430 stainless steel is a representative type of ferritic stainless steel, with a core component of 16%-18% chromium (Cr), almost no nickel (nickel content ≤0.6%), and a carbon content ≤0.12%. Due to the absence of nickel, a precious metal, it has a significant cost advantage. Its ferritic structure also gives it noticeable magnetism, one of the most obvious characteristics distinguishing 430 from 304. Its core advantages are high cost-effectiveness and good thermal stability, making it suitable for dry applications where corrosion resistance is not critical.
304 stainless steel (austenitic stainless steel) is a mainstream type of austenitic stainless steel, using a classic ratio of 18% chromium + 8% nickel (national standard grade 06Cr19Ni10), with a carbon content ≤0.08%. The addition of nickel forms a stable austenitic structure, not only demagnetizing it (though slight magnetism may appear after cold working), but also significantly improving its corrosion resistance and toughness. It is an "all-around" stainless steel material for both industrial and civilian applications and is one of the most widely used stainless steel types.
Key Performance Comparison
|
Performance Category |
304 Stainless Steel |
Selection Suggestion |
|
|
Corrosion Resistance |
Weak, only suitable for dry and non-corrosive environments. It is prone to rust in humid, salt-containing or weak acid-base environments, and pitting corrosion is likely to form on the surface. Coating or electroplating is required to improve protection. |
Excellent, a dense chromium oxide (Cr₂O₃) passive film can be formed on the surface, which can effectively resist the corrosion of chlorides (seawater, salt spray) and acidic media (acetic acid, citric acid), suitable for various complex corrosive scenarios. |
Choose 304 for humid, coastal, chemical, and food contact scenarios; choose 430 for dry indoor scenarios. |
|
Physical Properties |
Magnetic, density about 7.70g/cm³, low thermal expansion coefficient (good thermal stability), good thermal conductivity, suitable for rapid heat dissipation scenarios. |
Non-magnetic (slight magnetism after cold working), density about 7.93g/cm³, high thermal expansion coefficient, poor thermal conductivity, suitable for heat preservation scenarios. |
Choose 430 if magnetism is needed (such as induction cooker compatible cookware); choose 304 if no magnetism is required (such as medical equipment). |
|
Processing Performance |
Poor ductility, easy to crack during deep drawing, suitable for simple forming; heat treatment is required after welding to eliminate brittleness, otherwise the weld is prone to rust; it can be polished, but the gloss is not as good as 304, and it is often used for matte or brushed effects. |
Excellent ductility, can be deep drawn, bent and welded, suitable for complex shape processing; not easy to crack after welding, and the corrosion resistance of the weld is close to the base metal; easy to polish, brush and color, which can meet high-end decoration needs. |
Choose 304 for complex shapes and welding needs; choose 430 for simple forming and low-cost decoration. |
|
Cost and Price |
Low, because it does not contain nickel, the price is 30%-50% lower than 304. The spot price in 2026 is about 8500-8800 yuan/ton, and the price is stable. |
High, greatly affected by nickel prices. The spot price in 2026 is about 14800-14900 yuan/ton, and the price is firm. Long-term corrosion resistance can reduce maintenance costs. |
Choose 430 if the budget is limited; choose 304 if focusing on long-term durability and pursuing low maintenance costs. |
430 Stainless Steel Main Applications:
Home Appliances: Washing machine inner drums, microwave oven shells, refrigerator doors, air conditioner shells, etc. No contact with water or corrosive media, offering excellent cost-effectiveness.
Architectural Decoration: Interior decorative strips, furniture frames, non-load-bearing structural components, matte decorative panels, etc. Meets basic decorative needs in dry indoor environments.
Kitchenware: Low-cost tableware, containers that do not directly contact food, induction cookware.
Automotive Industry: Exhaust pipe decorative covers, interior parts, etc. Reduces overall vehicle costs when used in dry environments.
304 Stainless Steel Main Applications:
Food Industry: Tableware, kitchenware, food processing equipment, drinking water pipes, etc. Meets food contact safety standards, with no harmful substance leaching.
Architectural Decoration: Curtain walls, elevator panels, high-end decorative components, outdoor railings, etc. Resists wind, rain, and salt spray corrosion, maintaining aesthetic appeal over time.
Chemical Equipment: Storage tanks, pipelines, reaction vessels, etc. Withstands various acidic and alkaline media, ensuring production safety.
Medical and sanitary ware sectors: Medical device parts, bathroom fixtures, water heater liners, etc., requiring high hygiene standards and corrosion resistance.
Marine engineering: Coastal structures, seawater desalination equipment parts, etc., requiring resistance to seawater corrosion and extended service life.
