304 or 430 stainless steel

304 vs 430 Stainless Steel: A Comprehensive Comparison

Gangsteel, a leading Chinese exporter of premium cold-rolled stainless steel coils and sheets, offers a detailed comparison between 304 and 430 stainless steel to help you decide which is best for your needs.

Grade 304 (AISI 304 or UNS S30400) is a versatile austenitic stainless steel from the 300 series, prized for its excellent corrosion resistance, formability, and non-magnetic properties, making it a go-to material across industries. Grade 430 (AISI 430 or UNS S43000), a ferritic stainless steel, stands out for its affordability, magnetic characteristics, and solid performance in mildly corrosive or high-temperature environments. This analysis covers composition, properties, equivalents, resistance, fabrication, applications, and more. As ferritic specialists, Gangsteel provides high-quality 430 options like our JIS G4305 SUS 430 stainless steel sheet, while noting 304's widespread use.

The key distinction lies in microstructure: 304's austenitic (face-centered cubic) structure, stabilized by nickel, delivers superior ductility and resistance to harsh conditions, whereas 430's ferritic (body-centered cubic) relies on chromium for economy and thermal efficiency. Both feature 16-20% chromium for passivation, but 304's 8-10% nickel elevates its performance. Gangsteel's products, such as the a240 Type_430 stainless steel sheet, adhere to ASTM standards for global reliability.

Chemical Composition Comparison

Composition influences corrosion, strength, and cost, with 304 including nickel for enhanced properties.

Composition Table

Per ASTM A240:

304's nickel and lower carbon improve weldability and resistance, while 430's simplicity reduces costs. Our EN10088 2 X6Cr17 stainless steel sheet matches 430 under European standards.

Mechanical Properties Comparison

Mechanical traits affect usability, with 304 excelling in ductility.

Properties Table (Annealed)

From ASTM A240:

304 offers higher tensile and elongation for forming, work-hardening to 1100 MPa. 430 is adequate for stamping but less ductile. Gangsteel's DIN 1.4016 stainless steel sheet ensures consistent 430 mechanics.

Equivalent Materials

Global equivalents enable substitution.

Equivalents Table

304's are austenitic staples; 430's ferritic basics. Our GB/T 10Cr17 1Cr17 stainless steel sheet is a Chinese 430 match.

Corrosion and Oxidation Resistance

304 superior in corrosion due to nickel.

304 resists pitting (PREN ~20), chlorides, acids, and stress cracking, ideal for marine/chemical. 430 handles atmospheres and water but pits in chlorides.

Oxidation: 304 to 925°C continuous; 430 to 815°C intermittent, better for dry heat but embrittles. Select 304 for wet/corrosive; 430 for dry/oxidizing, like JIS G4305 SUS 430 stainless steel sheet.

Weldability and Fabrication

304 welds seamlessly (TIG/MIG), no preheating, using 308L fillers. Forms deeply, polishes excellently, non-magnetic.

430 welds but sensitizes, needing annealing; preheating avoids cracks. Less formable, magnetic for handling.

For complex work, 304; simple, 430 as in a240 Type_430 stainless steel sheet.

Applications: Where Each Shines

304 Uses

• Food: Tanks, utensils (hygiene, acid resistance)
• Chemical: Piping, vessels (corrosion)
• Architecture: Railings, structures (durability)
• Medical: Instruments (non-magnetic)
• Automotive: Parts in corrosive areas

Versatile for demanding environments.

430 Uses

• Appliances: Panels, hoods (thermal, magnetic)
• Automotive: Trim, exhaust (oxidation)
• Construction: Cladding (economy)
• Industrial: Exchangers (conductivity)
• Decorative: Sinks (polishable)

Cost-effective for mild uses, like EN10088 2 X6Cr17 stainless steel sheet.

Cost and Availability

304 costs 1800-2200 USD/MT (nickel-driven, volatile); 430 1200-1400 USD/MT (stable). Gangsteel's production makes 430 affordable, e.g., DIN 1.4016 stainless steel sheet.

Choosing Between 304 and 430

304 for corrosion/formability in harsh settings; 430 for cost/thermal in mild. Consider environment, magnetism, budget.

FAQ

Main difference?

304 austenitic (non-magnetic, resistant); 430 ferritic (magnetic, economical).

Better corrosion?

304 in chlorides/acids; 430 dry oxidation.

Weldability?

304 easier, no sensitization.

For appliances?

304 premium; 430 basic, as GB/T 10Cr17 1Cr17 stainless steel sheet.

Gangsteel supply?

Excel in 430; inquire for 304.

304 premium, 430 value—Gangsteel helps choose.