The Different Origin Of 201 Stainless Steel in China
As the world’s largest producer of stainless steel, 201 is one of the important stainless steel materials in China. There are various origins of 201 stainless steel in the Chinese market. Stainless steel produced from different origins has differences in composition, performance and price. This article mainly introduces 201 stainless steel materials from different origins to help customers better choose the appropriate materials.
Core Steel Mills And Product Positioning
Qingshan Group
Product series: Mainly producing high-copper materials J1, J3, and J4, with nickel content ranging from 0.8% to 1.2% and chromium content from 13% to 17%.
Advantages: The nickel ore resources in Indonesia reduce costs. The J4 copper content is 1.5% to 2.0%, with excellent ductility, making it suitable for deep-drawn kitchenware and sinks.
Chengde
Main grades: J1/J2 are predominant, with copper content ranging from 0.4% to 1.0%, and medium hardness (HV≈250). They are suitable for shallow processing scenarios such as bathroom accessories and decorative panels.
Hongwang Group
Economic type positioning: High proportion of J2/J5, copper content ≤0.08% (J5), carbon content ≤0.15%, hardness reaches HV>300, but it is prone to breakage when bent and is only used for simple decorative tubes.
Lisco
Grade classification: LH (0.3% nickel), L1 (1% nickel), LA (0.6% nickel), among which LA has the weakest corrosion resistance and is mostly used in low-cost decorative materials.
Key Differences In Chemical Composition And Performance
| Grade | Origin | Cu(%) | C(%) | HV | Application | Disadvantages |
| J4 | Qingshan,Chengde | 1.5-2.0 | ≤0.08 | 160-200 | Deep-flush sinks and kitchenware | High cost and obvious premium |
| J1 | Chengde,Hongwang | 0.8-1.0 | ≤0.11 | 220-250 | Bathroom accessory, decorative panels | Prone to micro-cracking when bent |
| J2 | Hongwang,Lisco | ≤0.4 | ≤0.13 | 280-320 | Original plate and No.4 plate | The bending burst rate is high |
| J5 | Hongwang | ≤0.08 | ≤0.15 | 300-350 | Decorative tubes | Prone to rust and breakage during processing |
Applicable Scenarios And Selection Strategies
Deep drawing products (water tanks, cup bodies) → Must choose Qingshan J4 high-copper material (copper > 1.5%) to avoid cracking
Interior decorative parts (handrails, brackets) → Chengde J1 or Lianzhong L1, balancing cost and surface finish
Short-term structural components (greenhouse frame) → Hongwang J2 (Bending processing is prohibited)
Conclusion
The essence of the differences in origin and grade of 201 stainless steel in China is a game between cost and performance. Only by grasping the bottom line of ingredients and clarifying the application scenarios can the risk of “rusting and cracking” be avoided and the best cost-performance material selection be achieved.
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