AISI 430 Ferritic Stainless Steel: Magnetic & Economical
ASTM A240 · Updated: 2026-05-25
AISI 430 is a ferritic stainless steel containing 16-18% chromium with no nickel addition, making it significantly more economical than 304. Unlike austenitic grades, 430 is magnetic, has lower thermal expansion (similar to carbon steel), and cannot be hardened by heat treatment. It provides good corrosion resistance in mild atmospheres, fresh water, and food contact applications. Widely used for automotive trim, appliance panels, kitchen equipment, and architectural interiors. Lower formability than 304 limits deep-drawing applications, and it has reduced weldability requiring post-weld annealing.
Quick Facts
| Category | Stainless Steel |
| Standard | ASTM A240 |
| Density | 7.70 g/cm³ |
| Yield Strength | 275 MPa (40 ksi) |
| Tensile Strength | 450 MPa (65 ksi) |
Global Equivalents & Cross-Reference
| Alternative Standard / Grade | Action |
|---|---|
| EN 1.4016 | Compare |
| X6Cr17 | Compare |
| SUS430 | Compare |
| 10Cr17 | Compare |
| AISI 430 | Compare |
Related Materials
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can 430 replace 304 to save cost?
Yes, in applications where corrosion requirements are moderate (indoor, freshwater, no chlorides) and magnetism is acceptable. 430 is 30-50% cheaper than 304 due to zero nickel content. However, 430 cannot match 304's deep drawability, toughness at low temperatures, or chloride pitting resistance. Common substitution: 430 for indoor architectural panels, 304 for outdoor or food-contact surfaces.