Product Overview & Why Choose Grade 201
201 stainless steel sheet is the sweet-spot solution for buyers who need an optimal balance between performance, aesthetics and cost. Developed as an austenitic chromium-nickel-manganese alloy, Grade 201 offers 30-40 % price savings versus 304 while still providing:
- Excellent corrosion resistance in mild indoor and coastal environments
- Superior formability and deep-drawability for kitchen sinks, cookware and complex profiles
- Non-magnetic properties after annealing – ideal for electronic enclosures and elevator cabins
- Brilliant surface lustre that rivals 304 when processed as 201 BA finish stainless steel sheet
Whether you are a stockist, OEM fabricator, construction contractor or kitchen-equipment brand, sourcing 201 stainless steel sheet from a certified China 201 stainless steel sheets supplier guarantees consistent quality, short lead times and full technical support.
Premium 201 BA finish stainless steel sheet – bright annealed surface with excellent reflectivity
Available Surface Finishes
Our in-house 20-high Sendzimir mill, tension-leveling line and skin-pass unit allow us to supply 201 stainless steel sheet in all commercially demanded finishes:
1. 2B – Cold-rolled, heat-treated, pickled, skin-passed
- Smooth, semi-bright surface; the default choice for deep-drawing and further polishing
- Thickness range 0.25 mm – 3.0 mm, coil or cut sheet
2. BA (Bright Annealed) – Mirror-like reflective surface
- Produced under protective H₂/N₂ atmosphere; Ra ≤ 0.25 µm achievable
- Perfect for decorative panels, mirror cladding and lift interiors as 201 BA finish stainless steel sheet
3. No. 4 – Short polished grit 150/180
- Uniform brushed hair-line look; hides fingerprints, easy to clean
4. HL (Hairline) – Long continuous satin finish
- Widely used in architectural wall panels, escalator skirts
5. SB (Scotch-Brite) – Fine satin, low-glare
- Ideal for household appliances and catering equipment
6. No. 8 – Super-mirror, buffed to 800 grit
- Reflectivity > 80 %, suitable for luxury column cladding and signage
All finishes can be supplied as AISI 201 2B stainless steel sheet base material, then processed further.
Colored & Decorative Options
Through PVD/Ti-coating and nano-ceramic printing we create 201 colored stainless steel sheet made in China with:
- Colors: Gold, rose-gold, champagne, bronze, black, sapphire blue, green, purple, rainbow
- Coating thickness: 0.25 – 0.35 µm, hardness HV 1800-2000, salt-spray resistance ≥ 500 h
- Film adhesion: 5B grade, no peeling after 180° bend
Coils are fed into our vertical continuous PVD furnace under high vacuum; color uniformity ΔE ≤ 0.3 across 1500 mm width, ensuring every 201 stainless steel sheet manufacturer batch meets architectural specification.
201 colored stainless steel sheet made in China – PVD titanium coating available in multiple colors
Technical Specifications Table
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Steel Grade | AISI 201, JIS SUS201, GB/T 12Cr17Mn6Ni5N |
| Thickness | 0.25 mm – 6.0 mm (cold rolled); 3.0 – 50 mm (hot rolled) |
| Width | 1000 mm, 1219 mm (4'), 1500 mm (5'), 1524 mm |
| Length | 2000 mm, 2438 mm (8'), 3000 mm, 3048 mm, coil or cut-to-length |
| Surface | 2B, BA, No.4, HL, SB, No.8, embossed, PVD color, anti-fingerprint |
| Edge | Mill edge or slit edge |
| Standard | ASTM A240, JIS G4304, GB/T 3280, EN 10088-2 |
| Coil ID | 508 mm or 610 mm |
| Coil Weight | Max 25 MT |
| Plate Weight | Single plate 1 – 5 MT typical |
| Flatness | ≤ 3 mm/m for sheets ≤ 2 mm; ≤ 2 mm/m for thicker |
| Protective Film | Laser PVC 70 µm – 120 µm (black/white/blue available) |
Chemical Composition & Mechanical Properties
Chemical Composition (wt %, max unless noted)
| Element | AISI 201 Spec | Typical Result |
|---|---|---|
| C | 0.15 | 0.06 |
| Mn | 5.50 – 7.50 | 6.8 |
| Si | 1.00 | 0.45 |
| P | 0.060 | 0.025 |
| S | 0.030 | 0.002 |
| Cr | 16.00 – 18.00 | 17.2 |
| Ni | 3.50 – 5.50 | 4.3 |
| N | 0.25 | 0.18 |
| Cu | 1.50 | 0.20 |
Mechanical Properties (room temp.)
| Property | Specification | Typical |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength Rm | ≥ 515 MPa | 685 MPa |
| Yield Strength Rp0.2 | ≥ 275 MPa | 345 MPa |
| Elongation A50 | ≥ 40 % | 52 % |
| Hardness HRB | ≤ 95 | 82 |
| Young Modulus | 200 GPa | 200 GPa |
Key Features & Advantages Compared to 304/430
- Cost Efficiency: 30 – 40 % lower price than 304; 15 % lower than 430 at equal gauge
- Corrosion Resistance: sufficient for indoor, food contact and light coastal areas (salt-spray ≥ 48 h in 5 % NaCl)
- Strength: higher yield than 304 by ≈ 15 %, allowing thinner gauges and weight savings
- Formability: equivalent deep-drawing index vs 304; no crack after Erichsen 9 mm
- Weldability: suitable for TIG, MIG, laser and resistance welding; post-weld clean to restore corrosion resistance
- Aesthetic Flexibility: available as 201 embossed stainless steel sheet factory custom patterns, bead-blast, vibration, etching
- Non-magnetic: relative permeability μr < 1.02 after solution annealing – perfect for elevator cabins and electronic chassis
- Food Safe: complies with GB 4806.9-2016 and FDA CFR 21 § 175.300 for repeated food contact
Custom patterns from our 201 embossed stainless steel sheet factory
Applications
- Kitchenware: cookware bodies, sink bowls, cooker hoods, splashbacks
- Architecture & Decoration: wall cladding, column covers, ceiling tiles, elevator doors
- Automotive: exhaust trim, decorative trims, inner door sills
- Electrical: non-magnetic enclosures, switchgear cabinets, battery housings
- Furniture: table tops, chair arms, cabinet doors, hotel fixtures
- Signage & Display: letter faces, PVD colored panels, LED frame profiles
- Industrial: conveyor belts, mild chemical tanks, control consoles
Manufacturing Process & Quality Control
- Steel-making: AOD + VOD refining to reduce carbon and inclusions
- Hot Rolling: continuous casting slab reheated to 1 230 °C, roughing & finishing to target gauge
- Cold Rolling: 20-high Sendzimir mill for uniform thickness ≤ ±0.02 mm tolerance
- Annealing & Pickling: continuous bright-annealing furnace under H₂/N₂ atmosphere for BA surface
- Surface Processing: polishing line up to 1 000 grit for No.8; PVD coating line for color; embossing rolls for texture
- Leveling & Slitting: tension-leveler + rotary shear to achieve perfect flatness and slit-edge quality
- QC at Every Stage:
- Spectrometer for chemical composition
- Eddy-current for surface crack
- Peel-off test for PVD adhesion
- Salt-spray cabinet for corrosion resistance
- All inspection records traceable via ERP barcode
Certifications: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, SGS RoHS, CE, REACH, TÜV factory audit passed.
Packaging & Delivery Standards
- Interior: 0.08 mm laser PVC + kraft paper
- Separator: plastic or cardboard angle protector on slit edge
- Packing: 7 × 7 mm galvanized steel strapped, fumigation-free plywood pallet
- Weight: max 2 MT per pallet for 20 GP; 5 MT per pallet for 40 HQ
- Labeling: grade, size, heat number, PO number, QR code
- Loading: palletized or loose coil loading as customer request
- Port: Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Qingdao – 15-25 days to worldwide main ports
Professional export packaging by leading China 201 stainless steel sheets supplier
Why Choose Us as Your 201 Stainless Steel Sheet Manufacturer in China
- Annual capacity 180 000 MT – always in stock for regular sizes
- One-stop source: 2B, BA, No.4, HL, embossed, colored, anti-fingerprint all under one roof
- OEM/ODM: custom width 20 – 1 600 mm, custom pattern, custom color within 7 days
- Competitive MOQ: 1 coil (≈ 8 MT) for mill finish; 50 sheets for colored finish
- Fast sampling: 2-3 days A4 or 200 × 200 mm sample free of charge
- Price advantage: direct mill supply, no trader margin
- Global logistics: long-term contracts with COSCO, MSC, CMA CGM for stable sea freight
- After-sales: 24-hour technical response, onsite application support available
Customer Testimonials
> "We saved 35 % material cost by switching from 304 to 201 stainless steel sheet for our kitchen hood line. The BA surface is flawless and passes all EU food-grade tests."
> – Carlos M., Purchasing Director, Barcelona Kitchen Appliances
> "As a distributor in Dubai, timely delivery is crucial. This China 201 stainless steel sheets supplier shipped 6 coils of 1.0 mm BA within 18 days, all packed perfectly for desert transit."
> – Aisha R., CEO, Gulf Metal Trading LLC
> "Our elevator project required 2 000 sheets of rose-gold 201 colored stainless steel sheet made in China. Color consistency ΔE < 0.3 across 40 tons – the end client is delighted."
> – Klaus H., Project Manager, Hamburg Lift Solutions
> "The embossed pattern from their 201 embossed stainless steel sheet factory gave our hotel backdrop a high-end 3-D effect, and the price was 20 % lower than EU mills."
> – Sophie L., Procurement Lead, Paris Hospitality Group
FAQ Section
Q1. Is 201 stainless steel sheet magnetic?
A1. It is mildly magnetic when cold-worked but becomes practically non-magnetic after solution annealing, making it suitable for non-magnetic applications.
Q2. Can I use 201 in coastal areas?
A2. Yes for light coastal or indoor marine environments. For heavy salt-spray zones we recommend 316L or apply a PVD coating on 201 for extra protection.
Q3. What is the minimum order quantity?
A3. 1 x 20 GP container (≈ 20 MT) for mill finish; 50 sheets for colored or embossed finish.
Q4. How do you control surface quality?
A4. Each coil runs through online roughness meter and automatic defect mapping; PVC film is applied immediately after final polishing.
Q5. Which certificate do you provide?
A5. Mill test certificate per EN 10204 3.1, SGS third-party inspection, ISO 9001, CE, RoHS, REACH as requested.
Q6. How long is your lead time?
A6. 7-10 days for stock sizes; 20-25 days for non-stock or custom colored/embossed orders.
Q7. Can you supply slit coils or blanks?
A7. Yes, width 20-1 600 mm, ID 508/610 mm, weight 3-25 MT per coil; precise blanking up to 4 × 2 m.
Q8. Do you offer a price guarantee?
A8. We lock the price for 30 days after PI is signed, protecting customers from nickel volatility.
Q9. What surface protection do you use for colored sheets?
A9. 70 µm laser PVC plus foam board between each sheet to avoid scratching during long ocean freight.
Q10. Is OEM branding available?
A10. Absolutely – laser-print logo on surface, customized package design and mill certificate header are all free of charge.
201 Stainless Steel Sheet Buyer Guide
201 stainless steel sheet is usually selected for price-sensitive indoor sheet metal projects where 304 may be more corrosion resistance than the application needs. Buyers search for 201 stainless steel sheet price, 201 stainless steel sheet metal, and 201 stainless steel sheet supplier when they need sheet size, thickness, finish, and risk guidance before requesting a quote.
The key point is not to sell 201 as a universal substitute for 304. It is a cost-focused option for mild indoor use, decorative panels, appliance parts, furniture, elevator trim, and low-risk fabrication. For outdoor, humid, food, chemical, coastal, or chloride exposure, compare with 304 stainless steel sheet or 316 stainless steel sheet.
Indoor dry panels, decorative trim, furniture, appliance shells, elevator and shop fitting use.
Do not use 201 only because it is cheaper when the environment needs 304 or 316.
201 Sheet Specification Checklist
| Quote item | Common wording | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Grade | 201 stainless steel sheet, stainless steel 201 sheet, 201 sheet metal | Confirm grade, local equivalent, and whether 304 alternative is needed. |
| Size | 4x8 sheet, 1219 x 2438 mm, cut-to-size sheet | Confirm sheet size, tolerance, and cutting requirement. |
| Thickness | 0.5 mm, 0.8 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, gauge wording | Confirm exact mm thickness because gauge can vary by market. |
| Finish | 2B, BA, No.4, brushed, mirror, hairline, PVC film | Decorative applications often depend heavily on surface finish. |
| Use environment | indoor, kitchen, decoration, furniture, appliance, humid area | Environment decides whether 201 is acceptable or 304 is safer. |
201 Sheet Price vs 304 Sheet Price
201 sheet can be cheaper than 304 sheet, but buyers should compare total project risk. If the final product is used indoors and kept dry, 201 may be a sensible cost-saving material. If the product is exposed to cleaning chemicals, outdoor air, humidity, salt, food service, or customer-visible staining risk, a lower unit price can create a higher complaint cost.
| Scenario | Recommended starting point | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Decorative indoor panel | 201 or 304 | 201 may save cost if environment is dry and mild. |
| Food preparation surface | 304 or 316 | 201 is usually not the trusted starting point for food-contact use. |
| Coastal outdoor panel | 316, or at least 304 review | 201 has higher corrosion risk. |
| Appliance shell or furniture trim | 201 or 304 | Depends on cleaning, humidity, and appearance expectations. |
Internal Links for 201 Sheet Buyers
Compare the material decision on the 201 vs 304 stainless steel page, check the full 201 stainless steel grade guide, and use the 4x8 stainless sheet price guide when comparing 201, 304, and 316 sheet quotations.
Request 201 Stainless Steel Sheet Pricing
Send grade, size, thickness, finish, quantity, destination, and application. We can quote 201 and compare 304 when service risk is unclear.
Request stainless steel quoteFAQ: 201 Stainless Steel Sheet
Is 201 stainless steel sheet good quality?
201 can be good quality for the right environment. The issue is not quality alone, but whether the grade fits the corrosion and appearance risk.
Is 201 stainless steel sheet cheaper than 304?
Usually yes, but the final quote also depends on thickness, finish, quantity, packing, and freight.
Can 201 stainless steel sheet be used outdoors?
It is not the safest starting point for outdoor, coastal, or humid environments. 304 or 316 should be reviewed for those uses.
What finish is common for 201 sheet?
Common finishes include 2B, BA, No.4, brushed, hairline, mirror, and PVC-protected decorative surfaces.