Key Feature

The Cost-Effective Alternative Bar Stock. Maintains austenitic structure and good mechanical properties with reduced nickel content through manganese and nitrogen substitution.

Provides approximately 20-30% cost savings versus 304 stainless steel bar while maintaining basic stainless characteristics.

Common Designations

UNS S20100AISI 201GB/T 201 (Chinese Standard)JIS SUS201Custom mill specifications

Not as universally standardized as 304; specifications vary more by region and manufacturer.

Chemical Composition (Typical wt.%)

C: ≤ 0.15Cr: 16.0 - 18.0Ni: 3.5 - 5.5Mn: 5.5 - 7.5N: ≤ 0.25Si: ≤ 1.00

High manganese and nitrogen replace significant nickel content (vs. 8-10% in 304).

Mechanical Properties

Tensile Strength: ≥ 655 MPaYield Strength: ≥ 310 MPaElongation: ≥ 40-45%Hardness: ≤ 241 HBMachinability: 55% of B1112 steel

Higher strength than 304, but may work-harden more rapidly during machining.

Physical Properties

Density: 7.80 g/cm³Melting Range: 1371 - 1399 °CThermal Expansion: 16.0 × 10⁻⁶/K (20-100°C)Magnetic Response: Slightly magnetic (cold worked)

Slightly less dense than 304; may exhibit mild magnetism after cold working.

Available Forms

Rounds: 6mm - 200mm diameterSquares: 6mm - 100mmHexagons: 6mm - 50mmFlats: Various sizesAngles: Structural angles

Generally available in smaller sizes than 304 due to market demand.

Surface Conditions

Hot Rolled: Black, scaled surfaceCold Drawn: Bright finishPolished: Decorative finishesPeeled: Improved surface quality

Surface finishes similar to 304 but may show more variation.

Corrosion Resistance

Moderate resistance to atmospheric corrosion and mild chemicals. Not suitable for marine, acidic, or chloride-rich environments.

Significantly lower than 304, especially for pitting and crevice corrosion.

Machining Characteristics

• Higher work hardening than 304• Tool wear may be higher• Chip control more challenging• Surface finish may vary• Requires sharp tools and proper techniques

More demanding to machine than 304; requires adjustment of parameters.

Welding Characteristics

Fair weldability with proper techniquesPossible Sensitization in HAZLower Corrosion Resistance in weldsPost-Weld Cleaning recommendedMatching filler metals important

More challenging to weld than 304; requires careful procedure control.

Key Standards

ASTM A276 (some manufacturers)GB/T 1220 (Chinese standard)JIS G4303 (Japanese standard)Custom specifications common

Quality and consistency vary significantly between producers.

Common Applications

• Decorative & Architectural: Trim, moldings, handrails, decorative elements• Household Goods: Kitchen utensils, cookware handles, sink accessories• Consumer Products: Appliance trim, furniture components, display items• Automotive: Decorative trim, wheel covers (non-structural)• General Manufacturing: Fasteners, brackets, non-critical structural parts• Construction: Non-structural supports, decorative elements• Hardware: Nuts, bolts, screws (non-critical applications)

Suitable for applications where appearance and moderate corrosion resistance are priorities over maximum durability.