201L Stainless Steel Sheet – Premium Performance Without the 304 Price Tag

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Discover 201L stainless steel sheet—mirror polish, 655 MPa strength, 25 % cost saving vs 304. Buy online from trusted suppliers with global delivery.

Premium 201L stainless steel sheet with mirror-like 2B finish

What is 201L Stainless Steel Sheet?

201L stainless steel sheet is a low-carbon, manganese-substituted austenitic alloy (UNS S20103) that delivers 304-like strength and corrosion resistance at a fraction of the cost. The "L" denotes ≤0.03 % carbon, minimizing carbide precipitation during welding and allowing thinner sections without intergranular corrosion.

Chemical Composition (wt %, max unless noted)

Element	201L
C	0.03
Si	0.75
Mn	5.5–7.5
P	0.06
S	0.03
Cr	16.0–18.0
Ni	3.5–5.5
N	0.25

Mechanical & Physical Properties

Property	Value
Density	7.9 g/cm³
Tensile Strength	≥655 MPa
Yield Strength (0.2 %)	≥310 MPa
Elongation	≥40 %
Hardness HRB	≤95
Modulus of Elasticity	200 GPa
Thermal Conductivity @100 °C	16 W/m·K

Key Features & Technical Specifications

Thickness Range: 0.3 mm – 50 mm (cold-rolled 0.3–3 mm; hot-rolled 3–50 mm)
Standard Widths: 1000, 1219, 1250, 1500 mm (slit-to-width available)
Lengths: 2000, 2438, 3000, 6000 mm or custom cut
Surface Finishes: 2B, BA, No.4, HL, No.8 (8K mirror), embossed, anti-fingerprint
Standards Compliance: ASTM A240, EN 10088-2, JIS G4305, GB/T 3280

Available Sizes & Finishes

Thickness (mm)	Width (mm)	Length (mm)	Finish
0.3–0.8	1000–1250	2000–2438	2B, BA
0.9–3.0	1000–1500	2000–3000	2B, No.4, HL
3.0–6.0	1250–1500	2500–6000	No.1 (HR)
6.0–50	1500–2000	3000–6000	No.1, embossed

Various surface finishes of 201L stainless steel sheet

Multiple surface finishes available: 2B, BA, Hairline, and Mirror 8K

Advantages of Choosing 201L Stainless Steel Sheet

Cost Savings – Typically 20–25 % lower 201L stainless steel sheet price than 304 with comparable strength.
Excellent Formability – Deep-draw into complex sink bowls or elevator door skins without edge cracking.
Superior Weldability – Low carbon prevents carbide precipitation; passes AWS D1.6 without post-weld anneal.
Bright Aesthetics – BA and 8K finishes achieve luxury mirror reflectivity for architectural panels.
High Work-Hardening Rate – Allows thinner gauges, reducing weight and shipping cost.
Consistent Supply – Stable Mn/Ni ratio ensures 201L stainless steel sheet suppliers can offer predictable pricing.

Wide Applications (with real-life examples)

Kitchen Appliances: Deep-drawn BA sheets for refrigerator doors, dishwasher panels and cookware that resist tomato acids and detergent attack.
Automotive Trim: Mirror-polished 8K strips for window frames, exhaust heat-shields and trunk-lid appliqués that withstand 650 °C bursts.
Architectural Cladding: Embossed and HL sheets for hotel lobbies, elevator cabins and façade soffits—lightweight yet visually premium.
Food Processing: 2B sheets for mixing tanks, conveyor belts and worktops that meet FDA food-contact requirements.
Medical Instruments: Brushed No.4 sheets for instrument trays and sterilisation cabinets where hygiene and cost matter.
Construction: Hot-rolled plates for structural stiffeners, roofing flashings and decorative wall panels in non-marine environments.

201L stainless steel sheet used in modern kitchen backsplash

Elegant 201L stainless steel sheet applied as kitchen backsplash and countertops

Manufacturing Process & Quality Control

Electric-Arc Furnace Melting – Scrap and alloying elements melted under argon atmosphere.
Continuous Casting – 200 mm thick slabs cast to minimise inclusions.
Hot Rolling – Reheat to 1,200 °C and roll to 3–12 mm plate or 2–3 mm transfer bar.
Cold Rolling – Transfer bar reduced to 0.5–3 mm at 20 °C for ±0.02 mm tolerance.
Bright Annealing – 1,050 °C in hydrogen for mirror BA finish and restored corrosion resistance.
Finishing – Skin-pass for 2B, polish lines for No.4/HL, or super-polish for 8K mirror.
QC Testing – Spectrometer, ultrasonic thickness, and ASTM tensile tests ensure every sheet meets spec.

Maintenance & Care Guide

Routine Cleaning: Warm water + mild detergent, soft cloth, rinse and dry.
Fingerprint Removal: 1 % vinegar solution, wipe along grain, buff with microfiber.
Avoid: Chloride bleach, HCl, steel wool or abrasive powders.
Storage: Elevate on wooden pallets, cover with breathable PE film, keep away from moisture and carbon steel dust.
Passivation: Optional citric acid bath after fabrication to remove free iron and enhance corrosion resistance.

Why Buy 201L Stainless Steel Sheets from Us?

✅ Mill-Direct Pricing – Eliminate trader margins; lock in 201L stainless steel sheet price for 30 days.
✅ Massive Inventory – 5,000 t coils & sheets 0.3–50 mm × up to 2,000 mm wide.
✅ Same-Day Cutting – Laser, water-jet, shear within ±0.2 mm; custom blanks or circles.
✅ Global Shipping – FOB, CIF, DDP to 120+ ports; average lead time 7 days.
✅ Certificates Included – EN 10204 3.1 MTC, SGS, BV, ISO 9001.
✅ Technical Support – Dedicated metallurgist for welding, forming and finishing advice.

Custom cut 201L stainless steel sheets ready for shipment

Precision-cut 201L sheets packed and ready for worldwide delivery

FAQ Section

Q1: What is the difference between 201 and 201L stainless steel?
A: The “L” denotes lower carbon (≤0.03 %) reducing carbide precipitation and improving weld corrosion resistance.

Q2: Is 201L stainless steel food-safe?
A: Yes, it meets FDA and GB 4806.9 for non-acidic food contact; widely used for kitchen counters and cookware.

Q3: Where can I find reputable 201L stainless steel sheet suppliers?
A: Choose ISO-9001 certified mills with EN 10204 3.1 MTC, SGS inspection, and transparent 201L stainless steel sheet price—like us.

Q4: Can I buy 201L stainless steel sheet online in custom sizes?
A: Absolutely—enter thickness, width, length and finish; instant quote and 48-hour cutting dispatch.

Q5: Does the sheet come with protective film?
A: Yes, PE laser film, PVC blue film, or nano anti-fingerprint coating on both sides.

Q6: What is the maximum sheet length you can supply?
A: 12,000 mm cold-rolled, 14,000 mm hot-rolled; longer coils can be slit and seam-welded.

Conclusion

201L stainless steel sheet delivers the bright aesthetics, deep-drawability and corrosion resistance you expect from 304—without the premium price tag. With mill-direct supply, custom cutting, mirror finishes and global logistics, we make it easy to upgrade your next project while keeping budget intact.

201L Stainless Steel Plate – Extra-Low-Carbon, High-Strength, Cost-Smart Alternative to 304

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201L stainless steel plate delivers superior weldability & 40% cost saving vs 304. Mirror polish, deep-draw, global shipping. Instant quote.

201L stainless steel plate 2B finish close-up

Premium 201L stainless steel plate with bright 2B cold-rolled surface

Introduction

Searching for a stainless sheet that welds like 304 but costs like 201? 201L stainless steel plate (UNS S20103) is your answer. This extra-low-carbon, nitrogen-strengthened austenitic grade offers superior resistance to sensitization during welding, excellent deep-drawing performance and a mirror-polish brightness – all while slashing material cost by 25–40 % versus 304/304L. From elevator cabins to automotive trim, 201L stainless steel plate keeps high-speed presses running and architectural budgets healthy. Discover why leading 201L stainless steel plate suppliers worldwide are switching to this upgraded lean-alloy powerhouse for decorative, structural and light-duty applications.

What is 201L Stainless Steel Plate? (UNS S20103)

201L stainless steel plate is 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 25–40 % 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

Technical Specifications

Thickness Range: 0.3 mm – 100 mm (cold-rolled 0.3–3 mm; hot-rolled 3–100 mm)
Widths: 1000, 1219, 1250, 1500, 2000 mm (precision slitting down to 20 mm)
Lengths: 2000, 2438, 3000, 6000 mm or custom cut; coil-fed or blanked
Surface Finishes: 2B, 2D, BA, No.1 (hot rolled), No.4, HL, 8K mirror, embossed, etched, anti-fingerprint
Standards Compliance: ASTM A240, A480, EN 10088-2, JIS G4304/G4305

Mechanical Properties (ASTM A240)

Property	Value
Density	7.9 g/cm³
Tensile Strength	≥655 MPa
Yield Strength (0.2 %)	≥310 MPa
Elongation in 50 mm	≥40 %
Hardness HRB	≤95
Modulus of Elasticity	200 GPa

Available Thickness & Surface Finishes

Thickness (mm)	Width (mm)	Length (mm)	Finish
0.3–0.8	1000–1250	2000–2438	2B, BA
0.9–3.0	1000–1500	2000–3000	2B, No.4, HL
3.0–6.0	1250–1500	2500–6000	No.1, No.4
6.0–100	1500–2000	3000–6000	No.1, embossed

Various surface finishes of 201L stainless steel plate

201L stainless steel plate available in 2B, No.4, Hairline, and mirror 8K finishes

Key Advantages of 201L Stainless Steel Plate

Extra-Low Carbon → No Sensitization Risk During Welding – Passes ASTM A262 Practice E; no post-weld anneal required.
25–40 % Lower Price than 304/304L with Similar Performance in Mild Environments – Stable Mn/Ni ratio shields you from LME nickel spikes; lower 201L stainless steel plate price.
Excellent Deep Drawing and Stretch Forming – High n-value achieves complex sink bowls without edge cracking.
High Strength + Attractive Bright Surface – 310 MPa yield allows thinner walls without deformation; 600G mirror finish achieves luxury reflectivity.
Good Corrosion Resistance in Atmospheric and Mildly Corrosive Conditions – Passes 500-hour neutral salt-spray; suitable for urban and indoor applications.

Wide Applications

Kitchen Equipment & Commercial Catering: Deep-drawn 201L stainless steel plate for elevator cabins, refrigerator doors, dishwasher panels, commercial sinks.
Architectural Cladding & Elevator Panels: BA and 8K mirror sheets for luxury lobby walls, column covers, façade soffits.
Automotive Trim and Interior Parts: Non-magnetic door frames, trunk lids, seat brackets; 310 MPa yield allows down-gauging for weight savings.
Food Processing Equipment (Non-Sanitary): Display racks, conveyor belts, non-acidic ingredient transfer.
Railway & Subway Car Interiors: Brushed HL sheets for wall panels, ceiling trims, seat backs.
Household Appliances: Washing-machine drums, microwave interiors, decorative trim.
General Structural & Decorative Components: Sanitary unions, quick-release clamps, adjustable elbows for exhibition booths.

201L stainless steel plate used in modern elevator interior

Mirror-finished 201L stainless steel plate applied in luxury elevator cabin walls

Manufacturing Process & Quality Control

Electric-Arc Furnace + AOD Refining – Exact chemistry, ultra-low inclusion content.
Continuous Casting & Hot Rolling – 200 mm slabs for uniform grain structure.
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 plate 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 Choose Our 201L Stainless Steel Plate?

✅ Direct Mill Sourcing (TISCO, JISCO, POSCO-grade) – Eliminate trader margins; lock 201L stainless steel plate price for 30 days.
✅ Precision Cutting, Laser, Waterjet, Plasma Services – ±0.2 mm tolerance, beveling, threading, hole drilling.
✅ Full MTC (EN 10204 3.1) & Third-Party Inspection – SGS, BV, TÜV available on request.
✅ 5000+ Tons Ready Stock + Same-Day Shipment – 0.3–100 mm × 20–2000 mm ready for immediate dispatch.
✅ Free Samples & Trial Orders – 2 kg mini-coil or A4 sheets couriered within 48 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the difference between 201 and 201L stainless steel plate?
A: 201L has ≤0.03 % carbon vs 0.15 % max in 201, reducing carbide precipitation and improving weld corrosion resistance.

Q2: Is 201L plate food safe?
A: Yes, it meets FDA and GB 4806.9 for non-acidic food contact; widely used for display racks and worktops.

Q3: Can 201L stainless steel plate be used outdoors?
A: Suitable in urban or low-chloride environments; for coastal salt-spray, 316L is recommended.

Q4: Is 201L plate magnetic?
A: Essentially non-magnetic in annealed condition; permeability <1.005 even after cold forming.

Q5: Why is 201L significantly cheaper than 304?
A: Reduced nickel raw-material cost and more stable alloy pricing shield buyers from LME nickel volatility.

Q6: Can 201L plate achieve mirror finish?
A: Absolutely – BA and 8K mirror finishes achieve >80 % reflectivity for luxury elevators and cladding.

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