SUS304 vs SUS201: Performance, Cost and Applications

When selecting stainless steel materials for industrial applications, two common choices are SUS304 and SUS201 stainless steels. Both are austenitic stainless steels that offer a good balance of strength, formability, and corrosion resistance, but they have distinct differences in terms of cost, performance, and suitability for various applications. This article compares SUS304 vs SUS201, with a focus on key performance differences, cost analysis, and applications, helping procurement professionals make the right material choice.

SUS201 is another austenitic stainless steel but with a lower nickel content compared to SUS304. This makes it a cost-effective alternative while still offering decent corrosion resistance and good strength. However, it is more susceptible to corrosion in harsh environments, particularly those exposed to chlorides or acidic conditions.

 

Key Features of SUS201:
Lower Cost: With reduced nickel and manganese content, SUS201 is a more economical option compared to SUS304.
Corrosion Resistance: Offers moderate corrosion resistance, making it suitable for mild environments, but not ideal for marine or highly corrosive applications.
Formability and Strength: Exhibits good strength and ductility, making it easy to form and fabricate.

 

 

 

SUS304, also known as 304 stainless steel, is one of the most commonly used grades of stainless steel. It is part of the austenitic family, meaning it has a non-magnetic structure and exhibits excellent corrosion resistance in a wide range of environments, including food processing, chemical industries, and architectural applications.

 

Key Features of SUS304:
Corrosion Resistance: Excellent in mild corrosive environments, including water and food-grade environments.
Formability and Weldability: Easy to form and weld, making it versatile for a wide range of applications.
Aesthetic Appeal: It maintains a clean, shiny finish suitable for architectural and decorative applications.

 

 

 Chemical Composition Comparison: SUS304 vs SUS201

Element	SUS304 (304 Stainless Steel)	SUS201 (201 Stainless Steel)
Nickel (Ni)	8.0–10.5%	3.5–5.5%
Chromium (Cr)	18.0–20.0%	16.0–18.0%
Manganese (Mn)	2.0% max	5.5–7.5%
Carbon (C)	≤0.08%	≤0.15%
Silicon (Si)	0.75% max	0.75% max
Sulfur (S)	0.03% max	0.03% max
Iron (Fe)	Balance	Balance

SUS201 contains less nickel and more manganese compared to SUS304, which makes it less corrosion-resistant but more cost-effective.

SUS304 has better overall performance due to its higher nickel content, which contributes to improved strength, corrosion resistance, and weldability.

 

Performance Comparison: SUS304 vs SUS201

Property	SUS304 (304 Stainless Steel)	SUS201 (201 Stainless Steel)
Tensile Strength	520–720 MPa	520–750 MPa
Yield Strength	215–505 MPa	275–505 MPa
Elongation	≥40%	≥40%
Hardness	170–200 HB (Rockwell B)	160–190 HB (Rockwell B)
Density	8.0 g/cm³	7.9 g/cm³
Modulus of Elasticity	200 GPa	200 GPa

 

 Corrosion Resistance: SUS304 vs SUS201

Environment	SUS304 (304 Stainless Steel)	SUS201 (201 Stainless Steel)
Mild Acids (e.g., citric acid)	Excellent	Good
Oxidizing Acids	Excellent	Moderate
Chlorides (e.g., seawater)	Moderate	Poor to Moderate
Marine Environments	Good	Poor

 

Applications: SUS304 vs SUS201

Application	SUS304 (304 Stainless Steel)	SUS201 (201 Stainless Steel)
Food Processing	✔️ Excellent	✔️ Good
Chemical Processing	✔️ Excellent	✔️ Good
Marine Hardware	✔️ Good	❌ Not recommended
Architectural Applications	✔️ Excellent	✔️ Good
Automotive	✔️ Ideal for exterior trim	✔️ Good for interior parts
Medical Devices	✔️ Ideal for biocompatible applications	❌ Not recommended

 

 

Strength Differences Between SUS304 and SUS201
In the annealed state, the minimum tensile strength of these two grades is similar, both approximately ≥520 MPa. However, the yield strength of SUS201 is generally higher than that of SUS304 (SUS201 ≥275 MPa, SUS304 ≥205 MPa), and SUS201 exhibits greater work hardening, reaching approximately 700–1000 MPa after cold working, while the strength of SUS304 is typically between 515–690 MPa, depending on the tempering state.

 

Price Differences Between SUS304 and SUS201
Due to its lower nickel content and higher manganese/nitrogen content, SUS201 is typically 20%–30% cheaper than SUS304. Recently, in the Chinese domestic market, the price of SUS201 is approximately 18.0 RMB/kg, while SUS304 is approximately 28.8 RMB/kg, a price difference of about 55%–60%. Actual prices may vary depending on the product form, thickness, and manufacturer.

 

 

At GNEE,SUS304 stianless steel is available in various forms to meet diverse industrial needs:
Plates and Sheets (cold rolled and hot rolled)
Bars and Rods (round, square, hexagonal)
Tubes (seamless and welded)
Wires and Strips (for springs, fasteners, electrical applications)
Forgings and Custom Parts (according to drawings or specifications)
Testing and Documentation: Mill Test Certificates, EN 10204 3.1, Chemical Reports, Mechanical Reports, Destructive Testing Reports, Non-Destructive Testing Reports, PMI Test Reports, Visual Inspection Reports, Third-Party Inspection Reports, NABL Certified Laboratory Reports.
Packaging: Wooden crates, bubble wrap, steel strapping, or packaged according to customer requirements.