Stainless Steel 301LN
AISI/SAE 301LN · UNS S30153 · EN 1.4318
301LN (S30153) is a low-carbon, nitrogen-alloyed 301 austenitic stainless that combines the strong work hardening of the 301 family with weldability and higher as-annealed strength.
Reference datasheet — 301LN is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the ANN condition
301LN tempers and conditions
301LN is supplied in 7 conditions, soft to hard. ANN is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 7 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ANNDefault Annealed | Pick for maximum formability and weldability — deep-drawn, stretch-formed or welded parts that still need ~400 MPa yield. | 400 | 750 | 50 | 88 HRB | — |
1/16-Hard | Use when a modest strength gain over annealed is needed while keeping good bending and roll-forming behaviour. | 530 | 870 | 38 | 95 HRB | — |
1/8-Hard | Intermediate strength strip for brackets and roll-formed profiles that still require moderate bend radii. | 640 | 950 | 30 | 22 HRC | — |
Quarter hard | Common structural strength level for rail-car skins and load-bearing sheet where some bending is still required. | 750 | 1,050 | 25 | 27 HRC | — |
Half hard | High strength-to-weight sheet for structures, springs and clamps where only gentle forming is done. | 950 | 1,200 | 16 | 33 HRC | — |
Three-quarter hard | Choose for flat springs, shims and very high-strength strip with minimal forming. | 1,100 | 1,330 | 11 | 38 HRC | 2.4 % IACS |
Full hard | Maximum strength strip for spring clips, straps and flat springs; essentially no forming beyond simple bends across the rolling direction. | 1,250 | 1,450 | 8 | 42 HRC | — |
What is 301LN?
301LN (S30153) is a low-carbon, nitrogen-alloyed 301 austenitic stainless that combines the strong work hardening of the 301 family with weldability and higher as-annealed strength. Annealed sheet is rated at 400 MPa yield, 750 MPa tensile, 50 % elongation and 88 HRB, with tempers on file from annealed to full hard and service to 760 °C. Formability (88) and weldability (80) are high, but machinability is low (38) and corrosion resistance (56) is below 304, so it is chosen for high strength-to-weight sheet rather than aggressive chemical service; 301L is the nearest alternative at lower strength. 301LN has a density of 7.9 g/cm³ (0.285 lb/in³), heavier than 68% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,400°C (2,552 °F). 301LN has a yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) and a tensile strength of 750 MPa (109 ksi) — stronger than 57% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 50% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi).
What is 301LN used for?
- rail vehicle bodies
- structural sheet panels
- tanks
Advantages
- Forms and bends easily — 88/100, better than 97% of stainless steel grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 50%, better than 90% of stainless steel grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 80/100, better than 89% of stainless steel grades
- Readily welded — 80/100, better than 80% of stainless steel grades
301LN properties
Typical room-temperature values for 301LN-ANN; bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
301LN has a density of 7.9 g/cm³ (0.285 lb/in³), heavier than 68% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,400°C (2,552 °F).
Mechanical15
301LN has a yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) and a tensile strength of 750 MPa (109 ksi) — stronger than 57% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 50% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi).
Thermal6
301LN is rated for continuous service to 760°C (1,400 °F). It conducts heat at 15 W/m·K (8.67 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 59% of stainless steel grades. Thermal expansion is 16 µm/m·K (8.89 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
301LN conducts electricity at 2.4 % IACS, better than 67% of stainless steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (56/100), worse than 66% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 301LN takes about 53 MJ of energy and emits 4.3 kg of CO₂ — less than 67% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 60%.
Manufacturability7
301LN's machinability is fair (38/100, better than 63% of stainless steel grades); weldability very good (80/100); formability excellent (88/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the stainless steel family
Yield strength against density for every stainless steel grade FabDigit runs. 301LN is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with 301LN
Is 301LN easy to machine?
Gummy and strongly work-hardening — use rigid setups, sharp positive-rake carbide, heavy positive feed, ~40 % of 1212 speeds and flood coolant; avoid dwelling to prevent a hardened skin.
Can 301LN be welded?
Very good with GTAW/GMAW/laser/resistance welding using 308L/307-type or matching filler; low C + N avoids sensitization, but cold-worked strength is lost in the HAZ and heat input should be kept low to limit distortion.
Can 301LN be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent stretch- and deep-drawability in the annealed state (high n-value, strong work hardening with martensite formation); allow generous springback compensation and inter-stage annealing for severe draws, and increase bend radii sharply in 1/2-hard and above.
301LN chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Clow-carbon for weld corrosion resistance | ≤ 0.03 | 0.02 |
| Si | ≤ 1 | 0.5 |
| Mn | ≤ 2 | 1.3 |
| P | ≤ 0.05 | |
| S≤0.015 typical for good weldability | ≤ 0.03 | |
| Cr | 16 – 18 | 17 |
| Nilow Ni gives metastable austenite | 6 – 8 | 6.7 |
| Nsolid-solution strengthening | 0.07 – 0.2 | 0.14 |
| Fe | balance |
What surface finishes work on 301LN?
Supplied 2B/BA/No.4; passivate or electropolish after fabrication for best corrosion behaviour, and pickle/blast off weld heat tint — no anodizing (electrolytic colouring or PVD if colour is needed).
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on stainless steel parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Passivation
Organic Coating
Thermal Spray
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Stainless Steel 301LN in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- S30153
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- 1.4318
How much does 301LN cost?
301LN is a standard-cost stainless steel ($$), cheaper than about 71% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
301LN — frequently asked
What is 301LN used for?
301LN is typically used for rail vehicle bodies, structural sheet panels and tanks. In short: nitrogen-strengthened weldable 301; high strength-to-weight sheet; excellent stretch formability.
What is the yield strength of 301LN?
301LN has a typical yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) and a tensile strength of 750 MPa (109 ksi) — stronger than 57% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 7 listed tempers.
Is 301LN easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (38/100, better than 63% of stainless steel grades). Gummy and strongly work-hardening — use rigid setups, sharp positive-rake carbide, heavy positive feed, ~40 % of 1212 speeds and flood coolant; avoid dwelling to prevent a hardened skin.
Can 301LN be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (80/100). Very good with GTAW/GMAW/laser/resistance welding using 308L/307-type or matching filler; low C + N avoids sensitization, but cold-worked strength is lost in the HAZ and heat input should be kept low to limit distortion.
What surface finishes work on 301LN?
Supplied 2B/BA/No.4; passivate or electropolish after fabrication for best corrosion behaviour, and pickle/blast off weld heat tint — no anodizing (electrolytic colouring or PVD if colour is needed).
Can 301LN be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent stretch- and deep-drawability in the annealed state (high n-value, strong work hardening with martensite formation); allow generous springback compensation and inter-stage annealing for severe draws, and increase bend radii sharply in 1/2-hard and above.
What is the maximum service temperature of 301LN?
301LN is rated for continuous use to about 760°C (1,400 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between 301LN-ANN and 301LN-FH?
ANN is the default condition — pick for maximum formability and weldability — deep-drawn, stretch-formed or welded parts that still need ~400 MPa yield. FH: maximum strength strip for spring clips, straps and flat springs; essentially no forming beyond simple bends across the rolling direction. Yield strength is 400 MPa in ANN versus 1,250 MPa in FH.
How much does 301LN cost?
301LN is a standard-cost stainless steel ($$), cheaper than about 71% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Sources
- ASTM A666 – Standard Specification for Annealed or Cold-Worked Austenitic Stainless Steel Sheet, Strip, Plate, and Flat Bar — ASTM International (2015)
- EN 10088-1/-2 (X2CrNiN18-7, 1.4318) — CEN (2014)
- Outokumpu Forta 301LN / 4318 datasheet — Outokumpu (2021)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 – Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol.13B – Corrosion: Materials — ASM International (2005)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.