Grade dossier
202 Stainless Steel Properties and Selection
A manganese- and nitrogen-alloyed austenitic grade developed to reduce nickel demand while retaining useful strength and formability for moderate-service applications.
Identity before substitution
Define the grade, product and condition together
A familiar grade name is not a complete purchase specification. Product form, controlling standard, dimensions, condition, finish, certification and service environment determine whether the delivered material is suitable.
Composition control
ASTM A240/A240M flat-product chemistry
Limits are not heat analysis targets
The table summarizes grade limits commonly used for plate, sheet and strip. Pipe, tube, bar, forgings and cast products can be governed by different specifications. Always place the product standard and edition on the purchase order.
| C | 0.15 max |
|---|---|
| Mn | 7.50-10.00 |
| Si | 1.00 max |
| P | 0.060 max |
| S | 0.030 max |
| Cr | 17.00-19.00 |
| Ni | 4.00-6.00 |
| N | 0.25 max |
Properties with context
Minimums, typical indicators and delivered condition
Specified annealed flat-product values
| Tensile strength | 620 MPa min |
|---|---|
| 0.2% yield strength | 260 MPa min |
| Elongation | 40% min |
| Hardness | 241 HBW max |
Selection indicators
| Density | about 7.9 g/cm3 |
|---|---|
| Work hardening | High |
| Corrosion position | Application-specific; do not equate automatically to 304 |
| Heat treatment | Not hardened by thermal treatment |
Values depend on product form, thickness, test orientation, condition and governing edition. Use the mill test certificate and the purchase specification for acceptance, not a web table alone.
Selection boundary
Where 202 belongs and where to escalate
Grade selection is an environmental decision, not a popularity contest. Review the complete medium, temperature, geometry, fabrication, cleaning and inspection requirements.
Good reasons to evaluate it
Formed sheet components in moderate environments
Kitchen and transport components after exposure review
Applications balancing nickel content and strength
Projects that explicitly call for UNS S20200
Reasons to stop and review
Automatic substitution for 304
Coastal or warm chloride service without test data
Specifications written only as 200 series
Using appearance as proof of grade or performance
Fabrication route
Protect properties through cutting, forming and welding
Expect strong work hardening and springback.
Use positive feeds and rigid tooling to avoid glazing during machining.
Qualify welding consumables and heat input for the service.
Keep carbon-steel contamination away from finished surfaces.
Supply definition
Product form changes the applicable requirements
Do not send an RFQ that names only the grade. State form, governing standard, dimensions, tolerances, finish, edge or end condition, quantity, certification and inspection.
Plate, sheet and strip to ASTM A240/A240M
Tube or pipe under the applicable product standard
Bar and shapes under their own standard
Cold-worked components with temper stated
Certificate checkpoint
Request heat identity, chemical analysis, mechanical results and compliance to the exact product specification. Add PMI, corrosion testing or supplementary examination only when the application requires it.
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IMAGE PLACEHOLDER
IMAGE PLACEHOLDER
Interactive selection check
Test 202 against the controlling question
Procurement FAQ
Questions to close before placing the order
Is 202 stainless steel magnetic?
Normally low when annealed; cold work can increase response
Can 202 replace another grade?
Only after checking the governing standard, composition, mechanical properties, corrosion exposure, fabrication route and certification. A commercial name is not a substitution approval.
Does the table apply to every product form?
Not automatically. The values shown use flat-product requirements as a reference. Other forms can use different product standards, dimensions and tests.
What should a 202 RFQ include?
Product form, standard and edition, UNS or EN designation, dimensions, tolerances, finish, quantity, service, fabrication, certificate and inspection requirements.
Sources, scope and RFQ
Use traceable grade data, then specify the actual product
ASTM A240/A240M requirements for UNS S20200 flat product
ASTM A959 harmonized composition for wrought stainless steels
ASSDA mechanical-property table for wrought stainless steels
worldstainless grade-selection and fabrication guidance