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Sign In 400 Series Stainless steel - Good Corrosion Resistance
10/14/2024
The 400 series stainless steel has a good combination of corrosion resistance and durability though is less corrosion resistant compared to the 300 series but stronger and magnetic.
WHAT IS THE 400 SERIES STAINLESS STEEL?
Stainless Steel series 400 is a martensitic or ferritic stainless steel that has little to no nickel content. This distinguishes the 400 series from the 300 stainless steel series and due to the no or little nickel content has a moderate corrosion resistance in some environments.
The higher carbon content in the stainless steel 400 series gives these steel grades a high strength and wear resistance in comparison too. Ferritic stainless steel is sometimes difficult to weld or fabricate but can be hardened by cold work whereas martensitic stainless steel in this series can be hardened by heat treatment. Both martensitic and ferritic stainless steel of the 400 series are magnetic.
WHY CHOOSE STAINLESS STEEL 400 SERIES?
The martensitic stainless steel 400 series is magnetic and hardenable to achieve a high hardness and strength as well as a high wear resistance.
The ferritic stainless steel 400 series is magnetic, ductile, is ideal for high temperatures but not hardenable and has a lower tensile strength.
Which grades of the 400 series stainless steel do we carry?
The 400-series table below shows the steel grades of the 400 series we carry in our portfolio with the level of corrosion resistance (1 low, 6 high), application examples and how much chromium they contain.
Grade | Corrosion resistance 1- 6 | Application (examples) | Chromium Content |
410 | 5 | Hydraulic engineering, environmental technology, pump industry | 11.5 - 13.5 % |
420 | 5 | Synthetic resin mold tools, machine knives, roller bearings | 12. 5 - 14.5 % |
420 mod. | 5 | Medical technology, petrochemical industry, architecture | 12 - 14 % |
420 RM | 6 | Plastic processing, steam valves, water valves, pump construction | 15.5 - 17.5 % |
420 ESR | 5 | Light metal die casting, kitchen knives, surgical instruments, measuring tools | 12.5 - 14.5 % |
420 LC | 6 | Steam valves, pump rods, fittings parts, plastic molds | 12.5 - 12.5 % |
420FM | 5 | Water valves, pump construction, plastic processing, injection tools | 15 - 17 % |
430F | 4 | Construction parts for automatic machining in water and steam, decoration | 15.5 - 17.5 % |
431 | 6 | Oil and petrol industrie, soap industry, piston rods, valve cones | 15 - 17 % |
440B | 6 | Injection nozzles plastic molds, surgical instruments | 17 - 19 % |
440C | 6 | Frozen food cutters, high stress components, Knives | 16 - 18 % |
SUMMARY
The 400 series of stainless steel can be used in many industries like the oil and petrol but also the soap industry. With little to no nickel it is not as corrosion resistant but has an advantage with better strength and wear resistance.
Martensitic and ferritic microstructure
Good corrosion resistance
Very ductile
Very good strength
Good wear resistance
Good high temperature resistance