In many consumers' eyes, 304 and 201 stainless steel are almost indistinguishable, as they are nearly impossible to tell apart with the naked eye. Here are some methods to differentiate between 304 and 201 stainless steel.

1. Specifications: Common stainless steel sheets are divided into two types, 201 and 304. They differ in composition, with 304 being of higher quality but more expensive, while 201 is inferior. 304 is an imported stainless steel sheet, and 201 is a domestically produced stainless steel sheet.

2. The composition of Grade 17Cr-4.5Ni-6Mn-N is a low-Ni steel grade, serving as a substitute for Grade 301 steel. After cold working, it exhibits magnetic properties and is used in railway vehicles.

3. The 304 composition, consisting of 18Cr-9Ni, is a widely used stainless and heat-resistant steel. It is utilized in food production equipment, general chemical equipment, and nuclear energy applications.

4. The 201 grade has a higher manganese content, featuring a shiny surface with dark luster, which is prone to rusting. The 304 grade contains more chromium, presenting a matte finish and is rust-resistant. When placed side by side, the comparison is clear. The key difference lies in their corrosion resistance; 201 has poor corrosion resistance, hence the lower price. Additionally, due to its lower nickel content, 201 is less expensive than 304, resulting in lesser corrosion resistance compared to the latter.

The difference between 201 and 304 is the nickel content issue. Moreover, the price of 304 is quite expensive now, but at least it can guarantee that it won't rust during use. (Stainless steel solution can be used for testing.)

6. Stainless steel resists rust due to the formation of a rich chromium oxide layer on its surface. Grade 201 stainless steel, a high-manganese variant, is harder than 304 and features high carbon content and low nickel.

7. Composition Differences (Distinguishing between 201 and 304 stainless steel primarily based on carbon, manganese, nickel, and chromium content)

Steel Grade Carbon (C) Silicon (Si) Manganese (Mn) Phosphorus (P) Sulfur (S) Chromium (Cr) Nickel (Ni) Molybdenum (Mo) Copper (Cu)

    AISI(304) ≤0.08 ≤1.00 ≤2.00 ≤0.045 ≤0.03 18-20 8-10 

    AISI(201) ≤0.15 ≤1.00 5.5-7.5 ≤0.05 ≤0.03 16-18 3.5-5.5