201L Stainless Steel Coil – High-Formability, Low-Nickel, Cost-Smart Austenitic Strip
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201L stainless steel coil delivers 304-like formability at 25 % lower cost. Deep-draw, mirror-polish, continuous stamping. Instant quote & global delivery.
Premium 201L stainless steel coil with bright 2B cold-rolled surface
Introduction
Searching for a stainless coil that deep-draws like 304 but costs like 201? 201L stainless steel coil is your answer. This extra-low-carbon, manganese-nitrogen strengthened austenitic strip (UNS S20103) offers superior stretch-forming, mirror-polish brightness and reliable weldability—while slashing material cost by 20–30 %. From cookware stamping to automotive trim, 201L stainless steel coil keeps high-speed lines running and budgets healthy. Discover why leading 201L stainless steel coil suppliers worldwide are switching to this lean-alloy powerhouse for continuous stamping, laser welding and decorative finishing.
What is 201L Stainless Steel Coil?
201L stainless steel coil is the extra-low-carbon version of grade 201 (≤0.03 % C), minimizing carbide precipitation during welding and severe cold forming. High manganese (5.5–7.5 %) and nitrogen (≤0.25 %) maintain an austenitic structure, giving 201L stainless steel properties comparable to 304 for urban corrosion, deep drawing and mirror polishing—yet at a fraction of the nickel cost. Compared with 301, 201L offers better corrosion resistance; against 430, it provides non-magnetic, weldable and formable characteristics essential for cookware and appliances.
Chemical Composition (% by mass, balance Fe)
| Element | 201L | 304 |
|---|---|---|
| C | ≤0.03 | ≤0.08 |
| Si | ≤0.75 | ≤0.75 |
| Mn | 5.5–7.5 | ≤2.0 |
| P | ≤0.06 | ≤0.045 |
| S | ≤0.03 | ≤0.03 |
| Cr | 16.0–18.0 | 18.0–20.0 |
| Ni | 3.5–5.5 | 8.0–10.5 |
| N | ≤0.25 | ≤0.10 |
Technical Specifications
- Thickness Range: 0.3 mm – 3.0 mm (common cold-rolled); up to 6.0 mm hot-rolled on request
- Widths: 1000, 1219, 1250, 1500 mm (slitting down to 20 mm available)
- Coil ID: 508 mm (20 in) or 610 mm (24 in)
- Coil Weight: 3–15 tons per coil (custom weight splitting offered)
- Surface Finishes: 2B, 2D, BA, No.4, HL, Scotch-Brite, 8K mirror, embossed, anti-fingerprint
Mechanical & Physical Properties (ASTM A240)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 7.9 g/cm³ |
| Tensile Strength | ≥655 MPa |
| Yield Strength (0.2 %) | ≥310 MPa |
| Elongation | ≥40 % |
| Hardness HRB | ≤95 |
| n-value (deep-draw) | ≥0.20 |
| r-value (plastic strain ratio) | ≥1.0 |
201L stainless steel coil available in 2B, BA, Hairline and brushed finishes
Key Advantages of 201L Stainless Steel Coil
- 20–30 % Cheaper than 304 Coil – Stable Mn/Ni ratio shields you from LME nickel spikes; lower 201L stainless steel coil price.
- Superior Deep Drawing & Stretch Forming – Higher n-value and r-value reduce breakage in cookware and sink draws.
- Excellent Weldability – Low carbon prevents carbide precipitation; TIG, laser, resistance welding pass AWS D1.6 without post-weld anneal.
- Good Surface Brightness & Flatness – BA finish achieves mirror reflectivity for decorative appliances; camber ≤3 mm per 2 m.
- Environmentally Friendly – Reduced nickel content lowers carbon footprint vs 304; 100 % recyclable.
- Continuous Stamping Friendly – Uniform mechanical properties across 20-ton coils keep high-speed presses running smoothly.
Wide Applications
- Kitchenware & Cookware: Deep-drawn 201L coil for cookware – pots, pans, steamers with 500-hour salt-spray resistance.
- Household Appliances: BA strips for refrigerator doors, washing-machine drums, microwave interiors.
- Automotive Trim & Interior: Non-magnetic door frames, trunk lids, seat brackets; 390 MPa yield allows thinner gauges.
- Tubes & Pipes: Roll-formed and HF-welded into decorative round/square tubes for handrails and furniture.
- Elevator Panels & Doors: 8K mirror or hair-line HL finishes create luxury aesthetics without luxury cost.
- Catering Equipment & Tableware: Sanitary 2B coils for buffet warmers, cutlery, worktops meeting FDA food-contact rules.
High-quality 201L stainless steel coil being formed into premium cookware
Manufacturing & Quality Control
- Electric-Arc Furnace + AOD Refining – Exact chemistry, low inclusion content.
- Continuous Casting – 200 mm thick slabs for uniform grain structure.
- Hot Rolling – Reheat to 1,200 °C, roll to 2–6 mm hot-band.
- Cold Rolling & Bright Annealing – 20-roll Sendzimir mill achieves ±0.01 mm thickness; BA at 1,050 °C in pure H₂ for mirror finish.
- Skin Pass & Tension Leveling – Ensures flatness ≤3 IU and surface roughness ≤0.2 µm on BA coils.
- Slitting & Edge Dressing – Precision slitters with camber ≤1 mm per 2 m; deburred edges for safe handling.
- QC Testing – Spectrometer, tensile, cupping, surface roughness, and intergranular corrosion per ASTM A763 ensure every 201L stainless steel coil meets specification.
Packaging & Delivery Standards
- Inner Core: 7 mm thick paperboard protecting coil ID.
- Outer Wrap: 0.1 mm PE film + 0.2 mm VCI paper + galvanized steel guard.
- Radial Protection: 30 mm foam board on coil edges.
- Palletizing: Wooden pallet + steel straps, fumigation-free IPPC stamp.
- Marking: Heat number, size, weight, production date on outer wrap and side tag.
- Shipping: 20 ft or 40 ft container, average 22 tons payload; same-day loading on stock items.
Why Buy 201L Stainless Steel Coil from Us?
✅ Direct Mill Partnership – TISCO, JISCO, POSCO authorized distributor; genuine 201L stainless steel coil suppliers.
✅ Precision Slitting & Cut-to-Length – Narrow slits down to 20 mm width, ±0.02 mm thickness tolerance.
✅ Full Traceability & Certificates – EN 10204 3.1 MTC, SGS, BV, ISO 9001 supplied free.
✅ Stock 5000+ Tons – 0.3–6.0 mm × 20–1500 mm ready for same-day shipment; lock 201L stainless steel coil price for 30 days.
✅ Free Samples & Trial Orders – 2 kg mini-coil or A4 sheets couriered within 48 hours.
✅ Global Export & Fast Delivery – 5-day FOB to 120+ ports; DDP available.
Export-standard packaging – waterproof paper, steel strips, wooden pallets, ready for global shipping
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the difference between 201 and 201L stainless steel coil?
A: 201L has ≤0.03 % carbon vs 0.15 % max in 201, reducing carbide precipitation and improving weld corrosion resistance.
Q2: Is 201L coil food safe?
A: Yes, it meets FDA and GB 4806.9 for non-acidic food contact; widely used for cookware and worktops.
Q3: Can 201L stainless steel coil be used outdoors?
A: Suitable in urban or low-chloride environments; for coastal salt-spray, 316 is recommended.
Q4: Why is 201L cheaper than 304 coil?
A: Lower nickel content reduces raw-material cost and shields buyers from LME nickel volatility.
Q5: What is the minimum order quantity?
A: One slit coil (≈500 kg) for stocked sizes; full 20 ft FCL enjoys extra 5 % discount on 201L stainless steel coil price.
Q6: Do you supply BA finish for mirror applications?
A: Absolutely – BA, 8K, Scotch-Brite or anti-fingerprint coatings applied in-house.
Q7: How fast can you deliver to Europe?
A: 10-12 days production + 25 days sea freight to Antwerp or Hamburg; urgent air freight also available.
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