321 stainless steel wire mesh

321 stainless steel wire mesh (Grade: UNS S32100 | EN 1.4541 | AISI 321) is  a titanium-stabilized austenitic stainless steel grade, similar to 304 but stabilized with titanium content. The addition of Titanium prevents a phenomenon called sensitization (chromium carbide formation) during exposure to high temperatures.

Unlike the low-carbon approach of 304L and 316L (which limits carbon to prevent carbides), 321 uses Titanium to preferentially form titanium carbides, leaving the chromium in solid solution to fight corrosion. This makes it the preferred choice for high-temperature service between 800°F and 1500°F (427°C - 816°C) .

Typical Chemical Composition:

(Note: The Titanium content is typically at least 5 times the Carbon content to ensure full stabilization.)

Key Properties of 321 Stainless Steel wire mesh

· Physical Properties

Density: 7.93 g/cm³

Melting Point: 1398-1420°C  (Service temperature: -196°C ~ 900°C)

Thermal Conductivity: 16.3 W/(m·K) at 100°C

Electrical Resistivity: 0.73 x 10^-6 Ω·m at 20°C

· Mechanical Properties

Tensile Strength: 515-720 MPa

Yield Strength: ≥205 MPa

Elongation: ≥40%

Hardness: ≤187 HB

· Corrosion Resistance

Excellent resistance to general corrosion

Good resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding

Resistance to oxidation at high temperatures

Good high-temperature strength & oxidation resistance up to 900°C

Typical Applications

321 mesh is specified when the final product will be used in high-temperature environments, or when the welding process itself cannot be strictly controlled to prevent carbide precipitation.

· Aircraft Components: Exhaust manifolds, firewalls, engine rings, and thermal anti-icing ducts.

· Industrial Furnaces: Heat treatment baskets, trays, radiant tubes, and furnace curtains.

· Exhaust Systems: Automotive and diesel engine exhaust gaskets and flexible connections.

· Expansion Joints: Mesh for bellows and flexible connectors handling thermal cycling.

· Chemical Processing: Equipment for handling hot organic and inorganic chemicals where 304 would fail due to intergranular corrosion.

· Welded Fabrications: Any welded part that will subsequently be exposed to high service temperatures.

Why Choose 321 Instead of 304L or 310S?

· Choose 321 over 304L when your service temperature will consistently be in the sensitization range (800-1500°F / 427-816°C) . 304L is effective at preventing sensitization during welding, but it loses this advantage if held at high temperatures for long periods. 321 maintains its integrity.

· Choose 321 over 310S if your maximum temperature is below 1700°F (925°C) and you need better resistance to thermal cycling or aqueous corrosion after high-heat exposure. 310S is for higher temperatures, but 321 is often more cost-effective for the "moderate" high-heat range.