Stainless Steel SUS430

Ferritic stainless steel offers good strength, moderate corrosion resistance, and cost-effectiveness for industrial and consumer applications.

Introduction to Stainless Steel SUS430: A Ferritic Alloy with Balanced Strength and Corrosion Resistance

Stainless Steel SUS430 is a ferritic stainless steel known for its good corrosion resistance, high strength, and formability. It is a low-carbon alloy with 16–18% chromium content, offering moderate resistance to corrosion compared to austenitic stainless steels like SUS304 and SUS316. SUS430 is commonly used in applications where resistance to oxidation and corrosion is required, but the demand for higher strength and toughness is lower. It is often used in kitchen appliances, automotive trim, and industrial equipment applications.

Due to its magnetic properties and relatively low cost, SUS430 is widely used for decorative applications and where moderate corrosion resistance is sufficient. CNC machining of SUS430 is straightforward and has good machinability characteristics, but it requires optimized cutting parameters to achieve precise finishes. At Neway, CNC-machined SUS430 parts undergo rigorous quality control to ensure accuracy and consistency for industrial and consumer products.

SUS430 Stainless Steel: Key Properties and Composition

SUS430 Stainless Steel Chemical Composition

Element

Composition (wt%)

Role/Impact

Carbon (C)

≤0.12%

Low carbon ensures better weldability and prevents carbide precipitation during welding.

Manganese (Mn)

1.00%

Improves strength and toughness, especially at lower temperatures.

Chromium (Cr)

16.0–18.0%

Provides resistance to corrosion and oxidation, enhancing durability.

Nickel (Ni)

≤0.75%

Improves formability and ductility, though SUS430 has less nickel than austenitic grades.

Phosphorus (P)

≤0.04%

Reduces sulfur contamination and improves machinability.

SUS430 Stainless Steel Physical Properties

Property

Value

Notes

Density

7.75 g/cm³

Similar to other ferritic stainless steels, ensuring durability.

Melting Point

1,400–1,530°C

Suitable for both cold and hot working, ideal for high-temperature applications.

Thermal Conductivity

26.3 W/m·K

Moderate heat dissipation, suitable for high-heat applications.

Electrical Resistivity

8.5×10⁻⁷ Ω·m

Low electrical conductivity, ideal for non-electrical applications.

SUS430 Stainless Steel Mechanical Properties

Property

Value

Testing Standard/Condition

Tensile Strength

485 MPa

ASTM A240/A240M standard

Yield Strength

310 MPa

Suitable for medium-strength applications

Elongation (50mm gauge)

25%

Moderate ductility for shaping and forming.

Brinell Hardness

160 HB

Achieved in a soft annealed state, offering moderate hardness.

Machinability Rating

55% (vs. 1212 steel at 100%)

Easy to machine with appropriate tools for moderate precision.

Key Characteristics of SUS430 Stainless Steel: Benefits and Comparisons

SUS430 stainless steel offers a balance between strength and corrosion resistance. Below is a technical comparison highlighting its unique advantages over similar materials like SUS304 Stainless Steel, SUS316 Stainless Steel, and SUS410 Stainless Steel.

1. Corrosion Resistance

  • Unique Trait: While SUS430 offers moderate corrosion resistance, it is not as resistant as austenitic stainless steels, but still performs well in mildly corrosive environments.

  • Comparison:

    • vs. SUS304 Stainless Steel: SUS304 offers superior corrosion resistance, particularly in acidic environments.

    • vs. SUS316 Stainless Steel: SUS316 offers significantly better resistance to pitting and chloride-induced corrosion, especially in marine environments.

    • vs. SUS410 Stainless Steel: SUS410 has similar corrosion resistance to SUS430 but lacks the higher strength of SUS430.

2. Strength and Hardness

  • Unique Trait: SUS430 provides moderate strength and hardness, offering a good balance between mechanical properties and machinability.

  • Comparison:

    • vs. SUS304 Stainless Steel: SUS304 offers better formability but has lower strength than SUS430, especially after cold working.

    • vs. SUS316 Stainless Steel: SUS316 has higher corrosion resistance but is not as strong as SUS430, particularly in high-temperature applications.

    • vs. SUS410 Stainless Steel: SUS410 is similar in strength but has higher carbon content, making it harder to machine than SUS430.

3. Magnetic Properties

  • Unique Trait: As a ferritic stainless steel, SUS430 retains magnetic properties, making it suitable for applications where magnetism is needed.

  • Comparison:

    • vs. SUS304 Stainless Steel: SUS304 is non-magnetic, making it unsuitable for magnetic applications.

    • vs. SUS316 Stainless Steel: SUS316 is also non-magnetic, whereas SUS430 retains its magnetic properties for specialized uses.

    • vs. SUS410 Stainless Steel: SUS410 also exhibits magnetic properties but has lower corrosion resistance compared to SUS430.

4. Cost-Effectiveness

  • Unique Trait: SUS430 is a cost-effective solution when compared to austenitic stainless steels like SUS304 or SUS316, offering a good balance of performance and cost.

  • Comparison:

CNC Machining Challenges and Solutions for SUS430 Stainless Steel

Machining Challenges and Solutions

Challenge

Root Cause

Solution

Work Hardening

Tough material and low ductility

Use carbide tools with TiN coatings to improve tool life.

Surface Roughness

Brittle material causing material "tearing"

Optimize feed rates and use sharp, high-speed tools for smoother finishes.

Tool Wear

High hardness

Use high-performance tool coatings and reduce tool wear by optimizing cutting speed.

Dimensional Inaccuracy

Inconsistent cutting forces

Perform stress-relief annealing to reduce dimensional changes and ensure tighter tolerances.

Chip Control Issues

Hard, continuous chips

Use high-pressure coolant and chip breakers to facilitate chip control.

Optimized Machining Strategies

Strategy

Implementation

Benefit

High-Speed Machining

Spindle speed: 1,200–1,800 RPM

Increases productivity and reduces heat buildup.

Climb Milling

Cutting in the direction of tool rotation

Improves surface finish (Ra 1.6–3.2 µm).

Toolpath Optimization

Use trochoidal milling for deep pockets

Reduces cutting forces, minimizing part deflection.

Stress-Relief Annealing

Preheat to 650°C for 1 hour per inch

Minimizes residual stress and improves machining accuracy.

Cutting Parameters for SUS430 Stainless Steel

Operation

Tool Type

Spindle Speed (RPM)

Feed Rate (mm/rev)

Depth of Cut (mm)

Notes

Rough Milling

4-flute carbide end mill

1,000–1,500

0.15–0.25

2.0–4.0

Use coolant to prevent work hardening.

Finish Milling

2-flute carbide end mill

1,500–2,000

0.05–0.10

0.5–1.0

Climb milling for smoother finishes (Ra 1.6–3.2 µm).

Drilling

135° split-point HSS drill

600–800

0.10–0.15

Full hole depth

Peck drilling for precise hole formation.

Turning

CBN or coated carbide insert

500–700

0.20–0.30

1.5–3.0

Dry machining is acceptable with air blast cooling.

Surface Treatments for CNC Machined SUS430 Stainless Steel Parts

  1. Electroplating: Adds a corrosion-resistant metallic layer, extending part life in humid environments and improving strength.

  2. Polishing: Enhances the surface finish, providing a smooth, shiny appearance ideal for visible components.

  3. Brushing: Creates a satin or matte finish, masking minor surface defects and improving aesthetic quality for architectural components.

  4. PVD Coating: Boosts wear resistance, increasing tool life and part longevity in high-contact environments.

  5. Passivation: Creates a protective oxide layer, enhancing corrosion resistance in mild environments without altering dimensions.

  6. Powder Coating: Offers high durability, UV resistance, and a smooth finish, ideal for outdoor and automotive parts.

  7. Teflon Coating: Provides non-stick and chemical-resistant properties, ideal for food processing and chemical handling components.

  8. Chrome Plating: Adds a shiny, durable finish that enhances corrosion resistance, commonly used in automotive and tooling applications.

  9. Black Oxide: Provides a corrosion-resistant black finish, ideal for parts in low-corrosion environments like gears and fasteners.

Industry Applications of CNC Machined SUS430 Stainless Steel Parts

Automotive Industry

  • Exhaust Systems: SUS430 is commonly used for components requiring moderate corrosion resistance and strength.

Home Appliances

  • Dishwasher Components: The material’s ability to resist oxidation and staining makes it ideal for kitchen appliances.

Industrial Equipment

  • Heat Exchangers: SUS430 is a cost-effective material for heat exchangers and other components requiring moderate strength.

Technical FAQs: CNC Machined SUS430 Stainless Steel Parts & Services

  1. How does SUS430 perform in high-temperature applications compared to SUS304 and SUS316?

  2. What are the recommended machining speeds and feeds for SUS430 stainless steel?

  3. How does the weldability of SUS430 compare to other stainless steels like SUS304 or SUS316?

  4. What are the best surface treatments for enhancing the corrosion resistance of SUS430 in mild environments?

  5. How does SUS430 perform in marine environments compared to other stainless steels?

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