1.Chemical Composition
| Grade | Carbon (C) | Silicon (Si) | Manganese (Mn) | Phosphorus (P) | Sulfur (S) | Chromium (Cr) | Nickel (Ni) |
| AISI 304 | ≤0.08 | ≤1.00 | ≤2.00 | ≤0.045 | ≤0.03 | 18-20 | 8-10 |
| AISI 201 | ≤0.15 | ≤1.00 | 5.5-7.5 | ≤0.05 | ≤0.03 | 13.5-15.0 | 3.5-5.5 |
304 stainless steel pipes are more resistant to oxidation
Chromium is the critical element in stainless steel that provides corrosion resistance.When chromium reacts with oxygen, it forms a thin, protective chromium oxide layer on the surface, preventing rust.
201 stainless steel pipe is more sturdy
Manganese improves strength and hardness and aids in the deoxidation process during steel production.
304 stainless steel pipes are more corrosion-resistant
Nickel enhances the ductility, toughness, and corrosion resistance of stainless steel. It also stabilizes the austenitic structure, ensuring non-magnetic properties and excellent performance at low and high temperatures.
2.Mechanical Properties
| Grade | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength | Elongation |
| 304 | ≥520 MPa | ≥205 MPa | ≥40% |
| 201 | ≥520 MPa | ≥275 MPa | ≥35% |
304 stainless steel pipes have excellent elongation (≥ 40%), ensuring excellent ductility, making them an ideal choice for applications that require complex forming or bending.
201 stainless steel pipes have higher yield strength (≥ 275 MPa) and Brinell hardness, which may make cold working more challenging but result in increased strength after processing.
Processing performance
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Due to its good toughness and plasticity, 304 stainless steel pipes are less prone to defects such as cracks during cutting, welding, and forming processes.201 stainless steel pipes are prone to cracking during cutting, welding, and forming processes due to their high hardness and relatively poor toughness, which limits the scope and complexity of their forming processing.
application area
304 stainless steel pipes
Food and beverage industry: used for transporting food raw materials, processing water, beverages, etc., 304 stainless steel pipes meet strict hygiene standards to ensure product safety and hygiene.
Chemical industry: In chemical production, many corrosive media need to be transported through pipelines. The corrosion resistance of 304 stainless steel pipes enables them to withstand corrosion from various acidic and alkaline solutions and chemicals.
Medical device industry: For some piping systems that require contact with the human body or use inside medical devices, the biocompatibility and corrosion resistance of 304 stainless steel pipes are crucial.
201 stainless steel pipes
Indoor home decoration (non critical parts): In some home decorations, such as hanging rods inside wardrobes, simple indoor partition frames, and other parts that do not require high corrosion resistance, 201 stainless steel pipes can be used.
Partial light industry products: In some light industry fields that require product appearance and mild corrosion resistance, 201 stainless steel pipes can be used as an economical and practical material choice.
Temporary buildings and facilities: For some temporary building structures, exhibition stands, etc., with a short service life and not particularly strict performance requirements, the cost of 201 stainless steel pipes is lower.
