400 Series Stainless Steel

400 series stainless steel is a family of alloys containing ferritic and martensitic stainless steels. The main characteristics are high chromium content and little or no nickel, which is an austenitic constituent element. This series of stainless steels is mainly used in applications where wear resistance and oxidation resistance are required.

Typical alloys of 400 series stainless steels include 410, 420, and 430. Each of these has unique properties and uses:

1. 410 stainless steel is a type of martensitic stainless steel, which provides good wear resistance and medium corrosion resistance. It contains approximately 11.5-13.5% chromium and is mainly used for blades, pumps, and valves. 410 can improve strength through heat treatment, but excessive hardening can increase breakage vulnerability.
2. 420 stainless steel has a high carbon content, which provides higher hardness and sharpness. It is mainly used in surgical instruments and other sharp applications. It has excellent cutting performance through heat treatment, but its corrosion resistance may be lower than 410 stainless steel due to its high carbon content.
3. 430 stainless steel is a ferritic stainless steel, containing about 16-18% chromium, and is mainly used in household appliances, tableware, and architectural decoration materials that require good corrosion resistance. 430 is non-magnetic and provides excellent heat resistance, but its mechanical properties and weldability are inferior to 300 series stainless steel.

400 series stainless steel is generally an attractive choice due to its lower cost and superior performance under certain conditions. However, they can generally have lower corrosion resistance and lower toughness compared to austenitic stainless steels, so the performance of the alloy in the appropriate environment must be thoroughly examined before use. In particular, in environments where corrosion resistance is important, proper alloy selection is essential.

‍