Available Shapes
431 Stainless Steel
Grade 431 / SS431 / 1.4057 stainless steels are martensitic, heat-treatable grades with excellent corrosion resistance, torque strength, high toughness and tensile properties. All these properties make them ideal for bolt and shaft applications. These steels, however, cannot be cold-worked owing to their high yield strength, hence they are suitable for operations such as spinning, deep drawing, bending or cold heading.
Fabrication of martensitic steels is generally carried out using techniques that allow hardening and tempering treatments and poor weldability. The corrosion resistance properties of grade 431 steels are lower than that of austenitic grades. The operations of grade 431 are limited by their loss of strength at high temperatures, due to over-tempering, and loss of ductility at negative temperatures.
Related Specifications
BS 970 431S29T 1.4057 X17CrNi16-2
X16CrNi16 AISI ASTM UNS S43100
Applications
Analysis
Corrosion Resistance
Forging
Annealing
Hardening
Tampering
Applications
This alloy is used for forged aircraft fasteners and fittings and should be considered for structural parts in marine atmospheres. Type 431 is used in highly-stressed aircraft components, fasteners, bomb racks, bolting, pump shafts and valve stems. It is suitable for applications requiring a combination of corrosion resistance, hardness and toughness from –100/1200ºF (-70/650ºC.)
Analysis
Carbon | 0.12-0.20% | Chromium | 15.00-18.00% |
Manganese | 1.00% max | Nickel | 2.00-3.00% |
Silicon | 1.00% max | Sulphur | 0.030% max |
Phosphorous | 0.040% max |
Corrosion Resistance
Grade 431 stainless steels have considerable resistance to salt water, but they are less resistant to tropical water when compared to that of grade 316 steels. Grade 431 steels have overall corrosion resistance similar to, or slightly lower than, that of grade 304 steels. Grade 431 steels with a smooth surface finish perform well in tempered and hardened conditions.
Forging
This alloy takes well to hot heading and drop forging. Heat to 2100/2200ºF (1150/1205ºC), then forge; cool small forgings slowly and large forgings in dry lime or ashes. Cool to room temperature before post-forge annealing. Do not forge below 1650ºF (900ºC.)
Annealing
Heat to 1200/1250ºF (650/675ºC), soak and air cool. This treatment is best for most machining operations.
Hardening
Heat the component slowly to 950-1020°C and hold until the temperature is uniform throughout the steel. After adequate soaking time quench in oil or air cool. Temper as soon as tools are hand warm.
Tampering
Temper at a temperature to give desired mechanical properties. Soak at least one hour – longer for large parts – and air cool. Tempering between 700/1050ºF (370/565ºC) may result in lower toughness and corrosion resistance, but depending upon other required properties it may still be necessary to forsake some toughness and corrosion resistance. Experience will be the guide here.