1/4H 1/2H 3/4 FH 301 Stainless Steel Sheet Cold Rolled Bright Annealing SS Sheet SUS301 for Spring

1/4H, 1/2H, 3/4H 301 Stainless Steel Sheet Cold Rolled Bright Annealed SUS301 for Spring

Product Overview

301 Stainless Steel is a high-performance, austenitic stainless steel known for its excellent corrosion resistance, good formability, and remarkable strength. It is widely used in manufacturing components that require both durability and flexibility, such as springs, fasteners, and other precision-engineered parts.

This specific product, 301 Stainless Steel Sheet Cold Rolled Bright Annealed SUS301, is designed for applications that require superior mechanical properties and resistance to corrosion. The various hardness levels like 1/4H, 1/2H, and 3/4H indicate different degrees of cold working, making it ideal for producing components that require specific strength and elasticity. The bright annealing process ensures a smooth, reflective finish that is aesthetically pleasing and resistant to environmental elements.

Let’s explore the properties, standards, and applications of this versatile stainless steel product.

Product Specifications

The 1/4H, 1/2H, 3/4H 301 Stainless Steel Sheet is available in cold-rolled forms, specifically designed to be used in a variety of applications where flexibility and strength are paramount. Here’s a breakdown of the key product features:

Bright Annealing Process

Bright annealing is a heat treatment process that not only enhances the material's strength but also produces a clean, reflective finish. This process involves heating the stainless steel to a high temperature in a controlled atmosphere (usually hydrogen or nitrogen) to reduce oxidation. This results in:

• Enhanced corrosion resistance: The bright annealing process minimizes the formation of an oxide layer, making the steel more resistant to corrosive environments.

• Improved surface finish: The surface of the steel remains smooth, uniform, and highly reflective.

• Uniform mechanical properties: Bright annealing ensures consistent material properties across the entire sheet, which is essential for critical applications like spring manufacturing.

Hardness Levels: 1/4H, 1/2H, 3/4H

The 1/4H, 1/2H, and 3/4H designations refer to the level of cold working that has been applied to the stainless steel. These hardness levels are critical for applications where specific mechanical properties are required, such as in the production of springs and clips. The different hardness levels are achieved by varying the amount of deformation during the cold rolling process:

• 1/4H (1/4 Hard):

  • Hardness Level: Low cold working

  • Tensile Strength: Approx. 600-650 MPa

  • Application: Suitable for applications requiring moderate strength and flexibility.

  • Usage: Can be used for light-duty springs, clips, or decorative parts.

• 1/2H (1/2 Hard):

  • Hardness Level: Moderate cold working

  • Tensile Strength: Approx. 650-700 MPa

  • Application: Ideal for medium-strength springs and fasteners.

  • Usage: Commonly used for parts subjected to moderate stress, like automotive components or structural applications.

• 3/4H (3/4 Hard):

  • Hardness Level: High cold working

  • Tensile Strength: Approx. 700-750 MPa

  • Application: Suitable for high-strength springs and critical components that require enhanced durability and resistance to deformation.

  • Usage: Used in high-performance applications such as heavy-duty springs and clips in industrial machinery.

The choice of hardness level depends on the specific requirements of the final application, such as the degree of flexibility, strength, and fatigue resistance needed.

Advantages of 301 Stainless Steel SUS301 for Spring Manufacturing

1. High Strength and Durability:

   • 301 Stainless Steel exhibits excellent tensile strength and yield strength, which is essential for spring applications that undergo repeated stress and deformation. The higher the cold work (e.g., 3/4H), the greater the strength and resistance to permanent deformation, making it ideal for high-performance springs.

2. Excellent Corrosion Resistance:

   • Thanks to its high chromium content, SUS301 stainless steel is highly resistant to rust and corrosion, which makes it suitable for use in harsh environments, including outdoor, marine, and chemical processing industries. This resistance is further enhanced by the bright annealing process, ensuring long-term durability.

3. Good Formability:

   • Despite its high strength, 301 stainless steel offers excellent formability, especially in its annealed state. This makes it easy to fabricate into complex shapes required for springs, clips, and fasteners, which is critical in manufacturing precision parts.

4. Superior Surface Finish:

   • The bright annealed finish results in a smooth, aesthetically pleasing surface that is also easier to clean. This feature is particularly valuable for products that need to maintain both their functional and visual appeal.

5. Fatigue Resistance:

   • Springs made from 301 stainless steel are highly resistant to fatigue, which is critical in applications where the material will undergo repeated loading and unloading cycles. This makes it ideal for use in automotive suspension systems, appliances, and mechanical devices.

Common Applications

1. Spring Manufacturing:
301 stainless steel in 1/4H, 1/2H, and 3/4H hardness levels is commonly used to manufacture springs due to its excellent fatigue resistance, strength, and corrosion resistance. Applications include:

• Compression springs: Used in a wide range of industries such as automotive and consumer electronics.

• Tension springs: Typically used in machinery, automotive, and aerospace applications.

• Torsion springs: Common in mechanical clocks, toys, and other precision equipment.

2. Automotive Components:
The high strength and durability of 301 stainless steel make it ideal for producing automotive components such as:

• Suspension systems: Springs used in car suspension systems are made from high-strength stainless steel to withstand shock and pressure.

• Clips and fasteners: Used for securing parts and assemblies within vehicles.

3. Aerospace Industry:
In aerospace, components such as springs, clips, and retaining rings made from 301 stainless steel are essential for ensuring the reliability and performance of aircraft under extreme conditions.

4. Electronics and Appliances:
Small springs used in electrical contacts, microwave ovens, and washing machines benefit from the durability and corrosion resistance of SUS301 stainless steel. It ensures longevity and consistent performance in everyday appliances.

5. Industrial Equipment:
Stainless steel springs are often used in industrial machinery and equipment where both strength and resistance to corrosion are required.

Technical Specifications and Comparison

Conclusion

The 301 Stainless Steel Sheet Cold Rolled Bright Annealed SUS301 is an excellent choice for manufacturing high-strength, durable, and corrosion-resistant springs, fasteners, and precision parts. The availability of different cold-working levels (1/4H, 1/2H, 3/4H) allows for customization of mechanical properties, making it suitable for a wide range of applications in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and industrial machinery.

With its superior surface finish, outstanding fatigue resistance, and versatility in forming and welding, 301 Stainless Steel remains a top choice for producing high-quality components that demand exceptional performance under stress. Whether you require lightweight, medium, or heavy-duty springs, this material meets the demanding specifications needed to deliver reliable, long-lasting results.