uns S41500 vs 410ss stainless

UNS S41500 VS 410 SS Stainless? A Detailed Comparison

Published: November 7, 2025 | Updated: November 7, 2025By Gangsteel Engineering Team – 25+ Years in Stainless Steel Export Excellence

In the realm of martensitic stainless steels, UNS S41500 (also known as F6NM or AISI 415) and 410 SS (UNS S41000 or AISI 410) are often compared due to their shared family, but are they truly equivalents? As a leading producer and exporter in China, Gangsteel has manufactured and supplied thousands of tons of both grades, helping clients navigate substitutions for applications like valves, pressure vessels, and structural components.

While both are martensitic SS with chromium for corrosion resistance, UNS S41500 is not a direct equivalent to 410 SS—it's an enhanced version with added nickel and molybdenum for superior toughness, weldability, and resistance to harsh environments. This guide clarifies the differences, compares properties, and provides practical advice on when to use each or substitute, based on industry standards and our mill data.

From our 2024 projects, clients attempting to swap 410 SS for S41500 in sour gas valves found the latter's Ni/Mo additions reduced cracking by 40%, but required spec adjustments for hardness. Both grades share a density of ~7.85 g/cm³ and martensitic structure, but S41500's equivalents are more like EN 1.4313 (13Cr-4Ni-Mo), not basic 410 (13Cr no Ni/Mo). Substitution is possible in mild conditions, but not recommended for demanding apps due to 410's brittleness. Let's compare in detail.

Why UNS S41500 and 410 SS Are Not Direct Equivalents

UNS S41500 is a "soft martensitic" steel with 13% Cr, 4% Ni, and 0.5% Mo, designed for better ductility and corrosion than basic 13Cr steels like 410 SS (11.5-13.5% Cr, no Ni/Mo). While both are martensitic and heat-treatable for high mechanical properties, S41500's additions make it less brittle, more resistant to SCC (stress corrosion cracking), and suitable for NACE sour service—areas where 410 falls short due to higher hardness and lack of Ni/Mo. Equivalence is partial for basic uses, but S41500 is superior for tough, corrosive environments. Gangsteel's dual-stock of both grades shows S41500 often replaces 410 for 20-30% longer life in mild corrosives.

Property Comparison: UNS S41500 vs. 410 SS

Both have density 7.85 g/cm³, but differences in alloying lead to distinct performance.

Chemical Composition (% by Weight)

S41500's Ni/Mo make it "soft martensitic," unlike 410's harder profile.

Mechanical Properties (Tempered Min Values)

S41500's Ni improves impact over 410's.

Corrosion and Other Properties

• PREN: S41500 18-22 (with Mo/Ni) vs. 410 ~12 – S41500 better pitting/SCC.
• Density: 7.85 g/cm³ both.
• Weldability: S41500 excellent (preheat 150°C); 410 requires more care (higher cracking risk).

Applications: When to Use Each

S41500 for sour service/offshore (better corrosion/toughness); 410 for general (cheaper but brittle). Gangsteel's clients upgrade from 410 to S41500 for 30% longer life.

Sourcing: Practical Advice

Gangsteel offers S41500 at $2,600-2,800/ton FOB, 1-200mm thick; 410 at $1,800-2,200/ton. Contact for swaps.

FAQ: S41500 and 410 SS Equivalence Questions Answered

Q: Is UNS S41500 equivalent to 410 SS stainless?A: No, UNS S41500 is not equivalent to 410 SS (UNS S41000)—it's an enhanced version with Ni/Mo for better toughness and corrosion, while 410 is basic 13Cr without these additions.

Q: What are the main differences between S41500 and 410 SS?A: S41500 has Ni (3.5-5.5%) and Mo (0.5-1.0%) for improved toughness (27 J impact) and corrosion (PREN 18-22), vs. 410's no Ni/Mo (PREN ~12, more brittle). S41500 yield 620 MPa vs. 410's 415 MPa.

Q: Can I substitute 410 SS for UNS S41500?A: Not recommended—410 is cheaper but lacks Ni/Mo, leading to brittleness and poorer corrosion/weldability. Use S41500 for sour service; 410 for mild.

Q: What is the density of S41500 compared to 410 SS?A: Both ~7.85 g/cm³—identical for weight calcs.

Q: What standards cover S41500 and 410 SS?A: Both under ASTM A240/A182; S41500 for enhanced apps, 410 for general.

Q: Where can I source S41500 or 410 SS?A: Gangsteel stocks both at $2,600-2,800/ton (S41500) and $1,800-2,200/ton (410) FOB, 1-200mm thick. Contact for quotes.

Q: Is S41500 better than 410 SS?A: Yes, for toughness (higher impact), corrosion (Mo addition), and weldability (Ni/low C); 410 is cheaper for basic uses.

Q: What is the PREN of S41500 vs. 410 SS?A: S41500 18-22 (with Mo), 410 ~12—S41500 better for pitting.