aisi 201 vs aisi 304 stainless steel

When choosing AISI 201 and AISI 304 stainless steels, understanding their chemical composition, corrosion resistance, and mechanical properties is crucial. Both are austenitic stainless steels, but their nickel content, price, and performance differ, factors that directly impact their durability, weldability, and cost-effectiveness in industrial and decorative applications.

If you are looking for stainless steel sheets, coils, or pipes, this guide will help you determine which material is best suited for your project and what products Gnee can offer.

 

What is equivalent to grade 201?
Grade 201 stainless steel is equivalent to designations like UNS S20100 and SAE 30201 under US standards, SUS201 under Japanese standards (JIS), STS201 under Korean standards, and X12CrMnNiN17-7-5 (1.4372) under European standards (EN 10088-2). Other equivalent ASTM grades include A213, A240, A249, A276, A412, and A666.

 

What is the ASTM equivalent of 304 stainless steel?
AISI 304 stainless steel corresponds to ASTM A240/A240M Grade 304. DIN 1.4301: DIN 1.4301 is the German standard designation for AISI 304 stainless steel. It is equivalent to the EN 1.4301 and UNS S30400 standards.

 

AISI 201 and AISI 304 Stainless Steel：different

AISI 201 is an affordable alternative to AISI 304, replacing some of the nickel with manganese (Mn) and nitrogen (N). On the other hand, AISI 304 remains the most widely used stainless steel due to its excellent corrosion resistance and ease of processing.

Property	AISI 201 Stainless Steel	AISI 304 Stainless Steel
Standard	ASTM A240 / A666	ASTM A240 / A666
EN Equivalent	1.4372	1.4301
Type	Austenitic (low nickel)	Austenitic (high nickel)
Density	7.93 g/cm³	7.93 g/cm³
Magnetism	Slightly magnetic when cold-worked	Non-magnetic in annealed state

 

AISI 201 and AISI 304 Stainless Steel： Chemical Composition (Typical % by Weight)

Element	AISI 201	AISI 304
C	≤ 0.15	≤ 0.08
Mn	5.5 – 7.5	≤ 2.0
Ni	3.5 – 5.5	8.0 – 10.5
Cr	16.0 – 18.0	18.0 – 20.0
N	≤ 0.25	≤ 0.10
Si	≤ 1.0	≤ 1.0

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AISI 201 and AISI 304 Stainless Steel：Mechanical Properties

Property	AISI 201	AISI 304
Tensile Strength (MPa)	520 – 785	515 – 750
Yield Strength (MPa)	≥ 275	≥ 205
Elongation (%)	≥ 40	≥ 45
Hardness (HRB)	≤ 95	≤ 92

 

What is the difference between ss201 and ss430?
201 and 430 stainless steel have key differences in composition, corrosion resistance, and strength. 201 is an austenitic steel with nickel and high manganese for better corrosion resistance and strength, while 430 is a ferritic steel with no nickel (low chromium), making it less expensive but with weaker corrosion resistance, and is magnetic. 201 is generally used for appliances and utensils, whereas 430 is better for decorative applications or where magnetism is beneficial.

 

Which SS grade is best, 202 or 304?

SS 304 is the better grade for most applications due to its superior corrosion resistance and durability, while SS 202 is a more economical choice for indoor or less demanding uses where cost is a primary concern. Grade 304 is a higher-quality alloy that contains more nickel, making it less susceptible to rust and staining. Grade 202 has a lower nickel content and is more prone to corrosion, though it has a higher yield strength.

 

Gnee supplies AISI 201 and AISI 304 stainless steel products in multiple forms, including sheet, coil, plate, strip, tube, and bar.
With over 18 years of export experience, Gnee delivers high-quality stainless steel to customers in Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, ensuring fast delivery and competitive pricing.
✅ Thickness range: 0.3mm – 50mm
✅ Width: up to 2000mm, customizable length
✅ Surface finishes: 2B, BA, No.4, HL, mirror
✅ Standards: ASTM, AISI, EN, GB, JIS, DIN
✅ Certifications: ISO, SGS, BV
✅ Services: CNC cutting, slitting, polishing, forming, and packaging
All materials come with complete mill test certificates (MTC) showing chemical composition and mechanical properties.