Describe
1. What is Stainless Steel 201 Coil?
Stainless steel 201 coil is a type of cold-rolled or hot-rolled stainless steel belonging to the austenitic group. It contains a lower Nickel (Ni) content compared to 304 stainless steel, with part of the Ni replaced by Manganese (Mn). Stainless steel 201 is commonly used for applications requiring appearance, basic durability, and strength, but does not demand high corrosion resistance like stainless steel 304.
Due to these differences, the price of 201 stainless steel coil is significantly lower than other stainless steel grades. Although its heat resistance, corrosion resistance, conductivity, and environmental adaptability are not as strong as 304, its affordable price and good mechanical properties have made it widely used in many fields and industries.
2. Does Stainless Steel 201 Rust? What Are Its Applications?
Advantages:
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Bright surface, easy to shape, good strength
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Lower cost — around 20–30% cheaper than stainless steel 304
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Suitable for household products, decorations, and light industrial production
Applications of Stainless Steel 201 in Manufacturing:
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Used as raw materials for manufacturing bicycle parts, motorcycle components, and automobile parts
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Substitute for some plastic components in the food industry, confectionery industry, or high-temperature applications
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Used in the production of industrial equipment
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Used for household items such as kitchen shelves, cabinets, doors, windows, dish racks, spoons, pots, and pans
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Common in applications requiring medium durability and low cost
Applications of Stainless Steel 201 in Daily Life:
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Used to create household goods and kitchenware such as strainers, shelves, trolleys, and food storage racks
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Used in interior furniture such as wardrobes, cabinets, doors, and stairs
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Used to manufacture outdoor and indoor items that do not require high corrosion resistance
Disadvantages:
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Lower corrosion resistance compared to stainless steel 304, especially in chemical or long-term moisture exposure environments
Can Stainless Steel 201 Be Used Near the Sea?
It is NOT recommended to use stainless steel 201 in marine environments (areas with high salinity, humidity, or near the coastline), as 201 is prone to rust, surface oxidation, and rapid deterioration.
In such cases, stainless steel 304 or 316 should be prioritized.
Comparison: Stainless Steel 201 vs. Stainless Steel 304
| Criteria | Main Composition | Corrosion Resistance | Mechanical Strength | Machinability | Price | Suitable Applications |
| Inox 201 | Cr, Ni (low), Mn (high) | Medium, not suitable for marine environments | Good | Yes | ≈ 20–30% cheaper | Indoor use, decorative applications |
| Inox 304 | Cr ~18%, Ni ~8% | Excellent, suitable for marine environments | Very good | Average | Higher | Outdoor use, industrial & medical applications |
3. Price of Stainless Steel 201 Coil
Since stainless steel is an industrial commodity, prices fluctuate depending on market movements. According to economic analysts, the price of stainless steel 201 coils increases or decreases based on global stainless steel market conditions. During certain periods, both supply and demand may change, affecting pricing.
Cuong Quang is a reputable importer and distributor of stainless steel coils. This unit supplies stainless steel sheet/coil for mechanical companies, consumer goods factories, electrical firms, and various industry sectors.
Updated Price List – Stainless Steel 201 Coil (Reference)
| Thickness (mm) | Surface Finish | Width (mm) | Origin | Price (VND/kg) |
| 0.5 | 2B | 1219 | China | 39,000 – 41,000 |
| 0.8 | BA | 610 | Vietnam | 40,000 – 42,000 |
| 1.0 | HL | 1000 | Tisco | 41,000 – 43,000 |
| 1.2 | No.4 | 1219 | Asia | 40,500 – 43,500 |
| 1.5 | 2B | 1219 | Vietnam | 39,000 – 41,500 |
Note: Prices vary depending on order quantity, origin, and market changes.
Technical Specifications
- Grade: Stainless Steel 201 (AISI 201)
- Chemical Composition (Reference):
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Cr: 16–18%
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Ni: 3.5–5.5%
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Mn: 5.5–7.5%
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C: ≤ 0.15%
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Si: ≤ 1%
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P, S: ≤ 0.03%
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- Hardness: HV 150–220 depending on type (Annealed / Hard)
- Surface Finishes: BA, 2B, No.1
- Coil Thickness: 0.3 mm – 6.0 mm
- Width: 1000 mm / 1219 mm / 1524 mm (custom cutting available)
- Applicable Standards: ASTM – AISI – JIS
- Processing Services (Upon Request):
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Slitting
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Coil cutting
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Flattening
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Surface treatment according to application requirements
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Applications
Stainless steel 201 is widely used across various industries thanks to its good strength, reliable corrosion resistance, and cost-effectiveness. It is suitable for:
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Mechanical fabrication: sheets, coils, metal components
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Household goods manufacturing: sinks, cookware, kitchen accessories
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Interior decoration: stainless steel trims, wall cladding, ceilings, partitions, handrails
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Construction sector: cable trays, railings, scaffolding, light steel structures
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Industrial equipment: tanks, machinery, support frames
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Consumer products: machine casings, stamped products, decorative accessories
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Transportation: vehicle cladding, parts for boats and light trucks
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Forming applications: bending, stamping, rolling, custom cutting
