Grade dossier
430 Stainless Steel Properties and Selection
A nickel-free ferritic grade used for appliance, trim and mild-environment applications where magnetic response, appearance and cost structure are part of the decision.
Identity before substitution
Define the grade, product and condition together
A familiar grade name is not a complete purchase specification. Product form, controlling standard, dimensions, condition, finish, certification and service environment determine whether the delivered material is suitable.
Composition control
ASTM A240/A240M flat-product chemistry
Limits are not heat analysis targets
The table summarizes grade limits commonly used for plate, sheet and strip. Pipe, tube, bar, forgings and cast products can be governed by different specifications. Always place the product standard and edition on the purchase order.
| C | 0.12 max |
|---|---|
| Mn | 1.00 max |
| Si | 1.00 max |
| P | 0.040 max |
| S | 0.030 max |
| Cr | 16.00-18.00 |
| Ni | 0.75 max |
Properties with context
Minimums, typical indicators and delivered condition
Specified annealed flat-product values
| Tensile strength | 450 MPa min |
|---|---|
| 0.2% yield strength | 205 MPa min |
| Elongation | 22% min |
| Hardness | 89 HRB max |
Selection indicators
| Density | about 7.7 g/cm3 |
|---|---|
| PRE indicator | about 16-18; not a service limit |
| Thermal expansion | Lower than austenitic grades |
| Magnetic response | Strong ferritic response |
Values depend on product form, thickness, test orientation, condition and governing edition. Use the mill test certificate and the purchase specification for acceptance, not a web table alone.
Selection boundary
Where 430 belongs and where to escalate
Grade selection is an environmental decision, not a popularity contest. Review the complete medium, temperature, geometry, fabrication, cleaning and inspection requirements.
Good reasons to evaluate it
Appliance panels and liners
Indoor architectural trim
Decorative components in mild atmospheres
Applications needing a magnetic ferritic grade
Reasons to stop and review
Substitution for 304 based only on chromium percentage
Aggressive chloride or marine exposure
Severe stretch forming without trials
Welded designs without ferritic-grade procedure review
Fabrication route
Protect properties through cutting, forming and welding
Ferritic behavior means forming response differs from 304.
Deep drawing and severe stretch forming require grade- and thickness-specific trials.
Welding can reduce ductility and corrosion performance if heat input is not controlled.
Specify grain direction, finish and visual acceptance for exposed panels.
Supply definition
Product form changes the applicable requirements
Do not send an RFQ that names only the grade. State form, governing standard, dimensions, tolerances, finish, edge or end condition, quantity, certification and inspection.
Cold-rolled sheet and coil
Strip
Selected plate and bar products
Appliance and decorative components
Certificate checkpoint
Request heat identity, chemical analysis, mechanical results and compliance to the exact product specification. Add PMI, corrosion testing or supplementary examination only when the application requires it.
Interactive selection check
Test 430 against the controlling question
Procurement FAQ
Questions to close before placing the order
Is 430 stainless steel magnetic?
Magnetic
Can 430 replace another grade?
Only after checking the governing standard, composition, mechanical properties, corrosion exposure, fabrication route and certification. A commercial name is not a substitution approval.
Does the table apply to pipe, tube and bar?
Not automatically. The values shown use flat-product requirements as a reference. Other forms can use different product standards, dimensions and tests.
What should a 430 RFQ include?
Product form, standard and edition, UNS or EN designation, dimensions, tolerances, finish, quantity, service, fabrication, certificate and inspection requirements.
Sources, scope and RFQ
Use traceable grade data, then specify the actual product
ASTM A240/A240M flat-rolled composition and mechanical requirements
Atlas Grade Datasheet: 430
Outokumpu Core ferritic range guidance
worldstainless mechanical, magnetic and grade-selection guidance