430 Stainless steel sheet

C	MN	P	S	SI	CR	NI
0.12% max	1.00% max	0.04%	0.03% max	1.00% max	16 - 18%	0.75%

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
	Metric	Imperial
Tensile Strength, Ultimate	450 MPa	65 ksi
Tensile Strength, Yield	205 MPa	30 ksi
Elongation at Break (in 2")	22%	22%
Rockwell Hardness	B89	B89

C:	0.12 max
Mn:	1.0 max
P:	0.040 max
S:	0.030 max
Si:	1.00 max
Cr:	16.0 – 18.0
Ni:	.75 max
N:	–
Fe:	BAL

Density
0.28 lb./in3 / (7.74 g/cm3)

Modulus of Elasticity (E)
29 x 103 ksi / (200 x 103MPa)

Coefficient of Expansion
5.8 x 10-6 microinches/in.-°F (70-600°F) / (10.4 μm/m-°C) (20-300°C)

Electrical Resistivity
23.68 μ ohm.in / (60 μ ohm.cm)

Thermal Conductivity
15.1 Btu-in./ft.2hr.-°F / (26.1 W/m-K)

430 stainless steel is classified as ferritic stainless steel, unlike the 304 and 316 grades, which are austenitic steels. This means that it has a ferrite or body-centered cubic crystalline structure rather than a face-centered one. As such, 430 stainless steel, unlike its 304 and 316 grade counterparts, is magnetic, because of its ferritic structure.

As ferritic steels go, 430 stainless steel is the most common. It is used in a variety of applications, mostly indoors. Its high chromium content offers great corrosion resistance, especially under normal atmospheric conditions. It is able to form passivated chromium oxide barriers, which are both tough and durable. And its high chromium content allows the 430 grade to self-renew this thin protective layer particularly fast.

430 stainless steel resists chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking better than many ferritic steels. It also holds up well against corrosion in the presence of dilute organic acids and many alkalis. This makes stainless steel 430 ideal for use in kitchen applications, such as utensils and working areas. It has also been shown to resist nitric acid well, making it suitable for certain chemical applications.

The 430 grade is a stainless steel best suited for mild corrosive environments. For more aggressive environments, it might be better recommended to choose a 300 series stainless like 304 of 316L . Without Molybdenum or Nickel additions, 430 stainless steel is significantly less expensive 316.  This makes 430 stainless steel a good value choice for non-critical indoor environments. In elevated temperatures, 430 stainless steel offers good resistance to oxidation as well.

430 stainless steel does have its drawbacks. It becomes brittle in cryogenic temperatures, a side-effect of its ferritic crystal structure. It is also not as easy to form and weld as the 300-series grades, but still has good drawdown facility. Galling is a possibility whenever it is machined, and the cutting edges can become extremely hot due to 430’s low thermal conductivity. Plenty of coolant is required while machining stainless steel 430.

As-welded 430 stainless steel is not suited for robust applications, embrittlement in the heat affected zone is a risk. At elevated temperatures, pitting and crevassing of 430 grade surfaces can occur. especially in low PH conditions.

430 stainless steel can be hot worked in the temperature range of 1500 to 1900° F. Once it has reached a uniform temperature, it can be fabricated by methods such as forging. The 430 grade is susceptible to excessive grain growth if exposed to high temperatures for too long, which reduces ductility. It should be air cooled quickly to room temperature. Slow cooling at less than 1000° F can cause embrittlement. This grade of stainless steel does not harden when heat treated, remaining ductile.

Stainless Steel 430 can be cold worked, but it does not work harden as rapidly as a 301 or 304 stainless steel.

This grade of stainless steel can be supplied in all the usual forms: sheet, strip, plate, bar and tube. Its low cost combined with good corrosion resistance lends itself well to the making of domestic appliances. A lot of 430 stainless is used in cookers, washing machines, and dishwashers. Stove element supports are often produced in 430 stainless steel. It can also be found in shallow draw/limited depth Stainless Steel sinks.

The motor industry uses a lot of 430 stainless steel in its automotive trim and muffler systems. You will also find it used for flue linings, industrial roofing, wall cladding, hinges, and fasteners.

430 stainless steel is an excellent lower cost alternative to the 304 grade for those mild corrosive environments. The corrosion resistance of stainless steel 430 is close to those stainless steels that contain nickel.

The 430 grade also offers great strength and takes the knocks of a working kitchen well. It has a pleasing finish, which is simple to maintain, and at low cost. This is why 430 stainless steel is often chosen for its aesthetic quality over its corrosion resistance. Contact one of our experienced representatives to learn more.