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410 Stainless Steel: Key Characteristics and Applications
- John
410 stainless steel is valued for its high hardness and strong resistance to wear and tear. It’s commonly used in applications where durability is crucial, such as in tools, pumps, and machinery components. Its ability to be hardened through heat treatment adds to its versatility. This article will introduce 420 stainless steel, covering its composition, properties, applications, and more.
What Is 410 Stainless Steel？
410 stainless steel is an alloy made of about 85% iron, 11.5-13.5% chromium, and small amounts of carbon. It’s a strong, hard, and wear-resistant martensitic stainless steel with moderate corrosion resistance, often used in knives, valves, and pumps.
It can be heat-treated for enhanced properties and comes in variants like 410S, 410HT, and 410L, each suited for different applications.
410 Stainless Steel Equivalents
| Country/Region | Standard/Specification | Equivalent Grade |
| China | GB/T 1220, GB/T 20878 | 1Cr13 |
| USA | ASTM A276, ASTM A240 | 410 |
| EU | EN 10088-2 | X12Cr13 (1.4006) |
| Germany | DIN EN 10088-2 | X12Cr13 |
| Japan | JIS G4303 | SUS410 |
| England | BS EN 10088-2 | 410S21 |
Common Variants of 410 Stainless Steel
410S Stainless Steel
This is a lower carbon version of 410, which offers improved weldability and reduced hardening during heat treatment, making it more suitable for applications requiring good corrosion resistance and easy fabrication.
410HT Stainless Steel
This refers to 410 stainless steel that has been heat-treated. The process enhances its mechanical properties, including hardness and strength. It is usually used in applications requiring wear resistance.
410L Stainless Steel
This is a low-carbon version of 410, offering better corrosion resistance, particularly in welded structures, due to reduced carbide precipitation during welding.
410CB Stainless Steel
This grade includes columbium (niobium) as a stabilizing element, improving its corrosion resistance, especially in high-temperature environments. It’s often used in applications requiring enhanced creep resistance.
410 Stainless Steel Composition
| Element | Composition (%) |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance (≈85%) |
| Chromium (Cr) | 11.5 – 13.5 |
| Carbon (C) | 0.08 – 0.15 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.00 max |
| Silicon (Si) | 1.00 max |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.040 max |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.030 max |
What Is the Carbon Content of 410 Stainless Steel?
The carbon content of 410 stainless steel usually ranges from 0.08% to 0.15%. This level of carbon allows the steel to be heat-treated, increasing its hardness and strength.
410 Stainless Steel Properties
Mechanic Properties
| Property | Typical Value |
| Tensile Strength | 700-950 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 450 MPa |
| Brinell Hardness (HB) | 201-255 HB |
| Rockwell Hardness (HRC) | 20-28 HRC |
| Vickers Hardness (HV) | 210-270 HV |
| Elongation | 20-25% |
| Elastic Modulus | 200 GPa (29,000 ksi) |
410 Stainless Steel Hardness
410 stainless steel has good hardness, which can be increased through heat treatment. Its typical Rockwell hardness ranges from 86 to 96 HRB when annealed and can go up to 35 HRC when hardened. This makes it suitable for parts that require strength and wear resistance.
Physics Properties
| Property | Typical Value (Metric) |
| Density | 7.75 g/cm³ (0.280 lb/in³) |
| Melting Point | 1450-1510°C (2642-2750°F) |
| Thermal Conductivity | 24.9 W/m·K (173 BTU in/ft²·h·°F) |
| Thermal Expansion | 10.2 µm/m·°C (5.67 µin/in·°F) |
| Electrical Conductivity | 1.4 x 10⁶ S/m (2.4% IACS) |
Is 410 Stainless Steel Magnetic?
Yes, 410 stainless steel is magnetic. It has a martensitic structure, which gives it magnetic properties.
Related Reading
Is Stainless Steel Magnetic?
Thermal Properties
| Property | Typical Value |
| Melting Point | 1450-1510°C (2642-2750°F) |
| Thermal Conductivity (at 100°C) | 24.9 W/m·K (173 BTU in/ft²·h·°F) |
| Thermal Conductivity (at 500°C) | 28.7 W/m·K (199 BTU in/ft²·h·°F) |
| Thermal Expansion (at 20-100°C) | 10.2 µm/m·°C (5.67 µin/in·°F) |
| Thermal Expansion (at 20-300°C) | 10.5 µm/m·°C (5.83 µin/in·°F) |
| Thermal Expansion (at 20-500°C) | 11.0 µm/m·°C (6.11 µin/in·°F) |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 460 J/kg·K (0.11 BTU/lb·°F) |
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of 410 Stainless Steel?
Here are the advantages of 410 stainless steel.
- High Strength. It is strong enough to withstand heavy use.
- Wear Resistance. It resists wear and tear well, making it durable.
- Heat Treatable. You can heat treat it to increase hardness and strength.
- Moderate Corrosion Resistance. It offers some protection against rust, especially in mild environments.
- Magnetic. It is magnetic and useful in specific applications.
Here are the disadvantages and limitations:
- LowCorrosion Resistance. It doesn’t resist corrosion as well as some other stainless steel, especially in harsh environments.
- Brittle When Hardened. After heat treatment, it can become brittle and less tough.
- Limited Weldability. It can be challenging to weld, and special care is needed to prevent cracking.
- Less Ductile. It’s less flexible than other types of stainless steel, making it harder to work with in some applications.
What Are the Common Uses of 410 Stainless Steel?
The common applications of 410 stainless steel are as follows:
| Application | Reason |
| Cutlery | Holds a sharp edge, durable. |
| Valves and Pumps | Strong and wear-resistant. |
| Fasteners | Corrosion-resistant and strong. |
| Shafts | Tough and durable under load. |
| Automotive Parts | Handles wear and temperature changes. |
| Industrial Machinery | Resists corrosion and physical stress. |
| Mining Equipment | Hard and resistant to abrasion. |
The Manufacturing and Processing of 410 Stainless Steel
Producing and processing 410 stainless steel requires multiple steps. Check the comprehensive overview below for these steps.
- Raw Material Selection.
During this process, chromium is added for corrosion resistance, while carbon is added to achieve hardening through heat treatment.
- Melting and Refining
Melt the raw materials in an electric arc furnace. The high temperatures ensure all components are fully melted and mixed. Then the AOD is used to refine the steel.
- Casting
Pour the molten steel into molds to form slabs or billets by continuous casting. This method enables the creation of long, uniform sections with consistent composition and structure.
Alternatively, the steel can be cast into ingots, which are later rolled into the desired shape.
- Hot Rolling
The slabs or billets are heated to around 1100-1250°C (2000-2280°F) in a reheating furnace to make them malleable. The steel is rolled through a series of mills that decrease its thickness and form it into sheets, plates, or bars.
After rolling, the steel is cooled under control to preserve the desired microstructure.
- Cold Rolling (Optional)
The steel is rolled at room temperature, reducing its thickness and improving dimensional accuracy.
Cold rolling is used if a finer surface finish or more precise dimensions are required. It can also increase the strength and hardness through work hardening.
- Heat Treatment
- Annealing
The steel is heated to 815-900°C (1500-1650°F) and slowly cooled to relieve internal stresses and soften the material, making it easier to work with.
- Hardening
To increase hardness, the steel is heated to 925-1010°C (1700-1850°F) and then quenched in oil or air, transforming the structure into hard martensite.
- Tempering
After hardening, the steel is tempered by heating to 205-370°C (400-700°F) to reduce brittleness and improve toughness.
- Surface Treatment
- Pickling
This process removes surface oxides and scale from the steel using acid solutions, leaving a clean surface.
- Passivation
The steel may undergo passivation, where it is treated with an acid solution to remove any free iron from the surface, enhancing its corrosion resistance.
- Polishing
For applications requiring a smooth or reflective surface, the steel can be polished to various finishes.
- Machining
Common machining processes include drilling, milling, turning, and grinding. The steel should be annealed before machining to improve workability.
- Forming and Fabrication
410 stainless steel can be shaped into various forms through processes like bending, stamping, and forging. However, it’s crucial to take precautions to prevent cracking, especially after hardening.
When processing 410 stainless steel, the following points need special attention.
- Preheating and Post-Heat Treatment
410 stainless steel is prone to cracking during welding and heat treatment. Therefore, preheating (usually between 150-300°C) and subsequent slow cooling are necessary to reduce internal stress and prevent cracking.
- Cutting Speed and Tool Selection
Due to the high hardness of 410 stainless steel, appropriate cutting speeds and high-hardness tools (such as carbide tools) should be selected during cutting to avoid excessive wear and tool damage.
- Control of Workpiece Deformation
410 stainless steel is prone to deformation during heat treatment and processing, especially in thin-walled or complex-shaped parts. Careful control of temperature and stress during processing is required.
- Work Hardening Tendency
410 stainless steel tends to work hard during processing, so care should be taken to avoid excessive processing during multiple operations to prevent the material from becoming too hard and brittle.
Can 410 Stainless Steel Be Hardened?
Yes, 410 stainless steel can be hardened through heat treatment. This increases its strength and wear resistance, making it useful for various industrial applications.
410 Stainless Steel Products
410 Stainless Steel Screws
410 stainless steel screws are used in construction, machinery, and automotive applications. They provide strength and moderate corrosion resistance.
410 Stainless Steel Sheet
410 stainless steel sheet is used in industries like automotive and heat exchangers. It offers good formability and corrosion resistance.
410 Stainless Steel Bar
410 stainless steel bars are commonly used for fasteners, valves, and shafts. They are chosen for their hardness and moderate corrosion resistance.
410 Stainless Steel Plate
410 stainless steel plates are used in machinery and structural applications. They are tough and resistant to moderately corrosive environments.
410 Stainless Steel Tubing
410 stainless steel tubing is found in oil, gas, and heat exchanger industries. It is selected for its strength and oxidation resistance in high-temperature environments.
410 Stainless Steel Wire
410 stainless steel wire is used for springs, wire mesh, and screens. It offers high wear resistance and moderate corrosion resistance.
The Difference Between 410 and Other Stainless Steel
304 VS 410
- 304 stainless steel is generally non-magnetic, and 410 is magnetic due to its martensitic structure.
- 304 contains more content of chromium and nickel. That offers it better corrosion resistance, especially in moist, acidic, and salty environments. 410 has more content of carbon and less chromium, which results in better strength and hardness.
- 304 stainless steel has better ductility. It is used for kitchen appliances, food processing equipment, and chemical containers. 410 is commonly used for cutlery, valves, pumps, and industrial machinery.
316 VS 410
- 316 stainless steel is non-magnetic because of its austenitic structure, while 410 is magnetic.
- 316 stainless steel contains more content of chromium, nickel, and molybdenum. These elements offer superior corrosion resistance, particularly in chloride-rich and harsh environments. 410 stainless steel has more carbon content and less chromium, which gives it better strength and hardness.
- 316 is also highly ductile, easily welded, and remains tough at both high and low temperatures. 410 is more brittle after hardening.
- 316 stainless steel is usually used for marine environments, chemical processing, and medical devices. 410 is commonly used for cutlery, valves, pumps, and industrial machinery.
420 VS 410
- 420 stainless steel has a higher carbon content, allowing it to achieve greater hardness and wear resistance through heat treatment, while 410 is somewhat softer.
- 420 stainless steel contains slightly more chromium, offering marginally better corrosion resistance. 410 stainless steel has a lower carbon content and slightly less chromium, which provides it with better ductility and machinability than 420.
- 420 is less ductile and more prone to becoming brittle after hardening than 410.
- 420 is typically used for applications requiring high hardness, such as cutlery, surgical instruments, and tools. 410 is better suited for valves, pumps, and industrial machinery.
Other Things You Should Know About 410 Stainless Steel
What ASTM is 410 Stainless Steel?
410 stainless steel corresponds to ASTM A240 for plate, sheet, and strip; ASTM A276 for bars and shapes; and ASTM A479 for bars and wire for use in boilers and other pressure vessels. These ASTM standards cover the specification for 410 stainless steel in different forms and applications.
What AMS Specifications is 410 Stainless Steel?
410 stainless steel is covered by several AMS specifications. AMS 5504 applies to sheet, strip, and plate forms. AMS 5613 covers bars, forgings, and rings in a hardened and tempered condition, while AMS 5612 applies to bars, wire, and forgings for aerospace and high-performance applications.
Is 410 Stainless Steel Good
Yes, 410 stainless steel is good for strength and moderate corrosion resistance. It works well in various industrial applications.
Is 410 Stainless Steel Food Grade?
Yes. 410 stainless steel can be used in food-grade applications, but it’s not as commonly used as 304 or 316 stainless steel.
Is 410 Stainless Steel Marine Grade?
No. 410 stainless steel has moderate corrosion resistance and is less suitable for marine environments. 316 stainless steel is better.
Does 410 Stainless Steel Rust?
Yes. It has moderate corrosion resistance, but in harsh environments or when exposed to moisture for long periods, it may develop rust. Regular maintenance can help reduce rust formation.
What Is the Alternative to SS 410?
The choice of alternatives to SS 410 depends on the specific requirements of your application
If you need greater corrosion resistance, SS 304 or SS 316 are good options.
If you need higher hardness, SS 420 is a suitable alternative.
If you need a balance between strength and ductility, SS 431 could be a better choice.
Summary & Furthermore
This article briefly explains the definition, composition, properties, grades, applications, and other important aspects of duplex stainless steel. To learn more about stainless steel or other steel types, check out our blog or contact our metal experts.
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