gvan, There is something wrong with your numbers. They don't scale right.
Current sheet prices, base + surcharge
304L $1.05 + $1.10 = $2.15
316L $1.25 + $1.85 = $3.10
201 $0.90 + $0.66 = $1.56
2205 $2.00 + $1.55 = $3.55
I don't have current 2101 and 2003 numbers.
I would guess that 2101 is about $1.45 + $0.40 = $1.85 and 2003 is roughly $1.65 + $0.90 = $2.55
These are estimates based on what I have seen recently for sheet pricing.
Remember, stainless is price in effect. Place your order now and you will pay whatever the base price and surcharge is in 16 weeks. The wills will not hold a base price.
I expect to see another 10-15% increase before the end of the year.
Mac, Yes, the lean duplex grades are the preferable options, but availability will be the driver here.
My favorite example of substitution is a 4%Mo, Mn rich alloy with tons of N. It has the same pitting and crevice corrosion resistance as traditional 6%Mo supersutenitic grades.
I have seen some very bad '201' out of Asia. It was not a stable austenitic alloy. Come on, use a little Ni.
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Rust never sleeps
Neither should your protection