PVD Coated
Mirror Polished
Hairline Brushed
water ripple Finish
Etched Finish
Embossed
Bead Blasted
Stamped
Antique Finish
Hammered Finish
Stainless Steel Coil
Stainless Steel Sheet
Precision Stainless Steel Strip
201 Stainless Steel
Cost-effective austenitic stainless steel with excellent formability and decorative potential. We supply full-range 201 sub-grades (201 J1, J2, J3, J4, J5) compliant with Chinese GB standards, tailored for specific performance needs like deep drawing, corrosion resistance, or hardness.
Bullet-Point Summary:
▪ Cost Saving: 20-30% cheaper than 304 stainless steel
▪ Formability: Excellent for deep drawing, bending, and forming
▪ Surface Quality: Accepts all decorative finishes (PVD, brushing, etching, polishing)
▪ Availabity: Multiple sub-grades (J1-J5) for specific application requirements
▪ Performance: Adequate corrosion resistance for indoor and mild environments
To meet different market needs, 201 stainless steel is available in several J-series grades (J1, J2, J3, J4, J5). These variants adjust the nickel and manganese content to balance cost, corrosion resistance, and mechanical performance:
▪ J1 – Lower nickel, good corrosion resistance, ideal for PVD color-coated and decorative panels.
▪ J2 – More economical, suitable for indoor decoration, wall panels, and furniture.
▪ J3 – Lowest-cost option, recommended for light-duty, non-structural indoor applications.
▪ J4 – Copper-added grade with better formability, used for deep drawing, sinks, cookware, and decorative trims.
▪ J5 – Minimal nickel content, suitable for very low-cost, dry indoor applications.
Key Advantages of 201 Stainless Steel
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Cost Effective
Excellent Formability
Decorative Versatility
Wide Applications
Available Forms & Finishes
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Chemical Composition
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| Element (%) | 201 J1 | 201 J2 | 201 J3 | 201 J4 | 201 J5 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.0-18.0 | 15.0-17.0 | 16.0-18.0 | 16.0-18.0 | 16.0-18.0 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 3.5-5.5 | 4.0-6.0 | 3.5-5.5 | 3.5-5.5 | 1.0-3.0 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 5.5-7.5 | 7.5-10.0 | 5.5-7.5 | 5.5-7.5 | 6.5-8.5 |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.5 | 1.5-2.5 | ≤ 0.8 | 1.0-2.5 | ≤ 0.2 |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.25 | ≤ 0.25 | ≤ 0.25 | ≤ 0.25 | ≤ 0.25 |
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.15 | ≤ 0.15 | ≤ 0.15 | ≤ 0.15 | ≤ 0.10 |
Mechanical Properties
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| Property | 201 J1 | 201 J2 | 201 J3 | 201 J4 | 201 J5 |
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | ≥ 655 | ≥ 665 | ≥ 655 | ≥ 655 | ≥ 655 |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | ≥ 310 | ≥ 320 | ≥ 310 | ≥ 310 | ≥ 310 |
| Elongation (%) | ≥ 40 | ≥ 35 | ≥ 40 | ≥ 40 | ≥ 40 |
| Hardness (HRB) | ≤ 95 | ≤ 100 | ≤ 95 | ≤ 95 | ≤ 95 |
| Hardness (HB) | ≤ 241 | ≤ 250 | ≤ 241 | ≤ 241 | ≤ 241 |
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.15 | ≤ 0.15 | ≤ 0.15 | ≤ 0.15 | ≤ 0.10 |
Physical Properties
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| Property | 201 J1 | 201 J2 | 201 J3 | 201 J4 | 201 J5 |
| Density (g/cm³) | 7.8 | 7.8 | 7.8 | 7.8 | 7.8 |
| Melting Point (°C) | 1399-1421 | 1399-1421 | 1399-1421 | 1399-1421 | 1399-1421 |
201 vs. 304 Stainless Steel Comparison
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| Aspect | 201 Stainless Steel | 304 Stainless Steel |
| Nickel Content | Low (3.5-5.5%) | High (8-10.5%) |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good (indoor use) | Excellent (outdoor/chemical) |
| Magnetism | Magnetic | Non-magnetic |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Best For | Decorative, indoor applications | High-performance, outdoor applications |
201 stainless steel is more budget-friendly but has lower nickel content (3.5-5.5%), making it less resistant to rust in wet or salty environments. It’s magnetic and ideal for indoor applications like decorative panels or furniture.
304 stainless steel contains more nickel (8-10.5%), giving it superior corrosion resistance for outdoor, kitchen, or industrial use. It’s non-magnetic and more durable but comes at a higher cost.
Kitchen Sinks & Food Service Equipment
-Residential and commercial kitchen sinks
-Food preparation counters and worktables
-Restaurant buffet lines and display equipment
-Commercial kitchen shelving and storage
-Food service carts and trolleys
-Kitchen utensil racks and organizers
Architectural Decoration & Interior Design
-Elevator interior wall panels and cabins
-Door/window frames and architectural trims
-Wall cladding and ceiling decoration panels
-Stair handrails and balustrades
-Decorative column covers and partitions
-Building lobby and entrance features
Home Appliance Exteriors
-Refrigerator outer panels and doors
-Oven and stove front panels
-Dishwasher exterior cabinets
-Range hood bodies and covers
-Washing machine outer drums
-Small appliance housings and covers
Home Appliance Exteriors
-Refrigerator outer panels and doors
-Oven and stove front panels
-Dishwasher exterior cabinets
-Range hood bodies and covers
-Washing machine outer drums
-Small appliance housings and covers
Automotive Interior Trim
-Car interior decorative trim pieces
-Door panel accents and handle surrounds
-Dashboard components and panels
-Console trim and accessory holders
-Interior light fixture housings
-Decorative emblem and badge backings
Furniture & Cabinet Components
-Office furniture frames and bases
-Table legs and structural components
-Chair frames and support elements
-Cabinet doors and drawer fronts
-Wardrobe interior systems and rails
-Decorative hardware and handles
Frequently Asked Questions About 201 Stainless Steel
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Common questions about 201 stainless steel answered by our technical experts.
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Is 201 stainless steel good quality? Does it rust?
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How does 201 stainless steel compare to 304 for cost?
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Can 201 stainless steel be used for food contact applications?
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Is 201 stainless steel suitable for kitchen sinks?
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Can 201 stainless steel be used for elevator interiors?
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Can 201 stainless steel be welded?
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What are the maintenance requirements for 201 stainless steel products?
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Is 201 stainless steel good for refrigerator exteriors?
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How does 201 stainless steel perform in retail store fixtures?
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Can 201 stainless steel be used for automotive interior parts?
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What surface finishes are available for 201 stainless steel?