Among stainless steel materials, 304 stainless steel and 201 stainless steel are two common types. They have some differences in chemical composition, physical properties, and applications.

First of all, 304 stainless steel is stainless steel with high corrosion resistance, consisting of 18% chromium and 8% nickel, as well as a small portion of elements such as carbon, silicon, and manganese. This chemical composition gives 304 stainless steel good corrosion resistance, oxidation resistance, and high-temperature resistance. It also has high strength and ductility, so it is often used in the manufacture of equipment and components with higher requirements.

201 stainless steel is composed of 17% to 19% chromium and 4% to 6% nickel, as well as a small amount of carbon, manganese, and nitrogen. Compared with 304 stainless steel, 201 stainless steel has lower nickel content, so its corrosion resistance and high-temperature resistance are relatively poor. However, 201 stainless steel has better strength and plasticity and is suitable for some low-demand structural and decorative applications.

In terms of physical properties, the density of 304 stainless steel is larger, about 7.93 grams/cubic centimeter, while the density of 201 stainless steel is about 7.86 grams/cubic centimeter. In addition, 304 stainless steel has good corrosion resistance and can resist corrosion from general atmosphere, fresh water, steam, and chemical media; while 201 stainless steel may cause corrosion in some corrosive environments.

In terms of application, 304 stainless steel is often used in the manufacture of chemical equipment, force vessels, food processing equipment, and other fields that require high corrosion resistance and high-temperature resistance. 201 stainless steel is often used in the manufacture of kitchen utensils, home decoration, and other occasions that require high strength and plasticity but relatively low corrosion resistance.

In general, 304 stainless steel has better corrosion resistance, high-temperature resistance, and oxidation resistance than 201 stainless steel, and is suitable for industrial fields with higher requirements. 201 stainless steel is more suitable for applications with higher strength and plasticity requirements but relatively low corrosion resistance requirements. When choosing stainless steel materials, the selection should be based on the specific use environment and requirements.