Stainless steel 430 / 430F

430 is a non-heat-hardenable ferritic chromium (16–18%) stainless steel that combines :

  • Good corrosion resistance (especially against organic acids and nitric acid).
  • Excellent formability .
  • Good mechanical properties .

Grade 430F is a machine-machinable version of grade 430, with a higher sulfur content to improve machinability on automatic machines. It is primarily supplied in bar form.

Chemical composition (%)

Grade C Mn Yes P S Cr Mo
430 ≤0.12 ≤1.00 ≤1.00 ≤0.040 ≤0.030 16.0–18.0 ≤0.75
430F ≤0.12 ≤1.25 ≤1.00 ≤0.06 ≥0.15 16.0–18.0

Mechanical properties

Grade Tensile strength (MPa) Yield strength (0.2%) (MPa) Elongation (%) HRB hardness Hardness HB
430 ≥450 ≥205 ≥22 ≤89 ≤183
430F (typical) 552 379 25 262

Physical properties (annealed condition)

Property Value
Density 7700 kg/m³
Modulus of elasticity 200 GPa
Coefficient of thermal expansion (0–538°C) 11.4 µm/m°C
Thermal conductivity (at 100°C) 23.9 W/m K
Thermal conductivity (at 500°C) 26.0 W/m K
Specific heat 460 J/kg K
Electrical resistivity 600 nΩ m

Corrosion resistance

  • Good in moderate indoor environments.
  • Limited pitting resistance compared to 304 and 316.
  • Maximum performance achievable with polished or shiny surfaces.
  • Not recommended for prolonged outdoor exposure without protection.

Heat resistance

  • Oxidation:
    • Up to 870°C in intermittent service.
    • Up to 815°C in continuous service.
  • Fragility:
    • Possible after prolonged exposure to 400–600°C; can be removed by annealing.

Heat treatments

  • Solution annealing: 815–845°C, slow cooling in a furnace to 600°C, then rapid cooling in air.
  • Subcritical annealing: 760–815°C, air or water cooling.
  • Not hardenable by heat treatment.

Weldability

  • Preheat to 150–200°C.
  • Post-heat to 790–815°C to reduce embrittlement.
  • Use filler type 430, 308L, 309 or 310 depending on the application.

Workability

  • 430: Easier to work than austenitics, but with risk of sticking.
  • 430F: Highly workable, specific for high-speed automatic machining.

Industrial applications

  • Appliances: Dishwasher interior linings, refrigerator panels.
  • Automotive: Decorative profiles, interior finishes.
  • Chemical industry: Equipment in contact with dilute nitric acid.
  • Kitchen Appliances: Hob Rings, Heating Element Brackets.

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