430 Stainless Steel – Data Sheet, Properties, Hardening

The stainless steel grade 430 is classified as a ferritic grade and with moderate material properties. In comparison to austenitic stainless steels like 304 and 316Ti, 304 exhibits inferior resistance to corrosion, despite having a similarly high chromium content (16-18%). Unlike the popular V4A steels, however, this ferritic steel lacks nickel content as an alloying element. 430 is also known under the EN abbreviation X6Cr17 as well as under the material designation EN 1.4016.

430 data sheet

The chemical composition of 1.4016 ranges in the following values:

CSiMnPSCrNi
≤ 0.08%≤ 1 %≤ 1 %≤ 0.04%≤ 0.015%17%

Properties of 430

430 is a stainless steel grade with a rich chromium content of 17%. It demonstrates suitability for utilization in environments characterized by organic acids and low acid concentration media, but not in saline environments.

In terms of material properties, 430 exhibits commendable resistance to stress corrosion cracking attributable to its ferritic crystal structure, unlike numerous untreated austenitic steels that are prone to intergranular corrosion. Despite its favorable welding characteristics, 430’s resistance to stress corrosion cracking diminishes after welding and at elevated temperatures. The material can be used at temperatures up to 400 °C, and it evinces resistance to oxidation up to 870 °C.

Hardening of 430 stainless steel

Owing to its commendable mechanical properties, stainless steel grade 430 finds widespread applications in various fields, including dishwasher linings, automotive trim, range hoods, and more. However, it is only moderately corrosion resistant, in comparison to chromium-nickel stainless steels.

The BORINOX® process for hardening of stainless steel is noted for its potential to positively impact the durability of grade 430. In this low-pressure process, the material’s surface layer undergoes hardening, leading to enhanced resistance against wear, cold welding, and abrasion. Notably, unlike other hardening processes, BORINOX® does not influence crack formation