430 stainless steel is a widely used ferritic stainless steel grade known for its magnetic properties, decent corrosion resistance, and cost-effectiveness. It is commonly used in indoor applications, appliances, automotive trim, and architectural decoration.
In this article, sakysteel will help you understand what 430 stainless steel is, including its chemical composition, mechanical properties, applications, and how it compares to other common stainless steels like 304 and 316.
430 stainless steel is part of the ferritic stainless steel family. It contains 17% chromium, giving it moderate corrosion resistance, but contains little or no nickel, making it less expensive and magnetic in nature.
Chromium (Cr): 16.0 – 18.0%
Carbon (C): ≤ 0.12%
Nickel (Ni): ≤ 0.75%
Manganese, silicon, phosphorus, and sulfur in small amounts
Unlike austenitic grades like 304 and 316, 430 stainless steel is magnetic and non-hardenable by heat treatment.
One of the defining characteristics of 430 stainless steel is that it is magnetic. This makes it suitable for applications where magnetism is required, such as in electrical equipment or refrigerator doors.
430 stainless steel can be formed into different shapes, stamped, and bent. It performs well in moderate fabrication processes.
430 is suitable for mildly corrosive environments, such as kitchens, interiors, and dry climates. However, it is not recommended for marine or acidic conditions.
Due to its low nickel content, 430 is significantly cheaper than 304 or 316 stainless steel, making it a popular choice for large-volume production.
Because of its magnetic nature and affordable cost, 430 stainless steel is widely used in:
Kitchen equipment (oven backs, hoods, sinks)
Appliances (refrigerator panels, dishwashers)
Automotive trim and exhaust systems
Indoor decorative panels
Elevator interiors and escalator cladding
Oil burners and flue linings
sakysteel provides 430 stainless steel in various product forms, such as cold-rolled sheets, coils, plates, and custom cut pieces.
| Feature | 430 Stainless Steel | 304 Stainless Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Ferritic | Austenitic |
| Magnetic | Yes | No (in annealed condition) |
| Corrosion Resistance | Moderate | Excellent |
| Nickel Content | Low or None | 8–10% |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Weldability | Limited | Excellent |
| Typical Use | Appliances, trim | Industrial, marine, food |
If corrosion resistance is critical (e.g., marine, chemical), 304 is a better option. But for indoor or dry applications, 430 offers great value.
Welding: 430 is not as easily weldable as 304. If welding is required, special precautions or post-weld annealing may be necessary to avoid brittleness.
Machining: It performs reasonably well in standard machining operations and offers better machinability than 304 in some cases.
sakysteel offers 430 stainless steel in several surface finishes, such as:
2B (cold rolled, matte)
BA (bright annealed)
No. 4 (brushed)
Mirror finish (for decorative use)
These finishes allow 430 to be used not just in industrial settings but also in decorative and architectural applications.
430 stainless steel complies with various global specifications:
ASTM A240 / A268
EN 1.4016 / X6Cr17
JIS SUS430
GB/T 3280 1Cr17
sakysteel supplies 430 stainless steel products with full certification, including Mill Test Certificates (MTC), quality inspection reports, and third-party testing if required.
As a leading manufacturer and exporter of stainless steel products, sakysteel provides:
A complete range of 430 stainless steel coils, sheets, and cut-to-size blanks
Consistent quality with stable chemical composition
Competitive factory pricing and fast delivery
Custom processing including slitting, shearing, polishing, and protective film application
With sakysteel, you can trust your stainless steel requirements are met with precision and reliability.
430 stainless steel is a practical and economical material for applications where magnetic properties, formability, and basic corrosion resistance are sufficient. While it may not match the performance of higher-grade stainless steels like 304 or 316, it is an excellent solution for cost-sensitive indoor or decorative projects.
If you are looking to source reliable 430 stainless steel sheets, coils, or blanks, sakysteel offers flexible solutions and expert support to match your exact needs.