304 Stainless Steel: The Workhorse of Corrosion Resistant Steels
Imagine a material so versatile and resilient that it stands up to the harshest environments, from industrial factories to architectural…
In the fast-paced world of industrial manufacturing, staying informed about the latest material prices and specifications is crucial for making cost-effective and efficient decisions. Stainless Steel 201 and 202 strips are widely used in various industries due to their excellent properties and versatility. Whether you’re a procurement officer looking to make bulk purchases, an engineer needing specific material properties, or a business owner comparing prices, this comprehensive guide has got you covered. Here, you’ll find detailed specifications, physical properties, and the latest price lists for Stainless Steel 201 and 202 strips. Additionally, we’ll explore the various applications, manufacturing processes, and certifications that ensure these materials meet the highest standards. Dive in to get all the essential information you need to make informed decisions for your projects.
Stainless steel 201 and 202 strips are widely used materials in many industries due to their excellent mechanical properties and cost-effectiveness. These strips are part of the austenitic stainless steels, known for their high strength, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand extreme temperatures. The main difference between stainless steel 201 and 202 is their chemical composition, especially the levels of nickel and manganese, which affect their physical properties and uses.
Stainless steel 201 and 202 strips are crucial in many industries because of their unique properties. They are commonly used in the automotive industry for exhaust systems and trim components, where durability and heat resistance are important. In the food and beverage industry, these strips are chosen for their corrosion resistance, which ensures the hygiene and longevity of kitchen equipment and utensils.
In construction, stainless steel 201 and 202 strips are used in architectural elements and building materials, providing both visual appeal and structural strength. Their applications also include electrical appliances, chemical processing equipment, and environmental uses, such as LNG storage tanks and electric vehicle batteries. The versatility and adaptability of these materials make them indispensable across a wide range of sectors, driving advancements in technology and infrastructure.
Thickness
Stainless steel 202 strips come in thicknesses from 0.025 mm to 3 mm, with custom options available. These strips range in thickness from 0.025 mm to 3 mm and can be customized to meet specific requirements.
Width
Widths range from 3 mm to 2000 mm, catering to various applications.
Length
Standard lengths include 2000 mm, 2440 mm, 3000 mm, 5800 mm, and 6000 mm, with custom lengths available.
Standards
Stainless steel 202 strips meet JIS, AISI, ASTM, GB, DIN, and EN standards, ensuring global compatibility.
Surface Finishes
Available surface finishes include 2B, 2D, BA (Bright Annealed), NO.1, NO.4, NO.8, 8K (mirror), Checkered, Embossed, Hair Line, Sand Blast, Brush, and Etching.
Thickness
Stainless steel 201 strips are available in thicknesses from 0.02 mm to 5.0 mm.
Width
Widths range from 3.2 mm to 1500 mm, providing flexibility for different needs.
Length
Lengths are customizable to meet specific needs.
Standards
These strips adhere to JIS, AISI, ASTM, GB, DIN, and EN standards for high quality and consistency.
Surface Finishes
Surface finishes include NO.1, 2B, 2D, 2H, 2R, No.4, Hairline, Scotch Brite, Satin Finish, NO.8, and BA (Bright Annealed).
Weight and Dimensions
The weight of stainless steel strips is calculated based on thickness, width, and length.
Certifications and Testing
Suppliers often provide test certificates to confirm compliance with ISO, RoHS, IBR, and other relevant standards.
Understanding these specifications helps in selecting the right stainless steel 201 and 202 strips for various projects.
Stainless Steel 201 strips possess a range of physical properties that determine their suitability for various applications. These include density, modulus of elasticity, specific heat, thermal conductivity, thermal expansion, electrical resistivity, melting point, and oxidation resistance.
The density of Stainless Steel 201 strips is approximately 7.86 g/cm³ (0.283 lb/in³). This density contributes to the material’s weight and structural characteristics, influencing its use in weight-sensitive applications.
Stainless Steel 201 has a modulus of elasticity of 28.6 x 10^6 psi. This property measures the material’s stiffness and resistance to elastic deformation under load, making it suitable for applications requiring high strength and rigidity.
The specific heat of Stainless Steel 201 is 0.12 BTU/°F/lb between 32 to 212°F, while its thermal conductivity is 9.4 BTU/hr/ft²/ft at 212°F. These values indicate the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of the material and its ability to conduct heat, both crucial in thermal management applications.
The mean coefficient of thermal expansion for Stainless Steel 201 changes with temperature:
This property measures the material’s tendency to expand or contract with temperature changes, affecting its performance in environments with fluctuating temperatures.
Stainless Steel 201 has an electrical resistivity of 69 micro ohms-cm at 70°F, which is important for applications where electrical conductivity and resistance are key factors.
The melting point range for Stainless Steel 201 is between 2550°F and 2650°F. Additionally, it can withstand continuous service up to 1550°F and intermittent service up to 1500°F. This high melting point and resistance to oxidation ensure the material’s stability and performance at elevated temperatures.
Stainless Steel 202 strips share several physical properties with Stainless Steel 201, with some differences that affect their performance and applications.
The density of Stainless Steel 202 is 7.99 g/cm³, slightly higher than SS 201, influencing its weight and structural integrity in various applications.
Stainless Steel 202 has a modulus of elasticity of 193 GPa (approximately 28 x 10^6 psi), similar to SS 201, indicating its stiffness and ability to withstand elastic deformation.
The specific heat for Stainless Steel 202 is 500 J/kg·K between 0-100°C, and its thermal conductivity is 14.6 W/m·K. These higher values compared to SS 201 make it more efficient in heat transfer applications.
Stainless Steel 202 has a thermal expansion coefficient of 16.5 mm/m/°C, which affects its stability under temperature changes.
Stainless Steel 202 has an electrical resistivity of 7.4 μohm/cm, lower than SS 201, enhancing its electrical conductivity.
These mechanical properties reflect the material’s strength, flexibility, and ability to withstand mechanical stress.
When comparing Stainless Steel 201 and 202, note that SS 202 generally has higher thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity, making it more efficient in heat management. SS 202 also has a higher density and lower electrical resistivity, impacting its weight and electrical performance. Both alloys offer excellent high-temperature resistance, but SS 202’s properties may provide better performance in certain applications.
Stainless Steel 201 and 202 strips are extensively used in the automotive and transportation industries due to their high strength, corrosion resistance, and cost-effectiveness.
201 and 202 stainless steel strips are used to manufacture automotive exhaust systems. Their excellent corrosion resistance and ability to withstand high temperatures make them ideal for this application. Additionally, their formability allows for easy fabrication into various exhaust components.
Stainless steel’s aesthetic appeal and durability make it ideal for enhancing the look and lifespan of automotive parts. These strips are commonly used in decorative trim and body parts of vehicles, adding both visual appeal and longevity to automotive components.
Stainless steel 201 and 202 strips are used in railway cars and trailers, ensuring safety and durability due to their strength and environmental resistance. Their polished finish also contributes to the overall aesthetics of the railway cars and trailers.
The food service industry benefits significantly from the properties of stainless steel 201 and 202 strips, particularly their corrosion resistance and ease of cleaning.
These strips are commonly used to make kitchen sinks, cookware, and other food service equipment. The material’s resistance to rust and stains ensures hygiene and longevity, making it an ideal choice for items that come into frequent contact with food and water.
Stainless steel 201 and 202 strips play a crucial role in the construction and architectural sectors due to their strength, corrosion resistance, and visual appeal.
These strips provide strength and stability to building structures. Their ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions makes them suitable for both interior and exterior applications.
Their smooth, polished surfaces add a modern, sleek look to architectural designs. These stainless steel strips are used in architectural trims and handrails, combining durability with aesthetic appeal.
Various industries utilize stainless steel 201 and 202 strips for their robust properties and versatility.
In the petrochemical and oil & gas industries, stainless steel 201 and 202 strips are used in LNG storage tanks and chemical equipment. Their resistance to corrosion and ability to withstand extreme temperatures make them suitable for these demanding environments.
These strips are also used in power generation and gas processing. Their resistance to mild environments and high-temperature stability ensure reliable performance in these critical applications.
The electrical and electronics sectors benefit from the thermodynamic and electromagnetic properties of stainless steel 201 and 202 strips.
Stainless steel 202 strips are increasingly used in electric vehicle batteries. Their properties contribute to the efficiency and durability of these batteries, supporting the growth of environmentally-friendly transportation options.
These strips enhance the performance and reliability of various electronic appliances due to their thermal and electrical properties. Their use in electronic devices ensures better functionality and longevity.
The versatility of stainless steel 201 and 202 strips extends to the furniture industry and other miscellaneous applications.
In the furniture industry, stainless steel 201 and 202 strips are used for frames, supports, and decorative elements. Their strength, aesthetics, and affordability make them a preferred choice for manufacturers.
Grade 201 stainless steel strips are used to make banding straps, clamps, brackets, and cable ties. These components benefit from the material’s durability and resistance to corrosion, ensuring long-lasting performance in various applications.
The manufacturing process for stainless steel 201 and 202 strips begins with the careful selection and heating of raw materials, typically hot billets or slabs, to make them malleable for further processing. Proper heating is essential to achieve the desired mechanical properties and to prepare the material for the next stages of production.
Once the raw materials are adequately heated, they undergo hot rolling. Hot rolling shapes the material and reduces its thickness, enhancing its mechanical properties. This stage is crucial for setting the foundational dimensions and characteristics of the stainless steel strips.
After hot rolling, the material undergoes cold rolling, which involves passing the sheets through mills to further reduce their thickness. Cold rolling not only refines the thickness but also increases the strength and hardness of the material through work hardening. This process is typically followed by annealing and pickling to restore ductility and eliminate surface impurities.
Annealing, a heat treatment process performed at specific temperatures, relieves internal stresses and restores ductility, followed by pickling to remove surface impurities. For stainless steel 202, this process typically occurs between 1010°C to 1093°C (1850°F to 2000°F), followed by rapid cooling. This step ensures a clean and smooth surface, essential for subsequent treatments and finishing.
Various cutting methods, such as laser cutting, plasma cutting, mechanical shearing, and sawing, are used to slit and cut the sheets into strips of the desired width. For precision and to avoid heat-affected zones, laser cutting and abrasive water jet cutting are often preferred. These methods ensure that the strips meet specific dimensional requirements without compromising the material’s integrity.
Once the strips are cut to the desired dimensions, they undergo various surface treatments and finishing processes. Surface treatments enhance the appearance and improve the corrosion resistance of the strips. The choice of finish depends on the intended application and the required aesthetic and functional properties.
The final stage involves rigorous quality control and packaging to ensure the strips meet required standards. After passing quality checks, the strips are packaged to protect them during transportation, with options varying based on customer requirements, including standard seaworthy packaging or customized solutions.
Several factors influence the pricing of stainless steel 201 and 202 strips:
By understanding these factors, buyers can make informed decisions when purchasing stainless steel 201 and 202 strips.
Here is a detailed price list and availability information for Stainless Steel 201 and 202 strips, catering to various industrial needs.
The prices for Stainless Steel 201 strips depend on their hardness and finish. Here are some indicative prices:
The prices for Stainless Steel 202 strips are as follows:
Stainless Steel 201 and 202 strips are widely available across major industrial hubs in India, including Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Bengaluru. They are also exported to international markets such as Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, UAE, Brazil, Russia, Indonesia, Egypt, Iran, Kuwait, Taiwan, Oman, Qatar, South Africa, Australia, Pakistan, and Malaysia.
Stainless Steel 202 strips are available from suppliers like Metline and Sonic Steels. These strips come in various thicknesses (0.1 mm to 6 mm), widths (10 mm to 1000 mm), and finishes (BA, No. 1, No. 4 Matte, HL, Mirror Finish). Custom lengths and certifications, including Mill Test Reports as per EN 10204 3.1, are also available.
Delivery times range from 7 to 30 days, depending on the destination and order size.
Both Stainless Steel 201 and 202 strips are manufactured according to ASTM A240 standards. They are available in hot rolled and cold rolled forms, stored and shipped from multiple ports to ensure timely delivery worldwide. Contact suppliers for free estimates and detailed pricing based on your specific requirements.
Stainless steel 201 and 202 strips are produced according to several international standards to ensure their quality, performance, and consistency.
Manufacturers and suppliers of stainless steel 201 and 202 strips often provide various certifications to verify the quality and compliance of their products.
Various tests ensure the stainless steel strips meet required standards:
Suppliers provide detailed documentation to confirm compliance with standards:
Ensuring that stainless steel 201 and 202 strips are manufactured and tested according to these standards and certifications is crucial for their performance, safety, and reliability in various applications.
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions:
The prices of Stainless Steel 201 and 202 strips can vary based on factors such as grade, temper, thickness, finish, supplier, and market conditions. For 201 stainless steel strips, sample prices are as follows: AISI 201 Hard Strip at $134, ASTM A240 201 Half Hard Strips at $129, UNS S20100 Hard Winding Strip at $138, AISI 201 1/2 Hard Strips at $125, ASTM A240 201 1/4 Hard Strips at $126, UNS S20100 3/4 Hard Strips at $122, JIS SUS201 Hot Rolled Strip at $139, and EN 1.4372 Cold Rolled Strip at $128.
For 202 stainless steel strips, while specific prices are not provided, they are expected to be in a similar range to 201 strips due to their similar composition and cost structure. For precise and up-to-date pricing, it is recommended to contact suppliers directly.
Stainless Steel 201 strips typically have a thickness range from 0.02mm to 5.0mm, a width range from 3.2mm to 1500mm, and can be cut to custom lengths as per customer requirements. Stainless Steel 202 strips generally have a thickness range from 0.1mm to 6mm (or 0.025mm to 3mm as per customer needs), a width range from 10mm to 1000mm (or up to 2000mm), and are also available in custom lengths, including common lengths such as 2000mm, 2440mm, 3000mm, 5800mm, and 6000mm.
The physical properties of Stainless Steel 201 and 202 strips are as follows:
For Stainless Steel 201 strips:
For Stainless Steel 202 strips:
These properties are critical for determining their suitability in various industrial applications and influence their pricing.
You can buy Stainless Steel 201 and 202 strips from specialized suppliers such as Metline Industries, HXG Metal, and Sonic Steels. These suppliers offer a range of thicknesses and widths with custom lengths and various surface finishes. Additionally, platforms like Alibaba and Made-in-China provide listings from multiple manufacturers and exporters, allowing you to compare prices and specifications. For a precise quote or to place an order, you can contact the suppliers directly through their websites or via email.
Stainless Steel 201 and 202 strips are versatile materials used in a variety of applications due to their unique properties and cost-effectiveness. Common applications for Stainless Steel 201 strips include food and chemical processing industries, electrical and generator components, cement and gas industries, and some marine and architectural applications where mild corrosion resistance is sufficient. Stainless Steel 202 strips are frequently used in food processing equipment, automotive industry components, construction and architectural applications, various industrial settings, as well as in the railways and furniture sectors for their corrosion resistance, formability, and ease of cleaning.
The manufacturing process for Stainless Steel 201 and 202 strips involves several key steps. Initially, both types of strips begin with hot rolling, where billets or slabs are heated and rolled at high temperatures to form the initial strip shape. Following hot rolling, the strips undergo cold rolling at room temperature to achieve the desired thickness and surface finish. After cold rolling, the strips are annealed, a process that involves heating to relieve internal stresses, and then pickled to remove surface impurities. This sequence of hot rolling, cold rolling, annealing, and pickling ensures the strips meet precise specifications and quality standards.
