In China, 201 stainless steel is divided into J1, J2, J3, J4, and J5 due to differences in composition and application fields. Before distinguishing their differences, let's first understand 201 stainless steel. 201 stainless steel is a nickel-saving steel type developed by replacing nickel with manganese and nitrogen. It has good corrosion resistance and cold and hot processing performance.
Composition and performance
Looking at the composition, the major differences lie in carbon and copper content. Carbon affects the hardness and strength of the material; the higher the carbon content, the higher the hardness, but the worse the ductility. In terms of hardness ranking: J5＞J2＞J3＞J1＞J4.
On the other hand, increasing copper content can improve the ductility and mechanical properties of the material, making it more suitable for deep-drawing processing. In terms of ductility ranking: J4＞J1＞J3＞J2＞J5. Ductility is inversely proportional to hardness.
Application Fields
201J1: Suitable for products requiring a certain strength and processability, such as cutlery, kitchen equipment, home appliance casings, building decorations, etc.
201J2: Suitable for environments with low corrosion resistance requirements, such as building decorations and simple hardware products.
201J3: Mainly used in low-end household products, simple architectural decorative pieces, light industrial equipment, etc.
201J4: Suitable for cutlery, kitchenware, and household appliances in the mid-range market, especially for products that require high surface finish.
201J5: Mainly used in low-end products or environments with low corrosion requirements, such as cheap hardware, simple mechanical parts, and short-term decorative materials.
Different grades should be selected based on specific application requirements. If higher corrosion resistance and processability are required, J1 or J4 is recommended. If cost is more of a concern and corrosion resistance requirements are low, J2, J3, or J5 can be selected.
