Stainless Steel 304 VS 201, What is The Difference Between The Two?

Stainless Steel 201 and 304 are commonly used types, and there are many differences between them.

In terms of chemical composition, 201 contains 15% chromium and 5% nickel and is a substitute for 304. The standard 304 contains 18% chromium and 9% nickel. Due to its higher nickel and chromium content, 304 has far better rust resistance than 201, but it is more expensive. 201 has a higher manganese content, and its surface color is darker than that of 304, which is difficult to distinguish with the naked eye. At the same time, 201 has less nickel and a higher carbon content, so it has poor corrosion resistance, is harder and more brittle. If you scratch 201 with a hard knife, there will be obvious scratches, while scratches on 304 are not significant.

In terms of applications, 201 has certain acid and alkali resistance, high density, and good polishing effect. It is an excellent material for making watch cases, watch band bottom covers, and is often used in decorative pipes, industrial pipes, and some shallow - drawn products. 304 is a widely used chromium - nickel stainless steel. It has good corrosion resistance, heat resistance, etc., and is recognized as food - grade stainless steel in China. It performs well in a dry indoor environment. However, it needs to be cleaned regularly outdoors. In polluted areas and coastal areas, its surface is prone to getting dirty and rusty. With good processing performance and high toughness, 304 is widely used in construction, industry, furniture decoration, and the food and medical industries.