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201 Stainless Steel Sheet
- Material Composition: Chromium (16–18%), Manganese (5.5–7.5%), Nickel (3.5–5.5%), and Nitrogen (0.1–0.25%) for balanced corrosion resistance and affordability.
- Cost Advantage: 30–40% cheaper than 304 stainless steel, ideal for budget-sensitive projects.
- Workability: Excellent ductility for cold-forming (e.g., bending, stamping) and weldability (TIG/MIG).
- Surface Finish: Polished, brushed, or patterned options available for aesthetic appeal.
Technical Parameters (Chemical Composition, wt%)
Copper content: J4 > J1 > J3 > J2 > J5
Carbon content: J5 > J2 > J3 > J1 > J4
Hardness ranking: J5, J2 > J3 > J1 > J4
The purposes of J1, J2, J3, J4, and J5
- J4：Deep drawing products, e.g., sinks and thermos cups (due to best toughness)。
- J1：Shallow drawing and decorative panels, e.g., bathroom fixtures (moderate toughness)。
- J3：Low-cost narrow strip applications, e.g., simple industrial pipes (poor ductility)。
- J2/J5: Decorative parts, e.g., polished surface components (high hardness but prone to brittleness)。
| Parameter | 201 Stainless Steel | 304 Stainless Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Cr/Ni Content | 16–18% Cr, 3.5–5.5% Ni | 18–20% Cr, 8–10.5% Ni |
| Tensile Strength | ≥520 MPa | ≥515 MPa |
| Density | 7.93 g/cm³ | 7.93 g/cm³ |
| Corrosion Resistance | Moderate (indoor/dry) | High (acid/alkali/salt) |
| Typical Cost | 900–1800/ton | 1600–2600/ton |
| Grade | Composition | C | Si | Mn | P | S | Cr | Ni | N | Cu |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 201 J1 | Minimum | 0.10 | - | 5.5 | - | - | 16 | 3.5 | - | 0.8 |
| Maximum | 0.12 | 1 | 7.5 | 0.06 | 0.03 | 18 | 5.5 | 0.25 | 1.0 | |
| 201 J2 | Minimum | 0.13 | - | 5.5 | - | - | 16 | 3.5 | - | - |
| Maximum | 0.14 | 1 | 7.5 | 0.06 | 0.03 | 18 | 5.5 | 0.25 | 0.4 | |
| 201 J3 | Minimum | 0.12 | - | 5.5 | - | - | 16 | 3.5 | - | 0.4 |
| Maximum | 0.13 | 1 | 7.5 | 0.06 | 0.03 | 18 | 5.5 | 0.25 | 0.8 | |
| 201 J4 | Minimum | - | - | 5.5 | - | - | 16 | 3.5 | - | 1.0 |
| Maximum | 0.10 | 1 | 7.5 | 0.06 | 0.03 | 18 | 5.5 | 0.25 | 1.5 | |
| 201 J5 | Minimum | 0.14 | - | 5.5 | - | - | 16 | 3.5 | - | - |
| Maximum | 0.15 | 1 | 7.5 | 0.06 | 0.03 | 18 | 5.5 | 0.25 | 0.4 |
Surface Finishes
- NO.1: Hot-rolled, annealed, and descaled for rough industrial applications.
- 2B: Cold-rolled with light passivation for a universal matte finish.
- BA: Bright-annealed under protective gas for a reflective, smooth surface.
- NO.4: Uniform short-grain satin texture for anti-fingerprint performance.
- HL: Unidirectional hairline polishing for decorative brushed effects.
- Mirror: Mirror (8K) or hairline finishes for decorative applications.
- Coating: Electroplated colors (gold, rose gold) or PVD coatings.
- Textured: Embossed or etched patterns for anti-slip/grip enhancement.
Performance Characteristics and Applications of 201 Stainless Steel Sheet
1. Performance Characteristics
1.1 Corrosion Resistance
201 stainless steel sheet possesses certain resistance to acids and alkalis, making it suitable for mildly corrosive environments, such as handling non-corrosive or slightly corrosive chemicals. After polishing, its surface is free of bubbles and pinholes, effectively resisting corrosion from weak media such as atmosphere, steam, and water.
1.2 Mechanical Properties
This material has high strength, allowing for the use of thin sheets, and is resistant to high-temperature oxidation. Its elongation is 55%~60%, and its elastic modulus reaches 29,000,000 psi, exhibiting good plastic processing properties, facilitating cutting, bending, punching, and welding.
1.3 Aesthetics and Machinability
201 stainless steel sheet has a high surface finish, is easy to polish, and has strong decorative properties. Its high carbon and manganese content gives it a dark, glossy finish, suitable for various decorative applications. Simultaneously, it has excellent processing performance and can be manufactured into desired shapes and sizes through various processes.
2. Applications
2.1 Architectural Decoration
201 stainless steel sheet is widely used in interior decoration, such as elevator door panels, handrails, window frames, and other decorative components. Its tongue-and-groove design ensures a tight and stable installation, making it suitable for interior partitions and ceilings in commercial buildings, creating aesthetically pleasing and safe interior spaces.
2.2 Household and Kitchen Equipment
Due to its easy cleaning and aesthetic appeal, it is commonly used to manufacture the outer casings and internal components of household appliances such as kitchen equipment, bathroom facilities, refrigerators, and washing machines. In the catering industry, it is also used to make tableware, kitchen utensils, and kitchen equipment.
2.3 Industrial and Automotive Parts
201 stainless steel sheet is suitable for industrial pipes and shallow-drawn products, such as automotive parts (exhaust systems, decorative strips) and agricultural machinery (mixers, conveyor belts). Its high strength and corrosion resistance make it stable in industrial environments.
2.4 Colored Decorative Applications
201 colored stainless steel sheet has vibrant colors and corrosion resistance, and can be used for decoration such as hall wall panels, ceilings, and elevator car panels. The color changes with the angle of light, enhancing the overall quality of the space.
Why Choose Us ?
- Quality Assurance: Strict ASTM/GB standards compliance with mill test reports.
- Customization: Tailored sizes (0.1–6.0mm thickness, 1000–2000mm width).
- Fast Delivery: 7–20 days for bulk orders with global shipping support.
- After-Sales:24/7 technical consultation and replacement warranty.
Applications & Industries
Thermal Processing
Furnace rolls, radiant tubes, burner liners
Food Processing
Baking conveyors, high-temperature ovens
Power Generation
Boiler parts, flue gas systems
Petrochemical
Cracking furnace tubes, heat exchangers
Automotive
Exhaust systems, turbo housing components
Workshop & Packaging (Illustrative)
- Production Workshop:
- Image caption: CNC plasma cutting + automated welding line
- Packaging Standards:
- PE-coated moisture-proof wood crates
- Edge-protected coil bundling
- Custom labeling (Material grade/Batch No./Anti-corrosion warnings)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1:How to clean 201 sheets?
A: Use pH-neutral cleaners; avoid abrasive tools to preserve the surface.
Q2: How does 201 stainless steel compare to 304?
- Corrosion Resistance: 304 excels in harsh environments due to higher chromium-nickel content.
- Cost: 201 is significantly cheaper, making it ideal for budget-sensitive projects.
- Magnetic Properties: 201 may exhibit slight magnetism after cold working, unlike 304.
Q3: Where is 201 commonly used?
- Interior Design: Decorative panels, furniture trim.
- Industrial: Non-critical structural parts, low-cost enclosures.
- Consumer Goods: Budget-friendly appliances, hardware.
Q4: Can 201 stainless steel be welded?
A: Yes, but with precautions. Use low heat input methods (TIG or MIG) and avoid excessive heat to prevent brittleness. Post-weld cleaning (pickling or passivation) is recommended to restore corrosion resistance.
Q5: Is 201 stainless steel magnetic?
A: Yes, especially after cold working (e.g., bending or rolling). Its higher manganese content contributes to magnetic properties, unlike austenitic 304 stainless steel.
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