Hello -
Given current trends with nickel pricing, and thereby stainless steel surcharges, our company is considering a move from 304 to 201. The vendors we're considering (most of them in Asia) produce a 201 product that is .8 to 1.2% nickel. We are concerned about the potential for corrosion.
We are a manufacture of stainless steel furniture components - table & desk bases, etc. By and large are products are made from 16 and 18 gage tubing of various sizes / dimensions. The products for which we'd consider this move are strictly for INDOOR applications. However, some of our pieces do end up in seaside homes where the climate is more humid.
Our understanding is that this .8% nickel 201 material is widely used in store fixture and [residential] kitchen appliance applications. Can anyone confirm this? Perhaps someone can share their experience using
201? Have you run into corrosion problems? Are there issues with the general appearance of the material changing over time (finish / sheen)? Any other problems either machining and /or welding 201?Any and all your help would be much appreciated.
Thank You!