201L Stainless Steel Fittings – Ultra-Low-Carbon, High-Strength, Cost-Smart Austenitic Solution
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201L stainless steel fittings deliver superior weldability & 45% cost saving vs 304. Mirror polish, extra-low carbon. Global shipping. Instant quote.
Premium 201L stainless steel fittings with brilliant 600-grit mirror finish
Introduction
Searching for stainless fittings that weld like 304 but cost like 201? 201L stainless steel fittings (UNS S20103) are your answer. This extra-low-carbon, manganese-nitrogen strengthened austenitic grade delivers superior resistance to sensitization and intergranular corrosion after welding, while slashing material cost by 30–45 % versus 304/304L. From mirror-polished handrail elbows to deep-drawn tee reducers, 201L stainless steel fittings keep high-speed presses running and architectural budgets healthy. Discover why leading 201L stainless steel fittings suppliers worldwide are switching to this upgraded lean-alloy powerhouse for decorative, structural and light-duty fluid systems.
What are 201L Stainless Steel Fittings? (UNS S20103)
201L stainless steel fittings are the extra-low-carbon version of grade 201 (C ≤0.03 %), minimizing carbide precipitation during welding and severe cold forming. High manganese (7.5–10 %) and nitrogen (≤0.25 %) maintain a fully 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 201, 201L offers superior weld corrosion resistance; against 304/304L, it provides similar strength and formability while costing 30–45 % less.
Chemical Composition (% by mass, balance Fe)
| Element | 201L | 304 |
|---|---|---|
| C | ≤0.03 | ≤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 | 1.0–4.0 | 8.0–10.5 |
| N | ≤0.25 | ≤0.10 |
Product Range & Technical Specifications
- Types: 90°/45° Elbow, Equal/Reducing Tee, Concentric/Eccentric Reducer, Cross, Cap, Stub End, Full/Half Coupling, Union, Threaded (NPT/BSP), Socket-weld, Welded butt-weld
- Standards: ASME B16.9, B16.11, MSS SP-43, SP-83, SP-95, EN 10253-4
- Size Range: Seamless 1/2"–24", Welded up to 48"; Threaded 1/8"–4"
- Wall Thickness: Sch5s, Sch10s, Sch40s, Sch80s, Sch160, XXS
- Surface Finish: 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 10253-4 |
| 2 | 60.3 | 80S | 68 | MSS SP-43 |
| 4 | 114.3 | 10S | 15 | ASME B16.9 |
| 6 | 168.3 | 40S | 40 | EN 10253-4 |
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 |
Full range of 201L stainless steel fittings – elbows, tees, reducers, caps, and unions
Key Advantages of 201L Stainless Steel Fittings
- Extra-Low Carbon → Outstanding Resistance to Sensitization and Intergranular Corrosion After Welding – Passes ASTM A262 Practice E.
- 30–45 % Cheaper and More Price-Stable than 304/304L Fittings – Stable Mn/Ni ratio shields you from LME nickel spikes; lower 201L stainless steel fittings price.
- Superior Weldability – Can be welded without filler in many cases; compatible with ER308L or ER201L.
- Excellent Cold Forming and Bright Polishing Performance – 600G mirror finish achieves luxury reflectivity for decorative elbows.
- High Strength Combined with Beautiful Mirror Finish – 310 MPa yield allows thinner walls without deformation.
Wide Applications
- Architectural Handrails, Balustrades & Staircases: Mirror-polished 201L stainless steel fittings for handrail – elbows, tees, flanges for luxury balconies and shopping malls.
- Modern Furniture and Interior Decoration: Square tube connectors, decorative caps, table-leg bases with brushed HL finish.
- Food & Beverage Processing Support Structures (Non-Sanitary): Conveyor frame corners, display racks, non-acidic ingredient transfer.
- Drinking Water and 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 Frames and Fencing: Pickled round fittings for vineyard posts, deer fencing, solar-panel racking.
- General Engineering and Decorative Projects: Sanitary unions, quick-release clamps, adjustable elbows for exhibition booths.
Mirror-polished 201L stainless steel fittings installed in high-end commercial balustrade system
Manufacturing Process & Quality Assurance
- 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 201L stainless steel fitting meets specification.
Packaging & Global 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 201L Stainless Steel Fittings?
✅ Factory-Direct Pricing & 10,000+ Tons Annual Capacity – Eliminate trader margins; lock 201L stainless steel fittings price for 30 days.
✅ Complete Size & Type Inventory – 1/8"–48", all pressure classes, seamless & welded; 5,000 t ready for immediate dispatch.
✅ OEM/Custom Branding Service – Laser cutting, special angles, private labeling.
✅ Third-Party Inspection (SGS, TÜV) & EN 10204 3.1 Certificates – Supplied free with every shipment.
✅ Same-Day Dispatch & Export-Grade Packaging – 5-day FOB to 120+ ports; DDP available.
Individually protected and professionally packed 201L stainless steel fittings ready for worldwide shipment
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the difference between 201 and 201L stainless steel fittings?
A: 201L has ≤0.03 % carbon vs 0.15 % max in 201, reducing carbide precipitation and improving weld corrosion resistance.
Q2: Are 201L stainless steel fittings food-safe or potable water approved?
A: Yes, they meet FDA and GB 4806.9 for non-acidic potable water and food contact where chloride <50 ppm.
Q3: Can 201L fittings be used outdoors?
A: Suitable in urban or low-chloride environments; for coastal salt-spray, 316L is recommended.
Q4: Is 201L stainless steel magnetic?
A: Essentially non-magnetic in annealed condition; permeability <1.005 even after cold forming.
Q5: Why are 201L fittings much cheaper than 304/304L?
A: Reduced nickel raw-material cost and more stable alloy pricing shield buyers from LME nickel volatility.
Q6: Is welding filler required for 201L fittings?
A: Not mandatory for many TIG applications; ER308L or ER201L can be used for color match.
Q7: Is 201L stronger than regular 201?
A: Yes, similar yield but better ductility and weld corrosion resistance due to lower carbon and higher nitrogen.
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