Stainless Steel 201
AISI/SAE 201 · UNS S20100 · EN 1.4372 · JIS SUS201 · GB 12Cr17Mn6Ni5N
201 (UNS S20100, 1.4372, SUS201) is a low-nickel austenitic stainless steel in which manganese and nitrogen replace part of the nickel of 304, making it the lower-cost option in the 2xx series.
Values for the Annealed condition
201 tempers and conditions
201 is supplied in 7 conditions, soft to hard. Annealed is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 7 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hot Rolled Annealed & Pickled (HRAP, No.1) plate/coil | Pick for thicker plate and structural/industrial parts where surface finish is unimportant. | 360 | 730 | 50 | 170 HB | 2.5 % IACS |
AnnealedDefault solution annealed (1050–1100 °C, rapid cool), 2B/No.1 finish | Default stocked condition for forming, drawing, welding and decorative sheet/tube. | 380 | 750 | 52 | 190 HB | — |
temper/skin-pass rolled (≈1/8 hard) sheet, strip and tube | Choose for stiffer, flatter decorative sheet and tube that still bends and roll-forms. | 480 | 850 | 42 | 21 HRC | 2.5 % IACS |
Quarter hard | Use when moderate strength is needed but some bending/forming must remain possible. | 570 | 900 | 30 | 28 HRC | 2.5 % IACS |
Half hard | Good balance of high strength and limited bendability for brackets, clips and structural strip. | 830 | 1,100 | 18 | 36 HRC | 2.5 % IACS |
Three-quarter hard | For flat spring-like strip and high-strength stampings with only slight forming. | 1,000 | 1,260 | 12 | 40 HRC | 2.5 % IACS |
cold rolled to ASTM A666 full-hard temper | Maximum strength/stiffness thin strip for springs, shims and blades; essentially not formable. | 1,100 | 1,350 | 9 | 43 HRC | — |
What is 201?
201 (UNS S20100, 1.4372, SUS201) is a low-nickel austenitic stainless steel in which manganese and nitrogen replace part of the nickel of 304, making it the lower-cost option in the 2xx series. Engineers choose it for cost-driven formed and drawn work in cold-rolled sheet, strip, coil and tube supplied from annealed through 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and full hard tempers, with 380 MPa yield, 750 MPa tensile, 52 % elongation and a formability score of 78. Corrosion resistance (score 52) is below 304, so it stains in chloride, coastal or wet interior service; 304 is the direct alternative where corrosion governs. 201 has a density of 7.8 g/cm³ (0.282 lb/in³), heavier than 50% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,400°C (2,552 °F). 201 has a yield strength of 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 750 MPa (109 ksi) — stronger than 52% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 52% and the elastic modulus is 197 GPa (28.6 Msi).
What is 201 used for?
- Cookware
- Automotive trim
- Architectural panels
Advantages
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 52%, better than 95% of stainless steel grades
- Forms and bends easily — 78/100, better than 90% of stainless steel grades
Limitations
- Needs corrosion protection — 52/100, worse than 76% of stainless steel grades
201 properties
Typical room-temperature values for 201-Annealed; bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
201 has a density of 7.8 g/cm³ (0.282 lb/in³), heavier than 50% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,400°C (2,552 °F).
Mechanical15
201 has a yield strength of 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 750 MPa (109 ksi) — stronger than 52% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 52% and the elastic modulus is 197 GPa (28.6 Msi).
Thermal6
201 is rated for continuous service to 760°C (1,400 °F). It conducts heat at 16.2 W/m·K (9.36 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 64% of stainless steel grades. Thermal expansion is 16 µm/m·K (8.89 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
201 conducts electricity at 2.5 % IACS, better than 75% of stainless steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (52/100), worse than 76% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 201 takes about 42 MJ of energy and emits 4 kg of CO₂ — less than 95% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 55%.
Manufacturability7
201's machinability is fair (42/100, better than 79% of stainless steel grades); weldability good (60/100); formability very good (78/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the stainless steel family
Yield strength against density for every stainless steel grade FabDigit runs. 201 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with 201
Is 201 easy to machine?
Gummy and strongly work-hardening — use rigid setups, sharp positive-rake carbide, heavy flood coolant, constant feed and low-to-moderate speed; expect ~40 % of 1212 rates.
Can 201 be welded?
Weld with 308L/209 filler by GTAW/GMAW or resistance spot; keep heat input low, avoid crater cracks, and provide good fume extraction because of the high manganese.
Can 201 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent deep-draw and roll-forming behaviour thanks to a high n-value, but plan for high press loads and large springback; interstage annealing helps on severe draws.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit's quote engine applies to 201. Design inside these and the part quotes instantly; outside them it routes to an engineer.
CNC machining
| Machinability | Fair42 / 100 |
|---|---|
| ISO material group | M.1 |
| Cutting speed (rough / finish) | 150 / 180 m/min |
| Minimum wall | 0.8 mm |
| Minimum internal radius | 1.5 mm |
| Drill depth limit | 4× diameter |
| Best surface (machined / polished) | Ra 1.6 / — |
| Hardenable after machining | No |
Sheet metal
| Formability | Excellent78 / 100 |
|---|---|
| Weldability | Excellent60 / 100 |
| Bendable | Yes |
201 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| CS20100; 201LN variants ≤0.03 | ≤ 0.15 | 0.08 |
| MnEN 1.4372: 6.0–8.0 | 5.5 – 7.5 | 6.5 |
| Si | ≤ 1 | 0.5 |
| P | ≤ 0.06 | 0.03 |
| S | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| Cr | 16 – 18 | 17 |
| Nicommodity 201 often runs 1.0-4.0 Ni (low-nickel 201) | 3.5 – 5.5 | 4.5 |
| NEN 1.4372: 0.05–0.25 | ≤ 0.25 | 0.15 |
| Cunot in ASTM limits; common residual/intentional in Chinese 201 | ≤ 1 | 0.4 |
| Fe | balance |
What surface finishes work on 201?
Takes No.4, hairline, mirror (8K), electropolish and PVD colour finishes well; passivate after fabrication and keep away from chloride cleaners — it stains far more easily than 304.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on stainless steel parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Plating
Organic Coating
CVD Coating
Black / Phosphate
Thermal Spray
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Stainless Steel 201 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- S20100
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- 1.4372
- GB (China)
- 12Cr17Mn6Ni5N
- JIS
- SUS201
How much does 201 cost?
201 is a premium-cost stainless steel ($$$), cheaper than about 58% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
201 — frequently asked
What is 201 used for?
201 is typically used for cookware, automotive trim and architectural panels. In short: lower-cost austenitic stainless.
What is the yield strength of 201?
201 has a typical yield strength of 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 750 MPa (109 ksi) — stronger than 52% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 7 listed tempers.
Is 201 easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (42/100, better than 79% of stainless steel grades). Gummy and strongly work-hardening — use rigid setups, sharp positive-rake carbide, heavy flood coolant, constant feed and low-to-moderate speed; expect ~40 % of 1212 rates.
Can 201 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (60/100). Weld with 308L/209 filler by GTAW/GMAW or resistance spot; keep heat input low, avoid crater cracks, and provide good fume extraction because of the high manganese.
What surface finishes work on 201?
Takes No.4, hairline, mirror (8K), electropolish and PVD colour finishes well; passivate after fabrication and keep away from chloride cleaners — it stains far more easily than 304.
Can 201 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent deep-draw and roll-forming behaviour thanks to a high n-value, but plan for high press loads and large springback; interstage annealing helps on severe draws.
What is the maximum service temperature of 201?
201 is rated for continuous use to about 760°C (1,400 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does 201 cost?
201 is a premium-cost stainless steel ($$$), cheaper than about 58% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Can FabDigit make parts in 201?
Yes — 201 is available for CNC machining and sheet metal with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- ASTM A666 — Annealed or Cold-Worked Austenitic Stainless Steel Sheet, Strip, Plate and Flat Bar — ASTM International (2015)
- ASTM A240/A240M — ASTM International (2023)
- EN 10088-1/-2 (X12CrMnNiN17-7-5, 1.4372) — CEN (2014)
- GB/T 3280 (1Cr17Mn6Ni5N / 201) — SAC (2015)
- ASM Specialty Handbook: Stainless Steels — ASM International (1994)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 & Vol.13B — ASM International (2005)
- Cr-Mn austenitic stainless (Outokumpu / Yieh United / Baosteel Desheng 201 datasheets) — various producers (2023)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.