430 Stainless Steel
430 is one of the most widely used ferritic stainless steels. Buyers select it for a bright surface, reliable indoor corrosion resistance, and stable pricing.
430 is magnetic in all conditions. It is commonly supplied with 2B, BA, brushed, or mirror finishes for visible parts.
Alloy position
Nickel-free ferritic
High chromium, low nickel for cost control.
Surface potential
High polishability
BA and mirror finishes are widely used.
Oxidation resistance
Up to ~815°C
Intermittent service can be higher.
Magnetism
Magnetic
A practical benefit in some assemblies.
430 performs well in indoor and mildly humid environments. It is often chosen when surface appearance and cost stability matter.
- Home appliances: refrigerator panels, washing machine parts, microwave interiors, range hoods
- Kitchen and food equipment: sinks, counters, cookware, tableware, trims
- Architecture and decoration: elevator panels, interior wall panels, door frames, handrails
- Automotive: interior trim, heat shields, selected exhaust parts in low-corrosion areas
- General industry: sanitary hardware, electrical enclosures, furniture components
430 is identified by several standards in RFQs and drawings. For purchasing, always follow the specified standard and acceptance requirements.
| System | Designation | Note |
|---|---|---|
| AISI / ASTM | 430 | Common grade name |
| UNS | S43000 | Common in specifications and MTCs |
| EN | 1.4016 | European grade number |
| DIN | X6Cr17 | European naming format |
| JIS | SUS430 | Common ordering name in Asia |
| GOST | 12X17 | Often shown in regional documents |
| GB | 10Cr17 | China standard naming format |
- Reliable indoor corrosion resistance: suitable for household and interior environments.
- Excellent polishability: supports BA and mirror finishes for decorative parts.
- Good formability: suitable for bending, stamping, and deep drawing for many products.
- Heat stability: good oxidation resistance for moderate temperature service.
- Cost stability: nickel-free chemistry supports steady sourcing budgets.
- Magnetic: magnetic in all conditions.
Limits can vary slightly by standard and mill route. Use the Mill Test Certificate as the final verification for your delivered heat.
| Grade | Standard | C | Cr | Ni | Mn | Si | P | S | Fe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 430 / S43000 | ASTM A240 | ≤ 0.12 | 16.0–18.0 | ≤ 0.75 | ≤ 1.0 | ≤ 1.0 | ≤ 0.04 | ≤ 0.03 | Balance |
| 1.4016 | EN 10088-2 | ≤ 0.08 | 16.0–18.0 | ≤ 0.75 | ≤ 1.0 | ≤ 1.0 | ≤ 0.04 | ≤ 0.03 | Balance |
| SUS430 | JIS G 4304 / G 4305 | ≤ 0.12 | 16.0–18.0 | ≤ 0.75 | ≤ 1.0 | ≤ 1.0 | ≤ 0.04 | ≤ 0.03 | Balance |
| 10Cr17 | GB/T 3280 | ≤ 0.08 | 16.0–18.0 | ≤ 0.60 | ≤ 1.0 | ≤ 1.0 | ≤ 0.04 | ≤ 0.015 | Balance |
Values depend on thickness, finish, and product form. Use the governing specification for acceptance and design.
| Property | Typical requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 450–600 MPa | Typical range for common supply |
| Yield strength | 240–300 MPa | Confirm by thickness and condition |
| Elongation | ≥ 22% | Supports many forming operations |
| Hardness | ≤ 200 HBW | Reference for typical supply routes |
430 performs well in indoor environments, household service, and mild atmospheres. It can also perform in fresh water and some weak acid exposures when the surface is kept clean.
It is not recommended for marine exposure, high-chloride areas, or strongly acidic or alkaline conditions. If those risks exist, it is safer to evaluate 316L or duplex grades.
For heat exposure, 430 provides oxidation resistance up to about 815°C in continuous service. Intermittent service can reach about 870°C when conditions are controlled.
430 can be supplied in common stainless product forms. Availability depends on finish, tolerance, inspection scope, and packing requirements.
| Form | Typical size range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sheet (cold rolled) | 0.3–6.0 mm, width 1000–2000 mm | Common for appliance and decorative panels |
| Plate (hot rolled) | 3–100 mm, width 1000–2000 mm | For thicker fabrication stock |
| Cold-rolled coil | 0.3–6.0 mm, width 1000–2000 mm | Slitting and cut-to-length available |
| Hot-rolled coil | 3–14 mm, width 1000–2000 mm | For heavier coil supply routes |
| Strip | 0.3–10 mm, width 7–600 mm | Often used for formed components |
| Seamless pipe | OD ≤ 610 mm, WT 1–100 mm | Confirm test scope if required |
| Welded pipe | OD 6–3000 mm, WT 1–100 mm | Define weld type and surface requirements |
| Round bar | Diameter 1–200 mm, length 100–12000 mm | Machining and fabricated parts |
| Flat bar | Width 20–800 mm, thickness 3–60 mm | Frames and supports |
| Angle bar | Side 20–250 mm, thickness 3–35 mm | Made to order by section size |
| Channel | Height 50–400 mm, thickness 4–20 mm | Made to order by section size |
| H beam | Height 100–1000 mm, thickness 6–40 mm | Project-based supply |
- Machining: moderate machinability. Use stable tooling and coolant for consistent runs.
- Forming: suitable for stamping and deep drawing in many common thicknesses.
- Welding: weldable, but control heat input to reduce grain growth in the HAZ.
- Preheat: for thicker sections, preheat around 150–200°C to reduce cracking risk.
- Post-weld: for demanding service, annealing can improve toughness and corrosion stability.
Common supply finishes include 2B and BA. Brushed and mirror finishes are often selected for visible panels and decorative parts.
If you need clean appearance after fabrication, define protective film, handling rules, and packing method. This reduces scratches during processing and transport.
These grades are frequently compared during sourcing. 430 is often selected for appearance and indoor corrosion resistance at a controlled cost.
| Feature | 430 | 304 | 410 | 409 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | Good | Excellent | Moderate | Basic |
| Heat resistance | Very good | Good | Very good | Good |
| Strength | Medium | Medium | High | Low |
| Weldability | Good | Excellent | Moderate | Excellent |
| Formability | Excellent | Excellent | Moderate | Good |
| Magnetic | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Cost position | Low | High | Low | Very low |
Use these tools to confirm equivalents, check tolerances, and prepare a clear RFQ before purchasing.
What type of stainless steel is 430?
430 is a ferritic stainless steel with high chromium and very low nickel. It is magnetic and widely used for decorative and indoor service.
Is 430 stainless steel magnetic?
Yes. 430 is magnetic in all conditions due to its ferritic structure.
Is 430 stainless steel rust-proof?
Not fully. It resists corrosion better than carbon steel, but it can rust in wet, salty, or chloride-rich environments. For coastal or heavy salt exposure, 316L or duplex grades are usually safer.
Can 430 stainless steel be welded?
Yes, but welding needs good heat control. For thicker parts, preheating and lower heat input can reduce cracking risk. For demanding service, post-weld heat treatment may improve toughness.
How does 430 compare with 304?
304 usually provides better corrosion resistance in aggressive environments. 430 is often more cost-stable and is widely used for decorative and indoor parts where chloride exposure is limited.
Can 430 be polished to a mirror finish?
Yes. 430 has strong polishability and can be supplied in BA or mirror finishes for visible panels and trims.
