201 Stainless Steel
201 stainless steel is a nickel-saving austenitic grade. It replaces part of nickel with manganese and nitrogen. It is widely used when cost control matters and moderate corrosion resistance is acceptable.
- Indoor use or mild outdoor service
- Good strength and hardness for fabrication
- Stable supply in sheet, coil, tube, and profiles
- Variant selection for forming or decorative finish
- Confirm finish and forming needs (J1 / J2 / J4)
- Define thickness tolerance and protective film
- Request mill test certificate (MTC) for each batch
- Specify packing method for container shipment
201 stainless steel is designed to reduce nickel content. It uses higher manganese and added nitrogen to maintain an austenitic structure. This reduces material cost while keeping good strength and workable performance.
In procurement practice, 201 is often selected for appliances, decorative panels, and general fabrication where the service environment is not aggressive. For marine or chloride-rich exposure, 304 or 316L is usually specified.
| Standard system | Designation |
|---|---|
| ASTM | 201 |
| JIS | SUS201 |
| UNS | S20100 |
| EN | 1.4372 |
| EN name | X12CrMnNiN17-7-5 |
| GOST | 12Х15Г9НД |
| GB (China) | 12Cr17Mn6Ni5N |
Typical limits are shown for reference. Always confirm final values with the mill test certificate.
| Grade | Standard | C | Cr | Ni | Mn | Si | P | S | Mo | Fe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 201 | ASTM A240 | ≤0.15 | 16.0–18.0 | 3.5–5.5 | 5.5–7.5 | ≤1.0 | ≤0.06 | ≤0.03 | — | Balance |
| 1.4372 | EN 10088-2 | ≤0.15 | 16.0–18.0 | 3.5–5.5 | 5.5–7.5 | ≤1.0 | ≤0.06 | ≤0.03 | — | Balance |
| SUS201 | JIS | ≤0.15 | 16.0–18.0 | 3.5–5.5 | 5.5–7.5 | ≤1.0 | ≤0.06 | ≤0.03 | — | Balance |
| Grade | Standard | Tensile strength | Yield strength | Elongation | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 201 | ASTM A240 | ≥ 520 MPa | ≥ 275 MPa | ≥ 40% | ≤ 95 HBW |
| 1.4372 | EN 10088-2 | ≥ 520 MPa | ≥ 275 MPa | ≥ 40% | ≤ 95 HBW |
| SUS201 | JIS | ≥ 520 MPa | ≥ 275 MPa | ≥ 40% | ≤ 95 HBW |
If your parts require deep drawing, include your forming method in the RFQ. Variant choice can reduce scrap rate and improve surface quality.
These options are commonly used in supply chains to match forming needs and decorative requirements. Use the table below as a practical guide.
| Option | Typical adjustments | Key features | Common uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 201 J1 | Ni ~4.0–4.5%, Cu ~1.5% | Better forming and stretch performance | Kitchen utensils, sinks, cookware |
| 201 J2 | Slightly higher C, lower Cu | Higher strength, lower elongation | Fasteners, industrial profiles, construction |
| 201 J4 | Lower Ni (~3.5%), higher Mn, Cu ~1.5% | Decorative finish focus with good cost balance | Doors, panels, interior decoration |
LYH Steel can supply 201 stainless steel in common export forms. If you have a target standard, specify it in your request.
Thickness: 0.3–6.0 mm
Thickness: 3–100 mm
Thickness: 0.3–6.0 mm
Thickness: 3–14 mm
Thickness: 0.3–10 mm
Welded OD 6–3000 mm, WT 1–100 mm
Length: 100–12000 mm
Thickness: 3–60 mm
201 can be bent, rolled, and drawn. J1 is often selected for deep drawing.
201 supports TIG, MIG, and resistance welding. Control heat input and keep a stable procedure.
201 can be harder than 304. Use sharp tools, stable feeding, and proper lubrication.
Common finishes include 2B, BA, No.4, HL, and mirror polish. Use the finish chart to define the target surface clearly.
201 is used in cost-sensitive products where moderate corrosion resistance is acceptable.
- Kitchenware: utensils, cookware, sinks
- Appliances: drums, panels, housings
- Construction (mild service): interior cladding, decorative trim
- Transport: interior parts and trims
- General fabrication: profiles, brackets, hardware
| Item | 201 | 304 | 430 | 316L |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | High | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Corrosion resistance | Moderate (mild service) | Strong for general use | Fair (indoor focus) | Best for chlorides |
| Nickel level | Lower | Higher | None | Higher |
| Magnetism | May be slight after cold work | Low in annealed state | Magnetic | Low in annealed state |
| Typical use | Appliances, decoration, hardware | Food equipment, architecture | Trim, indoor panels | Marine, chemical service |
How does 201 compare with 304?
201 is often selected for cost control and solid strength in mild environments. 304 offers stronger corrosion resistance and is commonly preferred for harsher service or long-term outdoor exposure.
Is 201 stainless steel magnetic?
201 can show slight magnetism after cold working. This is normal for austenitic grades with cold deformation.
Can 201 be used outdoors?
It can be used outdoors in mild service. For coastal or chloride exposure, 304 or 316L is usually a safer option.
Which option is better for forming: J1, J2, or J4?
J1 is often chosen for better forming and stretch performance. J2 is used when higher strength is needed, and J4 is common for decorative panels with a good cost balance.
Share your required standard, size, finish, quantity, and destination port. We will respond with an offer and lead time.