201 and 304 are commonly used grades of stainless steel. They look very similar and are difficult to distinguish with the naked eye. Some suppliers may take this opportunity to pass off 201 as 304, posing a risk to buyers. Therefore, it is essential for stainless steel wholesalers, purchasers, and importers to carefully identify the material upon receipt. To facilitate easy identification, Gaya Stainless Steel has compiled and recommends the following reliable methods for your reference and use.
201 and 304 are commonly used grades of stainless steel. They look very similar and are difficult to distinguish with the naked eye. Some suppliers may take this opportunity to pass off 201 as 304, posing a risk to buyers. Therefore, it is essential for stainless steel wholesalers, purchasers, and importers to carefully identify the material upon receipt. To facilitate easy identification, Gaya Stainless Steel has compiled and recommends the following reliable methods for your reference and use.
- Magnetic Test to Distinguish 201 and 304
- 304 stainless steel is generally non-magnetic in the annealed state but may exhibit slight magnetism after cold working.
- 201 stainless steel, due to its higher manganese and lower nickel content, is more magnetic.
Notes:While not 100% accurate, this test provides a quick and convenient method for preliminary identification.
- Chemical Testerto Distinguish 201 and 304
- Primarily detects: 201, 202, 301, 304 Austenitic Stainless Steel.
- Requirements:The stainless steel surface must be clean, dry, and free of platings, passivation layers, coatings, oil, or any coverings. The reagent must make direct contact with the stainless steel.
- Key points: The test duration is 2 minutes. If the stainless steel does not turn red, it meets 304 standards; if it turns red, it is not 304.Base the result solely on whether the steel turns red, not on the color change of the reagent.
- Caution: The reagent is corrosive. If it comes into contact with skin or clothing, rinse immediately with water.
Note: The test may leave a mark, so apply the droplet in an inconspicuous area.
- Spark Test to Distinguish 201 and 304
|
Feature
|
201 Stainless Steel
|
304 Stainless Steel
|
|
Spark Quantity
|
Relatively more sparks
|
Relatively fewer sparks
|
|
Spark Color
|
Bright, whitish sparkle
|
Dull red, reddish-brown sparkle
|
|
Spark Tail Morphology
|
Distinct forking at the tail
|
Little to no forking, short and straight
|
4. XRF Analyzer to Distinguish 201 and 304For precise identification, an X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyzer can be used to measure the exact metal composition. This method confirms the content of chromium, nickel, and manganese, allowing for accurate material classification.
About Gaya Stainless Steel Co., Ltd.
Gaya Stainless Steel Co., Ltd. is a leading stainless steel manufacturer in China. We supply high-quality stainless steel plates, pipes, and coils. Our products are exported worldwide, with key markets currently in South America, Africa, and Europe. We are also actively building connections with clients in more countries through social media. If you are looking for a reliable stainless steel factory in China, please get in touch with us!
