430F Stainless Steel – Properties, Applications, Hardening
The material 430F is a martensitic steel grade with a high chromium and sulfur content, where F stands for the free machining version of 430. Due to its crystal structure, the material is magnetic, unlike austenitic steels, and well suited for machining. It has the EN abbreviation X14CrMoS17 and the EN designation 1.4104.
430F data sheet and properties
According to DIN EN 10088-3, the chemical composition of 430F is as follows:
| C | Si | Mn | P | S | Cr | Mo |
| 0.1 – 0.17% | 0 – 1 % | 0 – 1.5 % | 0 – 0.04% | 0.15 – 0.35% | 15.5 – 17.5 % | 0.2 – 0.6 % |
The mechanical properties of 430F steel are influenced by the high sulfur content, resulting in both positive and negative effects. The machinability of the material is remarkably good due to the sulfur addition, while the weldability is adversely impacted by the alloy. The corrosion resistance of this stainless steel, despite its high chromium content, is also negatively affected by the elevated sulfur levels. Furthermore, the material is susceptible to pitting corrosion and crevice corrosion.
Overall, the mechanical properties of 430F steel are rated as good, with potential for further enhancement through quenching and tempering. However, heat treatment is ineffective in hardening 430F steel.
Overall, the mechanical properties are rated as good and can be further improved by quenching and tempering. However, 430F is not responsive to hardening by heat treatment.
Applications of 430F
430F is used in a wide range of applications:
- Automotive industry
- Kitchen equipment
- Electronic equipment
The favorable machinability of 430F steel enables easier machining compared to similar stainless steels. This stainless steel is commonly preferred for kitchen fittings due to its high machinability. It is also frequently utilized for decorative purposes. Although its weldability is reduced and its corrosion resistance is impaired, it can still be employed for various components, particularly for structural parts in water applications
Hardening of 430F
The wear protection of 430F steel can be significantly enhanced through our BORINOX® process for stainless steel hardening. This innovative diffusion process enables the attainment of an exceptionally high and durable surface hardness. As stainless steel is primarily vulnerable to pitting corrosion, post-treatment of the components is recommended to further improve their corrosion resistance.
