What Is 1.4541 Stainless Steel 2B Tubing?

If you are looking for corrosion-resistant tubing for high-temperature, chemically corrosive environments, or hygienic applications, 1.4541 stainless steel 2B tubing is a proven solution.

 

What is 1.4541 stainless steel 2B tubing?
1.4541 is the EN standard grade for AISI 321 (UNS S32100), a titanium-stabilized austenitic stainless steel. It is specifically designed to resist intergranular corrosion that can occur after welding or heating in the temperature range of 450–850 °C. Processed by cold rolling, annealing, and pickling, it has a smooth, reflective matte surface finish (Ra ≤ 0.4 µm). It is ideal for exhaust systems, boiler tubes, heat exchangers, chemical processing, and food-grade piping applications that require both corrosion resistance and surface consistency.

 

​1.4541 stainless steel 2B tubing specification

Feature	Description
Process	Cold rolling → annealing → pickling
Appearance	Smooth, uniform matte sheen
Roughness (Ra)	≤ 0.4 µm
Thickness Tolerance	Tight, per EN 10217‑7 / ASTM A269
Typical Uses	Sanitary, architectural, visible industrial piping
Corrosion Benefit	Pickled surface removes scale/oxides, improving passive layer adhesion

 

​1.4541 stainless steel tubing Chemical Composition (Typical Ranges – EN 10088‑1 / ASTM A240)​

Element	1.4541 (AISI 321) Typical %
Carbon (C)	≤ 0.08
Chromium (Cr)	17.0–19.0
Nickel (Ni)	9.0–12.0
Titanium (Ti)	≥ 5×C (min 0.3–0.7)
Manganese (Mn)	≤ 2.0
Silicon (Si)	≤ 1.0
Phosphorus (P)	≤ 0.045
Sulfur (S)	≤ 0.030
Nitrogen (N)	≤ 0.10

 

​1.4541 tubing Mechanical Properties (Annealed Condition)​

Property	Value
Tensile Strength (MPa)	500–700
Yield Strength @0.2% (MPa)	≥ 205
Elongation (%)	≥ 40
Hardness (HBW)	≤ 217
Density (g/cm³)	7.9
Modulus of Elasticity (GPa)	~193

 

Applications of 1.4541 2B Tubing​

Industry	Typical Use
Automotive / Aerospace	Exhaust manifolds, EGR tubes
Power Generation	Boiler superheater tubes
Chemical Processing	Heat exchangers, process lines
Food & Beverage	Sanitary tubing (meets 3A/EHEDG where polished further)
Oil & Gas	Mild sour service lines (limited H₂S)

 

 Comparison with Similar Grades​

Grade	Stabilization	Max Service Temp (Oxidation)	Intergranular Corrosion Resistance	Cost vs 1.4541
1.4541 (321)	Ti‑stabilized	~900 °C	Excellent after welding	Baseline
1.4301 (304)	None	~870 °C	Prone to sensitization in 450–850 °C range	Cheaper (~10–15%)
1.4571 (316Ti)	Ti + Mo (2–3%)	~900 °C	Superior pitting resistance	More expensive (~20–30%)

 

What is the difference between 2B and BA surface finished tubes?
2B surface finish is a matte surface after cold rolling + annealing + pickling (Ra ≤ 0.4 µm); BA surface finish is bright annealed (Ra ≤ 0.2 µm), has higher reflectivity, is usually smoother, but is more expensive.

 

Is 1.4541 magnetic?
No, it has an austenitic structure in the annealed state and is not magnetic (slight magnetism may be exhibited after cold working).

 

Can I use 1.4541 tubes for food processing?
Yes, if properly surface treated (polished or electropolished, with a surface finish better than 2B), it meets hygiene standards such as 3A and EHEDG.

 

What is the price per meter/kilogram for 1.4541 2B tubes?
Prices vary depending on size/thickness, but are generally 10-20% higher than 1.4301 2B tubes due to the addition of titanium; please check with your supplier for real-time pricing for accurate prices.

Click to get the latest price

For urgent requirements, the biggest advantage is that most common sizes of AISI 321 pipes are readily available in our Chinese warehouse. GNEE can quickly supply materials to the Middle East and North African countries, with distributor pricing available for bulk orders. Considering our export volume over the past 10 years, GNEE ranks among the top ten exporters of SS 321 pipes in China. We only supply materials that meet EN 10204 Type 3.1 MTC standards.
At GNEE, buyers of UNS S32100 pipes can compare sizes, datasheets, and price lists from leading Chinese and European 304 stainless steel pipe manufacturers. Get a free quote today!