Stainless Steel 2101 vs 2205
Stainless Steel · grade comparison
Stainless Steel 2101 and 2205 are both stainless steel grades, both duplex ss. 2205 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 790 MPa (115 ksi) against 750 MPa (109 ksi) for 2101, about 5% more. In exchange, 2101 is the more ductile: elongation 38% versus 30% for 2205, and 2205 is harder (255 HB vs 230 HB). 2101 conducts electricity better (2.7 % IACS vs 2.2 % IACS). On the shop floor, 2101 sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than 2205 (specialty, $$$$$).
2101Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when cost is the deciding factor.
2205Choose it when strength drives the design.
2101 vs 2205: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all stainless steel grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all stainless steel grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Bulk Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Rockwell C
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 200 GPa29 Msi · Shear Modulus 77 GPa11.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.3 · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 120 MPa·√m109 ksi·√in
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Same in both: Density 7.8 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 13 µm/m·K7.2 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 300°C572 °F · Min Service Temperature -50°C-58 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Same in both: Formability (cold) 55 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 40 / 100 · Polishability 75 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 65%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 25.6 MN·m/kg
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every stainless steel grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | 2101 | 2205 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | Solution Annealed | Solution Annealed |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$$$ Specialty |
| Min. machined wall | 0.8 mm | 1 mm |
| Best machined surface | Ra 1.6 µm | Ra 1.6 µm |
Both are offered for CNC machining and Sheet metal. Both take the same 32 finishes: AlCrN, AlTiN, Black Oxide, CVD Al2O3, CVD TiCN, CVD TiN, Cerakote, Chrome Plating, CrN, DLC, Electroless Nickel (EN), Electropolishing and 20 more.
2101 vs 2205 — frequently asked
Is 2205 stronger than 2101?
Yes. 2205 has a typical tensile strength of 790 MPa (115 ksi) against 750 MPa (109 ksi) for 2101 — about 5% more.
Which is cheaper, 2101 or 2205?
2101 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the premium tier ($$$) while 2205 is specialty ($$$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which welds better, 2101 or 2205?
2205. Its weldability rates very good (78/100) against very good (70/100) for 2101.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 2101 and 2205 side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.