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202 Stainless Steel is an austenitic chromium–manganese–nickel stainless steel containing lower nickel and higher manganese than Grade 304. It provides good strength, toughness, formability and an attractive surface finish for indoor architectural, decorative, kitchenware and general fabrication applications.
Grade 202 is commonly selected when the buyer requires an economical stainless steel for mild service conditions. However, its corrosion resistance is generally lower than 304 stainless steel, particularly in coastal, chloride-containing, continuously wet or chemically aggressive environments.
Solitaire Steel & Engineering LLP, based in Khetwadi, Mumbai, India, supplies and exports 202 stainless steel coils, sheets, plates, blocks, ERW pipes, seamless pipes, semi-seamless pipes, round bars, square bars and wires. Material can be supplied in applicable standards, dimensions, finishes and quantities according to the buyer’s application.
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| Element | Composition (%) |
|---|---|
| Chromium (Cr) | 17.00%–19.00% |
| Manganese (Mn) | 7.50%–10.00% |
| Nickel (Ni) | 4.00%–6.00% |
| Carbon (C) | 0.15% maximum |
| Silicon (Si) | 1.00% maximum |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.25% maximum |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.060% maximum |
| Sulphur (S) | 0.030% maximum |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
Chemical limits should be confirmed against the applicable material standard and supplied material test certificate.
| Property | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Density | Approximately 7.80 g/cm³ | Approximately 0.282 lb/in³ |
| Modulus of Elasticity | Approximately 200–207 GPa | Approximately 29,000–30,000 ksi |
| Poisson’s Ratio | Approximately 0.27–0.30 | Approximately 0.27–0.30 |
| Melting Range | Approximately 1,400°C–1,450°C | Approximately 2,552°F–2,642°F |
| Magnetic Behaviour | Normally low in annealed condition; may become magnetic after cold working | — |
| Property | Typical Annealed Requirement | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 515 MPa minimum | Approximately 74,700 psi minimum |
| 0.2% Yield Strength | 275 MPa minimum | Approximately 39,900 psi minimum |
| Elongation | 40% minimum | 40% minimum |
| Elastic Modulus | Approximately 200–207 GPa | Approximately 29,000–30,000 ksi |
| Hardness | Specification-dependent | Specification-dependent |
Mechanical properties depend on product form, thickness, cold-working level, heat-treatment condition and governing specification.
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Electrical Resistivity | Approximately 0.69–0.72 µΩ·m |
| Electrical Conductivity | Low compared with aluminium and copper |
| Electrical Application Suitability | Suitable mainly where corrosion resistance and mechanical properties are more important than conductivity |
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Thermal Conductivity | Approximately 15 W/m·K |
| Specific Heat Capacity | Approximately 0.50 J/g·K |
| Mean Thermal Expansion | Approximately 17 × 10⁻⁶/°C |
| Melting Range | Approximately 1,400°C–1,450°C |
| Property | Performance |
|---|---|
| Formability | Good |
| Deep Drawing | Suitable with the correct condition and tooling |
| Cold Working | Excellent work-hardening response |
| Weldability | Generally good with an approved welding procedure |
| Machinability | Fair; work hardening must be controlled |
| Corrosion Resistance | Suitable for mild indoor and dry environments |
| Heat-Treatable for Hardening | No |
| Strengthening Method | Cold working |
| Annealing | Solution annealing followed by appropriate cooling |
| Polishing Ability | Good |
| Decorative Finishing | Suitable for polished, brushed and mirror finishes |
202 stainless steel hardens rapidly during cold working. Machining requires rigid equipment, sharp tools, suitable feeds and effective cooling to reduce work hardening.
| Designation System | Grade |
|---|---|
| AISI | 202 |
| UNS | S20200 |
| EN Material Number | 1.4373 |
| EN Designation | X12CrMnNiN18-9-5 |
| JIS | SUS 202 |
| ISO Reference | 4373-202-00-I |
| Older British Reference | 284S16 |
Equivalent-grade tables are only selection guides. The chemical composition, mechanical properties and governing product standard must be compared before substitution.
| Product | Applicable Standards | Available Types | Size Availability | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coils | ASTM A240/A240M, ASTM A666 or applicable specification | Hot-rolled, cold-rolled, slit and polished | Standard and customised thicknesses and widths | Utensils, panels, decorative components and fabrication |
| Sheets | ASTM A240/A240M, ASTM A666 or applicable specification | HR, CR, plain, polished, perforated, chequered and decorative | Standard and customised dimensions | Kitchenware, appliances, interiors and automotive trim |
| Plates | ASTM A240/A240M or applicable specification | Hot-rolled, No.1 finish and cut-to-size | Standard and customised dimensions | General fabrication, bases, covers and equipment components |
| Blocks | Produced from plate or approved stock | Square, rectangular and cut-to-size | As per drawing | Machined parts, dies, fixtures and general engineering |
| ERW Pipes | ASTM A554 or applicable pipe specification | Round, square and rectangular | Standard and customised OD, wall and length | Railings, furniture, frames and decorative structures |
| Seamless Pipes | Applicable ASTM or customer specification | Annealed, pickled or polished | As per available specification | Specialised process and engineering applications |
| Semi-Seamless Pipes | As per agreed manufacturing specification | Reworked welded tube with controlled finish | Standard and customised dimensions | Furniture, railings and decorative fabrication |
| Round Bars | ASTM A276/A276M, ASTM A479/A479M or applicable specification | Hot-rolled, cold-drawn, bright and polished | Standard and customised diameters and lengths | Fasteners, shafts, handles and machined components |
| Square Bars | ASTM A276/A276M or applicable specification | Hot-rolled, cold-drawn or bright | Standard and customised sizes | Grills, frames and fabricated components |
| Wires | ASTM A580/A580M or applicable specification | Soft, annealed, drawn or coil form | Required diameter and coil quantity | Fasteners, mesh, formed parts and general fabrication |
Not every product form is routinely covered by the same standard. Availability must be confirmed against the required grade, dimensions, condition, finish, quantity and application.
| Finish | Appearance and Common Use |
|---|---|
| No.1 | Hot-rolled, annealed and pickled finish for industrial fabrication |
| 2D | Dull cold-rolled finish |
| 2B | Smooth cold-rolled finish for general fabrication |
| BA | Bright-annealed finish for decorative and appliance applications |
| No.4 | Brushed finish for interiors, kitchen equipment and panels |
| Hairline | Directional decorative finish |
| No.8 | Highly polished mirror finish |
| Matt Finish | Low-reflection decorative surface |
| Embossed Finish | Textured panels and architectural decoration |
| Coloured/PVD Finish | Decorative interior applications |
| Protective Film | Surface protection during fabrication and installation |
The surface finish does not improve the underlying grade’s suitability for chloride-rich or aggressive environments unless an approved protective system is applied.
202 stainless steel provides reasonable resistance in dry indoor and mildly corrosive environments. Its lower nickel content and higher manganese content generally result in lower corrosion resistance than 304 stainless steel.
Buyers should carefully evaluate SS 202 before using it in:
For these conditions, 304, 316, 316L or another technically suitable grade may provide better service life.
| Selection Factor | 202 Stainless Steel | 304 Stainless Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless-Steel Family | Austenitic Cr-Mn-Ni | Austenitic Cr-Ni |
| Nickel Content | Lower | Higher |
| Manganese Content | Higher | Lower |
| Initial Material Cost | Generally lower | Generally higher |
| Corrosion Resistance | Suitable for mild environments | Better general corrosion resistance |
| Outdoor Use | Requires careful evaluation | More commonly selected |
| Coastal or Chloride Service | Generally not preferred | Better than 202, but 316 may still be required |
| Formability | Good | Excellent |
| Work Hardening | High | High |
| Decorative Finish | Good | Excellent |
| Common Use | Indoor decorative and general fabrication | Food, industrial, architectural and general applications |
SS 202 should not be selected only because its initial price is lower. The buyer should compare expected service life, maintenance, corrosion exposure and replacement cost.
202 stainless steel is an austenitic grade and is generally non-magnetic or only slightly magnetic in the fully annealed condition. However, cold rolling, bending, drawing, polishing and other cold-working operations can increase its magnetic response.
A magnet test alone cannot reliably confirm whether the material is SS 202, 304 or another stainless steel grade. Grade verification should be based on:
202 stainless steel may be considered when:
It should not replace 304 or 316 without technical approval where corrosion resistance, hygiene, chemical exposure or long outdoor service life is critical.
For an accurate technical and commercial quotation, please provide:
For a quotation for 202 stainless steel coils, sheets, plates, blocks, ERW pipes, seamless pipes, semi-seamless pipes, round bars, square bars or wires, contact Solitaire Steel & Engineering LLP. Our team will review the required standard, dimensions, finish, application, quantity and delivery location before confirming availability and pricing.