410 vs 430F Stainless Steel: Martensitic and Ferritic Machining Options

 

How do their chemical compositions differ?​

410 contains 11.5 - 13.5% chromium, 0.15% max carbon, and no nickel, with a martensitic structure. 430F has 16 - 18% chromium, 0.12% max carbon, sulfur for machining, and a ferritic structure, with no nickel.​

 

Which offers better hardness and wear resistance?​

410, after heat treatment, reaches higher hardness (up to 50 HRC), making it more wear-resistant, suitable for high-stress parts like turbine blades. 430F has moderate hardness, better for less demanding applications.​

 

How do they compare in corrosion resistance?​

430F, with higher chromium, offers better general corrosion resistance in mild environments. 410 has moderate resistance, suitable for less corrosive settings, but can be improved with heat treatment.​

 

What about their machining properties?​

430F is easier to machine due to sulfur, with better chip flow. 410 has fair machinability, with a rating of about 55% compared to Bessemer screw stock. 430F is ideal for automatic screw machines.​

 

Where are 410 and 430F commonly used?​

410 is in cutlery, petrochemical parts, and turbine components. 430F finds applications in solenoids, valves, and automotive parts where easy machining and basic corrosion resistance are needed.