Which type of stainless steel is characterized as more affordable yet less resistant to corrosion?

The correct answer is 201 stainless steel, which is known for being more affordable compared to other stainless steel grades while offering moderate corrosion resistance. This grade contains higher levels of manganese and nitrogen compared to other types, which helps keep production costs lower.

When discussing corrosion resistance, it's important to understand the specific alloying elements in each type of stainless steel. Grades 316 and 304, for example, have higher nickel content, which significantly enhances their resistance to corrosion, especially in marine or chemical environments. Grade 430, while more resistant to oxidation, does not contain nickel and generally stands lower in corrosion resistance compared to the austenitic grades like 304 and 316, making 201 a more cost-effective option while sacrificing some corrosion performance.

Overall, 201 stainless steel serves well in applications where good strength and moderate resistance to corrosion are required at a lower cost, often making it suitable for use in food processing, kitchen equipment, and certain architectural features.