Exploring 410HT And 410L Stainless Steels: Composition, Benefits, and Uses

410HT and 410L stainless steels are widely known for their durability, corrosion resistance, and versatility in various industries. Each of them has distinct characteristics that make it ideal for different applications. 

In this blog, we will explore the properties, composition, and uses of 410HT and 410L, helping you understand their benefits and how they are processed for industrial purposes. 

What Is 410HT Stainless Steel？

410HT stainless steel comprises around 85% iron and 11.5-13.5% chromium, with small amounts of carbon, manganese, and other elements. As a heat-treated martensitic stainless steel, 410HT undergoes a process that significantly enhances its hardness and strength. This material is commonly used in cutlery, surgical instruments, petrochemical components, and automotive parts.

Specifications: ASTM A276

What Is 410L Stainless Steel?

410L stainless steel, composed of about 85% iron and 11.5-13.5% chromium with less than 0.03% carbon, is a low-carbon martensitic steel. Its low carbon content provides better toughness and weldability. It is primarily used in applications such as petrochemical tanks, pipelines, and automotive exhaust systems.

Specifications: ASTM A240

410HT Stainless Steel Equivalents

410HT is essentially heat-treated 410 stainless steel, so its equivalent grades are often the same as 410 but in a hardened and tempered state.

• UNS S41000
• DIN 2.4660

410L Stainless Steel Equivalents

410L is a low-carbon variant of 410 stainless steel. Some common equivalent grades include:

• UNS S40977
• DIN 1.4003

Chemical Compositions of 410HT & 410L Stainless Steels

Physical Properties of 410HT & 410L Stainless Steels

Mechanical Properties of 410HT & 410L Stainless Steels

Corrosion Resistance

410HT Stainless Steel

It offers moderate corrosion resistance due to its chromium content.

Its heat treatment process can make it more susceptible to stress corrosion cracking and pitting, especially in aggressive environments like chloride exposure.

410L Stainless Steel 

It provides improved corrosion resistance, especially against intergranular corrosion, due to its lower carbon content. The reduced carbon prevents chromium carbide precipitation.

Heat Resistance

410HT Stainless Steel

It offers good heat resistance. It can withstand temperatures up to around 600-650°C. This heat resistance, combined with its high hardness, makes it suitable for applications with moderate heat. 

Prolonged exposure to very high temperatures may lead to some loss in toughness and hardness.

410L Stainless Steel 

It offers moderate heat resistance but is not as heat-resistant as 410HT. It performs well in environments with temperatures up to 500°C, particularly in applications like exhaust systems and petrochemical equipment. 

It is less suited for high-strength, high-heat applications compared to heat-treated variants.

Common Applications of 410HT & 410L Stainless Steels

410HT stainless steel is used in a variety of applications where strength, hardness, and moderate corrosion resistance are essential. Common uses include:

• Cutlery and Blades
• Surgical Instruments
• Valves and Pumps
• Automotive Parts
• Turbine Blades

410L stainless steel is used in applications where weldability, toughness, and moderate corrosion resistance are important. Common uses include:

• Automotive Exhaust Systems
• Petrochemical Equipment
• Building and Construction
• Industrial Parts
• Heat Exchangers

Pros and Cons of 410HT & 410L Stainless Steels

410HT Stainless Steel

Here are the advantages of 410HT stainless steel:

• High Strength and Hardness:

410HT is heat-treated to provide excellent strength and hardness, making it ideal for applications where wear resistance is crucial.

• Moderate Corrosion Resistance:

The material provides effective resistance to corrosion in environments like the atmosphere and freshwater. It performs well in less aggressive conditions.

• Wear Resistance:

Its high hardness ensures superior wear resistance, making it suitable for tools, blades, and high-wear applications.

• Heat Resistance:

The steel can tolerate high temperatures, up to 600-650°C, making it suitable for applications like turbine components and exhaust systems.

Here are the disadvantages of 410HT stainless steel:

• Welding Challenges:

Due to its high carbon content, 410HT is prone to cracking during welding, requiring preheating, controlled interpass temperatures, and post-weld heat treatment.

• Lower Toughness:

It is less tough after heat treatment, making it more brittle under certain conditions.

• Post-Weld Heat Treatment Required:

After welding, the material requires post-weld heat treatment to relieve stress and restore toughness, adding to processing complexity.

• Limited Ductility:

The hardness of 410HT limits its ductility, making it less appropriate for applications requiring extensive forming or shaping.

410L Stainless Steel

Here are the advantages of 410L stainless steel:

• Excellent Weldability:

Due to its low carbon content, 410L has excellent weldability, with less risk of cracking or brittleness in the heat-affected zone.

• Good Corrosion Resistance:

410L provides moderate resistance to corrosion in environments such as freshwater and mild atmospheric conditions.

• Improved Toughness:

The lower carbon content enhances toughness, making it less brittle than other martensitic stainless steels.

• No Need for Post-Weld Heat Treatment:

Post-weld heat treatment is typically unnecessary for 410L. This makes the welding process simple.

• Good Formability:

410L is more ductile and easier to form compared to other martensitic steels, making it suitable for applications requiring shaping and fabrication.

Here are the disadvantages of 410L stainless steel:

• Lower Strength and Hardness:

410L has lower strength and hardness compared to heat-treated steel, making it less suitable for high-strength applications.

• Moderate Corrosion Resistance:

410L may be inadequate for highly corrosive or marine environments.

• Limited Wear Resistance:

Its lower hardness results in less wear resistance, making it unsuitable for applications involving high abrasion or mechanical stress.

• Not Suitable for High-Temperature Applications:

410L is less heat-resistant than other grades and may not perform well in environments exceeding moderate temperatures.

Processing of 410HT Stainless Steel

Heat Treatment

• Aging

Conducted at approximately 1,000°F (538°C) to enhance high-temperature strength.

• Hardening

Achieved through rapid cooling after aging to increase hardness.

• Stress Relief

Performed to reduce internal stresses, but not typically used for achieving specific mechanical properties.

Hot Working

• Conducted at temperatures above 1,600°F (870°C) to improve formability and reduce work hardening.

Cold Working

• Possible but requires more force due to the material’s higher strength. Less common compared to hot working.

Welding

• Moderate weldability. It can be welded using common standard methods.
• Preheating at 150-320°C (300-600°F) is recommended to reduce cracking.
• Post-weld heat treatment is essential, typically tempering at 600-730°C (1110-1350°F) to relieve stress and restore properties.

Machining

• Best done with carbide tools; cooling lubricants are recommended to reduce heat and tool wear.

Processing of 410L Stainless Steel

Heat Treatment

• Stress Relief Annealing

Commonly performed to relieve internal stresses; typically not hardened or tempered due to lower carbon content.

Hot Working

• Conducted at elevated temperatures to improve ductility and formability, making it more favorable than cold working.

Cold Working

• Easier to perform due to better ductility, allowing for effective shaping and forming.

Welding

• Excellent weldability due to its low carbon content, minimizing the risk of cracking.
• Preheating is generally not required, though light preheating can be used for thicker sections.
• Post-weld heat treatment is usually not necessary, but optional stress-relieving can be done at 650-760°C (1200-1400°F).

Machining

• Can be effectively machined using standard cutting tools, offering good surface finishes.

Further about 410HT & 410L Stainless Steels

What Are The Alternative Stainless Steel to 410HT Stainless Steel?

420 Stainless Steel, 431 SS, 416 SS, and 440C SS can serve as alternatives to 410HT SS.

What Are the Alternative Stainless Steel to 410L Stainless Steel?

409 Stainless Steel, 430 SS, 304 SS, and 439 SS can serve as alternatives to 410L SS.

What Are Other Subcategories of 410 Stainless Steel?

410 stainless steel is divided into different variants based on specific properties and compositions:

• 410S: Low carbon for better weldability and toughness.
• 410N: Contains nitrogen for increased strength and corrosion resistance.
• 410CB: Columbium-stabilized for enhanced weldability and high-temperature resistance.
• 410SE: Contains selenium for better machinability.

What Is The Difference Between 410L and 410S?

• 410L has lower carbon content, which improves its corrosion resistance and ductility, making it suitable for applications in corrosive environments.
• 410S also has a low carbon content but is specifically designed to enhance weldability and maintain strength at high temperatures.

Summary

Both 410HT and 410L stainless steel offer unique benefits tailored to a range of industrial applications. Whether you require the high strength and wear resistance of 410HT or the improved weldability and toughness of 410L, Steel Pro Group can meet your specific needs. 

For more detailed product information or assistance in selecting the right stainless steel for your application, visit our website or contact us today for a custom quote. Our experts are ready to help you find the best solution for your project.