Stainless Steel 201 vs 304 — What is the difference of them?

201 and 304 stainless steel are widely employed in everyday existence, particularly in the kitchenware, food packages, construction materials and other elements. The two kinds of stainless steel have distinct strengths in different situations because of their individual attributes and performances. Are you aware of it? How about distinguishing them? As a professional stainless steel kitchenware manufacturer we introduce you to 201 and 304 Stainless Steel based on our expertise.

The Difference Between The Appearance (Surface) Of 201 And 304 Stainless Steel

There is a clear difference between the two on the surface. In comparison, the surface color of 201 stainless steel decorative tubes is dark due to the presence of manganese, while the surface of 304 stainless steel decorative tubes is relatively smooth and bright due to the absence of manganese. The distinction on the surface is rather one-sided. Since all stainless steel tubes shipped out of the factory are surface treated, this method is only suitable for distinguishing some untreated stainless steel raw materials.

The Performance Difference Between 201 And 304 Stainless Steel

The corrosion resistance and acid and alkali resistance of 201 stainless steel are weaker than those of 304 stainless steel, and the hardness of 201 stainless steel is higher than that of 304 stainless steel.

The chemical formula of 201 is 1Cr17Mn6Ni5, and the chemical formula of 304 is 06Cr19Ni10. The more obvious difference between them is the different content of nickel and chromium elements. From the chemical formula, we can see that 304 is 19 chromium and 10 nickel, while 201 is 17 chromium and 5 nickel. Due to the different nickel content of the two kinds of stainless steel decorative pipe materials, the corrosion resistance and acid and alkali resistance of 201 are far inferior to those of 304. The carbon content of 201 is higher than that of 304, so 201 is harder and brittle than 304, and 304 has better toughness, so it is more suitable for later processing.

There is a stainless steel detection potion on the market now. Just a few drops can distinguish what kind of stainless steel it is in a few seconds. The principle is to make the elements contained in the material react chemically with the substances in the identification potion to generate colored substances. In this way, 304 and 201 materials can be distinguished quickly.

Application Of 201 Stainless Steel And 304 Stainless Steel

Application Of 201 Stainless Steel

Due to differences in chemical composition and metal structure, there are significant differences in performance between 201 stainless steel and 304 stainless steel. 201 stainless steel contains higher manganese and lower nickel, so its corrosion resistance is relatively weak and it is more likely to rust in humid or corrosive environments. Because of this, 201 stainless steel is usually used in construction fields or industrial decoration in dry environments, such as door and window frames, handrails, or some interior decoration parts, where corrosion resistance requirements are relatively low.

Application Of 304 Stainless Steel

304 Stainless steel, on the other hand, has stronger corrosion resistance because it contains more nickel and chromium, enabling it to resist attack by various corrosive substances like acids, alkalis and salts among others. Therefore the applications for 304 stainless steel are broader in range extending from building decoration to food processing equipment, chemical containers and medical devices.

The strong rustproof feature of 304 stainless steel makes it an important material in making cookware. This type of stainless steel material can hold its chemical stability even at high temperatures thereby no response that will occur with food consumed hence safe food products. Therefore, most of the kitchen utensils used in the kitchen are made of 304 stainless steel, such as pots, frying pans, soup pots and cutlery.In addition to this, it is also resistant to acid and alkali thus can endure testing by spices such as seasonings ingredients used while cooking hence not prone to rust or corrosion.

The Price Difference Between 201 And 304 Stainless Steel

The advantages of 304 stainless steel over 201 is the reason why it is more expensive. Due to its complicated manufacturing process and expensive raw materials, 304 stainless steel is costly on the market. Nevertheless, excellent performance alongside a wide field of use makes 304 stainless steel preferred for several high-quality products that are worth incurring extra cost.

A Simple Way To Identify These Two Materials

Identification By Eyes And Hands

We can identify them by looking with our eyes and touching with our hands. 304 stainless steel has a very good luster and is very smooth to the touch; 201 stainless steel is dark in color and has no luster, and feels rough and not smooth to the touch. In addition, wet your hands with water and touch the two types of stainless steel plates respectively. After touching, the water stains and handprints on the 304 plate are easier to wipe off, while the 201 is not easy to wipe off.

Use A Sander

Use a Sander equipped with a grinding wheel to gently grind the two plates. The sparks of 201 plate are longer, thicker and more numerous, while the sparks of 304 plate are shorter, thinner and less. However, the force must be light when grinding, and the force should be consistent when grinding 201 stainless steel and 304 stainless steel, so as to facilitate the distinction.

Use Of Chemical Reagents

Apply stainless steel pickling paste to two types of stainless steel plates. After 2 minutes, observe the color change of the stainless steel where it is applied. If the color turns black, it is 201, and if it turns white or does not change color, it is 304.

Conclusion

When choosing between 201, 304, and 316 stainless steel, one should understand their composition, properties, and applications. When cost is the main consideration or minimum corrosion resistance is required, the best choice is stainless steel 201; 304 stainless steel is the stainless steel with the strongest comprehensive performance and the widest application;

There is no absolute right or wrong in choosing between different types of stainless steel. It is most important to choose the type that suits your needs. I hope that through these comparisons and inspections, you can now make a more informed decision about your next stainless steel purchase.

About Us

Hengguang is a stainless steel kitchenware and raw material manufacturer with 30 years of manufacturing experience, producing high-quality stainless steel round discs and professional stainless steel kitchenware. As a leading manufacturer, we not only produce standard products, but also provide customers with comprehensive OEM and ODM services. Whether it is a personalized customized kitchenware need or a production requirement for specific specifications, Hengguang can provide customers with high-quality and reliable solutions with advanced production technology and rich experience.
If you need wholesale stainless steel kitchenware or stainless steel discs services, please feel free to contact us.