You must know the differences between 304 and 201 grades when you need stainless steel. Though they contain more than 50 per cent iron and at least 11 per cent chromium, the composition of other metals makes each grade unique. Understanding these differences will help you choose the best material for your needs. Look at the SS pipe price list for information on the various kinds of pipes and their prices.
- 304 Stainless Steel:
- Higher chromium and nickel content.
- Excellent corrosion resistance.
- Higher cost.
- Ideal for demanding applications like food processing and construction.
- 201 Stainless Steel:
- Lower nickel content.
- Decent corrosion resistance.
- More affordable.
- Commonly used in less corrosive environments like kitchen sinks and automotive trim.
201 stainless steel is a high-manganese stainless steel
Stainless steels contain different amounts of manganese. 201 stainless steel contains higher levels of manganese, whereas 304 contains less. Despite the differences in chemical composition, both types have similar corrosion resistance. However, 201 has a brighter, matte surface, so it is easier to spot rust on a steel body.
The grade 201 stainless steel composition comprises approximately sixteen to eighteen per cent chromium, four to six per cent nickel, and 7.5 to ten per cent manganese. It has corrosion resistance, formability, and toughness comparable to the other austenitic steels but is slightly cheaper. Due to the high manganese and nitrogen content, type 201 offers a wide range of mechanical properties in the annealed condition, although it is not magnetic. However, cold working can make it magnetic.
304 stainless steel is a low-manganese stainless steel
Stainless steel pipe 304 is an alloy with a relatively low manganese content. This makes it resistant to corrosion from a variety of chemicals. It is also very durable, making it an excellent choice for various applications. It is often used in food and beverage processing equipment, pipelines, and fermentation vats. It is also used in construction and mining equipment. It is a great choice for equipment used in areas where salt water is likely present.
The main difference between 304 stainless steel and grade 201 is the amount of nickel in the alloy. While grade 201 has a relatively low nickel concentration, it is still susceptible to intergranular corrosion and is more easily affected by corrosion in the heat-affected zone. Because of this, most manufacturers recommend a thorough post-weld cleaning and passivation.
201 stainless steel is specialized for heavy-duty cases
Stainless steel 201 pipe is highly resistant to acid and alkali and is often used in cases and industrial tubes. This grade is also good for outdoor applications due to its low cost and ability to withstand the elements. SS 201 is also extremely hard and is, therefore, popular with engineers.
Stainless steel is used in many applications, including surgical instruments, cookware, major appliances, vehicles, construction material for large buildings, and industrial equipment. Its melting point varies by alloy, ranging from 1,400 to 1,530 deg C.
304 stainless steel is a healthy material
304 stainless steel is a highly durable, rust-resistant material. It can resist most oxidizing acids and has excellent forming and welding properties. It can be formed into various shapes and used in brewing, milk processing, storage tanks, and more. It is also easy to clean and can withstand aggressive chemical environments.
304 stainless steel is a chromium-nickel alloy with excellent machinability and can be processed with conventional equipment. The maximum machining speed for 304 stainless steel is 42 Rc, but it can be increased to 48 Rc by using cutting fluid. For optimal machining results, use carbide tools. The metal is highly corrosion-resistant and can be fabricated to various diameters and wall thicknesses.