Stainless Steel 410
Stainless steel 410 (UNS S41000) is a general-purpose martensitic stainless steel containing between 11,5 % and 13,5 % chromium. It offers a combination of high mechanical strength, hardenability, and moderate corrosion resistance, which can be improved by polishing, quenching, and tempering. It is supplied mainly in the form of bars, wires, forgings, and plates, and is used where high mechanical properties and exposure to mild corrosive environments are required.
Chemical composition
Section titled “Chemical composition”| Element | Minimum (%) | Maximum (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | – | 0,15 |
| Manganese (Mn) | – | 1,0 |
| Silicon (Si) | – | 1,0 |
| Phosphorus (P) | – | 0,04 |
| Sulfur (S) | – | 0,03 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 11,5 | 13,5 |
| Nickel (Ni) | – | 0,75 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance | – |
Mechanical properties
Section titled “Mechanical properties”Annealed condition
Section titled “Annealed condition”| Property | Value (SI) | Value (Imperial) |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength, min. | 480 MPa | 69,6 ksi |
| Yield strength (0,2 %), min. | 275 MPa | 39,9 ksi |
| Elongation in 50 mm, min. | 16 % | 16 % |
Properties after quenching and tempering
Section titled “Properties after quenching and tempering”| Temper. temp. (°C) | Tensile strength (MPa / ksi) | Yield strength (MPa / ksi) | Elong. (%) | Brinell hardness (HB) | Charpy V impact (J) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 204 | 1475 / 214 | 1005 / 146 | 11 | 400 | 30 |
| 316 | 1470 / 213 | 961 / 139 | 18 | 400 | 36 |
| 427 | 1340 / 194 | 920 / 133 | 18,5 | 405 | (1) |
| 538 | 985 / 143 | 730 / 106 | 16 | 321 | (1) |
| 593 | 870 / 126 | 675 / 98 | 20 | 255 | 39 |
| 650 | 300 / 44 | 270 / 39 | 29,5 | 225 | 80 |
(1) Tempering in the 425–600 °C range causes a severe drop in toughness; its use in that range is not recommended.
Physical properties
Section titled “Physical properties”| Property | Value (SI) | Value (Imperial) |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 7800 kg/m³ | 0,282 lb/in³ |
| Elastic modulus | 200 GPa | 29,0 × 10⁶ psi |
| Electrical resistivity | 570 nΩ·m | 22,4 µΩ·in |
Thermal properties
Section titled “Thermal properties”| Property | Value (SI) | Value (Imperial) |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal expansion coefficient (0–100 °C) | 9,9 µm/m·°C | 5,5 µin/in·°F |
| Thermal expansion coefficient (0–315 °C) | 11 µm/m·°C | 6,1 µin/in·°F |
| Thermal expansion coefficient (0–538 °C) | 11,5 µm/m·°C | 6,4 µin/in·°F |
| Thermal conductivity at 100 °C | 24,9 W/m·K | 14,4 Btu·ft/(h·ft²·°F) |
| Thermal conductivity at 500 °C | 28,7 W/m·K | 16,6 Btu·ft/(h·ft²·°F) |
| Specific heat (0–100 °C) | 460 J/kg·K | 0,11 Btu/lb·°F |
Heat treatment
Section titled “Heat treatment”Quenching is performed by heating between 980 °C and 1010 °C (1800–1850 °F) with oil or air cooling, depending on the section. Subsequent tempering is adjusted according to the desired properties; lower temperatures (200–315 °C) provide high strength and hardness, while temperatures above 600 °C improve ductility and toughness. Tempering should be avoided in the 425–600 °C range because a marked loss of toughness occurs in this zone. Annealing is carried out at 815–900 °C (1500–1650 °F) with slow furnace cooling.
Weldability
Section titled “Weldability”The 410 steel can be welded using conventional arc processes (TIG, MIG, covered electrode). To reduce the risk of cold cracking, preheating between 200 °C and 300 °C (400–570 °F) and immediate post-weld heat treatment (tempering) are required. As filler material, E/ER 410 wire is recommended (composition similar to the base metal according to EN ISO 14343), which contains ≤0,12 % C and 11,5‑13,5 % Cr.
Machining
Section titled “Machining”Machining of 410 is more demanding than that of structural carbon steels, although it is feasible in both annealed and quenched and tempered conditions. It has moderate machinability, typical of martensitic stainless steels. The use of rigid cutting tools, reduced cutting speeds, and abundant lubrication is recommended to obtain good surface finishes.
Corrosion resistance
Section titled “Corrosion resistance”Stainless steel 410 offers good corrosion resistance in moderate environments: fresh water, steam, dilute organic acids, and urban atmospheres. Maximum resistance is achieved with a polished or passivated surface. However, its behavior in marine atmospheres or chloride-containing media is inferior to that of austenitic steels such as 304; under these conditions it can suffer pitting and stress corrosion cracking.
Heat resistance
Section titled “Heat resistance”410 retains its mechanical strength up to approximately 650 °C (1200 °F) in continuous service. Above this temperature, the loss of strength due to overtempering and progressive oxidation limit its use. In intermittent applications, it can be exposed to somewhat higher temperatures, although it is recommended not to exceed 760 °C (1400 °F) to avoid excessive scaling.
Applications
Section titled “Applications”- Valve industry and steam components: valve seats and discs, stems, steam turbine parts.
- Automotive and transportation: exhaust valves (in engines that do not require maximum corrosion resistance), shafts, bearings, and high-wear parts.
- Cutlery and tools: blades, scissors, economy-grade surgical tools, spatulas.
- Household equipment: kitchen utensils, cutlery, sinks.
- Pumps and shafts: rotors, impellers, pump casings for service with mildly corrosive fluids.
Comparison with similar materials
Section titled “Comparison with similar materials”| Grade | Type | Cr content (%) | Typical carbon (%) | Corrosion resistance | Mechanical strength (annealed) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 410 | Martensitic | 11,5–13,5 | ≤0,15 | Moderate; best in polished/passivated condition | 480 MPa (69,6 ksi) tensile |
| 420 | Martensitic | 12–14 | ≥0,15 | Similar to 410 but slightly lower after quenching | Higher hardness; tensile >600 MPa |
| 430 | Ferritic | 14–18 | ≤0,12 | Better than 410 in atmospheric and mild acid environments | Typical tensile 450 MPa; lower yield strength |
| 304 | Austenitic | 18–20 | ≤0,08 | Excellent; suitable for chloride-containing media | Tensile 515 MPa; yield strength ~205 MPa |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Section titled “Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)”What is the minimum tensile strength of 410 steel in the annealed condition?
Section titled “What is the minimum tensile strength of 410 steel in the annealed condition?”The minimum tensile strength is 480 MPa (69,6 ksi) according to ASTM A276 for cold-finished bars.
Why is tempering between 425 °C and 600 °C not recommended?
Section titled “Why is tempering between 425 °C and 600 °C not recommended?”Because in that range toughness drops drastically (values below 10 J in the Charpy test) due to carbide precipitation.
What yield strength is obtained after quenching and tempering at 204 °C?
Section titled “What yield strength is obtained after quenching and tempering at 204 °C?”A yield strength of 1005 MPa (146 ksi) is achieved, with an elongation of 11% and a Brinell hardness of 400 HB.
What is the average thermal expansion coefficient of 410 between 0 °C and 100 °C?
Section titled “What is the average thermal expansion coefficient of 410 between 0 °C and 100 °C?”It is 9,9 µm/m·°C (equivalent to 5,5 micro-inches per inch per degree Fahrenheit).
How much chromium does stainless steel 410 contain?
Section titled “How much chromium does stainless steel 410 contain?”Its chromium content ranges between 11,5% and 13,5%, which gives it its stainless character.
What is the density of stainless steel 410?
Section titled “What is the density of stainless steel 410?”The density is 7800 kg/m³ (0,282 pounds per cubic inch), typical of chromium steels.
References
Section titled “References”- azom.com: https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=970
- engineeringtoolbox.com: https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/stainless-steel-classifications-d_368.html
- steelnumber.com: https://www.steelnumber.com/en/steel_alloy_composition_eu.php?name_id=2118