201
Typical reasons to choose 201
- Household appliances
- Kitchen utensils
- Sinks in suitable environments
- Doors and windows
- Railroad cars
- High-strength formed sheet components
Stainless steel grade comparison
201 vs 316Ti Stainless Steel
Compare 201 and 316Ti stainless steel by chemistry, room-temperature strength, chloride resistance, titanium stabilization, welding, intergranular corrosion, elevated-temperature behavior, product forms and procurement priorities.
Quick answer:
choose 201 when high room-temperature strength,
strong work hardening and lower nickel content are valuable
in a mild environment. Choose 316Ti when molybdenum-level
corrosion resistance, welding of thicker sections
or elevated-temperature service makes titanium stabilization
and Cr-Ni-Mo chemistry valuable.
The alloy strategy behind the selection
201
EN 1.4372 · UNS S20100
- Structure Austenitic
- Typical Cr 16.1%
- Typical Ni 3.6%
- Typical Mn 6.6%
- PRE ≈17
- Main advantage High strength
316Ti
EN 1.4571 · UNS S31635
- Structure Austenitic
- Typical Cr 16.8%
- Typical Ni 10.9%
- Typical Mo 2.1%
- Typical Ti 0.40%
- PRE ≈24
Technical basis: Outokumpu Core 201/4372 and Supra 316Ti/4571. Values shown are typical manufacturer references; final material acceptance must follow the governing specification and MTC.
M03 · Decision summary
201 or 316Ti stainless steel: which one should you specify?
Both grades are austenitic, but they are designed around different problems. 201 uses manganese and nitrogen to reduce nickel while achieving high strength. 316Ti uses chromium, nickel, molybdenum and titanium to combine corrosion resistance with stabilization for welded and elevated-temperature service.
Decision first:
use 201 where room-temperature strength and material economy
control the component and the environment is mild.
Use 316Ti where chloride resistance, flue-gas exposure,
thick-section welding or elevated-temperature strength
makes titanium stabilization valuable.
Best for 201
High-strength formed components
A strong option for sheet products requiring high proof strength, substantial work hardening and lower nickel exposure.
Best for 316Ti
Corrosion + temperature + welding
Useful where Mo-alloyed corrosion resistance must be combined with Ti stabilization and elevated-temperature mechanical capability.
Recommendation reverser
316Ti is not a universal high-temperature alloy
Very high furnace temperatures, severe chlorides, strong acids or chloride SCC conditions can require a different stainless or nickel alloy.
| Decision factor | 201 stainless steel | 316Ti stainless steel |
|---|---|---|
| Room-temperature strength |
High yield and tensile strength.
Strength advantage |
Lower annealed strength than 201 in the cited cold-rolled condition. |
| Localized corrosion | PRE approximately 17. |
PRE approximately 24 from Cr + Mo chemistry.
Corrosion advantage |
| Chloride pitting | Suitable only where exposure is sufficiently mild. |
Molybdenum improves pitting
and crevice-corrosion resistance.
Preferred |
| Thick-section welding | Requires grade- and process-specific review. |
Titanium stabilization supports resistance
to intergranular corrosion after heat input.
Preferred |
| Elevated-temperature strength | Not the normal reason for selecting 201. |
Ti-stabilized 316Ti retains useful
elevated-temperature strength.
Advantage |
| Work hardening |
High work-hardening coefficient.
Clear advantage |
Normal high-work-hardening austenitic fabrication behavior. |
| Polished appearance | Standard flat-product finishing routes available. | Titanium alloying can limit some demanding polishing options. |
| Raw alloy cost |
Low Ni and no intentional Mo
normally reduce alloy-cost exposure.
Cost advantage |
Higher Ni, Mo and Ti create a higher alloy-cost structure. |
Selection rule:
if strength and cost dominate, start with 201.
If corrosion resistance, welding after heat input
or elevated-temperature mechanical performance dominate,
start with 316Ti.
M04 · Technical data
201 vs 316Ti stainless steel properties
Mechanical values are tied to specific product conditions. The cold-rolled comparison provides the most direct room-temperature strength comparison, while 316Ti's Ti stabilization and elevated-temperature behavior require separate engineering consideration.
Typical chemical composition
Manufacturer typical values by mass. Actual material acceptance must use the governing standard and MTC.
| Element / indicator | 201 / S20100 | 316Ti / S31635 | Selection significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon, C | 0.05% | 0.04% | 316Ti uses titanium stabilization rather than relying only on very low carbon. |
| Chromium, Cr | 16.1% | 16.8% | 316Ti has slightly higher typical chromium. |
| Nickel, Ni | 3.6% | 10.9% | 201 uses Mn and N to reduce nickel demand. |
| Molybdenum, Mo | Not intentionally alloyed | 2.1% | Mo improves resistance to chloride pitting and crevice corrosion. |
| Manganese, Mn | 6.6% | Conventional Cr-Ni-Mo level | High Mn is characteristic of 201's low-Ni alloy strategy. |
| Nitrogen, N | 0.08% | Not a primary alloying feature | N contributes to the high strength of 201. |
| Titanium, Ti | Not intentionally stabilized | Approx. 0.40% | Ti binds carbon and helps control sensitization during thermal exposure. |
| PRE | ≈17 | ≈24 | 316Ti has substantially greater localized-corrosion alloying. |
Mechanical properties at 20°C
EN 10088-2 cold-rolled coil / sheet values.
| Property | 201 / 1.4372 | 316Ti / 1.4571 | Condition | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.2% proof strength | 350 MPa | 240 MPa | Cold-rolled coil / sheet | 201 has the higher room-temperature yield-strength requirement. |
| 1.0% proof strength | 380 MPa | 270 MPa | Cold-rolled coil / sheet | 201 retains the strength advantage. |
| Tensile strength | 680–880 MPa | 540–690 MPa | Cold-rolled coil / sheet | 201 has the higher tensile-strength range. |
| Elongation | 45% | 40% | EN cold-rolled condition | Both remain ductile austenitic grades. |
| ASTM minimum yield reference | 269 MPa | 205 MPa | ASTM flat-product basis | Do not mix ASTM and EN values inside the same acceptance criterion. |
| ASTM minimum tensile reference | 515 MPa | 515 MPa | ASTM flat-product basis | The minimum may be similar even though typical / EN ranges differ substantially. |
316Ti product-condition mechanical values
EN values vary by cold rolled, hot rolled and quarto plate condition.
| 316Ti form | Rp0.2 | Rp1.0 | Rm | Elongation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cold rolled coil / sheet | 240 MPa | 270 MPa | 540–690 MPa | 40% |
| Hot rolled coil / sheet | 220 MPa | 260 MPa | 540–690 MPa | 40% |
| Quarto plate | 220 MPa | 260 MPa | 520–670 MPa | 40% |
Typical physical properties
Metric Outokumpu / EN reference values.
| Property | 201 | 316Ti | Condition | Selection effect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 7.8 kg/dm³ | 8.0 kg/dm³ | Reference value | 316Ti is slightly denser. |
| Elastic modulus | 200 GPa | 200 GPa | 20°C | Same cited elastic stiffness. |
| Thermal expansion | Not listed in cited Core table | 16.5 ×10⁻⁶/K | 20–100°C | Use controlled project values for thermal expansion design. |
| Thermal conductivity | 15 W/m·K | 15 W/m·K | 20°C | Same cited conductivity. |
| Specific heat | Not listed in cited Core table | 500 J/kg·K | 20°C | Do not estimate unavailable 201 values for thermal design. |
| Electrical resistivity | 0.70 Ω·mm²/m | 0.75 Ω·mm²/m | 20°C | 316Ti is slightly higher. |
| Magnetizable | No* | No* | Annealed classification | Cold work or weld microstructure can alter actual magnetic response. |
Important:
201's higher room-temperature tensile properties
do not replace 316Ti's Mo-based corrosion resistance
or titanium stabilization. Likewise, 316Ti should not
be purchased solely because it contains “316” if the
component only needs economical high-strength sheet.
M05 · Product form matrix
Product forms and supply routes for 201 and 316Ti
201 is strongly oriented toward economical flat products and formed components. 316Ti is commercially available in cold-rolled, hot-rolled and plate forms for corrosion-resistant and elevated-temperature fabrication.
Availability note:
this is not a live inventory table.
Confirm size, thickness, width, finish,
quantity, standard and MTC requirements
before placing an order.
| Product form / condition | 201 | 316Ti | Procurement note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold-rolled coil & sheet | Common | Available | Published supply route for both grades. |
| Hot-rolled coil & sheet | Available | Available | Confirm annealed / pickled condition. |
| Quarto plate | Verify mill route | Common route | 316Ti is established in plate applications. |
| Precision strip | Available | Confirm mill program | Gauge and width depend on mill capability. |
| Flanges / valves | Not primary route | Typical application | 316Ti is commonly used in flange and valve service. |
| Flue-gas equipment | Not intended basis | Typical application | Supply must match actual temperature and gas chemistry. |
| Highly polished decorative surface | Available | Check finish | Titanium can limit demanding polishing options. |
| Elevated-temperature welded fabrication | Review required | Relevant | 316Ti stabilization may provide a meaningful advantage. |
M06 · Grade selector
Use corrosion, welding and temperature to choose 201 or 316Ti
Check the actual design drivers. The result is a preliminary direction only; final approval must include environment, temperature, fabrication, dimensions and specification.
Preliminary result
Start with 316Ti
When corrosion, welding or elevated-temperature service is part of the requirement, 316Ti is normally the stronger starting point between these two grades.
Send Conditions to an Engineer
STEP 01
Define environment
Chlorides, acids, flue gas, cleaning media and moisture.
STEP 02
Define temperature
Normal, peak and continuous operating temperature.
STEP 03
Define fabrication
Forming, section thickness, welding and heat treatment.
STEP 04
Define strength
Room-temperature load and elevated-temperature strength.
M08 · Applications & limitations
Where 201 works, where 316Ti earns its premium, and where neither grade is enough
201 is normally selected for economical high-strength formed products. 316Ti becomes relevant where Mo-alloyed corrosion resistance must be combined with titanium stabilization and useful elevated-temperature strength.
316Ti
Typical reasons to choose 316Ti
- Flue-gas applications
- Flanges
- Valves
- Corrosion-resistant plate fabrication
- Thicker welded components
- Selected elevated-temperature equipment
!
Conditions requiring another alloy review
- Hot concentrated chlorides
- Direct seawater with crevices
- Chloride SCC conditions
- Strong mineral acids
- Extreme furnace temperature
- Applications requiring higher PRE than 316Ti
Failure modes that can reverse the recommendation
Why does titanium help 316Ti?
Titanium has a strong affinity for carbon.
Stabilizing carbon with titanium reduces the amount
available to form chromium carbides at grain boundaries,
helping maintain resistance to intergranular corrosion
after relevant thermal exposure.
Can 316Ti still suffer chloride SCC?
Yes. Titanium stabilization addresses sensitization
and intergranular corrosion; it does not remove the
chloride stress-corrosion cracking susceptibility
associated with austenitic Cr-Ni-Mo stainless steels.
Why can 201 corrode faster?
201 has a lower basic PRE and no intentional
molybdenum addition. Salt, acidic deposits or
crevices can therefore become limiting conditions
sooner than with 316Ti.
Is 316Ti a furnace-grade replacement for 310S?
No. 316Ti can provide useful elevated-temperature
strength, but dedicated heat-resistant grades such as
309S or 310S address significantly different
high-temperature oxidation and furnace conditions.
Why can polishing be harder on 316Ti?
Titanium-containing inclusions can limit the
highest decorative polishing quality compared with
non-stabilized grades. Confirm the required
finish before choosing 316Ti for appearance-critical parts.
Can 316Ti always replace 201?
No. Even where corrosion performance improves,
316Ti has a different strength range, alloy cost,
product availability and finishing behavior.
A substitution should be based on the finished component.
Important:
Ti stabilization improves intergranular-corrosion
resistance after thermal exposure, but it does not make
316Ti immune to pitting, crevice corrosion or chloride SCC.
Material image comparison
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M10 · Standards & equivalence
201 and 316Ti stainless steel grade designations
Both are austenitic stainless steels, but 201 belongs to the low-Ni Cr-Mn family while 316Ti belongs to the titanium-stabilized Cr-Ni-Mo family.
| Designation system | 201 | 316Ti | Procurement note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common type | 201 | 316Ti | Common grade names. |
| UNS | S20100 | S31635 | Useful for exact alloy identification. |
| EN material number | 1.4372 | 1.4571 | European designations used on this page. |
| EN family | Cr-Mn-N austenitic | Ti-stabilized Cr-Ni-Mo austenitic | Different alloy strategies and service priorities. |
| PRE | 17 | 24 | Composition-based indicator, not a complete corrosion prediction. |
| ASTM A240/A240M | Relevant flat-product specification family | UNS S31635 procurement reference | Confirm current revision and exact product condition. |
| EN 10088-2 | Flat-product mechanical reference | Flat-product mechanical reference | Cold rolled, hot rolled and plate values differ. |
| JIS | Confirm exact current designation | Confirm exact current equivalent | Do not force an equivalence from informal web tables. |
| GB | Confirm against current GB purchase standard | Confirm against current GB purchase standard | Match chemistry, properties and product form before substitution. |
ASTM A240/A240M
Common flat-product specification family
for stainless plate, sheet and strip.
EN 10088-1
Designation and physical-property
reference family.
EN 10088-2
Mechanical and delivery-condition
reference for stainless flat products.
MTC / EN 10204
Confirm actual chemistry, heat number,
properties and purchase specification.
Do not treat 201 and 316Ti as equivalents simply because both are austenitic. Molybdenum, titanium stabilization, mechanical condition and corrosion environment materially change their service capability.
M11 · Direct answers
201 vs 316Ti stainless steel FAQ
Direct answers to common engineering and procurement questions behind the 201 versus 316Ti decision.
What is the main difference between 201 and 316Ti?
201 is a low-nickel Cr-Mn-N austenitic stainless steel optimized for strength and economical forming. 316Ti is a molybdenum-alloyed Cr-Ni austenitic stainless stabilized with titanium for corrosion resistance, welding and selected elevated-temperature service.
Which is stronger, 201 or 316Ti?
201 is stronger at room temperature in the cited EN cold-rolled condition: approximately 350 MPa Rp0.2 and 680–880 MPa tensile strength versus 240 MPa and 540–690 MPa for 316Ti.
Which has better corrosion resistance?
316Ti has the stronger corrosion-alloy system. Its approximately 2.1% molybdenum raises its pitting-resistance equivalent to about 24 compared with roughly 17 for 201.
Why is titanium added to 316Ti?
Titanium stabilizes carbon and reduces the risk of chromium-carbide precipitation at grain boundaries, helping the material retain resistance to intergranular corrosion after relevant thermal exposure.
Is 316Ti better than 316L?
Not universally. 316L controls sensitization mainly through very low carbon, while 316Ti uses titanium stabilization. 316Ti can be useful for selected elevated-temperature applications, while 316L may be preferred where highly polished surfaces or broad standard availability are more important.
Can 316Ti be welded?
Yes. Titanium stabilization is specifically useful for controlling sensitization, and current manufacturer guidance describes 316Ti as weldable across all thickness ranges when suitable procedures are used.
Is 316Ti safe in hot chloride environments?
Not automatically. Molybdenum improves pitting resistance, but austenitic Cr-Ni-Mo stainless steels can still suffer chloride-induced stress-corrosion cracking, particularly when tensile stress, chloride and temperatures above roughly 50°C occur together.
Can 201 replace 316Ti?
Only when the service environment does not require 316Ti's molybdenum corrosion resistance, titanium stabilization or elevated-temperature capability. The higher room-temperature strength of 201 alone does not justify substitution.
M13 · Sources & technical review
Technical basis for this 201 vs 316Ti comparison
This page keeps room-temperature strength, corrosion resistance, titanium stabilization and elevated-temperature behavior separate so they are not incorrectly treated as one property.
Primary technical references
- Outokumpu Core Range Datasheet 201 chemistry, PRE, EN mechanical values, physical properties and application guidance.
- Outokumpu Core 201/4372 Product Information Low-nickel alloy strategy, work hardening, forms and applications.
- Outokumpu Supra Range Datasheet 316Ti chemistry, PRE, mechanical values, physical properties, corrosion guidance and fabrication information.
- Outokumpu Supra 316Ti/4571 Product Information Titanium stabilization, elevated-temperature use, flue-gas applications and product forms.
- EN 10088-1 Physical-property and designation reference.
- EN 10088-2 Flat-product mechanical-property reference.
- ASTM A240/A240M Flat-product specification reference.
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M14 · Ask an engineer
Still deciding between 201 and 316Ti?
Send the actual service chemistry, temperature, welding requirement and mechanical load so the material can be reviewed against the finished component.
- 201, 316Ti or alternative grade under consideration
- Sheet, coil, plate or other required product form
- Thickness, width, length and tolerances
- Required yield and tensile strength
- Operating and peak temperature
- Time at elevated temperature
- Welding process and section thickness
- Post-weld or post-forming heat exposure
- Chloride concentration or salt exposure
- Acids, flue gas or process chemicals
- Tensile stress and SCC concerns
- Required surface finish / polish
- Applicable ASTM, EN or customer specification
- Quantity, destination and delivery date
- MTC, testing and inspection requirements
Send your material requirement
For 316Ti applications, include service temperature, chloride or chemical exposure, welding thickness, required strength, finish, product form and quantity.