201 Stainless Steel (UNS S20100)
Austenitic (Cr-Mn) · ASTM A240/A240M · Density 7.81 g/cm³
Type 201 (UNS S20100) is a chromium-manganese austenitic stainless steel developed as a lower-nickel alternative to 304. It costs less, offers similar strength and formability, and moderately lower corrosion resistance — a popular choice for decorative tube, kitchenware and indoor architectural applications.
Chemical Composition (wt%)
| C | Mn | Si | Cr | Ni | N | P | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≤0.15 | 5.5–7.5 | ≤1.00 | 16.0–18.0 | 3.5–5.5 | ≤0.25 | ≤0.060 | ≤0.030 |
Single values are maximums unless a range is shown. Balance: Fe. Per ASTM A240/A240M.
Mechanical Properties
| Tensile strength | ≥655 MPa (95 ksi) |
|---|---|
| Yield strength (0.2%) | ≥260 MPa (38 ksi) |
| Elongation (50 mm) | ≥40% |
Room-temperature minimum values are summarized for annealed flat product under ASTM A240/A240M unless a condition is named in the property label; product form and thickness can change the requirement.
Physical Properties & Structure
| Density | 7.81 g/cm³ |
|---|---|
| Magnetic response | Essentially non-magnetic after solution annealing; cold work can introduce a measurable magnetic response. |
| Microstructure | Austenitic (Cr-Mn) |
Corrosion Resistance & Limits
- General corrosion resistance comes from the chromium-rich passive film; nickel, molybdenum, nitrogen and copper change performance by grade.
- Check chlorides, temperature, crevices, deposits, process chemistry and cleaning conditions. A grade designation alone is not a service-life guarantee.
Fabrication & Heat Treatment
| Welding | Generally weldable with a qualified procedure and matching or over-alloyed filler where required; remove heat tint when corrosion service demands it. |
|---|---|
| Forming | Good ductility is typical, but rapid work hardening increases forming load and springback; bend radius and intermediate annealing depend on grade and reduction. |
| Machining | Use rigid tooling, positive feeds and controlled heat because the material work-hardens; free-machining grades require separate corrosion and welding review. |
| Heat treatment | Solution annealing and rapid cooling restore the intended condition where applicable. Austenitic grades are not hardened by conventional quench-and-temper treatment. |
Equivalent Grades
The closest international equivalents of 201 Stainless Steel are 1.4372 (X12CrMnNiN17-7-5) in the EN system, SUS201 in the JIS system, 12Cr17Mn6Ni5N in the GB system.
These are common corresponding designations, not unconditional substitutes. Verify chemistry, mechanical properties, product standard, delivery condition, dimensions and project approval before changing designation.
| System | Designation |
|---|---|
| UNS | S20100 |
| EN | 1.4372 (X12CrMnNiN17-7-5) |
| JIS | SUS201 |
| GB | 12Cr17Mn6Ni5N |
Reference Product Forms & Dimensional Ranges
Common reference product forms for 201 stainless steel: Sheet / Plate, Coil / Strip, Pipe / Tube.
| Finishes | 2B, BA, No.4, mirror |
|---|---|
| Sheet / coil thickness | 0.2–3.0 mm |
| Common copper content | J1 / J2 / J3 variants available |
Common surface and delivery options: No.1, 2B, BA or mechanically polished finish when supported by the product route; Annealed and pickled, descaled or polished tube finish as specified.
These published ranges are engineering references, not a live-stock or production-capability promise. Confirm the required product form, dimensions, condition, finish and supply route in the quotation.
Typical Applications
- Decorative and furniture tube
- Kitchenware and sinks
- Indoor architectural trim
- Appliance housings
201 Products We Export
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 201 and 304 stainless steel?
201 replaces most of the nickel in 304 with manganese and nitrogen, cutting cost and raising strength, but lowering corrosion resistance. Indoors and in dry service 201 performs well; for outdoor, coastal or frequently wet applications 304 is the safer grade.
Does 201 stainless steel rust?
It can show surface staining in humid, coastal or chemically aggressive environments sooner than 304. With normal indoor use and routine cleaning, 201 stays bright for years, which is why it dominates decorative tube and kitchen applications.
Is 201 stainless steel magnetic?
Annealed 201 is austenitic and essentially non-magnetic, but it work-hardens quickly — bent or rolled areas may attract a magnet slightly. Magnet response alone cannot distinguish 201 from 304; a nickel spot test or spectrometer reading can.
201 Compared With Other Grades
Organizational author: Tsingshan (Shandong) Iron & Steel Co., Ltd..Review method, status and limitations.
Other stainless steel grades:
304304L316316L321310S4104302205202301309S316Ti347904L409L4204394414442507303317L254 SMO440C17-4 PH2304
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