301 stainless steel bright wire

301 stainless steel bright wire is a specialized austenitic grade known for its exceptional cold working capabilities and ability to achieve high strength levels while maintaining excellent ductility. This versatile bright wire starts non-magnetic in the annealed condition and develops increased magnetic properties through cold working. Compared to 302 and 304 stainless steel bright wire, type 301 offers superior elongation properties at given strength levels, making it ideal for complex fabrication processes.

Applications of 301 Stainless Steel Bright Wire

This high-performance stainless steel bright wire serves in numerous demanding applications:

• Precision spring manufacturing
• Medical device components
• High-strength fasteners
• Blender blade construction
• Small appliance parts

Chemical Composition and Physical Properties

301 stainless steel bright wire features a precisely controlled composition:

• Chromium: 16.00-18.00%
• Nickel: 6.00-8.00%
• Carbon: 0.15% max
• Manganese: 2.00% max
• Silicon: 1.00% max
• Copper: 0.75% max
• Iron: Balance

Key physical characteristics include:

• Density: 7.88 g/cm³
• Melting Range: 2250-2590°F (1399-1421°C)
• Modulus of Elasticity: 28.0 x 10³ KSI (193 x 10³ MPa) in tension

Mechanical Properties and Corrosion Resistance

In the annealed condition, 301 stainless steel bright wire offers:

• Ultimate Tensile Strength: 75 KSI min (930 MPa min)
• Yield Strength: 30 KSI min (205 MPa min)
• Elongation: 40% min
• Hardness: B92 max

The wire demonstrates excellent corrosion resistance, making it suitable for food service applications and various industrial uses. Its performance is comparable to grade 304 in many corrosive environments, following NACE (National Association of Corrosion Engineers) guidelines for specific applications.