Stainless steel is a common commodity in our life. It has various models, including 201 stainless steel and 304 stainless steel. What is the difference between the two? Let’s take a look.
1、Difference in chemical composition
- The chromium and nickel content of 304 stainless steel is higher than that of 201 stainless steel, and the corrosion resistance of 304 stainless steel is better.
- The carbon content of 201 stainless steel is higher than that of 304 stainless steel. The plate of 201 stainless steel is brittle, while the flexibility of 304 stainless steel is better. Scratch the surface of 201 stainless steel with a knife, and there will be apparent scratches, but the scratches of 304 stainless steel are not noticeable.
- The manganese content of 201 stainless steel is higher than that of 304 stainless steel. The surface of 201 stainless steel is dull, while the surface of 304 stainless steel will be smoother and brighter.
2、Difference in price
From the market price point of view, 304 stainless steel is nearly twice as high as 201 stainless steel, and there is a noticeable price difference. If someone tells you that the price of 304 stainless steel is about the same as that of 201 stainless steel, it must be inaccurate.
3、Difference in application
201 stainless steel has specific acid and alkali resistance, high density, and no pinholes. It is mainly used for decorative, industrial, and shallow-drawn products.
304 stainless steel has good processing performance and high toughness and is often used in industry, furniture decoration, Food, and medical industry, etc.
4、How to distinguish between 201 and 304?
1、Use a grinder to see sparks (the strength of the technique remains the same)
Spark characteristics of 201 stainless steel: many sparks, bright color, apparent split ends.The spark characteristics of 304 stainless steel are fewer sparks, dark red color, and almost no split end.
2、Stainless steel identification liquid
Drop the identification liquid on the surface of the stainless steel, and turn red after energizing. It is 201 stainless steel; if it does not change color after energizing, it is 304 stainless steel.
Spectrometer detection will immediately read out the content of stainless steel elements, and you can judge whether the material is 304 stainless steel or 201 stainless steel. It is a relatively scientific, simple, and direct detection method.