201 Stainless Steel Sheet | Decorative Sheet | No.4 Brushed Finish 1000x2000mm
Product Spotlights
Cr 16.0-18.0% / Ni 3.5-5.5% / Mn 5.5-7.5%
No.4 brushed/satin finish, 150-180 grit abrasive, unidirectional grain
Surface roughness Ra 0.4-0.6 micron
Tensile strength ≥515 MPa, yield ≥260 MPa, elongation ≥40%
Standard size 1000x2000mm, thickness 0.3-3.0mm
Cold-rolled + annealed + pickled + brushed finishing
Decorative uses: elevator panels, wall cladding, kitchen equipment, appliances
201 Stainless Steel Sheet | Decorative Sheet | No.4 Brushed Finish 1000x2000mm
In today's global market for architectural metals and interior design materials, 201 stainless steel sheet has emerged as one of the most sought-after products for both commercial and residential applications. Among the many surface treatments available, the No.4 brushed finish stands out for its refined, uniform texture and its ability to balance affordability with aesthetic appeal. This article provides a comprehensive, professional overview of the 201 stainless steel decorative sheet in the popular 1000x2000mm size, covering its composition, manufacturing process, technical specifications, applications, and purchasing considerations for buyers, distributors, and design professionals.
1. What Is 201 Stainless Steel?
201 stainless steel is an austenitic chromium-nickel-manganese alloy developed as a cost-effective alternative to the more widely known 304 grade. It was originally created to conserve nickel, a relatively expensive element, by substituting a portion of it with manganese and nitrogen while maintaining a comparable level of corrosion resistance and mechanical strength for general-purpose use.
The chemical composition of 201 stainless steel typically includes:
| Element | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.00–18.00 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 3.50–5.50 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 5.50–7.50 |
| Carbon (C) | ≤0.15 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤1.00 |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤0.25 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤0.060 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤0.030 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
This composition gives 201 stainless steel a hardness and tensile strength that, in many cases, exceed those of 304 stainless steel, making it a durable choice for decorative and structural applications where extreme corrosion resistance is not the primary requirement.
2. Understanding the No.4 Brushed Finish
Surface finish plays a decisive role in the visual character and functional performance of stainless steel sheets. The No.4 finish, sometimes referred to as a "brushed" or "satin" finish, is produced by mechanically polishing the sheet surface with abrasive belts of a defined grit size, typically ranging from 150 to 180 grit.
Key Characteristics of the No.4 Finish
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Surface Appearance | Uniform, linear satin texture with a soft, non-reflective sheen |
| Reflectivity | Moderate; diffuses light rather than creating mirror-like reflections |
| Fingerprint Resistance | Higher than mirror finishes; hides minor smudges and scratches |
| Common Applications | Elevator interiors, kitchen equipment, architectural panels, signage |
| Maintenance | Relatively easy to clean; scratches can often be re-brushed to match |
Unlike a mirror (No.8) finish, which requires meticulous care to avoid visible fingerprints and scratches, the No.4 brushed finish offers a practical middle ground—combining an elegant, contemporary appearance with everyday durability. This is one of the primary reasons designers and architects consistently specify No.4 finish stainless steel for high-traffic environments.
3. Standard Sheet Size: 1000x2000mm
The 1000x2000mm dimension is one of the most commonly stocked and traded sizes in the global stainless steel decorative sheet market. This size strikes a practical balance between material yield, ease of handling, and compatibility with standard architectural modules.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 2000mm |
| Width | 1000mm |
| Thickness Range | 0.3mm – 3.0mm (common: 0.5mm, 0.8mm, 1.0mm, 1.2mm) |
| Finish | No.4 Brushed |
| Edge Condition | Mill edge or slit edge, per customer requirement |
| Protective Film | PVC or PE film applied to prevent scratches during transport |
| Packaging | Wooden crates, plywood pallets, or standard export packaging |
Buyers should note that although 1000x2000mm is a standard "stock size," many suppliers also offer custom cutting services to accommodate project-specific dimensions, reducing material waste and installation time on-site.
4. Manufacturing Process Overview
Understanding how a 201 stainless steel decorative sheet is produced helps buyers evaluate product quality and make informed purchasing decisions. The general production sequence includes:
Melting and Casting – Raw materials are melted in an electric arc furnace or induction furnace, followed by continuous casting into slabs.
Hot Rolling – Slabs are heated and rolled into coils of the desired thickness.
Annealing and Pickling – The hot-rolled coil undergoes heat treatment to relieve internal stress, followed by acid pickling to remove surface oxide scale.
Cold Rolling – The coil is further rolled to achieve precise thickness tolerances and improved surface quality.
Surface Finishing (No.4 Brushing) – Abrasive belts are applied uniformly across the sheet surface to create the signature satin texture.
Cutting and Slitting – Coils are cut into standard sheet sizes such as 1000x2000mm, or customized per order.
Film Application and Packaging – A protective film is applied, and sheets are packed for domestic distribution or international export.
Reputable manufacturers typically conduct quality control checks at each stage, including chemical composition verification, thickness measurement, and surface inspection, to ensure consistency across production batches.
5. Advantages of 201 Stainless Steel Decorative Sheets
5.1 Cost-Effectiveness
Compared to 304 stainless steel, 201 offers a significantly lower material cost due to its reduced nickel content, making it an attractive option for large-scale projects where budget constraints are a key consideration.
5.2 Mechanical Strength
The higher manganese and nitrogen content contributes to greater hardness and tensile strength, which can be advantageous in applications requiring resistance to surface indentation and wear.
5.3 Aesthetic Versatility
The No.4 brushed finish provides a modern, understated elegance suitable for a wide range of design themes, from minimalist residential interiors to commercial and hospitality environments.
5.4 Workability
201 stainless steel sheets can be readily formed, welded, and fabricated using standard stainless steel processing equipment, facilitating integration into diverse project requirements.
6. 201 vs. 304 Stainless Steel: A Comparative Overview
Because 201 and 304 stainless steel are frequently compared by buyers, the following table summarizes their key differences:
| Criteria | 201 Stainless Steel | 304 Stainless Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Nickel Content | Lower (3.5–5.5%) | Higher (8–10.5%) |
| Corrosion Resistance | Moderate; suitable for indoor/dry environments | Excellent; suitable for humid, marine, or chemical environments |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Hardness | Higher | Moderate |
| Magnetic Response | Slightly magnetic in certain conditions | Generally non-magnetic |
| Typical Use Cases | Decorative panels, kitchenware, indoor fixtures | Food processing, medical equipment, outdoor architecture |
This comparison underscores that while 201 stainless steel is not always a direct substitute for 304 in highly corrosive environments, it remains an excellent and economical choice for interior decorative applications where moderate corrosion resistance is sufficient.
7. Applications of No.4 Brushed 201 Stainless Steel Sheets
The versatility of this product makes it suitable for a broad spectrum of industries and design contexts, including:
Architectural Cladding and Wall Panels – Used in lobbies, corridors, and facades for a contemporary, low-maintenance finish.
Elevator Interiors – The brushed texture conceals minor scuffs common in high-traffic elevator cabins.
Kitchen Equipment and Countertops – Offers durability and a hygienic surface suitable for food-service environments.
Furniture and Fixtures – Frequently used in table tops, cabinet panels, and decorative trim.
Signage and Displays – Provides a professional, upscale appearance for retail and commercial branding.
Household Appliances – Common in appliance housings such as range hoods and oven panels.
8. Key Purchasing Considerations
When sourcing 201 stainless steel decorative sheets in the No.4 brushed finish, buyers are encouraged to evaluate the following factors:
| Consideration | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Certification (e.g., ISO 9001) | Confirms adherence to consistent quality management standards |
| Thickness Tolerance | Ensures dimensional accuracy for fabrication and installation |
| Surface Uniformity | Prevents visible inconsistencies across large panel installations |
| Supplier Track Record | Indicates reliability in delivery timelines and product consistency |
| Customization Options | Allows for project-specific sizing, thickness, and finish requirements |
| Export Packaging Standards | Reduces risk of surface damage during international shipping |
Working with an experienced and transparent supplier is essential, as variations in raw material sourcing and processing techniques can influence the final product's durability and appearance.
9. Maintenance and Care Recommendations
To preserve the appearance and performance of No.4 brushed 201 stainless steel sheets over time, the following maintenance practices are recommended:
Clean regularly with a soft cloth and mild, non-abrasive detergent.
Wipe or brush in the direction of the grain to avoid disrupting the finish pattern.
Avoid the use of steel wool, harsh chemicals, or chloride-based cleaners, which may cause surface pitting.
In environments with higher humidity, periodic inspection is advisable to identify early signs of surface staining.
For scratches, professional re-brushing services can often restore the original satin appearance.
Wuxi Yansheng Technology Co., Ltd. — Company Profile
Company Overview
Wuxi Yansheng Technology Co., Ltd. is located in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province — a core manufacturing hub in China's Yangtze River Delta. We are an integrated enterprise specializing in the R&D, processing, and international trade of special steels and non-ferrous metals. Leveraging Wuxi's mature steel industry cluster and efficient logistics network, we consolidate premium supply-chain resources to provide global customers with a wide range of high-quality metal materials and one-stop solutions. Our products are exported to Europe, the Americas, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and many other regions worldwide.
Core Products
We offer a complete product portfolio spanning both ferrous and non-ferrous metals:
· Stainless Steel — 304, 316L, 430 and other grades, available in coils, plates, pipes, and profiles; widely used in petrochemicals, food processing, and architectural decoration.
· Silicon Steel (Electrical Steel) — grain-oriented (GOES) and non-oriented (CRNGO) silicon steel for transformers, motors, and new-energy applications.
· Copper — pure copper, brass, and copper alloys with excellent electrical and thermal conductivity for power, electronics, and heat-dissipation industries.
· Nickel-based Alloy — high-temperature and corrosion-resistant specialty alloys for aerospace, chemical processing, and marine engineering.
· Aluminum & Aluminum Alloys — lightweight and easy to fabricate, used in transportation, packaging, and building facades.
· PPGI (Pre-Painted Galvanized Iron) — pre-coated galvanized steel with rich colors and strong weather resistance, mainly for home appliances and exterior cladding.
· Carbon Steel — mild, high-quality, and low-alloy carbon steels covering structural, pipeline, and machinery-manufacturing applications.
Corporate Spirit & Culture
· Mission: Built on steel, driven by integrity — creating value for customers and building a shared future with partners.
· Core Values: Integrity · Professionalism · Quality · Win-Win.
· Company Spirit: Forged in fire, striving for excellence — crafting quality with dedication and earning trust through expertise.
· Quality Policy: Source-level control and full traceability. Every batch is supplied with a Mill Test Certificate (MTC) compliant with EN 10204, ensuring both material composition and performance meet specification.
Why Choose Us
· Full Range: Ferrous and non-ferrous metals from a single source, reducing multi-supplier coordination costs.
· Standard Compatibility: Proficient in ASTM, GB, JIS, and EN standards to precisely match your technical requirements.
· Trade Expertise: Skilled in all major Incoterms, offering end-to-end service from inquiry and customs clearance to ocean freight.
· Flexible Delivery: Custom specifications, small-batch orders, and mixed-container consolidation to meet global demand.
Yansheng Technology — committed to stable quality and sincere service, your trusted partner in metal materials.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What products do you primarily supply?
We offer a wide range of metal materials, including stainless steel (grades 304, 316, BA, EP), carbon steel, silicon steel, copper, and aluminum — available in sheets, pipes, and coils. Customized processing services are also available upon request.
Q2. Do you keep stock?
Yes, we maintain ample inventory for most standard specifications. For non-standard sizes, we accept orders with reasonable production lead times.
Q3. Can you provide Mill Test Certificates (MTC)?
Absolutely. MTC is provided with every shipment. We can also arrange third-party inspections by SGS, TÜV, BV, or other accredited agencies at your request.
Q4. Is video inspection available before shipment?
Yes, we fully support live video inspection. Alternatively, you may send your own agent or a third-party inspector to visit our factory for on-site checks prior to shipment.
Q5. Which markets do you mainly export to?
Our major export destinations include Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and South America. We have extensive experience in international trade and export documentation.
Q6. What payment methods do you accept?
We accept T/T (wire transfer) and irrevocable L/C at sight. We also offer flexible combinations, such as T/T deposit plus L/C balance. Payment terms can be negotiated based on order value and customer history.
Q7. Can I get samples?
Yes, samples are available for most standard products. For custom sizes, we may need to produce small trial batches. Sample costs and shipping fees are generally borne by the customer, but we are open to discussion.
Q8. What is your typical lead time?
For stock items: 10-15 days after order confirmation.
For custom production: About 30 days, depending on specifications and order quantity.
Q9. What quality certifications do you hold?
We issue MTC with every delivery. Our partner mills are ISO9001 certified. Additionally, we can facilitate third-party inspections (SGS, TÜV, BV, etc.) whenever required.
Q10. How do I request a quotation?
Simply send us your material grade, dimensions (size, thickness, length), quantity, and preferred trade term (FOB, CIF, DAP, etc.). We will provide a detailed quote within 24 hours.
Send Inquiry to This Supplier
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