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Stainless Steel 201 Hot Rolled

Finish state

AISI/SAE 201 · UNS S20100 · EN 1.4372 · JIS SUS201 · GB 12Cr17Mn6Ni5N

Pick for thicker plate and structural/industrial parts where surface finish is unimportant.

CNC machiningSheet metalPremium cost $$$

Values for the Hot Rolled condition

Other 201 tempers and conditions

201 is listed in 7 conditions; see the grade overview at 201.

Compare all 7 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
Hot RolledThis page
Hot Rolled Annealed & Pickled (HRAP, No.1) plate/coil
Pick for thicker plate and structural/industrial parts where surface finish is unimportant.36073050170 HB2.5 % IACS
AnnealedDefault
solution annealed (1050–1100 °C, rapid cool), 2B/No.1 finish
Default stocked condition for forming, drawing, welding and decorative sheet/tube.38075052190 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.4808504221 HRC2.5 % IACS
Quarter hard
Use when moderate strength is needed but some bending/forming must remain possible.5709003028 HRC2.5 % IACS
Half hard
Good balance of high strength and limited bendability for brackets, clips and structural strip.8301,1001836 HRC2.5 % IACS
Three-quarter hard
For flat spring-like strip and high-strength stampings with only slight forming.1,0001,2601240 HRC2.5 % IACS
cold rolled to ASTM A666 full-hard temper
Maximum strength/stiffness thin strip for springs, shims and blades; essentially not formable.1,1001,350943 HRC—

What is 201 Hot Rolled?

201 Hot Rolled is 201 supplied in the Hot Rolled condition — pick for thicker plate and structural/industrial parts where surface finish is unimportant. 201 Hot Rolled has a yield strength of 360 MPa (52.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 730 MPa (106 ksi) — weaker than 51% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 50% and the elastic modulus is 197 GPa (28.6 Msi). 201 Hot Rolled 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). Annealed is the default condition FabDigit quotes; Hot Rolled is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 50%, better than 90% of stainless steel grades
  • Forms and bends easily — 72/100, better than 84% of stainless steel grades

Limitations

  • Hard to polish — 45/100, worse than 96% of stainless steel grades
  • Needs corrosion protection — 52/100, worse than 76% of stainless steel grades

201 Hot Rolled properties

Typical room-temperature values for 201 Hot Rolled; 24 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are 201 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among stainless steel grades.

Physical3

201 Hot Rolled 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).

Density7.8 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)1,400°C2,552 °F
Liquidus Temperature1,450°C2,642 °F

Mechanical15

201 Hot Rolled has a yield strength of 360 MPa (52.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 730 MPa (106 ksi) — weaker than 51% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 50% and the elastic modulus is 197 GPa (28.6 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus197 GPa28.6 Msi
Shear Modulus77 GPa11.2 Msi
Bulk Modulus150 GPa21.8 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.28
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)730 MPa106 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)360 MPa52.2 ksi
Elongation at Break50%
Reduction in Area62%
Shear Strength440 MPa63.8 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)255 MPa37 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)160 MPa·√m146 ksi·√in
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)130 J95.9 ft·lbf
Hardness, Brinell170 HB
Hardness, Rockwell B86 HRB
Hardness, Vickers180 HV

Thermal6

201 Hot Rolled 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).

Thermal Conductivity16.2 W/m·K9.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity500 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)16 µm/m·K8.9 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion270 J/g116 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)760°C1,400 °F
Min Service Temperature-100°C-148 °F

Electrical3

201 Hot Rolled conducts electricity at 2.5 % IACS, better than 75% of stainless steel grades.

Electrical Conductivity2.5 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity6.9×10⁻⁷ Ω·m27.2 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responsenon-magnetic (µr ≈ 1.02)

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is fair (52/100), worse than 76% of stainless steel grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.15 V
Corrosion ResistanceFair52/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryGood against mild atmospheres, fresh water, foodstuffs and dilute organics; clearly inferior to 304 in chlorides, seawater spray, acids and warm humid air — prone to pitting, crevice attack and rust staining. Avoid chloride-bearing cleaners and outdoor coastal use.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of 201 Hot Rolled takes about 42 MJ of energy and emits 4 kg of CO₂ — less than 95% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 55%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)42 MJ/kg18,057 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)4 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content55%

Manufacturability7

201 Hot Rolled's machinability is fair (42/100, better than 79% of stainless steel grades); weldability good (60/100); formability very good (72/100).

MachinabilityFair42/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)42%
WeldabilityGood60/100
Formability (cold)Very good72/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityGood60/100
PolishabilityFair45/100
Anodizing Responsen/a — ferrous alloy; use electropolishing, PVD colouring or passivation instead

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with 201 Hot Rolled

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.

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.

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.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
CS20100; 201LN variants ≤0.03≤ 0.150.08
MnEN 1.4372: 6.0–8.05.5 – 7.56.5
Si≤ 10.5
P≤ 0.060.03
S≤ 0.030.01
Cr16 – 1817
Nicommodity 201 often runs 1.0-4.0 Ni (low-nickel 201)3.5 – 5.54.5
NEN 1.4372: 0.05–0.25≤ 0.250.15
Cunot in ASTM limits; common residual/intentional in Chinese 201≤ 10.4
Febalance—

201 Hot Rolled — frequently asked

What is 201 Hot Rolled used for?

201 Hot Rolled is typically used for cookware, automotive trim and architectural panels. In short: lower-cost austenitic stainless.

What is the yield strength of 201 Hot Rolled?

201 Hot Rolled has a typical yield strength of 360 MPa (52.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 730 MPa (106 ksi) — weaker than 51% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 7 listed tempers.

Is 201 Hot Rolled 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 Hot Rolled 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 Hot Rolled?

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 Hot Rolled 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 Hot Rolled?

201 Hot Rolled 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.

Can FabDigit make parts in 201 Hot Rolled?

Yes — 201 Hot Rolled 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

  1. ASTM A666 — Annealed or Cold-Worked Austenitic Stainless Steel Sheet, Strip, Plate and Flat Bar — ASTM International (2015)
  2. ASTM A240/A240M — ASTM International (2023)
  3. EN 10088-1/-2 (X12CrMnNiN17-7-5, 1.4372) — CEN (2014)
  4. GB/T 3280 (1Cr17Mn6Ni5N / 201) — SAC (2015)
  5. ASM Specialty Handbook: Stainless Steels — ASM International (1994)
  6. ASM Handbook Vol.1 & Vol.13B — ASM International (2005)
  7. 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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.