Type 201 is:
- Austenitic: a chromium nickel alloy that contains higher amounts of manganese and nitrogen and lower amounts of nickel than type 304. This combination of elements reduces cost, increases mechanical strength and makes the alloy work harden at a faster rate than type 304. This material performs slightly below type 304 in terms of corrosion and oxidation resistance.
- Used in a variety of applications: Some of the typical uses of grade 201 include appliances, automotive parts, clamps, consumer and industrial products, cookware, doors, food service equipment, hose clamps, kitchen utensils, railroad cars, sinks, strapping and window trim.
- Able to be processed in many ways: Metal processors and fabricators stamp, form, bend, cut and weld alloy 201 to produce various parts. Cold working will increase strength and hardness, which may therefore cause it to springback more than type 304 as it is less ductile and formable than type 304.
- Available in many variants: Different levels of carbon, manganese, nitrogen and nickel define the different variants of this alloy. Each variant may offer benefits or drawbacks depending on the specific application.
The Chemical Composition and Mechanical Properties of the basic form of Type 201 are as follows:
| Type 201 | |
|---|---|
| ASTM A240/A240M (UNS Designation) | S20100 |
| Chemical Composition | |
| Chromium | 16-18% |
| Nickel | 3.5-5.5% |
| Carbon (max.) | 0.150% |
| Manganese | 5.5-7.5% |
| Silicon (max.) | 1.000% |
| Sulfur (max.) | 0.030% |
| Phosphorus (max.) | 0.060% |
| Nitrogen (max.) | 0.250% |
| Mechanical Properties (annealed) | |
| Tensile (min. psi) | 75,000 |
| Yield (min. psi) | 38,000 |
| Elongation (in 2″, min %) | 40 |
| Hardness (max Rb) | 95 |
T201, type 201 and grade 201 are interchangeable terms for 201 stainless steel.
