Abstract: The cracking causes of the 200 series austenitic stainless steels during hot rolling were analyzed by using optical microscopy,SEM and XRD.In order to get the thernal deformation data and improve the production technology,high temperature tensile test was performed by using Gleeble 1500D thermal simulator.The results show that the main cause of hot rolling cracking was the ferrite distributed in the form of net.The inclusions,σ phase,carbides,oxides and intermetallic compounds distributed around the fracture were the inducement of cracking.It was suggested that for avoiding the cracking,the rolling temperature range of D11 and J4 steels should be strictly controlled to be(1 200±25)℃ and(1 100±25)℃ respectively,and the finishing temperature should above 950℃.