What is 201 stainless steel?
What is 201 stainless steel? Properties, composition, and applications of 201 stainless steel
201 Stainless steel is a popular type of stainless alloy that is widely chosen for producing safe, high-quality products that offer great aesthetics and enhance professionalism. It belongs to the 200 series of Austenitic stainless steels and contains higher amounts of Manganese (7.1%) and Nitrogen, while reducing the Nickel content (4.5%). These elements give 201 stainless steel unique characteristics and superior properties compared to other types of stainless steel.
201 Stainless Steel is one of the most widely used types of stainless steel in both industrial and household applications today. 201 stainless steel is our company’s top-exported product. So, what exactly is 201 Stainless Steel? What makes it special? Let’s explore its properties, composition, and applications in the sections below.
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What is 201 Stainless Steel?
201 Stainless Steel is an austenitic stainless steel. Its distinct feature lies in its high content of Manganese and Nitrogen, which partially replace Nickel in the alloy composition. Due to its lower Chromium content, 201 Stainless Steel shares some similar characteristics with other stainless steels, though it does have limitations in corrosion resistance. However, it offers superior hardness compared to many other grades.
Classification of 201 Stainless Steel
Based on its chemical composition, 201 Stainless Steel is mainly divided into two types: 201 Stainless Steel and 201LN Stainless Steel. Under solution annealing conditions, both 201 and 201LN can experience martensitic transformation caused by temperature differences. The characteristics of each type are as follows:
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201 Stainless Steel
This is a high-hardness alloy that contains a relatively high amount of Chromium compared to other stainless steel types. It offers good formability, high durability, and moderate corrosion resistance. While its machinability is similar to 304 Stainless Steel, its corrosion resistance is lower. -
201LN Stainless Steel
Known for its excellent formability and flexibility, 201LN Stainless Steel contains added Manganese as a substitute for Nickel. It features good oxidation resistance and exceptional toughness, even at low temperatures, making it suitable for demanding applications.
Composition and Properties of 201 Stainless Steel
201 Stainless Steel replaces part of the Nickel content with Manganese, resulting in an alloy with relatively high hardness and moderate corrosion resistance when compared to 304 Stainless Steel. Below are the typical chemical composition and key physical properties of 201 Stainless Steel:
Chemical Composition of 201 Stainless Steel / 201LN Stainless Steel
| Element | % Composition in 201 Stainless Steel | % Composition in 201LN Stainless Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | Max 0.15 | Max 0.03 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 5.50 – 7.50 | 6.40 – 7.50 |
| Phosphorus (P) | Max 0.045 | Max 0.045 |
| Sulfur (S) | Max 0.030 | Max 0.030 |
| Silicon (Si) | Max 1.00 | Max 0.75 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.0 – 18.0 | 16.0 – 18.0 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 4.0 – 5.0 | 8.00 – 12.00 |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.10 – 0.25 | 0.10 – 0.25 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance | Balance |
Mechanical Properties of 201 Stainless Steel
In specific applications, 201 stainless steel performs exceptionally well under cold conditions. It provides approximately 30% higher yield strength than 301 stainless steel while maintaining comparable ductility, allowing for lighter-weight designs. These characteristics make 201 stainless steel highly valuable in particular applications.
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Yield strength: 45 MPa
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Minimum tensile strength: 95 KSI
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Minimum elongation: 40%
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Maximum hardness: 100 Rb
Physical Properties of 201 Stainless Steel
201 stainless steel is known for its good formability, machinability, and moderate corrosion resistance. It is weldable using common fusion and resistance welding techniques. Like other austenitic Cr-Ni stainless steels (not restricted to low carbon ≤ 0.03%), the heat-affected zone (HAZ) can become sensitized and susceptible to intergranular corrosion in some environments. Use of filler materials helps avoid hot cracking during welding. 201 stainless steel is not hardenable by heat treatment. It should be annealed at 1010–1066°C followed by water or rapid air cooling. Lower annealing temperatures are preferable to limit scaling and precipitation, as 201 tends to form more deposits than 301.
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Density: 7.83 g/cm³
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Elastic modulus: 28.6 x 10⁶ psi
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Melting point: approx. 1454°C
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Specific heat capacity: 0.12 J/kg·°C (32–100°F)
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Electrical resistivity: 27.0 μΩ·m (at 20°C)
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Thermal expansion: 9.2 × 10⁻⁶ /K
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Thermal conductivity: 9.4 W/m·K
Standards of 201 Stainless Steel
201 stainless steel is considered a mid-range quality material. It is ideal for specific uses but not suitable for structures exposed to aggressive corrosion, such as seawater environments. It is manufactured in accordance with international standards to ensure consistent quality:
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JIS Standard (Japanese Industrial Standard)
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ASTM Standard (American Society for Testing and Materials)
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AISI Standard (American Iron and Steel Institute)
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GB Standard (Chinese Industrial Standard)
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DIN Standard (German Institute for Standardization)
How to Identify 201 Stainless Steel
201 stainless steel is part of the 200 series of austenitic stainless steels and is widely used in the market. Here are simple ways to distinguish it:
1. Using a Magnet
201 stainless steel has higher iron content, making it more magnetic than 304. The type that is more strongly attracted to a magnet is usually 201, while the one with weaker attraction is 304.
2. Spark Test
Use a hand grinder to cut two stainless steel samples and observe the sparks. 201 will emit bright, dense spark patterns, while 304 will show duller, less dense sparks. This method requires experience and is better suited for professionals.
3. Acid Test
Apply a drop of acid to the surface of both 201 and 304 samples and wait for 10 seconds:
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If it turns red and bubbles, it is 201.
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If it turns green, it is 304.
Surface Finishes of 201 Stainless Steel
BA Finish (Bright Annealed)
Mirror-like glossy finish created by bright annealing after cold rolling. Commonly used in household items like mirrors, kitchen tools, and other shiny-surfaced products.
2B Finish
Smoother and brighter than 2D. After special surface processing, it improves the mechanical properties of 201 stainless steel. Suitable for multi-purpose applications.
HL Finish (Hairline)
Features fine parallel polishing lines, achieved by brushing and polishing machines. Often used for interior/exterior decoration, doors, and frames.
No.1 Finish
Hot-rolled, pickled, and annealed surface. Typically used in industrial tanks, containers, or equipment.
Common Products Made from 201 Stainless Steel
201 stainless steel was developed as an alternative to 304 during nickel shortages. Products are typically made through hot or cold rolling, followed by polishing and annealing to achieve various finishes and specifications. Common 201 stainless steel products include:
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201 stainless steel sheets
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201 stainless steel coils
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201 stainless steel tubes
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201 stainless steel square pipes
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201 stainless steel bars
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201 stainless steel wires
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201 stainless steel roofing sheets
Applications of 201 Stainless Steel
As part of the 200 series, 201 stainless steel is widely used in both household and industrial applications. It is well-suited for outdoor components thanks to its durability and hardness. Common applications include:
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201 stainless steel mesh
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Colored 201 stainless steel sheets
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201 stainless steel gutters
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201 stainless steel straps
Frequently Asked Questions about 201 Stainless Steel
Q: Is 201 stainless steel magnetic?
A: Yes, it has stronger magnetic properties due to its high iron content.
Q: Which is better, 201 or 304 stainless steel?
A: 304 is generally considered superior in corrosion resistance, while 201 is more affordable and harder.
Q: What’s the main difference between 201 and 304?
A: The nickel content — 304 contains around 8% nickel (18/8), while 201 contains less nickel and more manganese.
Q: What’s the difference between 201 and 430?
A: 201 has higher nickel content than 430, and includes more iron and impurities.
Q: Can 201 stainless steel be painted?
A: Yes, it has good surface adhesion, and special paints can be applied to extend lifespan and improve appearance.
Q: Is 201 stainless steel toxic?
A: No, it does not contain harmful or hazardous substances.
Q: Can 201 stainless steel rust?
A: Yes, it is more prone to rust in natural or corrosive chemical environments compared to higher-grade stainless steels.
Q: Is 201 stainless steel a good material?
A: It is a great option for household or general-use applications, but not ideal for harsh industrial environments.
Q: What is SUS 201 stainless steel?
A: SUS 201 refers to 201 stainless steel under the Japanese JIS standard, part of the austenitic Cr-Ni-Mn stainless steel family.
Get a Quote for 201 Stainless Steel – OrinoxSteel
At OrinoxSteel, we help businesses find the right type of 201 stainless steel to meet their needs. Our stainless steel materials are manufactured to international standards, ensuring high quality and cost-efficiency.
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