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Stainless Steel Pass Box: SUS304 vs SUS201
Created on 01.15
Material Selection: A Critical Decision for Pass Box Performance
When specifying stainless steel pass boxes for cleanroom and controlled environment applications, material selection is one of the most important decisions that directly impacts performance, durability, compliance, and total cost of ownership. The two most common stainless steel grades used in pass box construction are SUS304 and SUS201, each with distinct properties and applications.
Key Question: Which stainless steel grade is right for your specific application? The answer depends on multiple factors including environmental conditions, cleaning protocols, regulatory requirements, and budget considerations.
SUS304 vs SUS201: Technical Comparison
Property / Characteristic | SUS304 (AISI 304) | SUS201 (AISI 201) |
Nickel Content | 8-10.5% (High) | 3.5-5.5% (Low) |
Chromium Content | 18-20% | 16-18% |
Manganese Content | ≤2% | 5.5-7.5% (High) |
Corrosion Resistance | Excellent - superior resistance to most chemicals and environments | Good - adequate for mild environments but less resistant than 304 |
Pitting & Crevice Corrosion | Highly resistant, especially with low chloride exposure | More susceptible, particularly in chloride-rich environments |
Strength & Hardness | Good strength, excellent formability | Higher yield strength, slightly harder |
Magnetism | Generally non-magnetic when annealed | Slightly magnetic, even when annealed |
Weldability | Excellent - maintains corrosion resistance after welding | Good - but may require post-weld treatment for optimal corrosion resistance |
Surface Finish Options | Excellent for all finishes: #4, #8, electropolished, etc. | Good, but may not achieve same luster as 304 for high-polish finishes |
Cost Factor | Higher (25-40% more than 201) | More economical |
Application Recommendations
SUS304 Recommended
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing - Especially for sterile areas, injectable production, and facilities requiring frequent aggressive chemical sanitization.
Biotechnology & Life Sciences - Where corrosion resistance is critical for maintaining sterile conditions and preventing contamination.
Coastal Facilities - Environments with high chloride/salt exposure in the air.
FDA-Regulated Applications - Where material traceability and corrosion resistance are compliance requirements.
SUS201 Suitable
General Cleanroom Areas - Non-critical zones with controlled humidity and minimal chemical exposure.
Electronics Manufacturing - Dry environments where corrosion risk is low and budget considerations are important.
Food Processing (Dry Areas) - Non-corrosive food processing environments with proper cleaning protocols.
Budget-Conscious Projects - Applications where cost is a primary constraint and environmental conditions are mild.
Key Decision Factors
1. Environmental Conditions
Assess the specific environment where the pass box will be installed. Consider factors such as humidity levels, temperature fluctuations, chemical exposure (disinfectants, cleaning agents), and potential chloride presence. SUS304 is superior for harsh or variable environments.
2. Cleaning & Sanitization Protocols
If your facility uses aggressive cleaning chemicals (peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, chlorine-based disinfectants), SUS304 provides better long-term resistance. For mild detergents and less frequent cleaning, SUS201 may be sufficient.
3. Regulatory Requirements
Pharmaceutical (GMP), food (FDA, USDA), and certain industrial standards may specify material requirements. Many regulatory frameworks implicitly require the corrosion resistance of 304-grade stainless steel for critical applications.
4. Total Cost of Ownership
While SUS201 has a lower initial cost, consider long-term factors: replacement frequency, maintenance costs, and potential contamination risks. In many cases, SUS304 offers better value over the equipment lifecycle.
GCC Expert Recommendation
For the majority of cleanroom and controlled environment applications, we recommend SUS304 stainless steel for pass box construction. The superior corrosion resistance, proven performance in aggressive cleaning environments, and compliance with stringent industry standards make it the preferred choice for critical applications.
SUS201 can be a suitable alternative for specific applications where budget constraints are significant and environmental conditions are consistently mild and controlled. However, we advise thorough evaluation of long-term risks before selecting 201-grade stainless steel.
As a manufacturer, GCC provides both options with full transparency about material properties and performance expectations.
Why Choose GCC for Your Stainless Steel Pass Box?
· Material Expertise: We provide unbiased guidance on material selection based on your specific application requirements.
· Quality Assurance: All our stainless steel materials come with proper certification and traceability documentation.
· Custom Fabrication: Precision manufacturing with attention to weld quality, surface finish, and sanitary design principles.
· Complete Solutions: From material selection to installation support and validation documentation.
· Industry Compliance: Our pass boxes meet or exceed GMP, FDA, and ISO standards for cleanroom equipment.
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