301 stainless steel soft wire

The Type 301 stainless steel soft wire represents a versatile austenitic steel that achieves exceptional strength and ductility through cold working. While non-magnetic in its annealed state, this stainless steel soft wire develops increasing magnetic properties with cold working. Compared to Types 302 and 304, it offers superior performance in tempered conditions due to higher elongation capabilities at given strength levels.

Applications of 301 Stainless Steel Soft Wire

Our premium 301 stainless steel soft wire finds extensive use in various industries:

• Medical devices and equipment
• High-performance springs
• Precision fasteners
• Blender blades
• Small appliance components

Chemical Composition and Properties

The 301 stainless steel soft wire features a carefully controlled chemical composition:

• Carbon: 0.15 max
• Chromium: 16.00-18.00
• Nickel: 6.00-8.00
• Manganese: 2.00 max
• Silicon: 1.00 max
• Phosphorus: 0.040 max
• Sulfur: 0.030 max
• Aluminum: 0.75 max
• Copper: 0.75 max
• Nitrogen: 0.10 max
• Iron: Balance

Physical Characteristics of Stainless Steel Soft Wire

Key physical properties that make our 301 stainless steel soft wire ideal for demanding applications:

• Density: 0.285 lbs/in³ (7.88 g/cm³)
• Melting Range: 2250–2590°F (1399–1421°C)
• Electrical Resistivity at 68°F (20°C): 27.4 microhm-in (69.5 microhm-cm)
• Modulus of Elasticity: 28.0 x 10³ KSI (193 x 10³ MPa) in tension

Mechanical Performance Specifications

Annealed Condition

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

Tempered Conditions

Our stainless steel soft wire is available in various tempers:

1/4 Hard

• Ultimate Tensile Strength: 125 KSI min
• Yield Strength: 75 KSI min
• Elongation: 25% min

1/2 Hard

• Ultimate Tensile Strength: 150 KSI min
• Yield Strength: 110 KSI min
• Elongation: 15-18% min (gauge dependent)

3/4 Hard

• Ultimate Tensile Strength: 175 KSI min
• Yield Strength: 125 KSI min
• Elongation: 10-12% min (gauge dependent)

Full Hard

• Ultimate Tensile Strength: 185 KSI min
• Yield Strength: 140 KSI min
• Elongation: 8-9% min (gauge dependent)

Custom specifications for our 301 stainless steel soft wire are available upon request for specialized applications requiring specific mechanical properties.