Stainless Steel 301 is a commonly available austenitic stainless steel having good corrosion resistance and increased amount of carbon to allow for cold working to a range of tempers. Grade 301 stainless steel has high ductility for formed products. It also hardens rapidly during mechanical working and has good weldability. Alloy 301 is used extensively in aircraft components and truck components and bodies.
Stainless Steel 301 is formed easily in the annealed condition. One must be careful in forming operations that involve deforming the material in the tempered condition as cracking and tearing can result. Intermediate annealing only reduces the hardness, and hence, the ultimate properties.
Popular cold work methods are successful with Grade 301 Stainless Steel. However, the material will be more difficult to work than other austenitic stainless steels because of its high work hardening rate. The resulting hardening will, however, result in increased strength and toughness that may be of value in the finished product.
Wherever possible, cold forming is recommended. However, forging, upsetting and other operations can be performed at 1800°F to 2100° F. Temperatures above this range will cause scaling and a reduction in the workability of Stainless Steel 301. Post-process annealing is needed to re-attain maximum corrosion-resistant properties.