201 Stainless Steel
A low-nickel Cr-Mn-Ni austenitic stainless steel
Typical values for the temper in the title
201 is a 200-series stainless in which part of the expensive nickel is replaced with manganese and nitrogen. It contains only 3.5–5.5% nickel, versus 8% and more in 304, so it is cheaper. The nitrogen also raises strength: its yield is higher than 304.
The drawback: less chromium and nickel mean lower corrosion resistance, especially to pitting. It suits household and decorative uses in dry environments, not marine or chemical ones.
Mechanical and physical properties
| Property | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength Rm | 515–760 MPa | |
| Yield strength Rp0.2 | 275–380 MPa | |
| Elongation A | 40% | |
| Hardness | 160–220 HB | |
| Modulus of elasticity E | 197 GPa | |
| Density ρ | 7.83 g/cm³ | |
| Machinability | 45% | relative rating in the site database |
Chemical composition (wt %)
| Element | Range | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Cr chromium | 16.0–18.0 | the protective layer |
| Mn manganese | 5.5–7.5 | replaces part of the nickel |
| Ni nickel | 3.5–5.5 | low: the reason for the low price |
| N nitrogen | max 0.25 | stabilizes the structure and strengthens |
| C carbon | max 0.15 | |
| Si silicon | max 1.00 | |
| Fe iron | balance |
Ranges per ASTM A240.
Conditions and heat treatment
Like all austenitic stainless, it is not hardened by heat treatment. The normal delivery condition is annealed.
| Condition | Properties | When to choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Annealed | the normal condition: soft, ductile, most corrosion resistant | most applications |
| Cold worked (¼H to full hard) | much higher strength, slightly magnetic | strong springs, sheet and strip |
| Not hardenable by heat treatment | — | austenitic stainless strengthens only by cold work |
Applications
- Kitchenware and household goods
- Indoor decorative parts
- Furniture and indoor railings
- Enclosures
- Low-cost parts in dry environments
Fabrication
Forming
Forms well, but work hardens faster than 304.
Welding
Weldable, usually with 308L filler.
Corrosion
Lower than 304. Outdoors, near the sea or in contact with chlorine, it rusts much sooner.
Compared with similar materials
| Material | Rm / Rp0.2 | Welding | When it is the better choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 304 / 304L | 515–620 / 205–310 MPa | Good — ER308L | more corrosion resistant, and more expensive · material page |
| 430 | 450-600 / 275 MPa | Medium — Grain Growth risk | a cheap, magnetic ferritic grade · material page |
| 316 / 316L | 485–620 / 170–310 MPa | Excellent — ER316L | for chloride environments · material page |
Common mistakes
Accepting 201 when 304 was ordered
They are hard to tell apart by eye. For an important part, ask for a mill certificate or check the composition.
Using 201 outdoors near the sea
It will rust quickly. For such an environment, 316.
Assuming all austenitic stainless steels are the same
The difference in nickel and chromium changes resistance greatly.
Equivalents, standards and supply
| EN | 1.4372 |
|---|---|
| DIN | X12CrMnNiN17-7-5 |
| JIS | SUS201 |
| Standards | ASTM A240 / EN 10088-2 |
| Forms | plate · strip · rod |
| Producers | Outokumpu · Acerinox · POSCO · Valbruna |
Learn more
Values are typical and for comparison only. For design, rely on the standard and on the mill certificate. Sources: ASTM A240, ASTM A276 and EN 10088 (composition), producer data sheets, and the METAL HUB materials database.
Updated: October 31, 2026