Grade 201 Stainless Steel: Properties and Advantages

Stainless steels are known for their corrosion properties because they possess heavy chromium amount in their composition. There are also classified based on their crystal structure. These are like ferritic, austenitic, martensitic steels and precipitation hardened steels. Precipitation handed are martensite and austenite steels in combine. Type 201 stainless steel is austenitic grades steel having high machinability and formability.  More information about this austenitic grades steel is explained in this article.

What is 201 Stainless Steel

Type 201 stainless steel is high-alloy steel which has good acidic and alkali resistance. It has good amount of chromium and nickel which provide many advanced features. This austenitic chromium nickel-based steel has high density and is used for producing decorative tubes and industrial tubes. It has high manganese and nitrogen which increases its tensile strength. Type 201 stainless steel is similar in properties as 300 series grades have. 201 is cost alternative to 304 steels.

Is 201 Stainless Steel Good?

Yes, type 201 stainless steel is good. It has high structural integrity and is ideal for uses in automotive, construction and marine industries.

Is 201 Stainless Steel Magnetic?

This austenitic grades steel is non-magnetic is annealed conditions. But is become magnetic when cold worked.

Is 201 Grade Stainless Steel Food Safe?

No, 210 stainless steel is not food safe. It is like 300 series grades material which are food grade material, but this austenitic grades is not food safe.

Is 201 Stainless Steel Suitable for Outdoor Use?

Type 201 stainless steel is suitable for outdoor as well as in door use. It is mostly employed in automotive rim architectural purposes and for indoor use, it is used in restaurants, kitchen appliances and utensils.

Does 201 Stainless Steel Rust?

No, it has moderate corrosion properties. 201 has rust prevention features for some conditions however, it cannot survive in harsh environments. It is susceptible to pitting and crevice corrosion.

What is AISI 201 Equivalent to?

Cost of 201 stainless steel

Type 210 stainless steel has relatively low cost. That is why is used frequently in engineering and industrial applications. It is a cost alternative to 304 steels.

Advantages and Disadvantages of 201 Stainless Steel

Type 201 stainless steel has unique features. These are:

• It is a cost-effective and affordable material. It is also a cost alternative to many expensive 300 series grades like 304.
• It is austenitic chromium nickel alloy. It has high corrosion resistance to acidic and alkaline solution.
• Tensile strength is very high. It is because of high manganese and nitrogen. Its durability is suitable for structural components and heavy parts.
• This austenitic grade has high fabricability. It can easily be transformed into different shapes with varying sizes.
• It has reflective surface which makes it suitable for decorative purposes and architectural designs.
• The combination of cost-effectiveness, machinability and formability makes it suitable for many industries like automotive, construction, architectural and marine.

Type 201 stainless steel has few limitations.

• The major disadvantage is its low corrosion resistance. Presence of nickel is slightly less which can increase its corrosion properties. It is not suitable for harsh environments. And it is prone to crevice and pitting corrosion.

What is 201 Stainless Steel Used For

201 stainless steel exhaust

Type 201 has high durability and structural integrity. It is suitable for applications like structural parts like exhaust and heavy machinery. The good corrosion resistance to acidic and alkaline solution makes it ideal for many applications.

201 stainless steel cookware

It is typically found in kitchen utensils and cookware, appliances and food service products. It is easy to clean and has brighter and reflective surface which makes its looks appealing.

201 stainless steel coils

201 coils have many advantages. Its moderate corrosion resistance eliminates the need of painting and coating for rust prevention. It also has high tensile strength and durability due to high manganese and nitrogen content.

Stainless steel kettle

its kettles are durable and suitable for high temperature. It has easy handling and has great looks. If silicon handles are attached to it, these are safe to handle and transport.

Specifications Standards

201 is designated as SUS201 by AISI and ISO which represents “Steel uses stainless 201”.

Heat Resistance

201 has good thermal properties and heat resistance

Corrosion Resistance

Corrosion properties of 201 are moderate. It is not suitable for harsh environments and is vulnerable to pitting and crevice corrosion. But it can resist acidic, chemicals and alkaline solutions.

Heat Treatment

Type 201 stainless steel can be annealed at 1010-1093°C. but the maximum temperature must not be exceeded from the upper limit. It can cause scaling. Steel is cooled rapidly followed by annealing to avoid carbide crystallization.

SS201 Chemical Composition

The chemical composition of type 201 stainless steel is as:

Physical Properties of SS 201

The physical properties of type 201 stainless steel is as:

Density

The density of 201 grade is 7.86 g/cm^3.

Thermal conductivity

The thermal conductivity of SS 201 is 16.3 W/mK

Electrical conductivity

The electrical conductivity of SS 201 is 2.7%IACS

Thermal Expansion

The thermal expansion of SS 201 is 6.6 µm/m°C

SS 201 Mechanical Properties

The mechanical properties of type 201 stainless steel is as:

Hardness

The hardness of SS201 is 85HRB

Yield Strength

The yield strength of grade 210 is 292MPa

Tensile Strength

The tensile strength of grade 210 is 685MPa

Elongation

The elongation of grade 210 is 56%

Machining and welding

Type 201 stainless steel has high formability, machinability and welding properties. these austenitic grades steel can be welded and machined by all the conventional techniques similar to 300 series alloys. 201 type steel can be formed by all the methods and pressure but cannot be hardened by heat treatment.

FAQ

201 Stainless Steel vs 18 10

18/10 is a better choice because it has higher durability, corrosion resistance and strength as compared to 01 stainless steel.

201 SS vs 304 SS

201 is a cost alternative to 304 SS but 304 has high corrosion resistance and it is a food safe material while 201 is not.

201 Stainless Steel vs 316

316 has the highest corrosion resistance. It is also a biocompatible material. 201 has lesser strength and rust prevention features.

18/8 Stainless Steel vs 201

18/8 has more nickel. Therefore, it is more corrosion resistant and durable.