201 vs 304
These two grades are listed as equivalents of each other: their chemistry windows overlap and they serve the same applications. They are not always identical — check the differences below before substituting, especially in certified designs.
201
Stainless Steel
201 is a chromium-manganese austenitic stainless steel in which manganese and nitrogen replace part of the nickel of 304. It work-hardens rapidly and offers higher strength than 304, but lower corrosion resistance and formability.
Standards: DIN 1.4372 · AISI 201 · JIS SUS201 · GB 12Cr17Mn6Ni5N
304
Stainless Steel
304 is the most widely used stainless steel in the world, an 18-8 austenitic grade balancing corrosion resistance, formability and weldability. It covers the majority of food, architectural and general industrial applications.
Standards: DIN 1.4301 · AISI 304 · JIS SUS304 · GB 06Cr19Ni10
Chemical composition compared (%)
| Element | 201 | 304 |
|---|---|---|
| C | ≤0.15 | ≤0.08 |
| Si | ≤1.00 | ≤0.75 |
| Mn | 5.50–7.50 | ≤2.00 |
| P | ≤0.060 | ≤0.045 |
| S | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 |
| Cr | 16.00–18.00 | 18.00–20.00 |
| Ni | 3.50–5.50 | 8.00–10.50 |
| N | ≤0.25 | ≤0.10 |
Properties compared
| Property | 201 | 304 |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery condition | Annealed | Annealed |
| Hardness | ≤241 HB (annealed) | ≤187 HB (annealed) |
| Tensile strength | 655–860 MPa | 515–720 MPa |
| Yield strength | ≥310 MPa | ≥205 MPa |
| Density | 7.80 g/cm³ | 7.90 g/cm³ |
Sourcing either grade?
Nasteel stocks both families from Shenzhen with EN 10204 3.1 mill certificates by heat number.
Ask for a quotationSee full data sheets: 201 · 304. Substitution decisions for certified parts stay with the design authority.