201L Stainless Steel Tube – The Most Cost-Effective Low-Nickel Austenitic Tube for Decorative & Structural Use
For builders, furniture makers, and automotive trim producers seeking 304-like appearance at 30–40 % lower cost, 201L Stainless Steel Tube is the clear winner. By replacing part of expensive nickel with manganese and nitrogen, grade 201L (1.4372 / UNS S20100) achieves similar strength and formability to 304 while maintaining excellent corrosion resistance in mild indoor and urban environments. From mirror-polished handrails and furniture frames to automotive exhaust trims and architectural panels, 201L Stainless Steel Tube delivers the aesthetics, weldability, and structural performance you need—without the nickel premium.
201L Stainless Steel Tube – Mirror 600 Grit Polished Finish, Perfect for Decorative & Architectural Applications
Key Features & Benefits
- 30–40 % lower cost than 304 – same mirror-polish appearance
- Higher yield strength than 304 – allows thinner walls, weight savings
- Excellent formability – easy to bend, flare, and deep-draw without cracking
- Good corrosion resistance in mild urban and indoor atmospheres
- Wide range of finishes – 2B, BA, polished 320/400/600 grit, hairline
- Full weldability by TIG, laser, plasma; no post-weld anneal required
- 100 % recyclable, supports LEED v4 credits
- Full compliance – ASTM A554, A269, A249, EN 10296-2, JIS G3446
Technical Specifications
Table 1 – Chemical Composition (ASTM A554)
| Element | 201 % | 201L % | 304 % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cr | 16.0–18.0 | 16.0–18.0 | 18.0–20.0 |
| Ni | 3.5–5.5 | 3.5–5.5 | 8.0–10.5 |
| Mn | 5.5–7.5 | 5.5–7.5 | ≤2.00 |
| N | ≤0.25 | ≤0.25 | ≤0.10 |
| C | ≤0.15 | ≤0.03 | ≤0.08 |
| Fe | Balance | Balance | Balance |
Table 2 – Mechanical & Physical Properties
| Property | 201L Tube | 304 Tube |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥515 MPa | ≥515 MPa |
| Yield Strength (0.2 %) | ≥310 MPa | ≥205 MPa |
| Elongation in 2" | ≥40 % | ≥40 % |
| Hardness HRB | ≤95 | ≤92 |
| Density | 7.8 g/cm³ (0.282 lb/in³) | 8.0 g/cm³ |
| Thermal Expansion | 16.9 µm/m·K (20–100 °C) | 17.2 µm/m·K |
Standard Sizes & Tolerances
| OD (mm) | Wall (mm) | Length (m) | Finish Options | Standards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6–25 | 0.5–2.0 | 6 or custom | BA, 600 grit | ASTM A554, EN 10296-2 |
| 25–76 | 0.8–3.0 | 6 or custom | 2B, BA, 400 grit | ASTM A554, A269 |
| 76–159 | 1.0–6.0 | 6 or custom | 2B, polished 320 | ASTM A554, A249 |
| 159–325 | 2.0–12.0 | 6 or custom | No.1, pickled | ASTM A554, JIS G3446 |
Custom oval, square, and rectangular sections available.
Main Applications
- Decorative tubing – handrails, furniture frames, curtain rods
- Automobile trim – door frames, exhaust trims, bus body frames
- Architectural panels – façades, column covers, elevator sills
- Kitchenware – pot handles, appliance trims, utensil racks
- Light structural tubing – exhibition stands, display frames
- Water pipes in non-critical areas – indoor plumbing, irrigation
- Mild-environment exhaust systems – urban automotive tailpipes
Mill-Direct 201L Stainless Steel Tube – Inline Bright Annealing Ensures Clean, Scale-Free Surface
Why Choose Our 201L Stainless Steel Tube
- Mill-direct China pricing – 30–40 % cheaper than 304
- 100 000 tons annual capacity – 5-day lead time for standard sizes
- ISO 9001 & PED certified – EN 10204 3.1 MTC supplied
- In-house bright annealing & polishing lines – Ra ≤0.2 µm mirror finish
- Same-day slitting & cutting – lengths 3–12 m, tolerances ±0.1 mm
- Massive stock for immediate delivery – 25 000 t ready inventory
Massive Ready Stock of 201L Stainless Steel Tube – 30–40% Cheaper than 304, Ships Worldwide Today
Grade Comparison Table: 201L vs 201 vs 304 vs 430 vs 316L
| Grade | Cr % | Ni % | Yield MPa | Relative Cost | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 201L | 16–18 | 3.5–5.5 | ≥310 | 0.6× | Decorative, structural |
| 201 | 16–18 | 3.5–5.5 | ≥310 | 0.65× | General purpose |
| 304 | 18–20 | 8–10.5 | ≥205 | 1.0× (base) | Food & marine |
| 430 | 16–18 | 0 | ≥205 | 0.7× | Indoor, magnetic |
| 316L | 16–18 | 10–14 | ≥205 | 1.4× | Chloride environments |
FAQ – 201L Stainless Steel Tube
-
What is the price advantage vs 304?
Mill-direct 201L stainless steel tube is 30–40 % cheaper than equivalent 304 finish. -
Corrosion resistance limits?
Suitable for mild urban and indoor atmospheres; not recommended for coastal or chloride-rich environments. -
Weldability compared to 304?
Full weldability by TIG, laser, plasma; no post-weld anneal required for most applications. -
Difference between 201 and 201L?
201L has lower carbon (≤0.03 %) for better weldability and reduced sensitisation during welding. -
Polishing grades available?
320, 400, 600 grit mirror; hairline; bright annealed BA; custom Ra ≤0.2 µm on request. -
Current stock status?
25 000 t ready inventory; live portal updated every 30 minutes. -
Minimum order quantity?
One bundle (≈500 kg) for stock sizes; full container (≈25 t) for mill-direct custom sizes. -
Lead time for custom oval tube?
7 days production + 3–5 days ocean freight to Asian ports; 10 days to EU/US warehouses.
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Stop paying nickel premiums. Contact the largest 201L stainless steel tube producer today for the most competitive price, immediate access to massive stock, and same-day cutting of any size.