202 (UNS S20200, Werkstoffnummer 1.4371, DIN/EN X3CrMnNiN18-8-7) is a low-nickel austenitic stainless steel that sits between 201 and 304 in the economy-austenitic family: manganese and nitrogen replace a large share of the nickel a standard 18-8 grade would use, while retaining somewhat more nickel than 201 for slightly better corrosion resistance and formability. Typical chemistry runs 17-19% chromium, 7.5-10% manganese, and 4-6% nickel, with nitrogen contributing meaningful solid-solution strength on top of what the manganese-stabilized austenite already provides.

202 is a common substitution for 304 in cost-sensitive applications — kitchen equipment, sinks, trim, railings, and general fabrication — where full nickel content isn't required for the service environment. As with the rest of this low-nickel family, the manganese-nitrogen chemistry that keeps material cost down also raises the work-hardening rate compared to a standard 18-8 stainless, which is the main thing to plan around at the cutting tool.

202 shares the low-nickel, manganese-nitrogen chemistry that defines this economy-austenitic family, and it work-hardens faster than 304 or 316 for the same reason as 201/201LN, just to a slightly lesser degree thanks to its somewhat higher nickel content. Any rubbing, dwelling, or light burnishing pass at the cutting edge strains and hardens the surface layer, and that hardened skin is measurably tougher to cut through on the next pass. Because 202 is non-heat-treatable, all of its strength comes from that same cold-work mechanism, which is exactly what a cutting edge triggers if it isn't shearing the material cleanly.

The response is consistent with the rest of the low-nickel austenitic family: keep the tool sharp, favor decisive feeds over light finishing passes, and avoid dwelling or backing off a dulling edge for another light skim. Sharp, positive-rake geometries reduce the rubbing that drives work hardening, and adequate coolant helps manage both heat and built-up edge, since 202 is also prone to some gumminess and adhesion at the cutting interface like other austenitic grades.

Assumes a well-matched insert grade, rigid tool and workpiece clamping, good-quality raw material, short tool overhang.

Turning

Parting / Grooving

Milling

A sharper edge preparation than a standard 304 setup helps the tool shear rather than burnish the surface, limiting work hardening.