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201 stainless steel is an austenitic chromium-nickel-manganese alloy designed as an economical alternative to 304 stainless steel. It contains a lower nickel content, which is partially replaced by manganese and nitrogen, making it more affordable while maintaining good strength and corrosion resistance. The material is particularly resistant to general atmospheric corrosion and has excellent toughness at low temperatures.
1. Main characteristics
1.1 Corrosion resistance:
201 stainless steel has a certain acid and alkali resistance, but its corrosion resistance is poor compared with 304, 316 and other stainless steels. Due to the high manganese content in 201 stainless steel, it will hinder the formation of stainless steel passivation film. For example, in 3.5% sodium chloride solution, the pitting potential of 201 stainless steel is -32mV, which is much lower than 304 stainless steel’s 312mV. 201 stainless steel corrodes faster in salt spray environments. If the product has high requirements for corrosion resistance, it is generally not recommended to use 201 stainless steel. The corrosion resistance of 201 stainless steel will be significantly reduced in corrosive media such as strong acids and strong alkalis. For example, in some chemical production processes involving high-concentration acid and alkali solutions, the use of 201 stainless steel may cause faster corrosion damage to the equipment.
1.2 Mechanical properties:
Tensile strength: Generally between 450MPa-650MPa. The higher tensile strength enables it to withstand greater tensile forces without breaking.
Yield strength: Generally between 200MPa-300MPa. The yield strength of 201 stainless steel means that under a certain external force, it will yield and deform, but it can still maintain a certain load-bearing capacity.
Elongation: Generally between 30%-55%. Good elongation indicates that stainless steel has good plasticity and toughness.
Hardness: Usually between HB180-HB253. The hardness of 201 stainless steel gives it certain wear resistance and deformation resistance. It is suitable for some uses that require surface hardness. However, compared with some high-hardness alloy steels, its hardness is relatively
1.3 High temperature strength:
Under proper heat treatment conditions, 201 stainless steel can obtain high high temperature strength and is suitable for applications in some high temperature environments.
1.4 Weldability:
201 stainless steel has good weldability and can be processed by various welding methods, and the surface finish after welding is high.
1.5 Low cost:
Compared with other high-nickel steel grades, such as 304 stainless steel, 201 stainless steel has a lower cost, which makes it competitive in some cost-sensitive applications.
2. Main uses
201 stainless steel is often used in applications where cost is the main consideration but still requires moderate corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. Typical uses include kitchen utensils, household appliance parts, automotive interiors and decorative applications. Although it performs well in mildly corrosive environments, its resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion is lower than that of 304 or 316 grades, especially under chloride-rich conditions.
2.1 Construction and decoration:
201 stainless steel can be used to make decorative materials, wall panels, handrails, stairs and other architectural items, which have excellent surface finish and aesthetics.
2.2 Food processing and kitchen utensils:
Since 201 stainless steel is non-toxic, corrosion-resistant and easy to clean, it is often used to manufacture food processing equipment, kitchen utensils, etc. However, it should be noted that due to its relatively weak corrosion resistance, additional protection measures may be required when exposed to corrosive substances for a long time.
2.3 Automobile manufacturing:
201 stainless steel has excellent formability and welding properties and is often used in the manufacture of automotive parts such as exhaust pipes, car doors, body panels, etc.