Contents
202 Stainless Steel: Composition, Properties, Applications, Processes, and More
- John
We will introduce you to the composition, main properties, forms, processing methods and applications of 202 stainless steel, and how it compares to grades such as 304, 316, etc. Whether you are selecting the material for an industrial project or daily use, understanding 202 stainless steel will help you make an informed decision.
What is 202 Stainless Steel?
202 stainless steel is an austenitic stainless steel that replaces part of the nickel with a high manganese content and is an economical alternative to the 300 series. It retains good toughness and corrosion resistance while reducing costs and is widely used in industrial and domestic scenarios that are not exposed to highly corrosive environments, such as kitchen equipment, automotive parts, and building structures.
202 stainless steel equivalent grades
There are several equivalent grades of 202 stainless steel that are recognized globally.
- UNS: S20200
- EN: X12CrMnNiN18-9-5 (1.4373)
- JIS: SUS 202
202 stainless steel standard
ASTM A240, ASTM A666
Chemical Composition of 202 Stainless Steel
| Element | Composition Range |
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.15% |
| Manganese (Mn) | 7.50% – 10.00% |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.00% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 17.00% – 19.00% |
| Nickel (Ni) | 4.00% – 6.00% |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.25% |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030% |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.060% |
- Chromium (Cr): Contributes to the alloy’s corrosion resistance and oxidation stability.
- Nickel (Ni): Provides toughness and improves mechanical properties, though in lower quantities compared to other grades.
- Manganese (Mn): Substitutes part of the nickel content, adding strength and improving work hardening properties.
- Carbon (C): Present in small amounts, carbon increases strength but can make the steel more brittle if the content is too high.
202 Stainless Steel Properties
Key Features
Cost-Effective: Due to its reduced nickel content, 202 stainless steel is significantly more affordable than traditional grades like 304 and 316. This makes it a popular choice for budget-sensitive projects that do not require the high-performance characteristics of other stainless steel grades.
Good Corrosion Resistance: While not as resistant to corrosion as 304 or 316, 202 stainless steel performs well in mild environments. Its resistance to oxidization and mild acids is satisfactory for most domestic and light industrial applications.
High Strength and Toughness: 202 stainless steel offers good mechanical strength and maintains its toughness even at low temperatures, making it suitable for structural applications.
Excellent Formability: SS 202 is effortlessly shaped into diverse forms such as sheets, coils, and pipes, all while maintaining its robust strength and corrosion resistance properties with minimal compromise.
Weldability: 202 stainless steel is compatible with standard welding methods such as TIG and MIG processes. However, precautions must be taken during welding to prevent carbide precipitation, which may initiate intergranular corrosion and compromise the integrity of the material.
Physical properties of 202 Stainless Steel
| Property | Value |
| Density | 7.80 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1400 – 1450°C |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient | 17.0 x 10⁻⁶ /K |
| Thermal Conductivity | 15 W/m·K |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 500 J/kg·K |
| Electrical Resistivity | 720 nΩ·m |
| Magnetic Properties | Non-magnetic (annealed) |
| Elastic Modulus (Young’s Modulus) | 200 GPa |
| Poisson’s Ratio | 0.27 – 0.30 |
Mechanical Properties of 202 Stainless Steel
| Property | Value |
| Tensile Strength | 515 MPa |
| Yield Strength (0.2% Offset) | 275 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | 40% |
| Hardness (Rockwell B) | 100 HRB (max) |
| Impact Strength | 60 – 80 J |
| Impact Temperature Range | -196°C to 25°C |
| Yield/Tensile Strength Ratio | 0.53 |
| Shear Modulus | 77 GPa |
| Tensile Modulus | 207 GPa |
| Work Hardening Rate | 0.42 |
| Elastic Limit | 345 MPa |
| Charpy Impact Energy | > 100 J |
Forms of 202 Stainless Steel
202 stainless steel is available in several forms, allowing manufacturers and designers to choose the best material for their specific application.
Sheets: Thin, flat pieces used for a wide range of applications, including construction, appliances, and kitchen equipment.
Plates: Thicker and more durable than sheets, plates are used in heavy-duty applications like structural components and automotive parts.
Coils: Rolled strips of stainless steel that are used in manufacturing processes for products like pipes, kitchen sinks, and tubing.
Pipes and Tubes: Available in both welded and seamless forms, 202 stainless steel pipes and tubes are used for fluid transport in non-corrosive environments.
Bars and Rods: Round, square, flat, or hexagonal bars are used in structural applications or for machining parts.
Wire: Used in a variety of applications, including springs, fasteners, and wire mesh.
Jewelry: 202 stainless steel is also used in the production of jewelry, thanks to its ability to maintain a polished finish and resist tarnishing.
Applications of 202 Stainless Steel
202 stainless steel is widely used in all walks of life because of its low price and excellent performance.
Construction: 202 stainless steel is used in structural components, architectural trims, and handrails. It is commonly found in both interior and exterior building applications.
Automotive: The automotive industry uses 202 stainless steel for components such as exhaust systems, decorative trim, and body parts, where its corrosion resistance and formability offer great value.
Kitchenware: From sinks to cookware, 202 stainless steel is widely used in kitchens because it is corrosion-resistant and easy to clean.
Railways: In the transportation sector, 202 stainless steel is used to manufacture railway cars, trailers, and cladding for trains.
Furniture: The alloy is popular in the production of furniture frames, supports, and decorative elements, where its combination of strength, aesthetics, and affordability makes it a good choice.
Industrial: 202 stainless steel is used in various industrial applications such as storage tanks, valves, and equipment that are exposed to mild corrosive environments.
Pros and Cons of 202 Stainless Steel
Advantages
- Cost-effective: Because of its low nickel content, 202 stainless steel is one of the most cost-effective grades of stainless steel.
- Good strength: It has good tensile strength and toughness for a wide range of structural applications.
- Weldability: 202 stainless steel is relatively easy to weld using conventional methods like TIG, MIG, and MMA.
- Formability: It allows easy formation of various shapes and products such as sheets, tubes and coils.
Disadvantages
- Lower corrosion resistance: While 202 stainless steel has good corrosion resistance in mild environments, it is not as resistant as higher-grade alloys like 304 or 316, especially in marine or industrial settings.
- Prone to rusting: In coastal areas or heavily polluted environments, 202 stainless steel can be more susceptible to rusting.
- Not suitable for high-temperature applications: 202 stainless steel is not ideal for prolonged use in environments with high temperatures, as its heat resistance is lower than other stainless steel grades.
Processing Methods for 202 Stainless Steel
202 stainless steel can undergo several processing techniques, which include forming, welding, forging, hardening, heat treatment, and surface treatment. These methods ensure that the alloy performs optimally in its intended application.
Forming
- Cold Forming: 202 stainless steel has good ductility and is suitable for cold forming methods like bending, stamping, and drawing. Cold forming can increase its strength and hardness through work hardening.
- Deep Drawing: 202 can be used for deep drawing applications, but it may require intermediate annealing to restore ductility after significant deformation.
Welding
- Weldability: 202 stainless steel can be welded using standard methods such as TIG, MIG, resistance welding, and shielded metal arc welding (SMAW). However, due to its higher manganese content, it is more prone to hot cracking than 304.
- Precautions: Post-weld annealing is typically not required, but in some cases, especially with thicker sections, post-weld treatments might be necessary to restore corrosion resistance.
Cutting
- Laser Cutting: Laser cutting is a highly efficient method for 202 stainless steel, especially for thin sheets, providing precision and clean edges.
- Plasma Cutting: Suitable for cutting thicker sections of 202 stainless steel. Care should be taken to avoid heat-affected zones, which can lead to reduced corrosion resistance.
- Mechanical Cutting: 202 stainless steel can be cut using shearing and sawing methods. Abrasive water jet cutting can also be used to minimize heat impact.
Hot Working
- Forging: 202 stainless steel can be forged at temperatures between 1149°C and 1260°C (2100°F to 2300°F). Following forging, annealing is required to relieve stresses and maintain ductility.
- Hot Rolling: Hot rolling is used to shape the material, usually followed by annealing to soften the material and improve corrosion resistance.
- Hot Bending: Suitable for hot bending applications at elevated temperatures to form complex shapes.
Cold Working
- Cold Rolling: 202 stainless steel can undergo cold rolling to increase strength through work hardening, improving surface finish and producing thinner sections.
- Cold Bending: Cold bending is effective due to its good ductility, but the material can harden during the process. Intermediate annealing may be needed if the bending is extensive.
- Cold Drawing: Wire and tube drawing are commonly done to achieve specific shapes and dimensions. Cold drawing increases the strength and hardness of the material.
Heat Treatment
- Hardening: Like other austenitic stainless steels, 202 stainless steel cannot be hardened by heat treatment but only through cold working.
- Annealing: After hot working or extensive cold working, annealing should be performed at 1010°C to 1093°C (1850°F to 2000°F) followed by rapid cooling to relieve internal stresses and restore ductility.
- Stress Relieving: Low-temperature stress-relieving treatments may be performed after cold working to reduce residual stresses without significant changes to the mechanical properties.
Surface Treatment
Various surface finishes can be applied to 202 stainless steel, depending on the desired aesthetic and functional characteristics. Some common surface treatments include:
- Polishing: To create a smooth, shiny surface.
- Brushing: For a more matte finish.
- Electropolishing: To enhance corrosion resistance and create a reflective finish.
- Satin finish: Provides a soft, smooth appearance while maintaining corrosion resistance.
Difference Between 202 and Other Stainless Steel Grades
202 stainless steel belongs to the 200 series of austenitic stainless steels and is often compared to other popular grades. Below is a comparison between 202 and some other common stainless steel grades.
202 stainless steel vs 304
304 (18/8) has a higher nickel content (8-10.5%) compared to 202, giving it superior corrosion resistance. However, 202 is more cost-effective and still provides reasonable corrosion resistance in mild environments.
202 stainless steel vs 316
316 stainless steel contains molybdenum, which enhances its corrosion resistance, particularly in chloride-rich environments like marine applications. 202, lacking molybdenum, is not suitable for such harsh conditions but is more affordable.
202 stainless steel vs 201
Both 202 and 201 are austenitic stainless steels with similar manganese content, but 202 has slightly more nickel, making it somewhat more resistant to corrosion and tougher in low temperatures.
202 stainless steel vs 302
302 stainless steel is chemically similar to 304 but with slightly more carbon, giving it better strength and hardness. It offers better corrosion resistance than 202 but at a higher cost.
202 stainless steel vs 204
204 stainless steel features a higher nitrogen content than 202, improving its strength while keeping costs low. However, 202 is more commonly used due to its established performance in many applications.
202 stainless steel vs 430
430 is a ferritic stainless steel that is magnetic and contains little to no nickel. 430 provides good corrosion resistance under mild conditions, but 202 is more tough and formable.
Is 202 Stainless Steel Good?
Yes. 202 stainless steel is a good, cost-effective option with moderate corrosion resistance, good strength, and formability. It’s suitable for indoor applications like kitchen utensils, furniture, and automotive trim. However, it has lower corrosion resistance than 304, making it less ideal for harsh or chloride-rich environments.
Is 202 Stainless Steel Magnetic?
202 Stainless Steel because of its austenitic structure is generally not magnetic under annealing conditions. However, after cold working or welding, as a result of microstructural transformation, it may show slight magnetic properties.
Is 202 Stainless Steel Food Grade?
No. Currently, the commonly used food-grade stainless steels on the market are 304, 316 and 430 stainless steels, excluding 202. But 202 grade can be used in various kitchen sinks, cooking utensils, hose clamps, restaurant equipment, etc.
Will 202 Stainless Steel Rust?
While 202 stainless steel offers decent corrosion resistance, it is not immune to rusting. In harsh environments such as coastal areas or industrial zones with high pollution, 202 stainless steel may corrode over time. Regular maintenance, surface treatments, and proper cleaning can help mitigate rust formation and prolong the life of the material.
202 Stainless Steel Manufacturer: SteelPRO Group
SteelPRO Group is a leading manufacturer and supplier of 202 stainless steel, providing reliable and cost-effective stainless steel solutions to customers across a wide range of industries around the world.
Advanced Manufacturing Technology: SteelPRO Group utilizes state-of-the-art machinery and technology to produce premium 202 stainless steel products, ensuring precision and high quality in every batch.
Complete product range: We offer a complete range of 202 stainless steel products, including plates, coils, tubes, bars and rods.
Global Reach: SteelPRO Group exports 202 stainless steel products to a number of countries, including major markets in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The global supply chain ensures timely delivery wherever you are.
Customized Solutions: Whether it is custom sizes or surface treatments, SteelPRO Group has a solution that will match your requirements.
Commitment to Quality: As an ISO 9001 certified company, SteelPRO Group ensures that all its 202 stainless steel products meet international quality standards.
Customer Support: From initial consultation to after-sales support, the company ensures seamless communication and collaboration with its customers, helping them select the best products for their specific needs.
To learn more about SteelPRO Group’s stainless steel products or to request a quote, contact us today.
