What is 201 stainless steel?
201 stainless steel is an austenitic chromium-nickel-manganese stainless steel, made by replacing nickel with manganese and nitrogen. It has similar properties to 301 stainless steel and can be used in most applications. 201 stainless steel is a 200 series austenitic stainless steel with superior corrosion resistance and cold and hot working properties, making it a viable replacement for 304 stainless steel products previously used in indoor, inland city, and less corrosive outdoor environments.
201 steel offers a variety of surface treatments, including 2B, BA, and polishing.
What is 201 Stainless Steel Equivalent?
The equivalents for 201 stainless steel include X12CrMnNiN17-7-5 (1.4372) in Europe, SUS201 in Japan, and S20100 (UNS). Different standards, such as ASTM A240, simply use the designation 201. The equivalent grade is also referred to as SAE 30201 under the SAE standard.
What is the composition of stainless steel 201?
Properties of Type 201 Steel (aka T201, type 201 and grade 201) An austenitic, non-magnetic, stainless steel 201 has the following composition. It is Chromium (16% – 18%), and Nickel (3.5% – 5.5%). It contains higher amounts of Manganese (5.5%-7.5%) and Nitrogen, and lower amounts of Nickel than type 304 steel.
201 Stainless Steel Composition
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Iron, Fe | 72 |
| Chromium, Cr | 16.0 – 18.0 |
| Manganese, Mn | 5.50 – 7.50 |
| Nickel, Ni | 3.50 – 5.50 |
| Silicon, Si | 1.0 |
| Nitrogen, N | 0.25 |
| Carbon, C | 0.15 |
201 Stainless Steel Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Yield Strength, min. (ksi) | 45 |
| Tensile Strength, min. (ksi) | 95 |
| Elongation, min. (%) | 40 |
| Hardness, max. (HRBW) | 100 |
201 Stainless Steel Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density, lb/in3 | 0.283 |
| Modulus of Elasticity, psi | 28.6 x 106 |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion, 68-212˚F, /˚F | 9.2 x 10-6 |
| Thermal Conductivity, Btu/ft hr ˚F | 9.4 |
| Specific Heat, Btu/lb ˚F | 0.12 |
| Electrical Resistivity, Microohm-in | 27.0 |
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.
Is 201 stainless magnetic?
201 alloy is non-magnetic in the annealed state, but becomes slightly magnetic after cold working. The annealing temperature for 201 stainless steel is 1010-1093°C (1850-2000°F). To avoid oxide scale, the temperature should not exceed 2000°F. Rapid cooling is required after annealing to prevent carbide crystallization.
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.
Applications:
Due to its good ductility and plasticity, 201 stainless steel is often used to manufacture metal parts, furniture, decorations, etc. Its easy-to-process properties make it more common in applications requiring the fabrication of various shapes.
What is the difference between 201 and 304 stainless steel?
The main differences are that 304 stainless steel has higher corrosion resistance due to more nickel and chromium, while 201 is more affordable but contains more manganese, making it less resistant to corrosion. Consequently, 304 is used for more demanding applications like food processing equipment, while 201 is better for applications where corrosion is not a major concern, such as certain kitchenware and automotive parts.