200 Series Stainless Steel

A cost-effective choice for less demanding applications

200 series stainless steels are similar to 300 series stainless steels in that they are austenitic, but they replace some or all of the expensive nickel that the 300 series is composed of with cost-effective manganese. Cumberland Diversified Metals primarily deals in two grades from this series — 201 & 201LN stainless steels. 201LN stainless steel, often called “Nitronic 30”, contains more nitrogen and slightly more manganese and chromium than 201 stainless steel, making it stronger, tougher, and more corrosion resistant.

Properties

Nitrogen gives 200 series stainless steels their higher yield strength, and the metals in this series tend to have good ductility, formability and toughness. Performance is similar to 300 series stainless steel, but with a bit less corrosion resistance, particularly in chloride or acidic environments. Grades of 200 series stainless steels with higher levels of carbon and nitrogen tend to crack when welding, requiring special attention and specific welding techniques. They may also take on magnetic properties when cold-worked.

Grades and applications

201 stainless steel applications

• Cookware bodies and lids
• Washing machine baskets
• Appliances
• Food service equipment

201 LN stainless steel applications

• Liquid storage vessels
• Railcars
• Truck trailer applications

Shapes and forms

At Cumberland Diversified Metals, we buy and sell the 200 series stainless steel sheet, plate, and coil you need for your specific application. Reach out today to find out what we currently have in stock!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about 200 series stainless steel

What is 200 series stainless steel’s composition?

The exact composition of 200 series stainless steel depends on the particular grade chosen, but all 200 series stainless steels tend to primarily contain iron alloyed with 16-18% chromium, 5.5-7.5% manganese, 4-6% nickel, 0.15-0.25% nitrogen, <0.15% carbon, and less than 1% of silicon and phosphorous.

What are the magnetic properties of 200 series stainless steel?

200 series stainless steel is austenitic in its base state, making it generally non-magnetic, but because it contains manganese and nitrogen and has lower levels of nickel compare with 300 series stainless steel, it may develop a magnetic phase called martensite when cold worked.

How would you compare 200 vs. 300 series stainless steel?

200 series stainless steels tend to have less chromium and more manganese and nitrogen than 300 series stainless steels. 200 series stainless steels often replace some or all of the costly nickel found in the 300 series with more affordable manganese and nitrogen. The lower chromium and higher manganese content slightly reduces corrosion resistance in the 200 series, particularly in acidic or chloride environments. Due to differences in their composition, 200 series stainless steels are also much more likely to display slight magnetic properties after cold working than 300 series stainless steels.