SS 201 vs SS 304 difference in composition & properties.
Nickel: SS 304 8–10.5% against SS 201 3.5–5.5%. Carbon: SS 201 ≤0.15% against SS 304 ≤0.07%.
201 or 304: what changes in service
SS 201 replaces most of the nickel in 304 with manganese and nitrogen. It is cheaper and stronger, but resists corrosion and pitting less, so it suits dry indoor uses such as furniture, railings indoors and utensils. Choose 304 for food contact, water, outdoor and process duty.
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Key differences between SS 201 and SS 304
- Nickel: SS 304 8–10.5% against SS 201 3.5–5.5%.
- Carbon: SS 201 ≤0.15% against SS 304 ≤0.07%.
- SS 201 contains manganese (5.5–7.5%); SS 304 has no minimum for it (≤2%).
- Nitrogen: SS 201 ≤0.25% against SS 304 ≤0.1%.
- Density: SS 201 7.8 g/cm³, SS 304 7.93 g/cm³.
SS 201 vs SS 304 chemical composition (weight %)
| Element | SS 201 | SS 304 |
|---|---|---|
| C | ≤0.15 | ≤0.07 |
| Si | ≤1 | ≤0.75 |
| Mn | 5.5–7.5 | ≤2 |
| P | ≤0.06 | ≤0.045 |
| S | ≤0.03 | ≤0.03 |
| Cr | 16–18 | 17.5–19.5 |
| Ni | 3.5–5.5 | 8–10.5 |
| N | ≤0.25 | ≤0.1 |
Mechanical properties, equivalents and uses
| Property | SS 201 | SS 304 |
|---|---|---|
| Family | Austenitic stainless | Austenitic stainless |
| Tensile strength, MPa | ≥655 | ≥515 |
| Yield strength, MPa | ≥260 | ≥205 |
| Elongation, % | ≥40 | ≥40 |
| Hardness | ≤241 HB | ≤201 HB |
| Density, g/cm³ | 7.8 | 7.93 |
| UNS | S20100 | S30400 |
| EN | X12CrMnNiN17-7-5 | X5CrNi18-10 |
| W.Nr | 1.4372 | 1.4301 |
| JIS | SUS201 | SUS304 |
| IS (India) | 201 / 201L / 201LN (Jindal Stainless) | X04Cr18Ni10 (IS 6911) |
| AISI / ASTM | AISI 201 | AISI 304 |
| Typical uses | Decorative tube, utensils, indoor use | Food, dairy, kitchen, water, architecture, general process |
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 201 and SS 304?
Nickel: SS 304 8–10.5% against SS 201 3.5–5.5%. Carbon: SS 201 ≤0.15% against SS 304 ≤0.07%. SS 201 contains manganese (5.5–7.5%); SS 304 has no minimum for it (≤2%). Nitrogen: SS 201 ≤0.25% against SS 304 ≤0.1%.
Where are SS 201 and SS 304 used?
SS 201: Decorative tube, utensils, indoor use. SS 304: Food, dairy, kitchen, water, architecture, general process.
Can SS 304 replace SS 201?
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.