| Material Identity | Stainless Steel Grade | AISI 201 / UNS S20100 | A widely recognized austenitic stainless steel grade for general-purpose sheet applications. |
| Chemical Composition | Chromium (Cr) | 16.0–18.0% by mass | Provides the passive chromium-oxide layer responsible for basic stainless corrosion resistance. |
| Chemical Composition | Nickel (Ni) | 3.5–5.5% by mass | Lower nickel content than 304 stainless steel can support a more cost-sensitive purchasing strategy. |
| Chemical Composition | Manganese (Mn) | 5.5–7.5% by mass | Manganese helps stabilize the austenitic structure while partially replacing nickel. |
| Chemical Composition | Carbon (C) | Maximum 0.15% | Suitable for common formed-sheet applications when welding and corrosion conditions are properly controlled. |
| Chemical Composition | Silicon (Si) | Maximum 1.00% | Controlled silicon content supports standard stainless steel processing and fabrication. |
| Chemical Composition | Phosphorus (P) and Sulfur (S) | P: maximum 0.060%; S: maximum 0.030% | Composition limits help maintain material consistency across international supply channels. |
| Mechanical Performance | Tensile Strength | Minimum 515 MPa in annealed condition | Provides adequate strength for enclosures, trim, kitchenware, light equipment, and general fabrication. |
| Mechanical Performance | Yield Strength | Minimum 205 MPa in annealed condition | Useful for evaluating forming loads and allowable design stress in non-critical applications. |
| Mechanical Performance | Elongation | Minimum 40% in 50 mm, annealed condition | Indicates good ductility for bending, pressing, stamping, and other sheet-forming operations. |
| Mechanical Performance | Hardness | Maximum 95 HRB in annealed condition | Supports cutting, forming, and general shop fabrication without requiring excessive processing force. |
| Physical Properties | Density | Approximately 7.86 g/cm³ | Allows accurate weight, freight, packaging, and landed-cost calculations for international orders. |
| Physical Properties | Elastic Modulus | Approximately 197 GPa | Useful for evaluating stiffness and deflection in fabricated sheet components. |
| Physical Properties | Melting Range | Approximately 1,400–1,450°C | Relevant to heat exposure assessment and material-processing planning. |
| Corrosion Performance | General Atmospheric Resistance | Good in mild indoor and non-aggressive environments | Appropriate for many interior, decorative, and lightly exposed applications when regular maintenance is possible. |
| Corrosion Performance | Resistance to Chlorides and Marine Exposure | Limited compared with 304 and 316 grades | Not the preferred choice for seawater, coastal splash zones, high-chloride processing, or severe outdoor exposure. |
| Fabrication | Cold Forming | Generally suitable for bending, stamping, and moderate drawing | Supports a broad range of standard sheet-metal manufacturing processes. |
| Fabrication | Welding Consideration | Weldable with suitable procedures; corrosion performance may be affected in welded areas | Purchasers should specify welding method, heat input, joint design, and post-weld cleaning requirements. |
| Surface and Supply | Common Surface Finishes | 2B, BA, No. 4, and brushed finishes, subject to mill availability | Multiple finish options simplify sourcing for functional, decorative, and consumer-facing products. |
| Surface and Supply | Typical Thickness Availability | Commonly supplied from thin sheet to heavier plate-like gauges; exact range depends on the mill | Thickness, width, length, tolerance, and finish should be confirmed in the purchase specification. |
| Standards | Common Product Standard | ASTM A240 / ASME SA240 for stainless steel plate, sheet, and strip | Using an internationally recognized specification improves inspection, documentation, and cross-border acceptance. |
| Quality Control | Recommended Purchasing Documents | Mill test certificate, chemical analysis, mechanical test results, dimensional report, and surface inspection record | Document control helps verify grade, batch traceability, dimensions, and compliance before shipment. |
| Best-Fit Applications | Typical Uses | Indoor architectural trim, kitchen equipment, cabinets, appliances, light enclosures, decorative panels, and general fabricated parts | Offers a practical balance of formability, appearance, strength, and material cost for non-severe service conditions. |
| Selection Guidance | When to Consider an Alternative Grade | Use higher-alloy grades when chloride exposure, severe corrosion, high-temperature service, or critical weld performance is expected | Correct grade selection reduces premature failure, replacement costs, and supply-chain risk. |
