How to Source 201 Stainless Steel from China？
Purchasing 201 stainless steel from China can be confusing due to its unique classification system. Unlike international standards, China’s 201 stainless steel is divided into subgrades J1, J2, J3, J4, and J5, each with distinct properties.
Composition & Mechanical Properties
| Ni (%) | Cu (%) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) | Hardness (HRB) | |
J1 | 1.00 – 1.30 | 0.60 – 1.00 | 205 – 235 | 515 – 550 | 35 – 45 | 85 – 95 | |
J2 | 1.20 – 1.45 | 0.30 – 0.50 | 310 – 350 | 550 – 620 | 25 – 35 | 95 – 100 | |
J3 | 1.10 – 1.40 | 0.50 – 0.80 | 205 – 235 | 515 – 550 | 35 – 45 | 85 – 99 | |
J4 | 1.00 – 1.30 | 1.30 – 1.70 | 205 – 235 | 515 – 550 | 35 – 45 | 85 – 99 | |
J5 | 1.00 – 1.20 | 0.20 – 0.40 | 205 – 235 | 515 – 550 | 35 – 45 | 85 – 99 |
The most common on the market are J1 and J2. When you order, specify the J-grade to get the right balance of strength, formability, and finish. LYH Steel’s 201 cold-rolled material is sourced from Tsingshan Hongwang, known for precise dimensions and excellent surface quality.
J1 vs. J2 Applications
J1 (mid-copper): good for ordinary shallow drawing and some deep-drawing items such as decorative panels, sanitary products, sinks, and tubing.
J2 (lower-copper): suited to simple bending (≤1.2 mm); less ideal for mirror finishes due to pitting but cost-effective for basic decorative uses.
LYH Steel offers the following procurement tips to help you source Chinese 201 stainless steel effectively:
1.Choose the Right J-Grade for Your Application
Select the appropriate J-grade (J1–J5) based on your product requirements. For example, J1 is suitable for deep-drawing applications like sinks and cookware, while J2 is ideal for simple bending and decorative purposes.
2.Verify Material Specifications and Certifications
Always request mill test certificates (MTCs) to confirm the chemical composition and mechanical properties of the material. Ensure that the specifications match your requirements.
3.Assess Surface Finish and Dimensional Accuracy
Inspect the surface quality and dimensional tolerances of the stainless steel sheets or coils. High-quality surface finish and precise dimensions are crucial for aesthetic applications and ease of fabrication.
4.Consider Supplier Reliability and Production Capacity
Partner with suppliers who have a proven track record of reliability and sufficient production capacity to meet your demand. LYH Steel collaborates with reputable mills like Qingshan Hongwang to ensure consistent quality and timely delivery.
5.Plan for Lead Times and Inventory Management
Account for production and shipping lead times in your procurement planning. Maintain adequate inventory levels to buffer against potential delays and fluctuations in demand.
By following these tips, you can make informed decisions and establish a reliable supply chain for Chinese 201 stainless steel.