Stainless Steel SS202

Stainless Steel SS202 is an austenitic chromium–nickel–manganese stainless steel that belongs to the 200 series. It was developed as a low-nickel alternative to SS304, offering a balance of strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance at a lower cost. SS202 contains 17–19% chromium and 4–6% nickel, with added manganese (7.5–10%) to maintain the austenitic structure.

This grade is known for its excellent hardness, good mechanical properties, and fair corrosion resistance in mild environments. However, it performs slightly less effectively than SS304 in highly corrosive or marine atmospheres. SS202 is non-magnetic in the annealed condition but may become slightly magnetic after cold working.

It is widely used in architectural applications, kitchenware, furniture, and decorative purposes, where moderate corrosion resistance and high strength are sufficient.

Applications

Kitchen utensils and cookware – pots, pans, and cutlery Restaurant and hotel equipment – sinks, counters, and food processing tools Architectural and decorative items – railings, grills, and frames Automobile trim and fittings – interior and exterior decorative parts Household appliances – washing machine drums, refrigerator panels, etc. Furniture and display stands – tubular furniture, shelves, and fixtures Construction applications – doors, windows, and structural supports Industrial applications – tanks, pipes, and equipment for non-corrosive environments

Chemical Composition

Property	Value
Carbon (C)	≤ 0.15
Manganese (Mn)	7.5 – 10.0
Silicon (Si)	≤ 1.00
Phosphorus (P)	≤ 0.060
Sulphur (S)	≤ 0.030
Chromium (Cr)	17.0 – 19.0
Nickel (Ni)	4.0 – 6.0
Nitrogen (N)	≤ 0.25
Iron (Fe)	Balance

Hardness

Stainless Steel SS202 offers a moderate hardness level suitable for both structural and decorative applications. The hardness can vary depending on the processing condition: Annealed Condition: Approximately 150–200 HB (Brinell Hardness) Cold Worked Condition: Can increase up to 250–300 HB SS202 becomes harder and stronger when cold worked, but this also reduces its ductility slightly. This balance of strength, hardness, and formability makes it suitable for applications such as kitchen equipment, furniture, and structural components.

Equivalent Grades

AISI / SAE 202
UNS S20200
EN 1.4373
JIS SUS202
IS (India) X12CrMnNiN17-7-5
BS (British Standard) 284S16

Heat Treatment

Annealing: Temperature: 1050°C – 1100°C Process: Heat uniformly, then rapidly cool by water quenching or air cooling. Purpose: Restores ductility and removes the effects of cold working. Stress Relieving: Temperature: 450°C – 600°C Process: Held at temperature for a short duration and then air-cooled. Purpose: Reduces internal stresses caused by machining or forming.

Hardening

SS202 cannot be hardened by heat treatment because it is an austenitic stainless steel. Its structure remains stable during heating and cooling, which prevents it from transforming into a harder phase. However, it can be hardened by cold working (such as rolling, bending, or drawing). This process increases the strength and hardness due to strain hardening while slightly reducing ductility. If higher hardness is required, carburizing or nitriding processes can be applied to improve surface hardness without affecting the core properties.

Welding

Stainless Steel SS202 has good weldability and can be welded using most of the conventional welding techniques. However, some precautions are necessary to prevent cracking and distortion due to its higher manganese and lower nickel content. Key Points: Suitable Welding Methods: TIG (GTAW), MIG (GMAW), and SMAW (Stick) welding. Filler Material: Use AWS ER308L or ER309L stainless steel filler rods/wires for best results. Preheating: Not required for SS202. Post-Weld Heat Treatment: Generally not required, but annealing may be done to restore corrosion resistance if necessary. Precaution: Avoid overheating to prevent carbide precipitation and loss of corrosion resistance.

Machinability

Stainless Steel SS202 offers moderate machinability, slightly lower than austenitic grades like SS304 due to its higher hardness and strength. However, with proper tools and cutting conditions, it can be efficiently machined for various industrial applications. Key Points: Machinability Rating: Around 60% compared to free-machining mild steel. Tool Material: Use carbide-tipped or high-speed steel (HSS) cutting tools. Cutting Speed: Should be reduced to avoid excessive heat buildup. Coolant: Continuous use of a good quality coolant or lubricant is essential to prevent work hardening. Feed Rate: Moderate feed with slower speed improves surface finish and tool life.

Physical Properties

Property	Value
Density	7.80 g/cm³
Melting Point	1400 – 1450 °C
Modulus of Elasticity	200 GPa
Thermal Conductivity	16.2 W/m·K at 100 °C
Electrical Resistivity	0.73 µΩ·m at 20 °C
Specific Heat Capacity	500 J/kg·K
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion	16.5 × 10⁻⁶ /°C (at 20–100 °C)
Magnetic Property	Non-magnetic in annealed condition; slightly magnetic when cold worked

Chemical Properties

Property	Value
Corrosion Resistance	Good resistance to atmospheric conditions, mild acids, and food environments due to chromium content, but less resistant to chlorides compared to SS304.
Oxidation Resistance	Excellent — forms a stable chromium oxide film that prevents surface scaling and rust.
Wear Resistance	Moderate — offers decent resistance to wear and abrasion in normal service conditions.
Thermal Stability	Maintains mechanical strength and ductility up to approximately 870°C during intermittent exposure.
Chemical Reactivity	Resistant to many organic and inorganic chemicals, but can be attacked by strong acids and chlor

Dealer

We are a leading dealer, supplier, stockist, and trader of Stainless Steel SS202 in India, catering to diverse industrial sectors. Our extensive inventory includes SS202 sheets, plates, rods, coils, pipes, and bars in various sizes and finishes to meet customer requirements.