If you’re searching for a cost-effective stainless steel with good corrosion resistance and magnetic properties, AISI 430 stainless steel is a standout choice. As a ferritic grade, it’s widely used in everyday products and industrial applications alike. This guide will walk you through its key specs, performance, and how to work with it—so you can make the right choice for your project.
1. AISI 430 Stainless Steel: Overview & Key Specifications
To start, let’s break down the basics of AISI 430 stainless steel—from its chemical makeup to industry standards.
Chemical Composition
The AISI 430 composition is what defines its properties. It contains 16–18% chromium, which gives it corrosion resistance, and very little nickel (unlike austenitic grades like 304). Other elements include manganese (max 1.0%), silicon (max 1.0%), and a 430 carbon range of max 0.12%. This simple composition keeps costs low while maintaining performance.
Industry Standards & Equivalents
AISI 430 is governed by global standards to ensure consistency:
- 430 UNS S43000: The official identifier in the Unified Numbering System.
- 430 ASTM A240/A276: ASTM A240 covers plates and sheets; ASTM A276 applies to bars and wire.
- 430 EN 1.4016 equivalent: The European standard match, used widely in EU-based projects.
Physical & Mechanical Properties
Below is a table of critical properties that make AISI 430 stainless steel useful for many applications:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| 430 density | 7.75 g/cm³ |
| 430 melting point | 1425 °C |
| 430 yield strength | 205 MPa |
| 430 tensile strength | 450 MPa |
| 430 Brinell hardness | 150–180 HB |
| 430 ferritic microstructure | Gives it magnetic properties and good ductility |
| 430 magnetic permeability | Strongly magnetic (unlike non-magnetic austenitic grades) |
Example: A manufacturer of kitchen appliances uses AISI 430 stainless steel for fridge doors. Its magnetic permeability lets magnets stick to the surface, and its Brinell hardness (150–180 HB) resists scratches from daily use.
2. Corrosion Resistance & Environmental Performance
AISI 430 stainless steel offers solid corrosion resistance in mild environments—here’s how it performs.
Key Corrosion Behaviors
- 430 atmospheric corrosion: Excellent resistance to dry and slightly humid air. It’s often used for outdoor architectural cladding that doesn’t face saltwater.
- 430 mild chloride tolerance: Can handle low chloride levels (like indoor plumbing) but may rust in coastal areas or saltwater.
- 430 oxidation resistance up to 870 °C: Maintains strength and resists scaling at high temperatures—great for heat exchanger fins or exhaust covers.
- 430 stress corrosion cracking immunity: Unlike some grades, it won’t crack under stress in corrosive environments (a big plus for structural parts).
Chemical Resistance & Testing
- 430 sulfuric acid limits: Resists dilute sulfuric acid (up to 10% concentration) at room temperature but should avoid high concentrations.
- 430 nitric acid resistance: Handles dilute nitric acid well, making it suitable for food equipment that uses mild cleaning chemicals.
- 430 salt spray test ASTM B117: In this test, it typically shows minimal rust after 48–72 hours (ideal for indoor or sheltered outdoor use).
- 430 intergranular corrosion risk: Low risk if not heated above 600 °C for long. If welded, a post-weld anneal can further reduce this risk.
Case Study: A company makes 430 stainless steel washing machine drums. The drums face water and detergent (mild chemicals), and 430 corrosion resistance keeps them rust-free for 10+ years. Customers rarely report drum rust—even with weekly use.
3. Heat Treatment & Microstructure Control
Proper heat treatment helps get the most out of AISI 430 stainless steel—here’s what you need to know.
Common Heat Treatment Processes
| Process | Temperature | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 430 annealing 750–850 °C | 750–850 °C (slow cool) | Reduces hardness, improves ductility, and relieves stress |
| 430 residual stress relief | 600–700 °C | Removes stress from welding or cold working |
| 430 hot working range 1100–800 °C | 1100–800 °C | Shapes the metal (e.g., forging or rolling) without cracking |
Critical Considerations
- 430 sigma phase formation 475 °C: Avoid holding the metal at 400–500 °C for long. This creates a brittle “sigma phase” that weakens the material.
- 430 ferrite grain size ASTM 5–8: The ideal grain size (ASTM 5–8) balances strength and ductility. Use controlled annealing to maintain this size.
- 430 cold work strain hardening: Cold working (like bending) increases hardness—anneal if you need to shape it further.
- 430 recrystallization temperature: Around 650 °C—heating above this temp softens the metal after cold working.
Example: A fabricator bends AISI 430 stainless steel sheets into elevator panels. After bending, they anneal at 750 °C to reduce hardness—this makes the panels easier to polish to a mirror finish.
4. Welding, Fabrication & Machining Guidelines
Working with AISI 430 stainless steel requires specific steps to avoid issues—here’s your guide.
Welding Tips
- 430 weldability challenges: Welding can cause grain coarsening (making the metal brittle). Preheating and post-weld annealing help.
- 430 preheat 150–200 °C: Preheating slows cooling and reduces cracking risk.
- 430 filler metal ER430/439: These fillers match the base metal’s composition, ensuring strong, corrosion-resistant welds.
- 430 post-weld anneal: Anneal at 750–850 °C after welding to restore ductility and reduce stress.
Machining & Fabrication
- 430 machining speeds and feeds: Use speeds of 150–250 m/min (for turning) and feeds of 0.1–0.3 mm/rev. This prevents overheating.
- 430 tool life with carbide inserts: Carbide tools last 3–4x longer than high-speed steel (HSS) when machining AISI 430.
- 430 formability limits: It can be bent up to 180° (for thin sheets) and has good 430 deep drawability—great for making washing machine drums or food containers.
- 430 spin forming parameters: Use slow spin speeds (500–1000 RPM) for thick parts to avoid distortion.
Case Study: An automotive supplier makes 430 stainless steel trim. They use deep drawing to shape the trim, then machine edges with carbide tools. The process produces 10,000+ trim pieces per month with minimal defects—thanks to proper machining speeds and feeds.
5. Product Forms, Sizes & Supply Chain
AISI 430 stainless steel comes in many forms to fit different projects—here’s what’s available.
Common Product Forms
- 430 stainless steel plate thicknesses: 2–100 mm (used for industrial machinery parts).
- 430 sheet gauge chart: 26 gauge (0.45 mm) to 8 gauge (4.0 mm) (used for kitchen appliances and trim).
- 430 coil slit widths: 50–1600 mm (used for mass-produced parts like heat exchanger fins).
- 430 round bar stock: Diameters 5–200 mm (used for fasteners and small components).
- 430 seamless tube ASTM A268: Sizes ½–8 inches (used for plumbing and chemical lines).
- 430 mirror finish sheets: Available in 0.5–3 mm thicknesses (used for elevator panels and display cabinets).
Supply Chain Tips
- 430 flat bar tolerances: Most suppliers offer tolerances of ±0.1 mm for thickness—ideal for precision parts.
- 430 angle iron sizes: Common sizes include 20x20x3 mm to 100x100x10 mm (used for structural supports).
- 430 custom blanks: Suppliers can cut blanks to your exact size (e.g., 300×500 mm for appliance parts) with 1–2 week lead times.
- 430 perforated sheet patterns: Holes range from 1–10 mm in diameter (used for ventilation grilles).
6. Industry Applications & Case Studies
AISI 430 stainless steel is used in countless products—here are some key examples.
Key Applications
- 430 automotive trim: Resists scratches and mild weather, making it perfect for car bumpers and door trim.
- 430 kitchen appliances: Used for fridge doors, oven exteriors, and dishwasher panels (thanks to its magnetic properties and corrosion resistance).
- 430 washing machine drums: Handles water and detergent without rusting.
- 430 architectural cladding: Adds a sleek look to buildings and resists atmospheric corrosion.
- 430 heat exchanger fins: Withstands high temperatures (up to 870 °C) and transfers heat efficiently.
- 430 solar water heater tanks: Resists corrosion from water and works well in outdoor settings.
Real-World Example: A furniture company uses 430 stainless steel display cabinets for retail stores. The mirror finish sheets attract customers, and the metal’s corrosion resistance keeps cabinets looking new—even in humid stores. They’ve sold over 5,000 cabinets with zero rust complaints.
Yigu Technology’s Perspective on AISI 430 Stainless Steel
At Yigu Technology, we’ve supplied AISI 430 stainless steel to appliance, automotive, and construction clients for years. Its low cost, magnetic properties, and good corrosion resistance make it a top pick for everyday products. We often recommend 430 mirror finish sheets for decorative parts and help clients with custom cutting to reduce waste. For welding projects, we advise post-weld annealing to keep the metal strong—ensuring our clients’ products last.
FAQ About AISI 430 Stainless Steel
- Is AISI 430 stainless steel magnetic?
Yes! Its 430 ferritic microstructure gives it strong magnetic permeability—unlike non-magnetic austenitic grades like 304. This makes it great for fridge doors, magnetic boards, and any part that needs to attract magnets. - Can AISI 430 be used outdoors?
It works well in sheltered outdoor areas (like covered patios) thanks to its atmospheric corrosion resistance. But avoid coastal areas or places with high salt—its mild chloride tolerance means it may rust there. For coastal use, add a protective coating. - What’s the best way to machine AISI 430?
Use carbide inserts (not HSS) for longer tool life, and stick to machining speeds and feeds of 150–250 m/min (turning) and 0.1–0.3 mm/rev. If the metal gets too hard after cold working, anneal it at 750–850 °C first to soften it.
