416 Stainless Steel
At a Glance
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Available Forms | Rod, Bar, and Plate |
| Alloy Type | Free-Machining Martensitic Stainless Steel |
| Corrosion Resistance | Moderate corrosion resistance; lower than austenitic grades such as 304 and 316 |
| Hardness | Heat treatable to achieve increased hardness and strength |
| Durability | Good strength, wear resistance, and durability in machined components |
| Machinability | Excellent machinability and commonly regarded as the most machinable stainless steel grade |
| Key Advantages | Fast machining, good strength, heat-treatable hardness, and reduced production costs for high-volume parts |
| Common Applications | Valve components, screw-machine parts, motor components, nuts, bolts, washing-machine parts, cutlery, and kitchen utensils |
| Specifications | AMS 5610, ASTM A582, UNS S41600 |
416 Stainless Steel is a free-machining martensitic stainless steel known for its excellent machinability, good strength, and ability to be hardened through heat treatment. Sulfur is added to improve chip breaking and reduce cutting-tool wear, making 416 particularly suitable for parts requiring extensive drilling, threading, turning, or other high-speed machining operations.
Often described as the most machinable of the standard stainless steel grades, 416 is well suited for high-volume production of detailed components. Its machinability is commonly rated at approximately 85% relative to free-machining carbon steel, although the exact rating can vary with the reference material and machining conditions.
As a martensitic stainless steel, 416 can be hardened and tempered to obtain different combinations of strength, hardness, and toughness. It is also magnetic in both the annealed and hardened conditions. These characteristics make it useful for components that require more strength and wear resistance than typical austenitic stainless steels.
The sulfur that gives 416 its outstanding machinability also reduces its corrosion resistance, toughness, formability, and weldability. It provides moderate corrosion resistance in mild atmospheres, fresh water, steam, and some weakly corrosive environments, but it is not generally recommended for marine service or prolonged exposure to chlorides and aggressive chemicals. Its best corrosion resistance is normally obtained with a smooth, clean surface and proper heat treatment.
Welding is possible but is generally avoided because 416 is susceptible to cracking in the weld and heat-affected zones. When welding is required, carefully controlled preheating, filler-metal selection, and post-weld heat treatment may be necessary.
Common applications for 416 Stainless Steel include:
- Valve and pump components
- Screw-machine parts
- Shafts, gears, and pinions
- Electrical motor components
- Nuts, bolts, screws, and fasteners
- Instrument and appliance components
- Washing-machine parts
- Cutlery and kitchen utensils
We supply 416 Stainless Steel in rod, bar, and plate, with material certification available to applicable specifications.
Chemical Data, Mechanical Properties and Specifications for 416 Stainless Steel
Chemical Range for 416
| Element | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon | -- | 0.15 |
| Chromium | 12.0 | 14.0 |
| Iron | Balance | -- |
| Manganese | -- | 1.25 |
| Molybdenum | -- | 0.60 |
| Phosphorus | -- | 0.060 |
| Silicon | -- | 1.00 |
| Sulphur | -- | 0.15 |
Typical Mechanical Properties for 416
| Form | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength | Elongation at Break |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annealed Bar | 74.7 ksi | 39.9 ksi | 30% |
| Cold Drawn Rod/Wire | 89.9 ksi | 79.8 ksi | 10% |
| Heat Treated Rod/Wire | 135.0 ksi | 105.0 ksi | 5% |
Specifications
- AMS 5610 (Bar)
- ASTM A582 (Bar)
- UNS S41600