Difference between SS 304 and 202

 

What Is The Difference Between SS 304 And SS 202

The amount of nickel and chromium in stainless steels 304 and 202 is the main distinction between them. These two stainless steels are austenitic. In comparison to the 304 grade, which has 18% minimum chromium and 8% minimum nickel, the 202 grade has a minimum chromium content of 16 percent and a minimum nickel content of 0.5 percent. Both of the steels lack magnetic properties. Both materials have identical tensile strengths of 515 MPa, but the yield strength of the 202 material is greater at 275 MPa, while the yield strength of the 304 material is around 205 MPa. Both materials also contain silicon, nitrogen, carbon, phosphorus, sulphur, manganese, iron, and silicon in their constitution.

How To Identify SS 304 And SS 202?

When neither material has corroded, they resemble one another. A spark test is the most reliable visual cue. 304 produces sparks that fly farther and are more reddish when pulverised using a grinder. This is because the material has a higher density and contains a lot of nickel. Yellowish sparks that go further are produced by the 202 spark test. The 202 material would rust more during the corrosion tests conducted in salt water or sodium chloride than the 304 material.

SS 304 And SS 202 Uses And Application

The requirements of the application determine the applications primarily. Applications requiring high strength and corrosiveness should use 304 rather than 202. However, the 202 material is far more affordable than the 304 and might be used in some cases. The 304 is preferred for uses like building gates that must last longer. The 202 material is less expensive and can be used in applications like kitchenware that are cleaned frequently. Additionally, as 202 has a limited corrosion resistance, it should only be used in situations with low corrosion risk.

SS 304 And SS 202 Weldability

It is simpler to weld with the 202 material than the 304 because it contains more iron. The majority of conventional welding techniques might be used to join the pieces without the need for preheating or post-weld heating. Although welding the 304 is more difficult than the 202 grade, it can still be done using most conventional welding techniques. The 202 grade, in contrast, has a higher potential for high chromium carbide precipitation and the development of many intergranular particles, both of which can cause localised corrosion.

The 304 material develops less intergranular corrosion and rust after welding. The 202 material is prone to corrosion at the welded joints where the 304 is less prone to corrosion at the welded joints compared to the 202 grade.

Price Difference Between SS 304 And SS 202

Given that it contains less nickel than the 304 grade, the 202 grade is unquestionably less expensive. Because the amount of nickel is over ten times smaller, the price has been significantly reduced. The 304 material is more expensive than the 202 material, but it is one of the most often used materials in metal applications because of its cost-effectiveness in addition to its strength and corrosion resistance.

SS 202 Vs SS 304 Which Is Better For Kitchen?

The choice of materials is influenced by a number of variables. The 202 material can be utilised if inexpensive cookware is required. The greatest option would be 304 materials if the cookware needed to last longer with less corrosion. The 202 material is typically used for applications and kitchenware.