What is SUS201 stainless steel?
SUS201 is an austenitic stainless steel, an economical alternative to SUS304. It has a lower nickel content (3.5%–5.5%) and a higher manganese (Mn) content to maintain its austenitic structure. It possesses good strength, formability, and decorative properties, making it suitable for general applications, especially where corrosion resistance requirements are not high. Applications include kitchen equipment, sinks, furniture, decorative panels, elevator doors, and automotive trim.
What is SUS304 stainless steel?
SUS304 is the most widely used austenitic stainless steel in the world. It contains 8%–10.5% nickel and 18%–20% chromium, exhibiting excellent corrosion resistance, formability, and hygienic properties. It is suitable for chemical processing, food processing equipment, medical devices, pressure vessels, piping, and outdoor structures.
Chemical Composition Comparison (wt%)
| Element | SUS201 | SUS304 |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.15 | ≤ 0.08 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 5.5 – 7.5 | ≤ 2.0 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 3.5 – 5.5 | 8.0 – 10.5 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.0 – 18.0 | 18.0 – 20.0 |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.25 | ≤ 0.10 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.06 | ≤ 0.045 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.03 | ≤ 0.03 |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | SUS201 | SUS304 |
|---|---|---|
| Density (g/cm³) | 7.93 | 7.93 |
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | ≥ 520 | ≥ 520 |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | ≥ 275 | ≥ 205 |
| Elongation (%) | ≥ 40 | ≥ 45 |
| Hardness (HB) | ≤ 201 | ≤ 187 |
Corrosion Resistance
SUS304: Excellent corrosion resistance in humid, chemical, and marine environments; suitable for outdoor or acidic environments.
SUS201: Moderate corrosion resistance; performs well in dry or indoor environments, but not suitable for coastal or chemically corrosive environments.
Weldability and Formability
SUS304 stainless steel has excellent weldability and formability; extremely low risk of cracking. SUS201 stainless steel has good weldability, but the higher manganese content may lead to a slight increase in brittleness during deep forming.
Magnetic Properties
Neither SUS201 nor SUS304 is magnetic in the annealed state, but SUS201 may become slightly magnetic after cold working.
Can SUS201 replace SUS304?
No, SUS201 should not replace SUS304 in most applications because SUS304 has superior corrosion resistance and durability due to its higher nickel content. While SUS201 is a cheaper alternative suitable for non-corrosive, indoor, or less demanding applications, SUS304 is preferred for uses where long-term durability, resistance to corrosion, and hygiene are important, such as in food processing, kitchen sinks, and outdoor items
Stainless steel 201 vs 304 price
SUS201 stainless steel is about 20–35% cheaper than SUS304 due to lower nickel content, making it a cost-efficient option for non-critical environments.
| Grade | Approx. Price per kg (USD) |
|---|---|
| SUS201 | 1.20 – 1.80 / kg |
| SUS304 | 2.10 – 3.00 / kg |
If you are looking for SUS201 or SUS304 stainless steel sheets, coils, or tubes, Gnee can supply both grades with guaranteed quality, competitive pricing, and international certifications. With over 18 years of export experience, Gnee provides complete solutions for industrial and decorative stainless steel applications - including cutting, polishing, surface treatment, and quality inspection according to ASTM, JIS, EN, and GB standards.
Comprehensive Product Range: 201 / 304 / 316L / 430 sheets, coils, and tubes in all surface finishes.
International Certifications: ISO 9001, SGS, BV, and MTC provided.
Processing Capabilities: Cutting, bending, polishing, and laser customization.
Packaging & Shipping: Export-standard wooden pallets and moisture-proof wrapping.
Fast Delivery: 7–15 days with global logistics support.
Flexible Payment Terms: T/T, L/C, and trade assurance accepted.
Mail:es@gescosteel.com
