SUS 304 VS SUS 430 stainless steel plate: What is the difference?

What are the differences between 304 stainless steel plate and 430 stainless steel plate?

304 stainless steel plate belongs to the austenitic stainless steel family, while 430 stainless steel plate belongs to the ferritic stainless steel family. Their crystal microstructures are different.

304 austenitic stainless steel plate is a widely used material with good corrosion resistance, heat resistance, low-temperature strength, and mechanical properties. It also has good thermal processability, such as stamping and bending, and does not require heat treatment for hardening. It is commonly used in household products (such as category 1 and 2 tableware, cabinets, indoor pipes, water heaters, boilers, and bathtubs), automobile parts (such as windshield wipers, mufflers, and molded products), medical devices, building materials, chemicals, food industries, and agricultural and ship components.

On the other hand, 430 ferritic stainless steel plate has a high thermal expansion rate, good formability, and oxidation resistance. It is commonly used in heat-resistant appliances, burners, household appliances, tableware, kitchen sinks, exterior decoration materials, bolts, nuts, CD rods, and more.

The main alloying element in 430 Stainless Steel Cold Rolled Sheet  is chromium, which typically makes up 16% to 18% of its composition. Since it does not contain nickel, the cost of 430 stainless steel is relatively low. In contrast, 304 ss plate contains higher levels of chromium (18% to 20%) and nickel (8% to 10.5%).

The main differences between 304  and 430 stainless metal sheetinclude:

Corrosion Resistance: 430 stainless steel contains 16.00-18.00% chromium and does not contain nickel. In contrast, 304 stainless steel contains higher amounts of chromium and nickel, giving it better corrosion resistance.

Stability: 430 stainless steel is ferritic, while 304 stainless steel is austenitic. 304 stainless steel is more stable than 430 stainless steel.

Toughness: 304 stainless steel has stronger toughness, making it more durable than 430 stainless steel.

Thermal Conductivity: The ferritic structure of 430 stainless steel provides better thermal conductivity than the austenitic structure of 304 stainless steel.

Mechanical Properties: 430 stainless steel contains the stable chemical element titanium, which improves the mechanical properties of the welds, making it better than 304 stainless steel in this respect.