AISI 304 Stainless Steel (UNS S30400): Properties & Equivalents vs AISI 430 Ferritic Stainless Steel: Magnetic & Economical
Side-by-side engineering comparison of AISI 304 Stainless Steel (UNS S30400): Properties & Equivalents (ASTM A240/A276) and AISI 430 Ferritic Stainless Steel: Magnetic & Economical (ASTM A240). Compare mechanical properties, chemical composition, density, yield strength, international equivalents, and typical applications to select the right material for your project.
Quick Verdict
304 stainless steel offers superior corrosion resistance, formability, and weldability for food processing, kitchen equipment, and indoor architectural applications. 430 stainless steel provides magnetic properties, good corrosion resistance in mild environments, and lower cost for applications like appliance trim, automotive trim, and indoor decorative panels. Choose 304 for corrosion-critical service; 430 for magnetic applications and cost-sensitive indoor use.
Cost-effectiveness and forming versatility for indoor applications
Magnetic properties and lower cost for non-corrosive service
Quick Comparison
| Property | AISI 304 Stainless Steel | AISI 430 Ferritic Stainle |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | ASTM A240/A276 | ASTM A240 |
| Category | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Density | 8.00 g/cm³ | 7.70 g/cm³ |
| Yield Strength | 205 MPa (30 ksi) | 275 MPa (40 ksi) |
| Tensile Strength | 515 MPa (75 ksi) | 450 MPa (65 ksi) |
| Key Applications | AISI 304 (UNS S30400) is the most common austenitic stainless steel, containing 18-20% chromium and 8-10.5% nickel. This... | AISI 430 is a ferritic stainless steel containing 16-18% chromium with no nickel addition, making it significantly more ... |
International Equivalents
| AISI 304 Stainless S Equivalents | AISI 430 Ferritic St Equivalents |
|---|---|
| EN 1.4301 | EN 1.4016 |
| X5CrNi18-10 | X6Cr17 |
| SUS304 | SUS430 |
| 06Cr19Ni10 | 10Cr17 |
| AISI 304 | AISI 430 |
How to Choose
| Choose AISI 304 Stainless Steel when... | 304 stainless steel offers superior corrosion resistance, formability, and weldability for food processing, kitchen equipment, and indoor architectural applications. |
| Choose AISI 430 Ferritic Stainle when... | 430 stainless steel provides magnetic properties, good corrosion resistance in mild environments, and lower cost for applications like appliance trim, automotive trim, and indoor decorative panels. |
Decision Checklist: Which Is Right for You?
| Criterion | AISI 304 Stainless S | AISI 430 Ferritic St |
|---|---|---|
| Cost-Effectiveness And Forming Versatility For Indoor Applications | ✓ | |
| Magnetic Properties And Lower Cost For Non-Corrosive Service | ✓ | |
| Higher yield strength | ✓ |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between AISI 304 Stainless Steel (UNS and AISI 430 Ferritic Stainless St?
AISI 304 Stainless Steel (UNS S30400): Properties & Equivalents (ASTM A240/A276) provides 205 MPa (30 ksi) yield strength at 8.00 g/cm³ density, while AISI 430 Ferritic Stainless Steel: Magnetic & Economical (ASTM A240) delivers 275 MPa (40 ksi) at 7.70 g/cm³. The choice depends on whether your application prioritizes cost-effectiveness and forming versatility for indoor applications or magnetic properties and lower cost for non-corrosive service.
Can AISI 304 Stainless Steel (UNS be substituted for AISI 430 Ferritic Stainless St?
In many applications, these materials can be cross-referenced, but direct substitution should always be verified against specific project specifications, especially for cost-effectiveness and forming versatility for indoor applications, magnetic properties and lower cost for non-corrosive service, and operating environment. Consult your engineer of record.