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What is 430 magnetic stainless steel?

430 magnetic stainless steelis another common name for AISI 430 stainless steel (also known as Type 430, UNS S43000, SUS 430, or EN 1.4016 / X6Cr17).

It is called “magnetic” because 430 stainless steel is strongly magnetic in all conditions — annealed, cold-rolled, formed, or welded. This is due to its ferritic crystal structure (body-centered cubic / BCC), which is inherently ferromagnetic.

Here’s a clear, one-line definition most people use:

430 magnetic stainless steel = low-cost, nickel-free, ferritic stainless steel with 16–18% chromium that is strongly magnetic, has good rust resistance in mild environments, excellent heat conductivity, and is widely used in appliances, kitchenware, trim, and hardware.

 

Quick Key Facts About 430 Magnetic Stainless Steel

Feature

Details / Value

Full name

AISI 430 / Type 430 stainless steel

Family

Ferritic (400 series)

Main alloy

Chromium 16.00–18.00%

Nickel content

≤ 0.75% (usually < 0.50% or trace)

Magnetic?

Yes — strongly magnetic(always)

Why magnetic?

Ferritic structure (BCC) + very low nickel

Thermal conductivity

≈ 26 W/m·K (≈60% better than 304)

Thermal expansion

10.5 × 10⁻⁶/°C (low)

Corrosion resistance

Good in mild atmospheres, fresh water, mild acids

Typical finishes

2B (matte), BA (mirror), NO.4 (satin brushed)

Cost

30–50% lower than 304

 

Why It’s Called “Magnetic” Stainless Steel

Most common stainless steels people know (like 304 and 316) are austenitic and non-magnetic in the annealed state. 430 is different — it’s ferritic, so magnets stick firmly to it (fridge magnets, neodymium magnets, etc.). This magnetism stays strong even after cold working, bending, stamping, or welding.

That’s why many people and manufacturers specifically call it “430 magnetic stainless steel” when they want to highlight this property — especially for applications like:

  • Magnetic knife holders and racks
  • Refrigerator doors (for magnets, notes, calendars)
  • Automated assembly lines (magnetic handling)
  • Sensor components and electromagnetic shielding
  • Appliances and hardware where magnetic attachment is useful

 

Common Real-World Uses of 430 Magnetic Stainless Steel

  • Refrigerator doors and panels
  • Range hoods and oven liners
  • Microwave interiors
  • Kitchen sinks and countertops
  • Elevator interiors and decorative trim
  • Furniture frames and hardware
  • Automotive interior trim
  • Electrical enclosures and brackets

 

For all these uses, the strong magnetism is often a bonus (or even a requirement), and the low cost + good thermal performance make 430 the go-to grade.

Available from Gangsteel

We supply 430 stainless steel (magnetic grade) in the following range:

  • Thickness: 0.25 mm – 3.0 mm (up to 6 mm on request)
  • Width: 600 mm – 2000 mm
  • Coil weight: 5–25 tons
  • Finishes: 2B, BA, NO.4, HL
  • Protective PVC/PE film standard for export

Contact our technical sales team today for current pricing, free samples (you can test the magnetism yourself), or customized specifications. Let Gangsteel be your reliable source for genuine, strongly magnetic 430 stainless steel from Yongjin Mill.

We look forward to supporting your project.

 

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