Beginner’s Guide to Martensitic Stainless Steel 410 vs 630

Table of Contents

Martensitic stainless steels are known for their high strength and hardness. Types 410 and 630 are notable, offering distinct benefits based on their composition and heat treatment. Type 410 provides good corrosion resistance and high strength, suitable for cutlery and hand tools. Type 630, or 17-4PH, offers enhanced strength and corrosion resistance due to added chromium, nickel, and copper. This guide explores their properties, applications, and differences, aiding in understanding their uses and performance.

Introduction To Martensitic Stainless Steel: Understanding 410 And 630

Grade 410 Stainless Steel

Martensitic stainless steels, like grades 410 and 630, are known for high strength and moderate corrosion resistance. These steels differ mainly in carbon content, affecting their hardenability and strength.

Grade 410 is the basic martensitic grade, often called “general-purpose” steel. It has at least 11.5% chromium, offering useful corrosion resistance in mild environments. With 0.08% to 0.15% carbon, it achieves optimal strength and hardness after heat treatment. This grade is magnetic in both annealed and hardened states.

Grade 630 Stainless Steel

Grade 630, or 17-4PH, is a more advanced alloy with copper, niobium, and tantalum. These elements provide superior mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. Its composition includes 15-17.5% chromium, 3-5% nickel, and 3-5% copper, with around 0.07% carbon, allowing precipitation hardening for enhanced strength and toughness.

Pros and Cons 410 And 630 Stainless Steel

Pros and Cons of Grade 410 Stainless Steel

ProsCons
Cost-effectiveLimited corrosion resistance
Good machinabilityVulnerable to chlorides
High strength and hardness
Moderate corrosion resistance

Pros and Cons of Grade 630 Stainless Steel

ProsCons
Superior mechanical propertiesMore expensive
Excellent corrosion resistanceChallenging to machine
Versatile through heat treatmentRequires precise heat treatment

What is the Equivalent of 410 And 630 Stainless Steel?

Grade 410 Equivalent

Grade 410 offers good corrosion resistance and high strength, suitable for cutlery, steam and gas turbine blades, and kitchen utensils.

Grade 630 Equivalent

Grade 630, or 17-4PH, has superior strength and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for aerospace, chemical processing, and food processing industries.

Comparing Corrosion Resistance: Stainless Steel 410 Vs 630

Corrosion Resistance of Grade 410 Stainless Steel

Grade 410 has 11.5-13.5% chromium, providing moderate corrosion resistance. It’s less resistant to chlorides and aggressive conditions.

Corrosion Resistance of Grade 630 Stainless Steel

Grade 630, or 17-4PH, has 15-17.5% chromium and 3-5% nickel, offering enhanced corrosion resistance. It’s ideal for marine, chemical, and harsh environments.

Composition Of Stainless Steel 410 and 630

Composition of Grade 410 Stainless Steel

  • Chromium: 11.5-13.5%
  • Carbon: 0.15%

Composition of Grade 630 Stainless Steel

  • Chromium: 15-17.5%
  • Nickel: 3-5%
  • Copper: 3-5%
  • Carbon: 0.07%

Heat Treatment Processes For 410 And 630 Stainless Steels

Heat Treatment of Grade 410 Stainless Steel

  • Annealing: Heat to 815-900°C, cool slowly
  • Hardening: Heat to 925-1010°C, quench
  • Tempering: Reheat to 205-370°C

Heat Treatment of Grade 630 Stainless Steel

  • Solution Treatment: Heat to 1040°C, rapid cool
  • Aging: Heat to 480-620°C

Mechanical Properties: A Detailed Comparison Of 410 And 630

Mechanical Properties of Grade 410 Stainless Steel

  • Tensile Strength: 480-620 MPa
  • Yield Strength: 275 MPa
  • Elongation: 20-25% in 50mm

Mechanical Properties of Grade 630 Stainless Steel

  • Tensile Strength: Up to 1100 MPa
  • Yield Strength: Up to 1000 MPa
  • Elongation: 15% in 50mm

What is the Difference Between Number 4 and Number 6 stainless steel finish?

Number 4 Stainless Steel Finish

The Number 4 finish, or brushed finish, has fine, uniform grit lines. It’s used in kitchen appliances and architectural applications.

Number 6 Stainless Steel Finish

The Number 6 finish, or fine satin finish, is smoother and more reflective. It’s used for decorative purposes in architecture and art.

Applications And Industries Using 410 And 630 Stainless Steels

Applications of Grade 410 Stainless Steel

  • Cutlery
  • Food processing equipment
  • Turbine blades

Applications of Grade 630 Stainless Steel

  • Aerospace components
  • Medical instruments
  • Gears and valves

Is 410 Better than 630 Stainless Steels?

Comparing Grade 410 and Grade 630

PropertyGrade 410Grade 630
Corrosion ResistanceModerateHigh
StrengthHighVery High
MachinabilityGoodChallenging
CostLowerHigher

Conclusion

Both martensitic stainless steels 410 and 630 offer high strength and hardness. Grade 410 is cost-effective with moderate corrosion resistance, while Grade 630 provides superior strength and corrosion resistance, suitable for more demanding applications.

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