Why is 201 stainless steel cheaper than 304
The content ratio of nickel elements directly affects the price of stainless steel. The nickel content of 201 stainless steel is far lower than that of 304, so the price of 201 stainless steel is lower than that of 304 stainless steel.
1. The Chemical Composition Affects the Price:
First of all, the nickel content of 201 stainless steel is less than or equal to 1%, while the nickel content of 304 stainless steel is greater than or equal to 8%.
Secondly, the chromium content of 201 stainless steel is less than or equal to 13%, while the nickel content of 304 stainless steel is greater than or equal to 18%.
In terms of 2 main value elements, the cost of 304 stainless steel is much higher than that of 201.
304 Stainless Steel Chemical Composition
201 Stainless Steel Chemical Composition
| C | Si | Mn | Cr | Ni | S | P | Cu | N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≤0.15 | ≤1.0 | 8.0-10.5 | 13.5～16.00 | 1.0～3.0 | ≤0.03 | ≤0.06 | < 2.0 | ≤0.2 |
Second, the corrosion resistance determines the value:
Due to the high chromium content and high nickel content of 304, it has good corrosion resistance, has a wide range of uses in daily utensils, chemicals, medical equipment, food machinery, etc., and has a long service life. However, 201 has poor corrosion resistance. It should be used in dry and non-corrosive areas, interior decoration, etc. It is not resistant to acid and alkali corrosion and has a short service life.
3. The difference between the residual value and the recovery value:
The recycling value of 304 stainless steel scrap is generally about 60% of the original value, and the recycling value of the product is higher than that of the good scrap. The recycling value of 201 stainless steel is generally only about 30-35% of the original value, and the value of 201 is lower in terms of the recycling schedule.
In summary, from the content of metal elements, corrosion resistance, and waste recycling value, we can fully understand why 201 stainless steel is cheaper than 304.
