Stainless steel is short for rust- and acid-resistant steel: a steel grade that resists weakly corrosive media such as air, steam and water, or that is inherently non-rusting. Today we look at the differences between 304 stainless steel and 201 stainless steel.
Chemical composition: 304 stainless steel contains more nickel and chromium than 201, giving it stronger corrosion resistance; 201 contains more manganese than 304, giving it better resistance to acids and alkalis.
Chemical behaviour: nickel and chromium are what provide corrosion resistance. With more nickel and chromium, 304 resists corrosion well; with less, 201 resists it poorly.
Physical properties: 304 has good toughness, while 201 is less tough and tends to crack when too much force is applied during drawing.
Safety: 201 contains a relatively high level of manganese, which is harmful to the human nervous system. 304 is a food-grade material that is safe, environmentally friendly and harmless to health.
Price: with more nickel and chromium and better corrosion resistance, 304 is more expensive; with less nickel and chromium, 201 is cheaper.
Applications: 304 resists corrosion well and is mostly used in corrosion-resistant construction; 201 resists acids and alkalis well and is mostly used for indoor decorative tubes and industrial tubes.
Both 201 and 304 have their own strengths and weaknesses. 201 is inexpensive, but its corrosion resistance and toughness are not as good; 304 costs more, but offers better corrosion resistance, higher toughness and a longer service life.
 
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