201 vs 202
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
202
Stainless Steel
202 is a chromium-manganese austenitic grade similar to 201 but with higher manganese and slightly more chromium and nickel. It is used where 201-level corrosion resistance is acceptable and cost matters more than deep-drawing performance.
Standards: DIN 1.4373 · AISI 202 · JIS SUS202 · GB 12Cr18Mn9Ni5N
Chemical composition compared (%)
| Element | 201 | 202 |
|---|---|---|
| C | ≤0.15 | ≤0.15 |
| Si | ≤1.00 | ≤1.00 |
| Mn | 5.50–7.50 | 7.50–10.00 |
| P | ≤0.060 | ≤0.060 |
| S | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 |
| Cr | 16.00–18.00 | 17.00–19.00 |
| Ni | 3.50–5.50 | 4.00–6.00 |
| N | ≤0.25 | ≤0.25 |
Properties compared
| Property | 201 | 202 |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery condition | Annealed | Annealed |
| Hardness | ≤241 HB (annealed) | ≤241 HB (annealed) |
| Tensile strength | 655–860 MPa | 620–860 MPa |
| Yield strength | ≥310 MPa | ≥310 MPa |
| Density | 7.80 g/cm³ | 7.80 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 · 202. Substitution decisions for certified parts stay with the design authority.