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What is 430 Grade Stainless Steel?

430 grade stainless steel (also known as AISI 430, Type 430, UNS S43000, SUS 430, or EN 1.4016 / X6Cr17) is one of the most widely used and cost-effective stainless steel grades in the world.

It belongs to the 400 series and is classified as a straight-chromium ferritic stainless steel — meaning its primary alloying element is chromium (16–18%) and it contains very little or no nickel.

 

Quick Definition in One Sentence

430 stainless steel is a low-cost, magnetic, ferritic stainless steel with good corrosion resistance in mild environments, excellent thermal conductivity, low thermal expansion, and high formability, but limited pitting resistance in chlorides.

Key Characteristics of 430 Grade Stainless Steel

Property / Feature

Value / Description

Why It Matters

Family

Ferritic (body-centered cubic structure)

Magnetic, good heat transfer, low expansion

Main alloy

Chromium 16.00–18.00%

Forms protective passive oxide layer

Nickel content

≤ 0.75% (usually < 0.50% or trace)

No nickel = stable & lower price

Density

7.70 g/cm³

Lighter than 304 (8.00 g/cm³)

Thermal conductivity

≈ 26 W/m·K

~60% higher than 304 — heats/cools faster

Thermal expansion

10.5 × 10⁻⁶/°C

~35% lower than 304 — less warping

Magnetic

Yes — strongly magnetic in all conditions

Easy handling, magnetic knife holders

Corrosion resistance

Good in mild atmospheres, fresh water, nitric acid

Pits in chlorides/salt water

Maximum service temperature

815 °C intermittent / 760 °C continuous

Good oxidation resistance

Cost

30–50% lower than 304

Price stability, high-volume use

 

Common Equivalent Names

Standard

Designation

AISI / UNS

430 / S43000

JIS

SUS430

EN / DIN

1.4016 / X6Cr17

GB/T

10Cr17 or 1Cr17

BS

430S17

ISO

X6Cr17

All of these refer to the same alloy.

 

Typical Mechanical Properties (Annealed Condition)

Property

Minimum (standard)

Typical

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

≥ 205 MPa

220–280 MPa

Tensile Strength

≥ 450 MPa

450–600 MPa

Elongation (50 mm)

≥ 22%

25–35%

Hardness (Rockwell B)

≤ 89 HRB

80–88 HRB

 

Most Common Real-World Uses of 430 Grade Stainless Steel

430 is one of the highest-volume grades globally because it performs well in mild conditions at low cost. Typical applications include:

  • Home appliances— refrigerator doors, washing machine panels, microwave interiors, range hoods
  • Kitchenware— sinks, countertops, cooking pots/pans (especially induction-compatible), utensils
  • Architectural— elevator interiors, wall cladding, column covers, decorative trim
  • Automotive— interior trim, exhaust system parts, wheel covers
  • Food equipment— mild-contact surfaces (dry foods, dairy, non-acidic processing)
  • Furniture & hardware— cabinet fronts, handles, table frames
  • Electrical— enclosures, brackets, heat shields

 

Quick Summary – What “430” Really Means in Practice

When someone says “430 grade stainless steel”, they usually mean:

  • A low-cost, magnetic stainless steel
  • Good rust resistance in normal indoor/mild outdoor conditions
  • Very good heat transfer and low warping
  • Easy to form, stamp, and fabricate
  • Not suitable for marine, heavy chloride, or strong acid environments
  • The “go-to” grade for high-volume, non-critical applications (appliances, trim, kitchenware, decorative panels)

 

Bottom line: 430 is good quality and very widely used — not the highest corrosion resistance, but excellent value, thermal performance, and formability for most everyday uses.

For current pricing, samples, or a comparison with 304/201/316 for your specific application, just let me know — we’ll give you a clear, honest recommendation within minutes.

Gangsteel is your reliable source for genuine, high-quality 430 stainless steel. Contact our team today!

 

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