430 vs 316 stainless steel plate NO.4 finish

430 vs 316 Stainless Steel Plate NO.4 Finish

Gangsteel produces both 430 and 316 stainless steel plate with premium NO.4 finish in full compliance with the leading international standards. We can manufacture to any of the following major specifications to meet your exact project requirements:

• JIS G4305 SUS430(Japan)
• ASTM A240 Type 430 / Type 316(USA)
• EN 10088-2 1.4016 / 1.4401(Europe)
• DIN EN 1.4016 / 1.4401(Germany)
• GB/T 3280 10Cr17 / 0Cr17Ni12Mo2(China)
• BS 1449 430S17 / 316S31(United Kingdom)
• ISO 4954 X6Cr17 / X5CrNiMo17-12-2(International)

Whether you need 430 or 316 (or both for side-by-side comparison), Gangsteel delivers consistent quality, full traceability, and competitive pricing from our advanced Chinese production facilities.

What Is the NO.4 Finish?

The NO.4 finish is a satin brushed surface created by mechanically polishing the annealed and pickled plate with 150–320 grit abrasives. It produces a fine, directional brushed texture that effectively hides fingerprints, light scratches, and everyday wear while delivering a modern, low-reflectivity matte appearance (Ra 0.2–0.8 μm). This finish is widely preferred for high-touch architectural, kitchen, and decorative applications.

Chemical Composition Comparison

430 is nickel-free, keeping costs low and stable. 316’s nickel and molybdenum additions provide superior corrosion resistance.

Mechanical Properties Comparison (Annealed Condition)

304 offers better ductility for severe deep drawing, while 430 is easier to form in simpler operations and remains fully magnetic.

Corrosion Resistance Comparison

• 430 NO.4: Good in rural/urban atmospheres, fresh water, and mild acids. Susceptible to pitting in chlorides or salt spray.
• 316 NO.4: Excellent in chloride-rich, marine, and acidic environments thanks to 2–3% molybdenum. Far superior pitting and crevice corrosion resistance.

For mild indoor or dry outdoor use, 430 NO.4 is often sufficient and much more economical. For coastal, chemical, or food-processing exposure, 316 NO.4 is the better long-term choice.

Thermal Properties

430 has a clear advantage:

• Thermal conductivity: ≈26 W/m·K (430) vs ≈16 W/m·K (316)
• Thermal expansion: 10.5 × 10⁻⁶/°C(430) vs 16 × 10⁻⁶/°C(316)

This makes 430 NO.4 preferred for heat exchangers, appliance panels, and parts that must stay dimensionally stable when heated.

Weldability and Fabrication

Both grades are highly formable in NO.4 finish.

• 430: Good weldability but may require post-weld annealing to restore corrosion resistance.
• 316: Excellent weldability with no post-weld heat treatment needed in most cases.

Cost and Availability

430 NO.4 plate is typically 35–55% cheaper than 316 NO.4 due to the absence of nickel and molybdenum. Pricing is also more stable over time. Both are readily available from Gangsteel in plate and coil form.

Applications: When to Choose Each

Choose 430 NO.4 when you need:

• Lower cost
• Magnetic properties
• High thermal conductivity
• Mild corrosion environments

Choose 316 NO.4 when you need:

• Superior corrosion resistance (chlorides, acids, marine)
• Non-magnetic properties
• Excellent performance in harsh environments

For detailed product pages, please see our:

• a240 Type_430 stainless steel sheet
• EN10088 2 X6Cr17 stainless steel sheet
• DIN 1.4016 stainless steel sheet
• GB/T 10Cr17 1Cr17 stainless steel sheet
• JIS G4305 SUS 430 stainless steel sheet

Contact our technical sales team today for current pricing, samples, or application-specific advice. Let Gangsteel be your reliable partner for 430 and 316 stainless steel plate NO.4 finish.