416 Stainless Steel
416 is a free-machining martensitic stainless steel designed for high cutting efficiency and stable turning results. Its sulfur addition improves chip breaking and helps reduce tool wear during mass production of precision components.
416 is heat-treatable and magnetic. It offers moderate corrosion resistance in mild environments, but it is generally less corrosion resistant than similar non-free-machining martensitic grades.
Alloy focus
Free-machining (S added)
Excellent performance for cutting and turning.
Heat treatment
Quench + temper
Can reach about 30–40 HRC by process selection.
Corrosion resistance
Moderate (mild service)
Not recommended for marine or chloride-rich exposure.
Magnetism
Magnetic
Magnetic in annealed and hardened states.
416 is a practical choice for parts that need clean machining, good strength, and controlled dimensions. It is widely used in screw-machine production and precision mechanical assemblies.
- Fasteners: bolts, nuts, and threaded parts
- Pumps and valves: pump shafts and valve stems
- Mechanical parts: gears, bushings, and shafts
- Instrumentation: housings and precision components
- Hydraulic hardware: machined parts and fittings used in mild service
416 is identified by different systems across global supply chains. Equivalents support cross-reference, but the purchase order should follow the required standard and product form.
| System | Designation | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM / AISI | 416 | Common grade name |
| UNS | S41600 | Used for identification and MTC |
| EN | 1.4005 | European designation |
| DIN | X12CrS13 | DIN naming format |
| JIS | SUS416 | Common in project documents |
| GOST / GB | 12Х13 / Y12CrS13 (1Cr13S) | Regional equivalents |
- Excellent machinability: designed for fast, stable cutting and good chip control.
- Moderate corrosion resistance:
- Strength after heat treatment:
- Dimensional stability:
- Magnetic:
- Cost-effective:
The values below reflect common limits used for ordering. Always confirm final chemistry on the Mill Test Certificate.
| Element | Typical limit / range | Role |
|---|---|---|
| C | 0.08–0.15% | Supports strength and hardening response |
| Cr | 12.0–14.0% | Base oxidation and corrosion resistance |
| Ni | ≤ 1.0% | Supports toughness (limited in this grade) |
| Mn / Si | Mn ≤ 1.25%, Si ≤ 1.0% | Processing and deoxidation control |
| P | ≤ 0.04% | Impurity control |
| S | 0.10–0.30% | Improves machinability and chip breaking |
| Fe | Balance | Base metal |
Values vary by product form and size. For engineering design, use the governing specification and code tables.
| Property | Typical value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | ≥ 550 MPa | Common reference (ASTM ordering) |
| Yield strength (0.2%) | ≥ 275 MPa | Common reference (ASTM ordering) |
| Elongation | ≥ 15% | Annealed reference |
| Hardness | ≤ 217 HBW | Typical max in specification |
416 typically performs well in fresh water, dry air, steam, and mild alkali or mild acid exposure. It is mainly selected for machining efficiency rather than maximum corrosion resistance.
Due to the sulfur content, 416 is generally less corrosion resistant than comparable non-free-machining martensitic grades. Avoid marine, acidic, or chloride-rich environments where pitting risk is high.
416 can be supplied across common stainless product forms. Availability depends on tolerances, finish, inspection scope, and lead time.
| Form | Typical size range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sheet (cold rolled) | Thickness 0.3–6.0 mm, width 1000–2000 mm | Cut-to-size available |
| Plate (hot rolled) | Thickness 3–100 mm, width 1000–2000 mm | For heavy parts and machining stock |
| Cold-rolled coil | Thickness 0.3–6.0 mm, width 1000–2000 mm | Slitting and cut-to-length available |
| Hot-rolled coil | Thickness 3–14 mm, width 1000–2000 mm | Used for thicker projects |
| Strip | Width 7–600 mm, thickness 0.3–10 mm | Parts production |
| Seamless pipe | OD ≤ 610 mm, WT 1–100 mm | Specify NDT, hydrotest, and marking rules |
| Welded pipe | OD 6–3000 mm, WT 1–100 mm | Define welding method and inspection scope |
| Round bar | Diameter 1–200 mm, length 100–12000 mm | Best for machining and shafts |
| Flat bar | Width 20–800 mm, thickness 3–60 mm | Supports and fabricated parts |
| Angle / channel / beam | Angle 20–250 mm; channel 50–400 mm; beam 100–1000 mm (typical) | Project-driven supply, confirm exact sizes |
- Machining: designed for outstanding machinability. Use sharp tools, stable clamping, and coolant for best finish.
- Welding: generally not recommended because sulfur can increase hot cracking risk. If welding is unavoidable, use a qualified procedure and consider post-heat treatment.
- Heat treatment: anneal, harden, and temper to reach the required balance of hardness and toughness.
- Surface finishing: grinding and polishing improve appearance and can support better corrosion performance.
| Process | Typical range | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Annealing | 815–900°C, slow furnace cool | Softens for machining and forming |
| Hardening | 925–980°C, oil or air quench | Builds strength and hardness |
| Tempering | 200–370°C | Adjusts hardness and improves toughness |
These martensitic grades are often compared in RFQs. 416 is usually selected when machining efficiency is the top priority.
| Property | 410 | 416 | 420 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Machinability | Good | Excellent | Fair |
| Hardness (after heat treatment) | High | Medium–High | Very high |
| Corrosion resistance | Good | Moderate | Moderate |
| Toughness | Better | Lower | Lower |
| Sulfur content (typical) | ≤ 0.03% | 0.10–0.30% | ≤ 0.03% |
| Typical use | Shafts and valves | Fasteners and precision parts | Knives and blades |
Use these internal tools to confirm equivalents, estimate weight, and plan tolerances before you issue an RFQ.
What is the main benefit of 416 stainless steel?
416 is selected for excellent machinability. It is commonly used for high-volume turning and screw-machine parts where stable cutting is important.
Is 416 stainless steel magnetic?
Yes. 416 is martensitic and is magnetic in both annealed and hardened states.
Is 416 suitable for marine or chloride environments?
It is usually not recommended for marine, acidic, or chloride-rich exposure. It is designed for machining efficiency, not maximum corrosion resistance.
Can 416 be welded?
Welding is generally not recommended because sulfur can increase cracking risk. If welding is unavoidable, use a qualified welding procedure and consider post-weld heat treatment.
What should I provide for a fast quote?
Send product form, standard, size, quantity, surface finish, tolerance, delivery condition (annealed or heat treated), inspection needs, and destination port.