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.
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 |
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.
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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