201 VS 304 stainless steel - what is the difference?

201 and 304 stainless steel are common stainless steel materials, and there are some differences between them:

1. Chemical composition: 201 stainless steel contains higher levels of manganese, nitrogen, and silicon, while 304 stainless steel contains more chromium and nickel. 304 stainless steel has 18% chromium and 8% nickel, while 201 stainless steel has a composition of 16-18% chromium and 3.5-5.5% nickel.

2. Corrosion resistance: Due to the higher content of chromium and nickel in 304 stainless steel, it is usually superior to 201 stainless steel in terms of corrosion resistance. 304 stainless steel is more suitable for use in harsh environments, such as the chemical industry.

3. Strength: 304 stainless steel typically has higher tensile strength and yield strength than 201 stainless steel, making it more suitable for applications that require higher strength.

4. Price: Generally speaking, the price of 201 stainless steel is relatively lower, while the price of 304 stainless steel is higher. Therefore, when the budget is tight, 201 stainless steel may be chosen, while for projects that require higher quality, 304 stainless steel is more preferred.