# 321 stainless steel equivalents

321 stainless steel is nearest to EN 1.4541 (X6CrNiTi18-10), JIS SUS321 and China GB 06Cr18Ni11Ti. These are nearest equivalents, not identical grades: the governing standard or mill certificate decides.

| System | Designation |
|---|---|
| AISI / ASTM / SAE | 321 |
| EN steel name | X6CrNiTi18-10 |
| EN steel number | 1.4541 |
| JIS | SUS321 |
| China GB | 06Cr18Ni11Ti |

Family: Austenitic stainless, titanium stabilised

## What it is

An austenitic stainless steel stabilised with titanium. The titanium ties up carbon, so the steel resists intergranular corrosion after long exposure to temperatures that would sensitise plain 304.

## Typical uses

Exhaust manifolds and systems, expansion joints and bellows, aircraft exhaust parts and equipment in continuous elevated-temperature service.

## Machining notes

Similar to 304: it work-hardens, so use sharp tools and a positive feed. Expect somewhat faster tool wear.

## Related grades

- 304 stainless steel (1.4301): Unstabilised standard grade
- 310S stainless steel (1.4845): For higher-temperature oxidation resistance

Equivalents are nearest matches, not identical grades. The governing standard or mill certificate decides.

## FAQ

**What is the European equivalent of 321 stainless steel?**
The nearest EN grade is 1.4541, steel name X6CrNiTi18-10.

**What is the JIS equivalent of 321 stainless steel?**
The nearest Japanese grade is SUS321.

**What is the Chinese GB equivalent of 321 stainless steel?**
The nearest Chinese GB grade is 06Cr18Ni11Ti.

**Is 1.4541 the same as 321?**
1.4541 (X6CrNiTi18-10) is the nearest European equivalent of 321, not an identical grade. Composition limits and required properties differ in detail, so check the governing standard or the mill certificate when it matters.

**What is 321 used for?**
Exhaust manifolds and systems, expansion joints and bellows, aircraft exhaust parts and equipment in continuous elevated-temperature service.

Source page: https://machinistcharts.com/material/321-stainless/
Updated: 2026-10-06
Publisher: MachinistCharts (https://machinistcharts.com)