Edelstahl 201 vs. Edelstahl 304

Author:Tuffy.

stainless steel a kind of high alloy steel that can resist corrosion in air or chemical corrosive medium, which is what we now collectively call stainless steel material.there are many kinds of stainless steel materials, which the two main ones are 304 stainless steel and 201 stainless steel. These two kinds are particularly similar with the eyes, but the quality is completely different. Many people still don’t know the difference between these two materials.

Was ist der Unterschied zwischen 201 und 304 rostfreiem Stahl?

The difference in composition

The composition of 201 stainless steel and 304 stainless steel is different. Although both of them belong to Cr-Ni alloy, the specific proportion composition is different. The chromium content in 201 stainless steel is about 15%, while that in 304 stainless steel is 18%. Similarly, the nickel content in 201 stainless steel is 5%, while it is more in 304 stainless steel, accounting for about 9%; 201 stainless steel contains manganese, but 304 doesn’t. Therefore, from the appearance, the surfaces are different. The surface of 201 stainless steel is brighter, while the surface of 304 stainless steel is matte.

The difference of corrosion resistance

Because of the different nickel content, the corrosion resistance of 201 stainless steel is not as good as that of 304 stainless steel, and the acid and alkali resistance of 201 stainless steel is not as good as that of 304 stainless steel. 304 stainless steel has good corrosion resistance to acid, alkaline solution, high temperature oxidation and oxidizing chemicals; However, the corrosion resistance of 201 stainless steel is worse than that of 304 stainless steel, and it cannot withstand the corrosion of acidic solution and seawater.

The difference between strength and hardness

The strength and hardness of 304 stainless steel are better than that of 201 stainless steel. 201 stainless steel is relatively soft and easier to process and manufacture than 304 stainless steel. After heat treatment, 201 stainless steel can improve its strength and hardness, but its tensile strength and compressive strength are still weaker than 304 stainless steel.In addition, 304 stainless steel can strengthen its strength again after welding, but 201 stainless steel does not have this characteristic.

The differences in application fields

The corrosion resistance of 201 stainless steel is not high-quality, but its density is higher, and there is no pinhole inside, so it is suitable for dry environment. It is generally used in indoor decoration, such as decoration field and industrial products, which can meet the demand well. 304 stainless steel has better corrosion resistance, so it can be used in daily kitchen, industry, medical treatment and other industries, and it is also suitable for some coastal or humid areas.

The difference in price between 201 stainless steel and 304 stainless steel

Because the composition of 304 stainless steel is complex and the manufacturing process is complicated, the price of 304 stainless steel is higher than 201 stainless steel from the current market price. If the price of 304 stainless steel is the same as that of 201,you have to be careful if it’s fake.

Although 201 stainless steel can be used in some fields that need processing and manufacturing, 304 stainless steel has obvious advantages in strength, hardness, corrosion resistance and surface treatment. 304 stainless steel is a better choice, and 201 stainless steel may also be suitable in some occasions where the material performance is not so demanding. Therefore, we need to choose stainless steel according to the specific use scenarios and requirements.

Why do kitchenware manufacturers prefer 304 stainless steel to 201 stainless steel?

304 and 201 are two common choices. However, kitchenware manufacturers generally prefer 304 stainless steel to 201 stainless steel. Although 201 stainless steel also has certain advantages, 304 stainless steel is superior in many key aspects.

Although 201 stainless steel has certain advantages in price, it is not very suitable for making kitchenware. Kitchenware needs to be in frequent contact with various acid and alkali substances, which requires the materials used to make kitchenware to have better corrosion resistance. 201 stainless steel kitchenware is far less corrosion-resistant than 304 stainless steel and is prone to rust or corrosion.
304 also has high toughness, hardness and processing performance, and can be easily made into kitchenware of various shapes and sizes. At the same time, it can maintain good physical properties at high and low temperatures, and can withstand high temperatures of up to 800°C without deformation, making it suitable for use in various cooking environments, and more suitable for ovens, steamers, etc.

From the perspective of market demand, consumers’ demand for high-quality kitchenware is increasing. Although 201 stainless steel has a lower cost, its performance deficiencies make it mainly used in products that are cost-sensitive and have low quality requirements. 304 stainless steel, as a material with multiple advantages, can better meet these market needs. The high standards of the market and consumers’ pursuit of quality make kitchenware manufacturers more willing to invest in 304 stainless steel.

In summary, kitchenware manufacturers prefer to use 304 stainless steel instead of 201 stainless steel, mainly because 304 stainless steel is superior in corrosion resistance, durability, safety and market adaptability.