Stainless steel grade 430 is a very versatile ferritic stainless steel known for its excellent corrosion resistance, good formability, and cost-effectiveness compared to austenitic stainless steels. Due to its high chromium content, it is naturally magnetic.
In this guide, we will take a deep dive into the various properties, chemical composition, and application areas of stainless steel grade 430, and compare it to the more common 304 stainless steel to help you make the best choice for your project.
Stainless Steel Grade 430 Data Analysis (UNS S43000)
1. Summary
Containing 17% Cr, it exists as a mixed phase (α+γ) at high temperatures, and below 1000 °C, it is an α single-phase BCC structure.
Ferritic stainless steel is widely used.
2. Features
1) Excellent deep drawing performance, similar to 304 steel;
2) It has strong corrosion resistance to oxidizing acids, and certain corrosion resistance to lye and most organic and inorganic acids; its stress corrosion and cracking resistance is stronger than that of 304 steel;
3) The coefficient of thermal expansion is lower than that of 304 steel, with high oxidation resistance, suitable for heat-resistant equipment;
4) The appearance of cold-rolled products is bright and beautiful;
5) Compared with 304, the price is cheaper, and it is used as an alternative to 304 steel.
3. Scope of application
It is mainly used for high-polishing decoration purposes in a mild atmosphere, such as the surface of gas stoves, home appliance parts, tableware, interior decoration of buildings, sinks, washing tubs, etc.
4. Chemical Composition (JISG 4305-2005) (wt%)
Chemical composition | C | Si | Mn | P | S | Cr |
Standard | £0.12 | £0.75 | £1.00 | £0.040 | £0.030 | 16.00~18.00 |
General | 0.040 | 0.30 | 0.45 | 0.020 | 0.004 | 16.30 |
5. Performance (JIS G 4305-2005)
Distinguish | Mechanical properties | Processing performance | |||||
| Ys (Mpa) | Ts (Mpa) | El (%) | Hv | CCV | LDR | Er（mm） | |
Standard | ≥ 205 | ≥ 450 | ≥ 22 | ≤ 200 | – | – | – |
| General | 330 | 505 | 27 | 155 | 28.0 | 1.98 | 8.7 |
6. Physical Properties
Density (g/cm3) | Magnetic | Resistance (10-6.W.cm) | Specific heat 250C(J/kg.0C) | Thermal conductivity 1000C(W/m.0C) | Thermal expansion rate 20~1000C(10-6/0C) | Young’s modulus 200C(Gpa) |
| 7.70 | Have | 53.6 | 460 | 26.0 | 10.4 | 219 |
7. Heat treatment
Melting point: 1425~15100C;
Annealing: 780~8500C.
8. Use status
1) Annealing states:
NO. 1, 2D, 2B, N0.4, HL, BA, Mirror, and various other surface treatment states
9. Precautions for use
-Relative to 304, the tensile performance and welding performance are poor;
Because it is ferritic stainless steel, the strength is relatively low, and the work hardening ability is also low, so you should pay attention when choosing and using it.
After the stretching process, strip defects (ridging) in the rolling direction will appear on the surface, which brings great difficulties to the polishing operation.
430 vs 304 Stainless Steel: What’s the Difference?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions by customers. Understanding their core differences can help you save costs and choose the right material.
| Property | 430 Stainless Steel (Ferritic) | 304 Stainless Steel (Austenitic) | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower | Higher (due to nickel content) | Choose 430 if on a budget and in mild environments. |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good | Better | Choose 304 for outdoor, coastal, or harsh settings. |
| Magnetism | Magnetic | Non-magnetic | Choose 430 if magnetic properties are required. |
| Forming & Welding | Good | Excellent | Choose 304 for complex forming or high-quality welding. |
Want to learn more about 430 vs 304 stainless steel? [Read our 304 vs 430 stainless steel article]
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ
Is 430 stainless steel food grade?
Yes, 430 stainless steel is generally considered food safe and is widely used in the manufacture of kitchen utensils and food processing equipment. It can resist corrosion from organic acids in food very well.
Is 430 stainless steel really magnetic?
Yes, absolutely. As a ferritic stainless steel, its crystal structure makes it naturally magnetic. This can be used to easily distinguish it from most 300 series stainless steels (such as 304).
What is the welding performance of 430 stainless steel?
430 stainless steel can be welded, but attention should be paid to preheating and post-weld heat treatment to avoid brittle welds. It is feasible for undemanding or non-structural welding applications. It is generally not recommended for load-bearing structures that require high-quality welding.
General Properties of 430 Stainless Steel
Grade 430 stainless steel (also known as 1Cr17)
Excellent corrosion resistance: It can resist a variety of corrosive environments, especially indoor environments and organic acids.
Excellent formability: It is easy to bend, stamp, and stretch.
Good thermal conductivity: It conducts heat better than austenitic stainless steel.
Cost-effectiveness: It contains no nickel or very low nickel content, so the price is usually lower than 300 series stainless steel.
Natural magnetism: As a ferritic stainless steel, it is magnetic and can be used in applications that require magnetic attraction.