201 Stainless Steel Fittings – Economical, Polished, Formable Austenitic Solution
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201 stainless steel fittings offer 304-like aesthetics at 45% lower cost. Mirror polish, excellent formability. Global shipping. Instant quote.
Premium 201 stainless steel fittings with mirror-polished 600 grit finish
Introduction
Searching for stainless fittings that look like 304 but cost like 201? 201 stainless steel fittings (UNS S20100) are your answer. This high-manganese, low-nickel austenitic grade delivers excellent cold forming, mirror-polish brightness and sufficient corrosion resistance for decorative, structural and light-duty fluid systems—while slashing material cost by 30–45 %. From handrail elbows to food-conveyor tees, 201 stainless steel fittings keep budgets healthy and lines running. Discover why leading 201 stainless steel fittings suppliers worldwide are switching to this lean-alloy powerhouse for continuous stamping, laser welding and architectural finishing.
What are 201 Stainless Steel Fittings? (UNS S20100)
201 stainless steel fittings are high-manganese, low-nickel austenitic components that maintain full non-magnetic properties and excellent formability. The balanced chromium (16–18 %) and manganese (7.5–10 %) content provides urban corrosion resistance, while nitrogen (≤0.25 %) boosts yield strength above 310 MPa—far exceeding conventional 304-cost ratios. Compared with 304, 316, or 201L, 201 stainless steel properties include better work-hardening rate and price stability, making them the first choice for cost-conscious projects that still demand 304-like aesthetics.
Chemical Composition (% by mass, balance Fe)
| Element | 201 | 304 |
|---|---|---|
| C | ≤0.15 | ≤0.08 |
| Si | ≤0.75 | ≤0.75 |
| Mn | 7.5–10.0 | ≤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 |
Product Range & Technical Specifications
- Types: Elbow 90°/45°, Tee, Reducer, Cross, Cap, Stub End, Coupling, Union, Threaded (NPT/BSP), Socket-weld, Welded butt-weld
- Size Range: 1/8" – 24" (seamless), up to 48" (welded); threaded 1/8" – 4"
- Pressure Rating: Sch5s, Sch10s, Sch40s, Sch80s, Sch160, XXS
- Standards: ASME B16.9, B16.11, MSS SP-43, SP-95, EN 10253
- Surface: Pickled & passivated, polished 180–600 grit, brushed HL, embossed
- Threads: ISO, NPT, BSPP, BSPT, DIN 2999
Common Dimensions & Pressure Ratings
| Nominal Size (in) | OD (mm) | Sch | Rating (bar) | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2 | 21.3 | 10S | 18 | ASME B16.9 |
| 1 | 33.7 | 40S | 50 | EN 10253 |
| 2 | 60.3 | 80S | 68 | MSS SP-43 |
| 4 | 114.3 | 10S | 15 | ASME B16.9 |
| 6 | 168.3 | 40S | 40 | EN 10253 |
Mechanical Properties (ASTM A403)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 7.9 g/cm³ |
| Tensile Strength | ≥655 MPa |
| Yield Strength (0.2 %) | ≥310 MPa |
| Elongation | ≥40 % |
| Hardness HRB | ≤95 |
| Impact Energy (Charpy V) | ≥60 J @ 20 °C |
Complete range of 201 stainless steel fittings – elbows, tees, reducers, caps
Key Advantages of 201 Stainless Steel Fittings
- 30–45 % Cheaper than 304 Fittings – Stable Mn/Ni ratio shields you from LME nickel spikes; lower 201 stainless steel fittings price.
- Excellent Cold Working & Polishing Performance – High n-value achieves mirror 600G reflectivity for luxury handrails.
- Good Weldability & Corrosion Resistance in Mild Environments – Passes 500-hour neutral salt-spray; compatible with ER308L or ER201L filler.
- High Strength & Attractive Bright Finish – 310 MPa yield allows thinner walls without deformation.
- Readily Available & Price-Stable – Large inventory keeps lead times short and budgets predictable.
Wide Applications
- Handrail & Balustrade Systems: Mirror-polished 201 stainless steel fittings for handrail – elbows, tees, flanges for luxury balconies and shopping malls.
- Furniture & Architectural Decoration: Square tube connectors, decorative caps, table-leg bases with brushed HL finish.
- Food & Beverage Processing Lines (Non-Sanitary): Conveyor frame corners, display racks, non-acidic ingredient transfer.
- Water Supply & Low-Pressure Pipelines: Urban cold-water lines, greenhouse irrigation, fire-sprinkler headers where chloride <50 ppm.
- Automotive & Motorcycle Exhaust Systems: Mandrel-bent elbows and reducers; 310 MPa yield allows down-gauging for weight savings.
- Greenhouse & Fencing Structures: Pickled round fittings for vineyard posts, deer fencing, solar-panel racking.
- General Structural & Decorative Projects: Sanitary unions, quick-release clamps, adjustable elbows for exhibition booths.
Mirror-polished 201 stainless steel fittings in high-end commercial handrail system
Manufacturing Process & Quality Control
- Electric-Arc Furnace + AOD Refining – Exact chemistry, ultra-low inclusion content.
- Continuous Casting & Forging – 200 mm billets for uniform grain structure.
- Hot Forging & Extrusion – Reducer tees, elbows at 1,100 °C under protective atmosphere.
- Cold Forming & Sizing – Mandrel-bent elbows to ±1° angle tolerance; 600G mirror polish optional.
- Solution Annealing – 1,050 °C in pure H₂ for restored corrosion resistance and bright BA finish.
- Machining & Threading – CNC lathes achieve ±0.02 mm thread accuracy; NPT, BSP, ISO threads.
- QC Testing – Spectrometer, tensile, flattening, thread gauge, 100 % PMI ensure every 201 stainless steel fitting meets specification.
Packaging & Delivery Standards
- Individual Protection: Plastic caps on threads, PE sleeve on polished surfaces.
- Outer Packaging: 5-ply export carton + wooden crate, fumigation-free IPPC stamp.
- Bundling: Hexagonal bundle with 4–8 steel straps, 3×3 wooden sleepers for large fittings.
- Marking: Heat number, size, rating, standard, production date on outer carton.
- Shipping: 20 ft or 40 ft container, average 22 tons payload; same-day loading on stock items.
Why Choose Our 201 Stainless Steel Fittings?
✅ Direct Factory Pricing & Large Inventory – Eliminate trader margins; lock 201 stainless steel fittings price for 30 days.
✅ Full Size & Type Coverage – 1/8"–48", all pressure classes, seamless & welded; 5,000 t ready for immediate dispatch.
✅ Custom Fabrication & OEM Service – Laser cutting, special angles, private labeling.
✅ Third-Party Inspection & Certificates – EN 10204 3.1 MTC, SGS, BV, ISO 9001 supplied free.
✅ Fast Global Shipping & Export Packaging – 5-day FOB to 120+ ports; DDP available.
Individually protected and professionally packed 201 stainless steel fittings ready for shipment
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the difference between 201 and 304 stainless steel fittings?
A: 201 uses manganese and nitrogen to replace most nickel, giving 30–45 % lower cost and similar urban corrosion resistance, but slightly less pitting resistance than 304.
Q2: Are 201 stainless steel fittings food safe?
A: Yes, they meet FDA and GB 4806.9 for non-acidic food contact; widely used for display racks and conveyor frames.
Q3: Can 201 fittings be used outdoors?
A: Suitable in urban or low-chloride environments; for coastal salt-spray, 316 is recommended.
Q4: Are 201 stainless steel fittings magnetic?
A: Essentially non-magnetic in annealed condition; permeability <1.005 even after cold forming.
Q5: Why are 201 fittings so much cheaper than 304?
A: Reduced nickel raw-material cost and more stable alloy pricing shield buyers from LME nickel volatility.
Q6: Can 201 fittings be welded with 308L filler?
A: Yes, ER308L is compatible; for color match use ER201L or ER309L.
Q7: Do you supply 201 stainless steel fittings in custom angles?
A: Absolutely – laser-cut 45°, 60°, 90° elbows, reducers, tees with ±1° tolerance.
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