Stainless Steel 204 vs 202 – What’s the Difference?

Among the various grades of stainless steel, grades 204 and 202 are commonly encountered, each offering its unique set of properties and applications. While both are austenitic stainless steels, there are significant differences in their composition and characteristics that affect their performance and usage. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between Stainless Steel 204 vs 202.

Stainless Steel 204 vs 202 – What’s the Difference?

Stainless Steel 204 vs 202 – 1. Composition

The fundamental difference between 204 and 202 stainless steel lies in their chemical composition. Grade 204 stainless steel, also known as UNS S20400, is a chromium-nickel-manganese austenitic steel. It contains approximately 18% chromium, 8% nickel, and 2% manganese, with the remainder being iron and trace elements. The addition of manganese in 204 steel enhances its corrosion resistance, particularly in chloride-rich environments.

On the other hand, grade 202 stainless steel, designated as UNS S20200, is a chromium-nickel-manganese-nitrogen austenitic steel. It has a similar chromium and nickel content to 204 steel but also includes nitrogen as a strengthening element. The nitrogen addition in 202 steel provides better strength without significantly compromising ductility or toughness.

Stainless Steel 204 vs 202 – 2. Mechanical Properties

The mechanical properties of 204 and 202 stainless steel also vary. Grade 204 exhibits good strength and ductility, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. It has a lower carbon content, which minimizes the risk of carbide precipitation and maintains corrosion resistance in welding. Grade 204 also offers good formability and weldability, making it a popular choice for fabrication and welding applications.

Grade 202 stainless steel, on the other hand, offers higher yield and tensile strength due to the nitrogen addition. This increased strength makes 202 steel more suitable for applications that require higher load-bearing capabilities. However, the nitrogen addition can affect the weldability of 202 steel, requiring special considerations during welding processes.

Stainless Steel 204 vs 202 – 3. Applications

The distinct properties of 204 and 202 stainless steel make them suitable for different applications. Grade 204 is commonly used in architectural and construction applications, such as railings, trim, and exterior cladding, due to its corrosion resistance and ductility. It is also used in chemical processing equipment, food processing equipment, and general-purpose hardware.

Grade 202 stainless steel, on the other hand, finds its applications in heavy-duty structural components, such as brackets, supports, and fasteners. It is often used in automotive components, due to its higher strength and resistance to corrosion. 202 steel is also suitable for use in chemical processing equipment and other industrial applications where higher strength is required.

Conclusion

In summary, the primary differences between 204 and 202 stainless steel lie in their composition, mechanical properties, and applications. Grade 204 offers excellent corrosion resistance, ductility, and weldability, making it suitable for architectural, construction, and general-purpose applications. Grade 202, with its higher strength due to nitrogen addition, is more suitable for heavy-duty structural and industrial applications. 

Thank you for reading our article and we hope it can help you to have a better understanding of the differences between Stainless Steel 204 vs 202. If you are looking for Stainless Steel 204 and 202 suppliers online now, please don’t hesitate to contact Sino Stainless Steel.

As a leading supplier of stainless steel products from Shanghai, China, Sino Stainless Steel provides customers with high-quality stainless steel sheets, stainless steel tubes, stainless steel pipes, stainless steel strips, stainless steel coils, stainless steel plates, and stainless steel bars at a very competitive price.