ASTM A240 Type 301 Stainless Steel Sheet & Plate
What is ASTM A240 Type 301 Stainless Steel Sheet ?
As a professional stainless steel plate supplier and China Mill-Direct Supply / Mill Direct Exporter, SHH STEEL is pleased to present ASTM A240 Type 301 Stainless Steel Sheet & Plate.
ASTM A240 Type 301 (UNS S30100) is a chromium-nickel austenitic stainless steel specifically designed for applications requiring high strength and excellent work-hardening characteristics. Compared with the standard Type 304, Type 301 contains lower nickel and slightly lower chromium, which allows it to work-harden much more rapidly during cold forming. This makes it ideal for structural and high-strength components that are formed or rolled.
Type 301 is non-magnetic in the annealed condition but becomes magnetic after cold working. It offers good corrosion resistance in mild environments, excellent toughness, and outstanding formability. It is widely used in transportation, architectural structures, springs, fasteners, and various high-strength fabricated parts.
SHH STEEL supplies ASTM A240 Type 301 as true Mill Direct Supply, sourcing directly from major Chinese stainless steel mills. This model provides competitive mill pricing, consistent quality, full heat traceability and shorter lead times. We offer both sheet and plate in a practical range of thicknesses and surface finishes.
Type 301 is frequently compared with astm a240 type 304 stainless steel sheet plate, astm a240 type 304l stainless steel sheet plate, and the more economical astm a240 type 201 stainless steel sheet plate when strength and formability are key selection factors.
Material Specification
| Specification Element | Requirement | SHH STEEL Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Standard | ASTM A240 / A240M | Full compliance |
| Steel Grade | Type 301 (UNS S30100) | Confirmed |
| Product Form | Sheet, Plate, 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 |
Chemical Composition
Heat Analysis (Ladle Analysis) according to ASTM A240 Type 301:
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.15 |
| 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 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
The lower nickel content (6–8%) compared with Type 304 is the main reason for the rapid work-hardening behavior of Type 301. This characteristic is highly valued in applications that require high strength after forming.
Mechanical Properties
Annealed Condition (typical)
| 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% |
The ability of ASTM A240 Type 301 to reach very high strength levels through cold working is one of its most important advantages over astm a240 type 304 stainless steel sheet plate.
Physical Properties
- Density: 7.93 g/cm³
- Magnetic: Non-magnetic when annealed; becomes magnetic after cold working
- Melting Range: approximately 1400–1420°C
Material Comparison
| Grade | Work Hardening Rate | Strength Potential | Corrosion Resistance | Typical Preference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A240 Type 301 | Very High | Very High | Good | High-strength formed parts |
| A240 Type 304 | Moderate | Standard | Better | General purpose |
| A240 Type 304L | Moderate | Standard | Better | Welded constructions |
| A240 Type 201 | High | High | Moderate | Economical alternative |
| A240 Type 316L | Moderate | Standard | Excellent | Chloride environments |
Type 301 is selected when high strength after cold forming is the primary requirement. For better general corrosion resistance, astm a240 type 304 stainless steel sheet plate or astm a240 type 304l stainless steel sheet plate is preferred. For more severe corrosion, astm a240 type 316l stainless steel sheet plate is the usual upgrade.
Corrosion Resistance
ASTM A240 Type 301 offers good resistance to atmospheric corrosion, fresh water and many mild chemical environments. Its corrosion performance is slightly lower than Type 304 due to the reduced nickel and chromium content, especially in chloride-containing media.
It is suitable for indoor architectural applications, transportation components and general fabrication in mildly corrosive environments. For outdoor or more aggressive service, higher-alloy grades such as astm a240 type 316l stainless steel sheet plate or astm a240 type 2205 stainless steel sheet plate should be considered.
Weldability
Type 301 can be welded by standard fusion and resistance welding methods. Because of its higher carbon content and strong work-hardening tendency, welding procedures should be carefully controlled. Matching or 308L filler metals are commonly used. Post-weld annealing may be required in critical applications to restore corrosion resistance and ductility.
For applications involving heavy welding, many users prefer astm a240 type 304l stainless steel sheet plate.
Heat Treatment
ASTM A240 Type 301 is commonly supplied in the annealed condition or in various cold-worked tempers.
Solution Annealing
- Temperature: 1010 – 1120°C
- Cooling: Rapid cooling (water quench preferred)
Annealing is used to soften the material after cold working and to restore maximum corrosion resistance and ductility.
Surface Finishes
| Finish | Description | Typical Use / Keywords |
|---|---|---|
| 2B | Cold-rolled, annealed, pickled, skin-passed | A240 301 2B – most common for general fabrication |
| BA | Bright Annealed | A240 301 BA – decorative applications |
| No.1 | Hot-rolled, annealed and pickled | A240 301 No.1 – industrial plate |
| No.4 | Brushed finish | A240 301 No.4 – architectural surfaces |
| HL | Hairline finish | A240 301 HL – decorative panels |
| Polished | Mirror or custom polish | A240 301 Polished – high-end applications |
SHH STEEL regularly supplies ASTM A240 Type 301 in 2B and BA finishes, and can provide other finishes according to project requirements.
Tolerances
Dimensional tolerances for ASTM A240 Type 301 Stainless Steel Sheet & Plate conform to ASTM A240 and ASTM A480.
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
SHH STEEL provides precise dimensional control for both standard and custom-size Type 301 sheet and plate.
Equivalent Material Grades
| Grade / Designation | Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| A240 Type 301 | ASTM A240 | — |
| SA240 Type 301 | ASME SA240 | Essentially identical |
| UNS S30100 | — | Unified Numbering System |
| 1.4310 / X10CrNi18-8 | EN 10088-2 | European equivalent |
| SUS301 | JIS G4305 | Japanese equivalent |
Related grades frequently evaluated with Type 301 include astm a240 type 304 stainless steel sheet plate, astm a240 type 304l stainless steel sheet plate, astm a240 type 201 stainless steel sheet plate, and astm a240 type 316l stainless steel sheet plate.
Applications
ASTM A240 Type 301 is widely used where high strength and excellent formability are required. Typical applications include:
| Industry / Sector | Typical Components / Equipment |
|---|---|
| Transportation | Rail car components, truck bodies, trailer parts |
| Architecture & Construction | Structural panels, roofing, decorative elements |
| Springs & Fasteners | Springs, clips, fasteners, washers |
| Automotive | Wheel covers, trim, structural parts |
| Kitchen & Food Equipment | High-strength formed components |
| General Fabrication | High-strength stamped and formed parts |
Supporting industry pages include our construction industry and equipment manufacturing solutions. Fabrication services such as steel cutting services and steel bending and forming services are also available.
Why Choose SHH STEEL
SHH STEEL is a China Mill-Direct Supply and Mill Direct Exporter of stainless steel sheet and plate. We maintain long-term cooperation with major Chinese stainless steel mills and supply ASTM A240 Type 301 with the following advantages:
- Competitive mill-direct 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 A240 301 2B and A240 301 BA)
- Technical support for high-strength material selection
- Value-added services including steel cutting services, steel welding services and worldwide shipping service
FAQ
- What is the main advantage of Type 301 over Type 304?Type 301 work-hardens much more rapidly, allowing it to reach significantly higher strength levels after cold forming. SHH STEEL recommends Type 301 when high strength after forming is the primary requirement.
- Is ASTM A240 Type 301 magnetic?It is non-magnetic in the annealed condition but becomes magnetic after cold working.
- Can Type 301 be used in the annealed condition only?Yes, it can be used annealed, but its main advantage is realized in the cold-worked (tempered) conditions.
- What is the density of Type 301?7.93 g/cm³.
- Does SHH STEEL supply dual-certified ASTM A240 / ASME SA240 Type 301?Yes, dual certification is available upon request.
Conclusion
ASTM A240 Type 301 Stainless Steel Sheet & Plate is a high-strength austenitic stainless steel specially designed for applications that require excellent work-hardening capability, good formability and reliable performance in mildly corrosive environments. It is an outstanding choice for transportation, architectural, spring and high-strength fabricated components.
As a professional China Mill-Direct Supply and Mill Direct Exporter, SHH STEEL provides high-quality ASTM A240 Type 301 sheet and plate with competitive pricing, full certification and complete technical support.
Contact SHH STEEL today for stock availability, temper conditions, surface finish options (including A240 301 2B and A240 301 BA), or a competitive quotation.
ASTM A240 Type 301 Stainless Steel Sheet & Plate, A240 Type 301, 301 stainless steel sheet, 301 stainless steel plate, UNS S30100, A240 301 supplier
Quality Steel Needed? Inquire for Offers
Related Products
