Aerospace and Aviation
Aerospace fitters set exhaust stacks, collector rings, and engine mounts with SS 321 shims. Welded joints keep their corrosion resistance without the post-weld annealing that plain 304 spacers need to undo weld sensitisation.
What are Stainless Steel 321 Shims?
Stainless Steel 321 shims are precision-slit austenitic spacers stabilised with titanium, carrying 17 to 19% chromium and 9 to 12% nickel. The titanium locks carbon into stable carbides, so the material resists intergranular attack through the 425 to 815 °C sensitisation band. Corrosion resistance tracks Type 304, while hot strength holds well above it. Fitters choose 321 shim stock for joints that run hot or sit beside welds. Stainless Steel 321 shims are typically used for high-temperature alignment in aircraft engines and exhaust systems.
As a reliable Stainless Steel 321 Shim supplier, we slit every 321 shim in-house from stainless steel coil. Material ships annealed soft only, since Grade 321 is supplied exclusively in the annealed (soft) condition, as it is not a cold-worked temper grade. Any width between 3 mm and 2000 mm holds ±0.1 mm, with deburred or round edges ready for gasket faces.
Specifications of Stainless Steel 321 Shims
We provide ASTM A240 Type 321 shims in the annealed soft condition, custom-slit from ready inventory, with the finish and edge options below.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard | ASTM A240 / ASME SA-240 |
| Thickness | 0.03 mm to 5 mm |
| Width | 3 mm to 2000 mm |
| Width Tolerance | ±0.1 mm |
| Condition | Annealed (Soft) |
| Supply Forms | Cold rolled |
| Surface Finish | BA (Bright Annealed), 2B, Matte, Scotch-Brite |
| Edge | Slit edge, Mill edge, Deburred edge, Round edge |
Chemical Composition of Stainless Steel 321 Shims
Titanium defines this grade. Added at five times combined carbon and nitrogen, it forms stable carbides and leaves chromium free to guard the surface, as the ASTM A240 limits below show.
| Element | Composition (% by weight) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.08 max |
| Manganese (Mn) | 2.00 max |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.045 max |
| Sulphur (S) | 0.030 max |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.75 max |
| Chromium (Cr) | 17.00 to 19.00 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 9.00 to 12.00 |
| Titanium (Ti) | 5x(C+N) min, 0.70 max |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.10 max |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
Mechanical Properties of Stainless Steel 321 Shims
Ductility carries this product. Annealed alloy 321 shims stretch 40% minimum, so they punch and bend cleanly. Shims ship soft only; below the standard's thin-gauge testing threshold, treat the figures as indicative.
| Property | Value (Annealed) |
|---|---|
|
Tensile Strength, minimum
|
515 MPa (75 ksi) |
|
Yield Strength (0.2% offset), minimum
|
205 MPa (30 ksi) |
|
Elongation in 50 mm, minimum
|
40% |
|
Hardness, maximum
|
217 HBW / 95 HRB |
Equivalent Grades of Stainless Steel 321 Shims
Buyers looking for international standards of stainless steel shims can cross-reference UNS S32100, EN 1.4541, and AISI 321 designations below.
| Country / Standard | Designation |
|---|---|
| USA (UNS) | S32100 |
| Europe (EN) | X6CrNiTi18-10 |
| Germany (W.Nr) | 1.4541 |
| Japan (JIS) | SUS321 |
| China (GB) | 06Cr18Ni11Ti |
| Russia (GOST) | 08Х18Н10Т |
Industrial Applications of Stainless Steel 321 Shims
These 5 industries use 321 SS shims with our slitting lines, each choosing the grade for weld stability and corrosion resistance under continuous heat.
Chemical and Petrochemical Processing
Refinery crews level pump bases, exchanger baffles, and flange gaps with 321 SS shims in plant running above 500 °C. Because titanium ties up carbon, shimmed weld zones resist the acid attack that follows carbide precipitation.
Power Generation and Heat Exchangers
Power plant fabricators pack 321 stainless shims under tube supports, turbine assemblies, and expansion bellows. The grade retains mechanical strength throughout the sensitisation temperature range of 425-815°C and resists oxidation up to 900°C, so settings survive years of thermal load.
Food Processing Equipment
Food machinery builders space conveyor bearings, mixer mounts, and filler heads with Type 321 shims. The austenitic surface stands up to daily caustic washdowns, and smooth BA stock keeps crevices out of hygienic zones.
Automotive and Engine Components
Exhaust and engine shops blank SS 321 shims into manifold gaskets, turbocharger spacers, and sensor packing. Thin annealed stock conforms to flange faces under bolt load, and its 40% elongation lets embossed sealing beads form without cracking.
Shipping & Packaging
Shim orders leave from our Mumbai and Taloja warehouses within days, packed for domestic transport or export sea freight.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Packaging | Wooden cases, pallet packing |
| Incoterms | FOB, CIF, CFR, EXW Mumbai |
| Dispatch Points | Mumbai and Taloja warehouses |
| Standard Lead Time | 4 to 5 days |
| Urgent Dispatch | 2 to 3 days |
| Payment Terms | Advance, credit, LC |
| Certification | EN 10204 Type 3.1 / 3.2 on request |
Stainless Steel 321 Shims Price
Stainless Steel 321 Shims price in India is around ₹280-₹325 per kg, while export buyers may see prices roughly around $3.4-$4.0 per kg, depending on size, finish, and order quantity. The range is indicative; nickel and ferrochrome rates, thickness, width, finish, and order volume all move it. Call or WhatsApp our team for today's figure.
Why Choose Riddhi Siddhi Impex?
Fast delivery
Best Quality
Availability of all materials
Frequently Asked Questions
What thickness range is available for SS 321 Shims?
SS 321 shims are available from 0.03 mm to 5 mm thick, in any width between 3 mm and 2000 mm. We hold both dimensions to ±0.1 mm.
Up to what temperature can SS 321 Shims be used?
SS 321 shims give useful oxidation resistance up to around 900 °C and hold creep strength through the 425 to 815 °C range. The titanium stabilisation keeps the grade sound across that band.
Can SS 321 Shims be welded without post-weld annealing?
Yes, SS 321 shims can be welded without post-weld annealing. The titanium ties up carbon as stable carbide, so the weld zone keeps its chromium in solution and stays resistant to intergranular corrosion.
How do SS 321 Shims compare with SS 304 Shims?
SS 321 shims compare with SS 304 shims as the heat-service option against the general-purpose one. Grade 321 carries a titanium stabiliser that stops sensitisation at weld seams, so it outlasts 304 above roughly 425°C.
What is the price of SS 321 Shims per kg?
The price of SS 321 shims sits near ₹250-₹400 per kg in India, about $2.6-$4.2 per kg for export. Send your thickness, width, and quantity for a firm quotation.
Where can I source Stainless Steel 321 Shims in India?
You can source Stainless Steel 321 Shims in India from us at Riddhi Siddhi Impex. Our Mumbai and Taloja warehouses hold ready shim stock for immediate slitting, and quotes will be provided within 24 hours.