Nowadays, the J-series of 201 stainless steel-J1, J2, J3, J4, J5, and so on-are well-known within the stainless steel industry, but consumers often find them confusing. They are all made of 201 stainless steel, so why are there so many different grades? It is said that their processing performance also varies:
J1: Has slightly higher carbon content than J4 and lower copper content than J4. Its processing performance is inferior to J4, suitable for ordinary shallow drawing and deep drawing with large angles, such as decorative panels, sanitary products, sinks, and tubing.
J2 & J5: Suitable for simple processing in decorative tubes due to high hardness (both above 96°). They polish well, but when used in square tubes or for bending at 90°, cracking is likely. For flat sheets, their high hardness provides a good surface appearance and allows surface treatments like sanding, polishing, and coloring. However, their main drawback is bending-they are prone to cracking or breaking, and slotting can easily cause fractures, so ductility is limited.
J3: High carbon, low chromium, and low copper. Due to higher carbon and lower copper content, the material is somewhat harder, making it unsuitable for bends requiring higher strength. Compared with 201 J1, J3 has lower ductility and is more prone to rust under the same conditions.
J4: Considered a higher-end grade in the 201 J-series, suitable for small-angle deep-drawn products. It is often chosen for items requiring deep drawing and salt spray resistance, such as sinks, kitchenware, sanitary products, kettles, insulated cups, door hinges, and pots.
Copper: J4 > J1 > J3> J2>J5
Carbon: J5 > J2 >J3> J1>J4
Hardness: J5, J2 > J3>J1>J4
The order of prices from high to low is:J4>J1>J3>J2>J5.
Differences between 201 stainless steel J1, J2, J3, J4, and J5 Chemical Composition
|
MATERIAL |
C% |
NI% |
CR% |
MN% |
CU% |
|
J1 |
0.104 |
1.21 |
13.92 |
10.07 |
0.81 |
|
J2 |
0.128 |
1.37 |
13.29 |
9.57 |
0.33 |
|
J3 |
0.127 |
1.3 |
14.5 |
9.05 |
0.59 |
|
J4 |
0.06 |
1.27 |
14.86 |
9.33 |
1.57 |
|
J5 |
0.135 |
1.451 |
13.269 |
10.727 |
0.07 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MATERIAL |
SI% |
P% |
S% |
N% |
MO% |
|
J1 |
0.41 |
0.036 |
0.003 |
|
|
|
J2 |
0.49 |
0.045 |
0.001 |
0.155 |
|
|
J3 |
0.41 |
0.039 |
0.002 |
0.177 |
0.02 |
|
J4 |
0.39 |
0.036 |
0.002 |
|
|
|
J5 |
0.584 |
0.043 |
0.002 |
0.149 |
0.032 |
J1, J2, J3, J4, J5, Mechanical properties
| Grade | Hardness (HRB/°) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| J1 | 70–75 HRB | 480–550 | 200–250 | 40–45 |
| J2 | 96+ HRB | 520–580 | 220–270 | 35–40 |
| J3 | 90–95 HRB | 500–560 | 210–260 | 38–42 |
| J4 | 72–78 HRB | 480–540 | 200–250 | 42–46 |
| J5 | 96+ HRB | 520–580 | 220–270 | 35–40 |
GNEE is a well-known manufacturer, exporter, stocker, and supplier of 201 stainless steel products, offering a range of high-quality stainless steel products. Our customers are located in Pune, Bangalore, Dahje, Thane, Mexico, Turkey, Pakistan, Oman, Israel, Egypt, Arab countries, Vietnam, Myanmar, Germany, and other countries.
