 301LN | — | — |
| UNS S30153 | — | Unified Numbering System |
| ASTM A240 Type 301LN | ASTM A240 | When dual certified |
| Related low-carbon N-strengthened 301 | EN / JIS / GB | Approximate national equivalents |
Related grades for comparison include A240 301, A240 301, A240 304LN, A240 304L and A240 316L.
Applications
AISI 301LN is used in applications that benefit from higher strength, good weldability and excellent work-hardening capability. Typical applications of AISI 301LN include:
| Industry / Sector | Typical Components / Equipment |
|---|---|
| Transportation | Rail car structural parts, truck bodies, trailer components |
| Architecture & Construction | Welded high-strength structural panels and elements |
| Springs & Fasteners | High-strength springs, clips, fasteners |
| Automotive | Structural and formed components requiring elevated strength |
| 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 301LN 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 301LN 2B and AISI 301LN BA)
- Technical support for selection between 301, 301L, 301LN, 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 301LN over AISI 301L?AISI 301LN contains higher nitrogen, which increases yield and tensile strength while retaining the low-carbon weldability benefit of 301L. SHH STEEL recommends 301LN when higher strength is required together with good weldability.
- How does AISI 301LN compare with AISI 304LN?304LN offers better corrosion resistance due to higher nickel content, while 301LN provides higher work-hardening capability and a more economical solution for high-strength applications. SHH STEEL can help evaluate the best choice for the specific environment.
- Is AISI 301LN 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 301LN?Approximately 7.93 g/cm³. SHH STEEL provides material certificates confirming physical and mechanical properties.
- Does SHH STEEL supply dual-certified ASTM A240 / AISI 301LN material?Yes, SHH STEEL commonly supplies dual-certified material upon request.
Conclusion
AISI 301LN Stainless Steel Plate is a low-carbon, nitrogen-strengthened austenitic grade that delivers higher strength than standard 301 and 301L, together with improved weldability and excellent work-hardening capability. It is an outstanding choice for welded high-strength components in transportation, architecture, springs and general fabrication where elevated mechanical properties and reliable as-welded performance are both required.
As a professional China steel mill-Direct Supply, SHH STEEL provides high-quality AISI 301LN 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 301LN 2B and AISI 301LN BA), or a competitive quotation.
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