Contents
201 Stainless Steel: Definition, Composition, Properties, Processing, Applications, and More
- John
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Overview of 201 Stainless Steel
201 stainless steel is a 200 series chromium-nickel-manganese austenitic stainless steel, mainly composed of 16-18% chromium, 3.5-5.5% nickel, and 5.5-7.5% manganese. It conforms to the ASTM A240 standard and is equivalent to 1.4372 (EN) and SUS 201 (JIS).
Grade 201 offers good corrosion resistance, especially in mild environments, and has excellent toughness and strength. It is commonly used in kitchen equipment, automotive trim, and architectural structures. While more affordable than 304, it is not recommended for chloride-rich or highly corrosive conditions due to its lower nickel content.
Applications of 201 Stainless Steel
Industry | Application |
Kitchenware | sinks, cookware, cutlery, food processing equipment, etc. |
Automotive | automotive trim, exhaust systems, decorative parts, wheel covers, etc. |
Architecture | handrails, elevator panels, decorative sheets, window frames, etc. |
Consumer Goods | appliance housings, furniture fittings, lighting fixtures, door handles, etc. |
Advantages and Disadvantages of 201 Stainless Steel
Here are the advantages and benefits of 321 stainless steel:
- Cost-effective due to lower nickel content.
- Strong resistance to corrosion in mild environments.
- High tensile strength, making it durable and sturdy.
- Good formability and ease of fabrication.
- Lightweight, making it suitable for a range of applications.
Here are the disadvantages and limitations of 321 stainless steel:
- Lower corrosion resistance in harsh environments compared to higher grades.
- More prone to rusting when exposed to saltwater or acidic conditions.
- Less durable in extreme temperatures.
- Can be more difficult to weld compared to higher-grade stainless steel.
- Reduced workability for certain heavy-duty applications due to lower nickel content.
Equivalent Grades of 201 Stainless Steel
Country/Region | Standard/Specification | Equivalent Grade |
EU | EN 10088-2 | X12CrMnNiN17-7-5 (1.4372) |
USA | ASTM A240 | 201 |
Japan | JIS G4304 | SUS201 |
France | NF A36-711 | Z12CMN17-07Az |
Heat & Corrosion Resistance of 201 Stainless Steel
Heat Resistance
201 stainless steel offers moderate heat resistance, handling up to about 500°C (1,112°F). Exceeding this temperature may cause a significant loss of strength and oxidation resistance. Its lower nickel content results in reduced heat resistance compared to grades like 304 and 316. Therefore, 201 stainless steel is better suited for applications with occasional heat exposure or where cost is a primary concern rather than for continuous high-temperature environments.
Corrosion Resistance
201 stainless steel is suitable for mild environments, such as indoor or dry conditions. In more aggressive settings, like those with moisture, saltwater, or acidic exposure, it may corrode. Common forms of corrosion include pitting, crevice corrosion, and surface rust. 201 stainless steel performs best in environments without significant chemical exposure.
Processing of 201 Stainless Steel
Forming
Forming 201 stainless steel involves cold working, as it hardens quickly. The alloy is less malleable than 304 stainless steel due to its lower nickel content. It may require more force or specialized equipment during bending, stretching, or deep drawing. Annealing can help reduce internal stress after forming. Due to its work hardening rate, intermediate annealing might be necessary for more complex shapes.
Welding
201 stainless steel is generally easy to weld, but proper heat control is necessary to prevent warping or cracking. Filler materials similar to 201 or 304 stainless steel are commonly used. Excessive heat can reduce corrosion resistance, so managing heat input and cooling between passes is essential. Pre-weld cleaning is important to avoid contamination. Controlling welding parameters and heat input helps prevent hot cracking, ensuring weld quality.
Machining
201 stainless steel has moderate machinability. It is harder than 304 stainless steel due to its higher manganese content, making it more difficult to cut. Key factors include:
- Work Hardening: It tends to harden during machining, which increases cutting difficulty as the process progresses.
- Cutting Speed: Requires lower cutting speeds to avoid overheating and tool damage, especially as work hardening occurs.
- Tool Wear: Tools wear faster due to its high strength, hardness, and toughness, necessitating frequent tool changes.
- Chip Formation: Produces tough, long chips, which can complicate chip removal and may interfere with the machining process.
- Lubrication: Proper cooling and lubrication are essential to prevent tool damage, reduce heat, and improve the surface finish.
Heat Treatment
201 stainless steel cannot be hardened by heat treatment, but it can be strengthened through cold-working.
For annealing, heat it to 1850-1950°F (1010-1066°C), then cool it quickly by water quenching or air cooling. Keep the annealing temperature as low as possible to minimize scaling, as 201 stainless steel is more prone to scaling than Grade 301. After heat treatment, surface treatments like pickling or passivation may be required to improve corrosion resistance, as 201 stainless steel is more susceptible to oxidation.
Chemical Composition of 201 Stainless Steel
Check the table below for the chemical composition of 201 stainless steel:
Element | Carbon, C | Chromium, Cr | Iron, Fe | Manganese, Mn | Nickel, Ni | Nitrogen, N | Phosphorus, P | Silicon, Si | Sulfur, S |
Wt% | ≤ 0.15 % | 16 – 18 % | 67.51 – 75 % (As Remainder) | 5.5 – 7.5 % | 3.5 – 5.5 % | ≤ 0.25 % | ≤ 0.060 % | ≤ 1.0 % | ≤ 0.030 % |
Properties of 201 Stainless Steel
Physical Properties
Check the table below for the core physical properties of 201 stainless steel:
Property | Value | Performance |
Density | 7.81 g/cc (0.282 lb/in³) | Lighter than most carbon steel, similar to other stainless steel. |
Melting Point | 1399 – 1454 °C (2550 – 2650 °F) | High melting point, comparable to 304 stainless steel. |
CTE, Linear @ 0-100°C/32-212°F | 15.7 µm/m-°C (8.7 µin/in-°F) | Expands more with heat than 304, less than aluminum alloys. |
Specific Heat Capacity @ 0-100°C/212°F | 0.500 J/g-°C (0.12 BTU/lb-°F) | Similar heat absorption to other stainless steels like 304. |
Thermal Conductivity @ 100°C/212°F | 16.2 W/m-K (112 BTU-in/hr-ft²-°F) | Lower thermal conductivity than carbon steels, similar to 304. |
Electrical Resistivity | 0.0000685 ohm-cm (68.5 µohm-cm) | Fairly low electrical conductivity, typical for stainless steel. |
Magnetic Permeability | 1.02, H = 200 Oersted, Annealed | Slightly magnetic |
Mechanical Properties
Check the table below for the core mechanical properties of 201 stainless steel:
Property | Value (Metric/Imperial) | Performance |
Tensile Strength (Annealed) | 758 MPa (110 ksi) | Strong enough for moderate loads (less than 316), suitable for general use. |
Yield Strength (@Strain 0.2%, Annealed) | 379 MPa (55 ksi) | Handles everyday stress well, but will bend under heavy loads (lower than 304 and 316). |
Rockwell Hardness (Annealed) | 87 HRB | Good resistance to wear, suitable for standard use, comparable to 304. |
Elongation at Break (in 2 inches, Annealed) | 52% | Very flexible, stretches more than 304 before breaking, ideal for forming. |
Young’s Modulus | 197 GPa (28.6 msi) | Provides typical stiffness for structural support, standard for stainless steels. |
Chemical Properties
Check the table below for the core chemical properties of 201 stainless steel:
Property | Description | Performance |
Corrosion Resistance | The ability to resist damage caused by external factors like moisture, chemicals, or salt. | Moderate, suitable for environments with low to medium corrosive exposure. Less resistant than 304. |
Oxidation Resistance | The ability to withstand oxidation or rust when exposed to oxygen at high temperatures. | Generally acceptable under standard conditions but less effective in high-temperature environments. |
Chemical Stability | The property that allows the steel to remain unchanged when exposed to various chemicals. | Stable in mild environments but less stable in highly corrosive chemical settings. |
Acid and Alkali Resistance | The ability to resist damage or deterioration when in contact with acidic or alkaline substances. | Limited, performs well in weak acids/alkalis, but not recommended for harsh chemicals. |
Rust Resistance | The capability of preventing rust formation, especially in humid or wet conditions. | Moderate rust resistance, lower than 304, but suitable for non-severe conditions. |
Comparing 201 vs 304 vs 316 Stainless Steel
Check the table below for a quick comparison between 201, 304, and 316 stainless steel:
Property | 201 | 304 | 316 |
Type | Austenitic | Austenitic | Austenitic |
Crystal Structure | Face-Centered Cubic (FCC) | Face-Centered Cubic (FCC) | Face-Centered Cubic (FCC) |
Chemical Composition | Cr: 16-18%, Ni: 3.5-5.5% | Cr: 18-20%, Ni: 8-10.5% | Cr: 16-18%, Ni: 10-14%, Mo: 2-3% |
Corrosion Resistance | Moderate | Good | Excellent |
Strength | Higher | Medium | Lower |
Hardness | Higher | Medium | Lower |
Formability | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
Weldability | Fair | Good | Good |
Machinability | Fair | Good | Fair |
Magnetic Properties | Slightly magnetic | Non-magnetic | Non-magnetic |
Cost | Lower | Moderate | Higher |
Applications | Kitchen utensils, automotive parts | Food processing, dairy equipment | Chemical and marine applications |
Which Is Better, 201 or 304 Stainless Steel?
304 stainless steel is better than 201 in terms of corrosion resistance, durability, and overall quality. 201 is cheaper but less resistant to corrosion and more likely to rust.
What You Might Also Concern
Is 201 stainless steel rust-proof?
No, 201 stainless steel is not completely rust-proof. It is more resistant to rust than regular steel but less resistant than higher grades like 304 or 316 stainless steel.
Is 201 stainless magnetic?
201 stainless steel is magnetic. While it is an austenitic grade, its higher manganese content and lower nickel content can lead to some magnetism, especially after cold working.
Related Reading
Is Stainless Steel Magnetic?
Is 201 stainless steel food grade?
Yes, 201 stainless steel is considered food grade, but it has lower corrosion resistance compared to other stainless steels like 304, so it may not be suitable for all food-related applications.
Which is better, as food grade, 201 or 304?
For food grade, 304 stainless steel is better than 201 because it has higher corrosion resistance and durability, making it safer for long-term food contact.
Is 201 stainless steel hypoallergenic?
Yes, 201 stainless steel is generally considered hypoallergenic, but it may cause reactions in some sensitive individuals due to its nickel content.
Can 201 stainless steel be welded?
Yes, 201 stainless steel can be welded, but it requires proper techniques and considerations due to its lower nickel content compared to other stainless steel.
Is 201 stainless steel good for outdoor use?
No, 201 stainless steel is not ideal for outdoor use because it is less resistant to corrosion compared to other stainless steels like 304 or 316. It may rust in harsh outdoor environments.
Summary & Furthermore
This article briefly explains the definition, composition, properties, processing, applications, and other important aspects of 201 stainless steel. To learn more about stainless steel or other steel types, check out our blog or contact our metal experts.
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- Stainless Steel Grades
- 300 Series Stainless Steel
- 303 Stainless Steel
- 304 Stainless Steel
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- 316 Stainless Steel
- 316N Stainless Steel
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- 420 Stainless Steel
- 430 Stainless Steel
- 410HT And 410L Stainless Steels
- 410S Stainless Steel
- 440 Stainless Steel
- 436 Stainless Steel
- 301 Stainless Steel
- 201 Stainless Steel
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- 444 Stainless Steel
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- 321 Stainless Steel
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- 304 VS 316 Stainless Steel
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Comparisons