201 Stainless Steel Sheet
AISI 201 (UNS S20100) low-nickel, high-manganese austenitic stainless steel sheet. Economic alternative to 304 with good formability and corrosion resistance. Thickness 0.3-6mm, 2B/BA/No.4 finishes. Ideal for kitchenware, appliances, decorative panels, and general fabrication.
| Material | Austenitic Stainless Steel (High Mn, Low Ni) |
|---|---|
| Grade / Standard | AISI 201 / UNS S20100 |
| Thickness | 0.3mm - 6.0mm (cold rolled sheet), 3.0mm - 50mm (hot rolled plate) |
| Width | 1000mm - 1500mm (sheet), up to 2000mm (plate) |
| Length | 2000mm - 6000mm (sheet), up to 12000mm (plate) |
| Delivery Condition | hot_rolled / cold_rolled |
| Surface Treatment | bare / polished |
| MOQ | 1 Ton |
| Delivery Time | 15-25 Days / Stock Available for Common Sizes |
| Loading Port | Tianjin / Shanghai / Qingdao |
Overview of 201 Stainless Steel Sheet
AISI 201 is a low-nickel, high-manganese austenitic stainless steel developed as an economical alternative to traditional 301/304 grades. By partially replacing nickel with manganese and nitrogen, 201 stainless steel achieves comparable strength and formability at a significantly lower cost. Specified under ASTM A240 with UNS designation S20100, this grade contains 16-18% chromium, 3.5-5.5% nickel, and 5.5-7.5% manganese, providing good corrosion resistance in mildly corrosive environments and excellent mechanical properties in the annealed condition. Its high work-hardening rate makes it particularly suitable for drawn and formed parts.
201 stainless steel sheet is widely used in applications where moderate corrosion resistance is required but cost control is paramount. Typical uses include kitchen utensils, cookware, sinks, architectural decorative panels, automotive trim, and general-purpose fabricated components. With a bright, smooth surface finish and good oxidation resistance up to 750°C, 201 sheet is available in various thicknesses and finishes to meet the needs of manufacturers and fabricators across the construction, catering equipment, and domestic appliance industries.
Key Features and Surface Finishes
201 stainless steel sheet is manufactured through electric arc furnace melting, AOD refining, and continuous casting into slabs, followed by hot rolling and then cold rolling to final gauge. The material is supplied in the solution-annealed condition (approximately 1010-1060°C) followed by rapid cooling to maintain a fully austenitic, non-magnetic or slightly magnetic structure. Cold working imparts higher strength and can induce some martensitic transformation, increasing magnetism.
Quality control includes chemical composition verification by optical emission spectroscopy (with special attention to chromium, manganese, nickel, and nitrogen content), tensile testing to ASTM A240 or JIS G4305, hardness measurement, surface finish inspection, and dimensional accuracy checks. Standard surface finishes include 2B (cold rolled, annealed, pickled, and skin-passed for a smooth matt appearance), BA (bright annealed for a reflective, mirror-like finish), No.4 (brushed satin, popular for architectural and decorative use), and hairline finishes. Thicknesses range from 0.3mm to 6.0mm in cold-rolled sheet, with widths up to 1500mm and lengths up to 6000mm. Coil form is also available for volume users.
Main Applications of 201 Stainless Steel Sheet
201 stainless steel sheet finds extensive use in the kitchenware and catering industry for items such as stock pots, trays, cutlery, and sink bowls, where its deep drawability and moderate corrosion resistance are adequate. In the home appliance sector, it is used for refrigerator panels, washing machine bodies, and microwave oven casings. The architectural and construction industries specify 201 for interior decorative panelling, elevator door skins, handrails, and escalator cladding, taking advantage of its bright surface finish.
Automotive applications include trim, exhaust system components (cold-end), and structural parts where cost savings over 304 are significant. It is also used for general fabrication of chemical processing equipment handling mild media, display racks, furniture, and storage tanks for non-critical fluids. The grade can serve as a drop-in replacement for 304 in many indoor or mild outdoor environments where pitting and crevice corrosion from chlorides is not a primary concern.
Why Choose Us for 201 Stainless Steel Sheet
Shandong Tanglu Metal Material Co., Ltd. supplies high-quality 201 stainless steel sheet from ISO 9001 certified mills with a proven track record in high-manganese austenitic steel production. Every sheet is backed by an EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificate, documenting complete chemical composition (Mn, Cr, Ni, N, C), room-temperature tensile properties (yield, tensile, elongation), and hardness values. For volume purchasers and contract supply, we also offer EN 10204 3.2 inspection with independent third-party verification by SGS, BV, or TÜV.
We maintain comprehensive stocks of 201 cold-rolled sheet in standard thicknesses from 0.5mm to 3.0mm, with the most popular finishes – 2B and BA – available for immediate shipment from our warehouses. Our processing capability includes precision slitting, cut-to-length sheeting, and laser/plasma cutting of blanks to your exact dimensions. With a monthly supply capacity exceeding 2,000 tons of 200-series stainless steel sheets, we service both small distributors and large manufacturing plants across over 60 countries. Each shipment is professionally packed in wooden crates with interleaving protective paper, edge guards, and moisture barriers, ensuring your material arrives in pristine condition ready for fabrication.
📐 Dimension & Size Table
| Thickness (mm) | Width (mm) | Length (mm) | Weight (kg/m²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 1000-1500 | 2000-4000 | 3.90 |
| 0.8 | 1000-1500 | 2000-4000 | 6.24 |
| 1.0 | 1000-1500 | 2000-6000 | 7.80 |
| 1.2 | 1000-1500 | 2000-6000 | 9.36 |
| 1.5 | 1000-1500 | 2000-6000 | 11.70 |
| 2.0 | 1000-1500 | 2000-6000 | 15.60 |
| 3.0 | 1000-1500 | 2000-6000 | 23.40 |
| 4.0 | 1000-1500 | 2000-8000 | 31.20 |
| 5.0 | 1000-1500 | 2000-8000 | 39.00 |
| 6.0 | 1000-1500 | 2000-8000 | 46.80 |
* Custom sizes available upon request. Tolerances per relevant international standards.
🔬 Chemical Composition
| Element | Min | Max | Display Value | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | - | 0.15 | ≤0.15 | Per ASTM A240 UNS S20100 |
| Mn | 5.50 | 7.50 | 5.50-7.50 | KEY ELEMENT - replaces nickel for austenite stability |
| Si | - | 0.75 | ≤0.75 | |
| P | - | 0.060 | ≤0.060 | |
| S | - | 0.030 | ≤0.030 | |
| Cr | 16.00 | 18.00 | 16.00-18.00 | Provides corrosion and oxidation resistance |
| Ni | 3.50 | 5.50 | 3.50-5.50 | Austenite stabilizer (lower than 304 to reduce cost) |
| N | - | 0.25 | ≤0.25 | Strengthener and austenite stabilizer |
| Fe | - | - | Balance |
* Chemical composition may vary by heat, thickness and specification. Please refer to the actual mill test certificate.
⚙️ Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value | Unit | Test Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (Rm) | ≥515 | MPa | Annealed, per ASTM A240 |
| Yield Strength (Rp0.2) | ≥275 | MPa | 0.2% offset (higher than 304 due to N/Mn |
| Elongation (A50mm) | ≥40 | % | Gauge length 50mm |
| Rockwell Hardness (HRB) | ≤95 | HRB | Annealed condition |
| Brinell Hardness (HBW) | ≤217 | HBW | Annealed condition |
| Elastic Modulus (Approx.) | 200 | GPa | Reference value |
| Density | 7.80 | g/cm³ | Reference value |
| Magnetic Permeability | Slightly magnetic (when cold worked) | – | Austenitic, can transform to martensite |
* Values shown are minimum requirements unless otherwise stated.
📦 Commercial Information
| Packaging | Standard export packing for stainless steel sheets. Sheets are separated with interleaving paper and packed in wooden crates or strong wooden pallets with edge guards and steel strapping. Each package is tagged with grade (201), heat number, thickness, and weight. VCI wrap is used for long ocean transit to prevent moisture attack. Custom packaging solutions, including slitting and blanking into custom sizes, are available upon request. |
|---|---|
| Payment Terms | T/T (Telegraphic Transfer),L/C at Sight (Letter of Credit),D/P (Documents against Payment) |
| Price Term | FOB,CFR,CIF,EXW |
| Supply Capacity | 2,000 Tons/Month (200-Series Austenitic Stainless Steel Sheets) |
| Loading Port | Tianjin / Shanghai / Qingdao |
Why Choose Our 201 Stainless Steel Sheet?
Cost-Effective Alternative to 304
By substituting a portion of nickel with manganese and nitrogen, 201 stainless steel offers significant material cost savings while still providing good corrosion resistance and formability. Ideal for price-sensitive applications without compromising on performance.
Higher Yield Strength
201 grade delivers a minimum yield strength of 275 MPa in the annealed condition, which is substantially higher than 304 (205 MPa). This higher strength allows for downgauging in certain designs, further reducing cost and weight.
Excellent Formability & Work Hardening
The high work-hardening rate enables the production of complex deep-drawn parts such as sinks and cookware. It provides a good balance of ductility (≥40% elongation) and strength, making it suitable for stretch forming and bending operations.
Bright, Attractive Surface Finishes
Available in 2B, BA, and No.4 finishes, 201 sheet provides an appealing aesthetic for visible consumer goods and architectural trim. The consistent surface quality is maintained by advanced mill processing and strict inspection.
Stock Availability & Global Supply
Large stockist of standard gauge 201 sheets ready for immediate dispatch. We provide precisely cut blanks and coils to your specifications, backed by reliable logistics for timely delivery to your factory.
🏭 Applications of 201 Stainless Steel Sheet
201 stainless steel sheet is the preferred cost-effective solution for kitchen equipment manufacturers producing stock pots, pans, and sink bowls. It is extensively used by home appliance makers for refrigerator doors, washing machine tubs, and microwave housings. The architectural sector uses 201 for interior decorative cladding, escalator panels, and elevator car skins. Other applications include automotive trim, tubular furniture, display shelving, and general engineering components where moderate environmental exposure is expected.
📋 Quality & Certification
Our Certifications
- ✅ ISO 9001:2015
- ✅ CE Marking
- ✅ Bureau Veritas (BV)
- ✅ SGS Certified
Mill Certificate Type
- 📋 EN 10204 3.1
- 📋 EN 10204 3.2
- 📋 Certificate of Origin
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 201 and 304 stainless steel?
The main difference lies in the nickel content. 201 contains 3.5-5.5% nickel, while 304 contains 8.0-10.5% nickel. This makes 201 cheaper but slightly less corrosion resistant than 304. 201 also has higher manganese (5.5-7.5%) to stabilize the austenitic structure. 201 is preferred for indoor applications and general use where cost is a primary driver, while 304 is used for more corrosive environments and food processing.
Will 201 stainless steel rust?
201 provides good resistance to atmospheric corrosion and mild chemical environments, but it can develop surface rust if exposed to harsh conditions, particularly chlorides (salts, coastal air, bleaching agents). It is not suitable for marine or heavy industrial chemical environments. For indoor kitchenware, appliances, and architectural trim, it provides excellent service life.
Is 201 stainless steel magnetic?
In the solution-annealed condition, 201 is essentially non-magnetic (similar to 304). However, when heavily cold worked (bent, drawn, or rolled), the austenite partially transforms to martensite, making the worked areas slightly magnetic. This is normal behavior for metastable austenitic grades.
Can 201 stainless steel be welded?
Yes, 201 can be welded using common techniques such as TIG, MIG, and resistance welding. Standard ER308 or ER309 filler rods are often used for welding 201 to itself or dissimilar metals. The formation of chromium carbides during welding can be minimized due to the relatively low carbon content, but post-weld annealing is recommended if maximum corrosion resistance is required in the weld zone.
What are the typical thicknesses and finishes available for 201 sheet?
We stock 201 sheets from 0.3mm up to 6.0mm in cold-rolled condition. The most popular finishes are 2B (matt) and BA (bright). For decorative uses, No.4 (brushed satin) and hairline finishes are also available. Our standard sheet size is 4'x8' (1219mm x 2438mm) and 4'x10' (1219mm x 3048mm), but custom lengths can be cut to your requirements.
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201 Stainless Steel Sheet
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