SS 304 vs SS 430 difference in composition & properties.
SS 304 is austenitic stainless; SS 430 is ferritic stainless. SS 304 contains nickel (8–10.5%); SS 430 has no minimum for it (≤0.75%).
Key differences between SS 304 and SS 430
- SS 304 is austenitic stainless; SS 430 is ferritic stainless.
- SS 304 contains nickel (8–10.5%); SS 430 has no minimum for it (≤0.75%).
- Carbon: SS 430 ≤0.12% against SS 304 ≤0.07%.
- Density: SS 304 7.93 g/cm³, SS 430 7.7 g/cm³.
SS 304 vs SS 430 chemical composition (weight %)
| Element | SS 304 | SS 430 |
|---|---|---|
| C | ≤0.07 | ≤0.12 |
| Si | ≤0.75 | ≤1 |
| Mn | ≤2 | ≤1 |
| P | ≤0.045 | ≤0.04 |
| S | ≤0.03 | ≤0.03 |
| Cr | 17.5–19.5 | 16–18 |
| Ni | 8–10.5 | ≤0.75 |
| N | ≤0.1 | – |
Mechanical properties, equivalents and uses
| Property | SS 304 | SS 430 |
|---|---|---|
| Family | Austenitic stainless | Ferritic stainless |
| Tensile strength, MPa | ≥515 | ≥450 |
| Yield strength, MPa | ≥205 | ≥205 |
| Elongation, % | ≥40 | ≥22 |
| Hardness | ≤201 HB | ≤183 HB |
| Density, g/cm³ | 7.93 | 7.7 |
| UNS | S30400 | S43000 |
| EN | X5CrNi18-10 | X6Cr17 |
| W.Nr | 1.4301 | 1.4016 |
| JIS | SUS304 | SUS430 |
| IS (India) | X04Cr18Ni10 (IS 6911) | X07Cr17 (IS 6911) |
| AISI / ASTM | AISI 304 | AISI 430 |
| Typical uses | Food, dairy, kitchen, water, architecture, general process | Appliances, sinks, decorative trim |
Mechanical values: Annealed plate, sheet, strip (ASTM A240 / ASME SA240) / Annealed (ASTM A240 / ASME SA240 S43000). Limits vary by standard and product form; confirm against your purchase specification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between SS 304 and SS 430?
SS 304 is austenitic stainless; SS 430 is ferritic stainless. SS 304 contains nickel (8–10.5%); SS 430 has no minimum for it (≤0.75%). Carbon: SS 430 ≤0.12% against SS 304 ≤0.07%. Density: SS 304 7.93 g/cm³, SS 430 7.7 g/cm³.
Where are SS 304 and SS 430 used?
SS 304: Food, dairy, kitchen, water, architecture, general process. SS 430: Appliances, sinks, decorative trim.
Can SS 430 replace SS 304?
Only if the purchase specification allows it. Check the governing standard, chemistry limits and mechanical properties against the order, and confirm on the mill test certificate.
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Mill test certificate (EN 10204 3.1) supplied with material; third-party inspection on request.
Reference basis: Compiled by Steel Impex India. Check each table’s source, product form and delivery condition before use. Sources, calculation methods and corrections.