The main differences between 201 stainless steel and 304 stainless steel are composition, corrosion resistance, application scenarios and price. The following is a detailed analysis:
1. Differences in chemical composition
Chromium and nickel content
201 stainless steel: contains 16%-18% chromium (Cr), 3.5%-5.5% nickel (Ni), and 5.5%-7.5% high manganese (Mn).
304 stainless steel: contains 18%-20% chromium, 8%-10.5% nickel, and low manganese content.
The difference in nickel content directly affects corrosion resistance, while high manganese makes 201 harder but easy to rust.
Carbon and nitrogen content
201 has a carbon content of ≤0.15%, and 304 has a carbon content of ≤0.08%; the nitrogen content of 201 is higher, and 304 contains almost no nitrogen.
II. Performance and use comparison Corrosion resistance
304 stainless steel : Due to its high nickel-chromium ratio, it is resistant to acid, alkali and salt corrosion and is widely used in the food industry, medical equipment and humid environments (such as coastal areas).
201 stainless steel : It has weak corrosion resistance and is suitable for dry environments, such as decorative pipes, industrial accessories, etc.
Physical properties
201 has higher hardness but poor toughness, and is prone to brittle cracking during processing; 304 has good toughness and is suitable for post-processing such as stamping and stretching.
III. Appearance and price difference Surface features
201 has a bright dark black surface, while 304 is matte and has no obvious reflection.
Tested with pickling paste: 201 turns black, while 304 does not change color or turn white.
Market price
304 is more expensive : Due to its high nickel content and stable performance, it is often used in high-end fields; 201 has low cost and is used for low-end decorative materials.
IV. Identification method Visual observation: 304 is matte and rough to the touch; 201 is bright and smooth to the touch. Spark test: When polished with a grinder, 201 sparks are long and thick, while 304 sparks are short and thin.
Magnetic test: 201 has strong magnetism after cold processing, while 304 has weak magnetism (professional testing is required).
Summary: 304 stainless steel has become the first choice for high-demand fields such as food and medical due to its excellent corrosion resistance, while 201 stainless steel is suitable for decoration and industrial products in dry environments due to its cost advantage. The choice should be based on the actual usage scenario and budget.
