Comparing Stainless Steel Sheets: 409 vs. 410 vs. 410S vs. 420 vs. 430 vs. 440 vs. 446

Each stainless steel sheet has its own unique chemical composition and characteristics, suitable for different application areas.

Here’s a comparative overview of various stainless steel grades, specifically focusing on 409 stainless steel sheets, 410&410S stainless steel sheets, 420 stainless steel sheets, 430 stainless steel sheets, 440 stainless steel sheets, and 446 stainless steel sheets. Each grade has unique properties, compositions, and applications.

Equivalent Grades of Stainless Steel Sheets 409/410/420/430/440/446

Grade	WERKSTOFF NR.	UNS	SAE	TOCT	AFNOR	BS	JIS
SS 409	1.4512	S40900	409	09Cr17	Z3CT12	409 S 19	SUS 409
SS 410	1.4006	S41000	410	10Cr13	–	410S21	SUS 410
SS 420	1.4021	S42000	420	13Cr14	–	–	SUS 420
SS 430	1.4016	S43000	430	16Cr17	BF Z 3 CN 19-09	–	SUS 430
SS 440	1.4125	S44000	440	16Cr17	–	–	SUS 440
SS 446	1.4762	S44600	446	23Cr22	–	–	SUS 446

Chemical Composition of Stainless Steel Sheets

409/410/420/430/440/446

Grades	C (%)	Ni (%)	Si (%)	S (%)	Mn (%)	P (%)	Cr (%)	Ti (%)
SS 409	0.08	0.5	1.0	0.045	1.0	0.045	10.5 – 11.75	–
SS 410	0.15 max	0.5 max	1.0	0.030	1.0	0.040	11.5 – 13.5	–
SS 420	0.15 max	0.5	1.0	0.030	1.0	0.040	12.0 – 14.0	–
SS 430	0.12	1.0	0.030	1.0	1.0	0.040	16.0 – 18.0	–
SS 440	0.95 – 1.20	–	1.0	0.030	1.0	0.040	16.0 – 18.0	–
SS 446	0.15 max	–	1.0	0.030	1.0	0.040	23.0 – 27.0	–

Mechanical Properties of Stainless Steel Sheets

409/410/420/430/440/446

Grades	Density (g/cm³)	Melting Point (°C)	Tensile Strength (MPa)	Yield Strength (MPa)	Elongation (%)	Hardness (Brinell)	Hardness (Rockwell B)
SS 409	8.0	1457	515	205	35	–	–
SS 410	7.75	1530	450	205	20	217	96
SS 420	7.7	1530	530	250	22	89	183
SS 430	7.7	1510	450	205	22	89	183
SS 440	7.7	1500	620	345	25	175	–

Key Differences Between the Grades

Corrosion Resistance: Grades such as 430 and 446 offer excellent corrosion resistance, particularly in mildly corrosive environments. In contrast, 410 and 420 are less corrosion-resistant but provide superior hardness.
Strength and Hardness: 440C stands out for its high hardness and wear resistance, making it ideal for cutting tools, whereas 409 and 430 are softer but offer better formability.
High-Temperature Performance: 446 is the best choice for high-temperature applications due to its exceptional resistance to oxidation at elevated temperatures. Other grades like 409 and 410S also perform well in high-temperature conditions but lack the extreme resistance of 446.

Choosing the Right Stainless Steel for Your Application

The selection of the appropriate stainless steel grade depends on the specific requirements of your application. If corrosion resistance in moderately aggressive environments is a priority, 430 or 409 may be the ideal choice. For applications that require high strength and wear resistance, such as cutting tools, 420 or 440C would be more suitable. For high-temperature environments, 446 offers unmatched oxidation resistance, making it the material of choice for furnace components and heat exchangers.

Conclusion

Each grade of stainless steel in the 400 series has its unique properties and advantages. Whether you need corrosion resistance, high strength, or durability at elevated temperatures, one of these stainless steels can meet your needs. When choosing a material, consider the specific requirements of your application, including environmental conditions, mechanical stress, and temperature. This guide provides a starting point for selecting the right stainless steel sheet for your project, ensuring long-lasting performance and reliability.