304, 410 and 430 stainless steel are three common types of stainless steel. They have significant differences in chemical composition and physical properties. The main differences are as follows:
1. Chemical composition (comparison of main elements)
Type Carbon (C) Chromium (Cr) Nickel (Ni) Other elements Organization type
304 ≤0.08% 18-20% 8-10.5% Manganese (Mn) ≤2%,
Silicon (Si) ≤1% Austenite (Austenitic)
410 0.08-0.15% 11.5-13.5% ≤0.75% Manganese ≤1%, Silicon ≤1% Martensite (Martensitic)
430 ≤0.12% 16-18% ≤0.75% Manganese ≤1%, Silicon ≤1% Ferrite (Ferritic)
Key differences:
304: High nickel (Ni) and chromium (Cr), forming an austenitic structure, non-magnetic (may be weakly magnetic after cold working).
410: Low chromium, almost no nickel, high carbon content, can be strengthened by heat treatment (martensite).
430: No nickel, medium chromium content, ferritic structure, magnetic and not heat-hardenable.
2. Comparison of physical properties
Properties 304 410 430
Density (g/cm³) 8.0 7.7 7.7
Melting point (°C) 1400-1450 1480-1530 1425-1510
Magnetism None (weak magnetism after cold working) Yes Yes
Thermal conductivity Low (16.2 W/m·K) Medium (24.9 W/m·K) Medium (26 W/m·K)
Coefficient of thermal expansion High (17.2 μm/m·K) Medium (9.9 μm/m·K) Medium (10.4 μm/m·K)
Corrosion resistance Excellent (acid and alkali resistance, oxidation resistance) General (passivation treatment required) Medium (oxidation resistance, not acid resistance)
3. Main application scenarios
304: food equipment, chemical containers, medical devices (high corrosion resistance required).
410: Knives, valves, bearings (need hardness and resistance to weak corrosion environment).
430: Home appliance decoration, automobile exhaust pipe (low cost, high temperature oxidation resistance).
4. Summary of key differences
5. Corrosion resistance: 304 > 430 > 410 (304 has the best corrosion resistance due to the highest nickel and chromium content).
Mechanical properties: 410 can be heat treated to increase hardness, 430 and 304 cannot be heat treated.
Cost: 304 (containing nickel) is the most expensive, 430 is the most economical.
Choose the appropriate stainless steel type according to specific needs (corrosion resistance, strength, cost).