SS 304 vs SS 202 difference in composition & properties.
Nickel: SS 304 8–10.5% against SS 202 4–6%. Carbon: SS 202 ≤0.15% against SS 304 ≤0.07%.
Key differences between SS 304 and SS 202
- Nickel: SS 304 8–10.5% against SS 202 4–6%.
- Carbon: SS 202 ≤0.15% against SS 304 ≤0.07%.
- SS 202 contains manganese (7.5–10%); SS 304 has no minimum for it (≤2%).
- Nitrogen: SS 202 ≤0.25% against SS 304 ≤0.1%.
- Density: SS 304 7.93 g/cm³, SS 202 7.8 g/cm³.
SS 304 vs SS 202 chemical composition (weight %)
| Element | SS 304 | SS 202 |
|---|---|---|
| C | ≤0.07 | ≤0.15 |
| Si | ≤0.75 | ≤1 |
| Mn | ≤2 | 7.5–10 |
| P | ≤0.045 | ≤0.06 |
| S | ≤0.03 | ≤0.03 |
| Cr | 17.5–19.5 | 17–19 |
| Ni | 8–10.5 | 4–6 |
| N | ≤0.1 | ≤0.25 |
Mechanical properties, equivalents and uses
| Property | SS 304 | SS 202 |
|---|---|---|
| Family | Austenitic stainless | Austenitic stainless |
| Tensile strength, MPa | ≥515 | ≥620 |
| Yield strength, MPa | ≥205 | ≥260 |
| Elongation, % | ≥40 | ≥40 |
| Hardness | ≤201 HB | ≤241 HB |
| Density, g/cm³ | 7.93 | 7.8 |
| UNS | S30400 | S20200 |
| EN | X5CrNi18-10 | X12CrMnNiN18-9-5 |
| W.Nr | 1.4301 | 1.4373 |
| JIS | SUS304 | SUS202 |
| IS (India) | X04Cr18Ni10 (IS 6911) | – |
| AISI / ASTM | AISI 304 | AISI 202 |
| Typical uses | Food, dairy, kitchen, water, architecture, general process | Railings, furniture, kitchenware, indoor |
Mechanical values: Annealed plate, sheet, strip (ASTM A240 / ASME SA240). Limits vary by standard and product form; confirm against your purchase specification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between SS 304 and SS 202?
Nickel: SS 304 8–10.5% against SS 202 4–6%. Carbon: SS 202 ≤0.15% against SS 304 ≤0.07%. SS 202 contains manganese (7.5–10%); SS 304 has no minimum for it (≤2%). Nitrogen: SS 202 ≤0.25% against SS 304 ≤0.1%.
Where are SS 304 and SS 202 used?
SS 304: Food, dairy, kitchen, water, architecture, general process. SS 202: Railings, furniture, kitchenware, indoor.
Can SS 202 replace SS 304?
Only if the purchase specification allows it. Check the governing standard, chemistry limits and mechanical properties against the order, and confirm on the mill test certificate.
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Mill test certificate (EN 10204 3.1) supplied with material; third-party inspection on request.
Reference basis: Compiled by Steel Impex India. Check each table’s source, product form and delivery condition before use. Sources, calculation methods and corrections.