201 Stainless Steel Roll Forming Material Guide: Coil Sizes, Properties & Applications

Stainless Steel 201 Roll Forming Material

1. Overview of 201 Stainless Steel in Roll Forming

201 stainless steel is an austenitic stainless steel developed as a lower-cost alternative to 304 stainless. It contains reduced nickel content, replaced partially with manganese and nitrogen, making it more affordable while maintaining good strength.

In roll forming, 201 stainless steel is commonly used in applications where moderate corrosion resistance is acceptable and cost savings are important. It is widely used in construction, decorative panels, tubing, and light industrial components.

Compared to 304, 201 offers higher strength but lower corrosion resistance.

2. Material Composition & Structure

201 stainless steel consists of:

Iron base metal
Chromium (~16–18%)
Nickel (~3.5–5.5%)
Manganese (~5.5–7.5%)
Nitrogen (small additions)

Structure

Austenitic stainless steel
Non-magnetic (in annealed condition)
Can become slightly magnetic after forming

3. Available Coil Specifications

Thickness Range

0.3mm – 3.0mm

Coil Width

600mm – 1250mm

Coil Weight

2 tons – 8 tons

Coil ID / OD

ID: 508mm / 610mm
OD: up to 1500mm

Tolerance

Good dimensional consistency

4. Mechanical Properties

Typical values:

Yield Strength: 275 – 520 MPa
Tensile Strength: 520 – 860 MPa
Elongation: 30% – 50%
Hardness: 150 – 250 HB

5. Surface Finishes

201 stainless steel is available in:

2B finish
BA (bright annealed)
No.4 brushed finish
Mirror finish
Decorative finishes

6. Common Roll Forming Applications

Decorative wall panels
Interior cladding
Tubing and channels
Appliance components
Furniture frames
Architectural trims

7. Advantages of 201 Stainless Steel

Lower cost than 304
High strength
Good formability
Attractive surface finishes
Suitable for decorative applications

8. Disadvantages / Limitations

Lower corrosion resistance than 304
Not suitable for marine or harsh environments
Can rust in aggressive conditions
Work hardens quickly
Slight magnetic properties after forming

9. Roll Forming Machine Considerations

Roll Tooling

Hardened rollers recommended
Smooth surface finish required

Speed

10–35 m/min

Lubrication

Recommended

Cutting

Hydraulic shear or flying shear
Sharp blades required

Common Issues

Work hardening
Springback
Surface scratching

10. Common Problems in Production

Work hardening causing forming difficulty
Springback affecting profile accuracy
Surface scratches on decorative finishes
Edge cracking in tight bends
Tool wear

11. Pricing Guide

Typical global pricing:

Low: $1400–$2000 per ton
Medium: $2000–$2800 per ton
High: $2800–$3500+ per ton

Factors affecting price:

Nickel content
Surface finish
Thickness
Origin (China, India, etc.)

12. Comparison with Other Materials

201 vs 304 Stainless Steel

201 = cheaper
304 = better corrosion resistance

201 vs Galvanized Steel

201 = more corrosion resistant (indoors)
GI = cheaper

201 vs Aluminum

201 = stronger
Aluminum = lighter

13. Best Industries Using 201 Stainless Steel

Construction
Interior architecture
Furniture manufacturing
Appliance production
Light industrial fabrication

14. How to Choose 201 Stainless Steel

Choose 201 When:

Budget is limited
Indoor or low-corrosion environments
Decorative applications
Moderate strength required

Avoid When:

Marine environments
Chemical exposure
Outdoor long-term exposure

15. FAQ Section

What is 201 stainless steel?

A low-nickel stainless steel alternative to 304.

Is 201 good for roll forming?

Yes, but it work hardens quickly.

Does 201 stainless steel rust?

It can in harsh or outdoor environments.

Is 201 cheaper than 304?

Yes, significantly cheaper.

Can 201 be used outdoors?

Only in mild environments.

16. Machine Matcher Section

We supply roll forming machines for all material types including 201 stainless steel.

Custom-built machines to your profile
New machines built to specification
Global delivery available
UK and USA technical support

Contact:
Machine Matcher
Sales & Technical Team

Quick Specs

Thickness
0.3–3.0mm

Yield Strength
275–520 MPa

Coil Width
600–1250mm

Coil ID
508 / 610mm