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The 200 Series Stainless Steel, particularly type 201, is an austenitic stainless steel that offers excellent mechanical properties and good resistance to corrosion in mildly corrosive environments. This steel type is widely used in applications such as kitchen utensils, appliances, and piping systems due to its affordable price point and durability. In the 200 series, manganese is used in place of a portion of the nickel, making it more cost-effective while still retaining the desired strength and corrosion resistance.
Corrosion Resistance: Moderately resistant to corrosion, suitable for use in environments where exposure to acids, alkalis, or chlorides is limited.
Strength: High tensile strength and durability, making it ideal for structural components.
Workability: Exhibits good formability and weldability, often used in applications requiring bending or welding.
Cost-Effective: Lower cost compared to 300 series due to reduced nickel content, making it a budget-friendly choice without sacrificing performance.
200 Series Stainless Steel is manufactured through a series of processes designed to enhance its durability and formability:
1. Melting: Raw materials like iron ore, chromium, and manganese are melted together in a furnace.
2. Cold Rolling: After melting, the steel is cold-rolled to enhance its strength and surface finish.
3. Annealing: The steel is annealed to relieve stresses and improve ductility, ensuring itโs easy to form and fabricate.
4. Pickling: A chemical process is used to clean the surface and remove any impurities.
5. Finishing: Depending on the final product, the steel may be polished or finished to a specific standard, such as bright or matte finishes.
200 Series Stainless Steel, particularly type 201, is known for its versatility and cost-effectiveness. It is used across a wide range of industries due to its moderate corrosion resistance, high tensile strength, and good workability. Below are some of the key application areas:
1. Kitchenware and Utensils
โขCookware and Cutlery: Its corrosion resistance and durability make it ideal for kitchen tools such as pots, pans, and knives.
โขSinks and Countertops: Frequently used in commercial and residential kitchens for sinks and countertops due to its easy-to-clean surface and aesthetic finish.
2. Architectural Applications
โขDecorative Elements: Used in building facades, handrails, and other architectural accents, the 200 series offers an attractive finish and good structural integrity.
โขCladding and Roofing: Suitable for exterior uses like wall cladding and roofing in less corrosive environments due to its affordability and sufficient strength.
3. Automotive Industry
โขExhaust Systems: Utilized in automotive exhaust components where moderate corrosion resistance is sufficient, providing a balance of strength and cost.
โขTrim and Molding: Commonly used for decorative elements in cars, such as trim strips and moldings, thanks to its appealing finish and formability.
4. Piping and Tubing
โขPlumbing Systems: Used in plumbing for water distribution and drainage systems due to its resistance to mild corrosion.
โขIndustrial Tubing: Employed in non-critical industrial environments where moderate corrosion resistance is adequate, such as in chemical processing equipment and food production systems.
5. Appliances
โขHome Appliances: The 200 series is used in the construction of washing machines, refrigerators, and microwaves due to its durability, corrosion resistance, and cost efficiency.
โขIndustrial Equipment: Widely used in the manufacturing of industrial kitchen and laundry equipment where strength and corrosion resistance are required.
6. Transport and Storage
โขCargo Containers: Utilized in the manufacture of transport containers due to its strength and ability to resist weathering.
โขStorage Tanks: Used for chemical and food-grade storage tanks in environments where corrosion is not severe.
7. Decorative and Construction Uses
โขFurniture and Fixtures: Employed in indoor and outdoor furniture as well as fixtures like railings, gates, and fencing, offering an affordable and aesthetically pleasing solution.
โขSignage and Advertising Panels: Due to its excellent surface finish and corrosion resistance, 200 series stainless steel is a preferred material for outdoor signs and advertising boards.
8. Electronics and Electrical Components
โขMobile Devices and Electronics: Used in casings and various electronic components where strength and a clean surface are important.
โขElectrical Enclosures: Ideal for enclosures that protect sensitive electrical components from mild environmental exposure.
The 200 Series Stainless Steel is available in various forms to suit a wide range of applications:
Coils: Typically found in standard thicknesses ranging from 0.3mm to 3.0mm, with widths ranging from 1000mm to 1500mm.
Pipes and Tubes: Available in a range of diameters from 10mm to 600mm and wall thicknesses from 0.5mm to 6.0mm, suitable for both decorative and structural uses.
Sheets: Typically available in standard thicknesses up to 5.0mm and widths up to 1500mm.
The chemical composition of 200 Series Stainless Steel, specifically type 201, includes:
โขCarbon (C): 0.15% max
โขManganese (Mn): 5.5%-7.5%
โขNickel (Ni): 3.5%-5.5%
โขChromium (Cr): 16%-18%
โขNitrogen (N): 0.25% max
โขIron (Fe): Balance
| Standard | 201 Stainless Steel Equivalent |
| UNS | S20100 |
| ASTM | A240 |
| EN | 1.4372 |
| JIS | SUS201 |
| GB | 12Cr17Mn6Ni5N |
