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Gangsteel is a leading manufacturer and international exporter of GB/T 4237 12Cr17Mn6Ni5N stainless steel hot-rolled coils, plates, and wide heavy plates. Known globally as Grade 201 (or Chinese designation 201), this austenitic chromium-manganese-nickel stainless steel offers an excellent combination of cost-effectiveness, moderate corrosion resistance, high strength, and superior formability — making it one of the most popular alternatives to traditional 304 stainless steel in non-severe corrosive environments.
As a specialized producer of hot-rolled stainless steel under GB/T 4237-2015 (Stainless Steel Hot-Rolled Sheets and Strips), Gangsteel supplies 12Cr17Mn6Ni5N in thicknesses from 2 mm to 500 mm, with maximum width up to 4200 mm — one of the widest hot-rolled capabilities in the industry. Our products are available in standard hot-rolled finishes No.1 (annealed & pickled) and 2D (annealed & pickled, dull surface), and are widely exported to automotive, appliance, architectural, kitchenware, rail transit, and general fabrication markets worldwide.
This in-depth product guide covers everything you need to know about our GB/T 4237 12Cr17Mn6Ni5N (201) hot-rolled stainless steel — from chemical composition and mechanical properties to manufacturing process, applications, advantages, quality assurance, and frequently asked questions.
12Cr17Mn6Ni5N, commonly referred to as Grade 201, is an austenitic stainless steel that replaces a portion of expensive nickel with higher manganese (5.5–7.5%) and nitrogen, significantly reducing material cost while maintaining good mechanical properties and moderate corrosion resistance. It is non-magnetic in the annealed condition but becomes slightly magnetic after cold working due to strain-induced martensite.
Compared to classic 304 (06Cr19Ni10), Grade 201 has lower nickel content (3.5–5.5%) but higher strength and work-hardening rate, making it suitable for applications where cost is a major factor and the environment is not severely corrosive (indoor, dry, mild atmospheric or organic exposure).
Gangsteel produces 12Cr17Mn6Ni5N exclusively via hot rolling, delivering heavy-gauge wide plates and coils that are ideal for subsequent cold rolling, cutting, forming, welding, and fabrication.
Chemical Composition Table
|
Element |
Symbol |
Minimum (%) |
Maximum (%) |
Typical Range (%) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Carbon |
C |
- |
0.15 |
≤0.10–0.12 |
Controls carbide formation |
|
Silicon |
Si |
- |
1.00 |
≤0.50–0.80 |
Enhances oxidation resistance |
|
Manganese |
Mn |
5.50 |
7.50 |
6.00–7.00 |
Primary nickel substitute |
|
Phosphorus |
P |
- |
0.060 |
≤0.045 |
Low for weldability |
|
Sulfur |
S |
- |
0.030 |
≤0.015–0.020 |
Minimized for corrosion |
|
Chromium |
Cr |
16.00 |
18.00 |
16.50–17.50 |
Forms passive oxide layer |
|
Nickel |
Ni |
3.50 |
5.50 |
4.00–5.00 |
Reduced vs. 304 for cost |
|
Nitrogen |
N |
- |
0.25 |
0.10–0.20 |
Strengthens austenite |
|
Iron |
Fe |
Balance |
Balance |
Balance |
Base element |
Gangsteel maintains tight controls within these ranges to ensure consistent performance and cost optimization.
Mechanical Properties
In annealed condition per GB/T 4237:
Mechanical Properties Table (Annealed)
|
Property |
Symbol |
Minimum Requirement |
Typical Value |
Units |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Tensile Strength |
Rm |
≥ 515 |
520–680 |
MPa |
High due to Mn/N strengthening |
|
Yield Strength (0.2% offset) |
Rp0.2 |
≥ 275 |
280–380 |
MPa |
Better than 304 annealed |
|
Elongation (50 mm gauge) |
A50 |
≥ 40 |
45–55 |
% |
Excellent ductility |
|
Hardness (Rockwell B) |
HRB |
≤ 100 |
85–95 |
HRB |
Soft for forming |
|
Hardness (Brinell) |
HB |
≤ 217 |
180–210 |
HB |
Reference |
Cold-rolled or work-hardened tempers can achieve tensile strengths >1000 MPa.
Physical Properties Table
|
Property |
Value (Metric) |
Value (Imperial) |
Temperature/Condition |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Density |
7.93 g/cm³ |
0.286 lb/in³ |
Room temperature |
Similar to 304 |
|
Elastic Modulus |
193 GPa |
28 × 10⁶psi |
Room temperature |
Austenitic standard |
|
Thermal Conductivity |
16.3 W/m·K |
9.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F |
100°C |
Moderate |
|
Specific Heat Capacity |
500 J/kg·K |
0.12 BTU/lb·°F |
Room temperature |
Standard |
|
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion |
17.3 × 10⁻⁶/°C |
9.6 × 10⁻⁶/°F |
0–100°C |
Higher than ferritics |
|
Electrical Resistivity |
720 nΩ·m |
27 μΩ·in |
Room temperature |
Austenitic norm |
|
Melting Range |
1400–1450°C |
2550–2640°F |
- |
Approximate |
Gangsteel's hot-rolling process for 12Cr17Mn6Ni5N includes:
Thickness range: 2 mm – 500 mm Width range: up to 4200 mm (widest in industry) Length: up to 18 m (plate) or coil form
Finishes: No.1 (annealed & pickled), 2D (annealed & pickled dull)
Available Forms, Sizes, and Specifications
All compliant with GB/T 4237-2015; optional third-party certification (SGS, TUV, BV).
Key Applications of 12Cr17Mn6Ni5N (201) Hot-Rolled Products
Advantages of Choosing 12Cr17Mn6Ni5N (201)
Corrosion and Oxidation Resistance
Moderate resistance to atmospheric corrosion and mild organic/acid environments; less resistant to chlorides or strong acids than 304/316. Oxidation resistance up to ~800°C intermittent.
Weldability and Fabrication
Good weldability using ER308/ER308L fillers; low carbon minimizes sensitization. Excellent cold formability in annealed condition.
Why Choose Gangsteel for GB/T 4237 12Cr17Mn6Ni5N?
Quality Assurance and Certifications
Every heat is tested for chemistry, mechanical properties, surface quality, and dimensions. Full MTRs (EN 10204 3.1) and third-party certification available.
Packaging, Shipping, and Logistics
Coils eye-to-wall/eye-to-sky on steel pallets; plates bundled with skids; seaworthy export packaging with waterproof wrapping and edge protection.
Q1: What is the main difference between 201 (12Cr17Mn6Ni5N) and 304 stainless steel?
A: Grade 201 uses higher manganese and lower nickel, making it 20–40% cheaper than 304, with similar strength but lower corrosion resistance in chloride or acidic environments. It is best for indoor, dry, or mildly corrosive applications.
Q2: Can 12Cr17Mn6Ni5N be used for outdoor or coastal applications?
A: Not recommended for long-term exposure to chlorides (rain, road salt, coastal air). Use 304, 316, or 444 for better pitting resistance.
Q3: What finishes are available under GB/T 4237 for hot-rolled 201?
A: Standard finishes are No.1 (annealed & pickled) and 2D (annealed & pickled dull). No.1 is most common for further processing.
Q4: What is the maximum width and thickness Gangsteel can produce for 12Cr17Mn6Ni5N?
A: Up to 4200 mm wide and 500 mm thick in hot-rolled plates; coils typically 2–25 mm thick.
Q5: Is 201 weldable? What filler should be used?
A: Yes, good weldability. Use ER308 or ER308L fillers for matching properties.
Q6: Does Gangsteel offer third-party inspection for GB/T 4237 201 material?
A: Yes — SGS, TUV, BV, or customer-nominated agencies are welcome at any stage.
Q7: What is the lead time for hot-rolled 12Cr17Mn6Ni5N coils or plates?
A: Standard sizes from stock: 7–15 days. Custom wide/heavy plates: 25–45 days depending on thickness and quantity.
Q8: Can Gangsteel provide 201 with BA or 2B finish?
A: Hot-rolled material is No.1 or 2D. For BA or 2B, we supply cold-rolled versions under GB/T 3280.
Contact Gangsteel today for real-time pricing, stock availability, samples, or custom specifications of GB/T 4237 12Cr17Mn6Ni5N (201) stainless steel hot-rolled coils, plates, and strips. Let us support your next project with high-quality, cost-effective stainless steel solutions.
Contact Gangsteel today for real-time pricing, stock availability, samples, or custom specifications of GB/T 42
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