MATERIAL INTRODUCTION
301 Stainless Steel Strip
Metastable austenitic high-elastic stainless steel strip, cold-rolled precision spring stainless steel strip, density: 7.93 g/cm³.
- Grade
- 301
- Thickness
- 0.05–3.0 mm
- Width
- 2 mm
Chemical Composition (wt%)
| C | Cr | Ni | Mn | Si |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≤0.15 | 16.0～18.0 | 6.0～8.0 | ≤2.0 | ≤1.0 |
Applicable Standards
| Standard / Designation |
|---|
| GB/T 3280 |
| JIS G4305 / JIS G4313 |
| ASTM A240 |
| EN 10088-2 |
Tempers & Hardness
| Temper | Hardness / Characteristics |
|---|---|
| ANN (Annealed, Soft Temper) | HV ≤218, excellent elongation, suitable for forming and bending |
| 1/4H | 270–310 HV |
| 1/2H | 310–370 HV (Most widely used for spring contacts) |
| 3/4H | 370–430 HV |
| FH (Full Hard) | 430–490 HV, outstanding elasticity for high-performance springs |
Common Surface Finishes
| Surface | Description / Applications |
|---|---|
| 2B | Matte silver finish, highest cost-performance, primary grade for industrial stamping |
| BA (Bright Annealed) | Bright reflective surface, for cosmetic parts |
| No.4, HL Hairline, 8K Mirror | For decorative applications |
Size Range & Precision Slitting (Edge trimming and deburring)
0.05–3.0 mmThickness
2 mmWidth
±0.002 mmTight tolerance available
Can be slit and precision cut per drawings. Please confirm required dimensions and achievable tolerances with your inquiry.
Material Features
- Much higher work-hardening rate than 304. High strength and elasticity after cold rolling, the first choice for stainless steel springs
- Good atmospheric corrosion resistance, inferior corrosion resistance vs 304; not suitable for chloride or heavily corrosive environments
- Elasticity will be lost after welding; not recommended for parts requiring spring force after welding
- Clearly magnetic after cold working
Applications
Battery springs, connector shrapnels, shielding clips, buckles, spring contacts, switch contacts, instrument elastic components, automotive elastic clips, etc.
Material Comparison
| Grade | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|
| 301 | High work-hardening, excellent elasticity, preferred for shrapnels, moderate corrosion resistance |
| 304 | Poor elasticity, good stamping performance, general corrosion-resistant grade |
| 316L | Good chloride resistance, lower elasticity than 301, higher cost |