X6CrNiTi18-10

1.4541, also known as X6CrNiTi18-10 or AISI 321, is an austenitic titanium stabilised stainless steel with good weldability. Equivalent to 1.4301 but better against intergranular corrosion. Due to the addition of titanium, the material has good impact strength and ductility even at low temperatures.

The composition of 1.4541 usually contains about 17-19% chromium, 9-12% nickel and 0.5-1.0% titanium, together with small amounts of carbon (C) and other alloying elements such as manganese (Mn) and silicon (Si). This composition contributes to its corrosion resistance and stability at elevated temperatures.

1.4541 belongs to the austenitic stainless steel group, characterised by a centred cubic (FCC) crystal structure at room temperature. This structure gives the steel excellent formability and toughness.

One of the most important properties of 1.4541 is its excellent corrosion resistance. The steel offers good resistance to both general corrosion and localised corrosion, including pitting and crevice corrosion, in a wide range of environments, including those containing acids, alkalis and chlorides. This makes it suitable for use in chemical processing, petrochemical and food industries.

1.4541 exhibits good stability at elevated temperatures, with the addition of titanium (Ti) providing carbide precipitation resistance during welding or high temperature service. This property makes it suitable for applications involving prolonged exposure to high temperatures, such as in heat exchangers, exhaust systems and industrial furnaces.

Due to its austenitic structure, steel 1.4541 offers excellent formability, allowing it to be easily fabricated into various shapes and components through processes such as cold forming, bending and welding. This makes it suitable for applications that require complex shapes or customised designs.

Steel 1.4541 can be used in a wide range of industries, including chemical processing, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, food processing and automotive. Common applications include heat exchangers, exhaust systems, piping, tanks and components requiring corrosion resistance and stability at elevated temperatures.