Comparing 409, 439, and 430 Stainless Steel Sheet Metal

As discussed in our last blog, in order for stainless steel to have magnetic properties, two essential elements must be present: iron, which is a ferrous metal (or metal with high amounts of ferrite), and a crystal composition arranged in a ferritic or martensitic structure. Also mentioned were the 3 primary types of magnetic stainless steel are ferritic, martensitic, and duplex, each of which have their own set of grades.

In this blog, we will discuss ferritic steel grades 409, 430 and 439. Continue reading to learn about each of these three common ferritic stainless steels, and where you can sell scrap steel at the highest profits in town.

Indianapolis Scrap Metal Buyers 1-888-586-5322
Indianapolis Scrap Steel Buyers 1-888-586-5322

Ferritic Stainless Steels

Ferritic stainless steel has large quantities of ferrite in its chemical composition, and contains the grades 409, 430 and 439. Below is a brief explanation of each stainless steel grade, and how they compared to one another.

Ferritic Stainless Steel Grade 409

The 409 stainless steel grade is defined by its 11% chromium content. It is typically the cheapest option in the ferritic stainless steel group, and mostly admired for its oxidation or corrosion protection properties, especially compared to carbon steel and similar coated steel alloys. In additional to moderate oxidation resistance, this grade is quite malleable, and can be formed into various shapes, cuts, and dimensions. When compared to 430, 439, and even 304 grades, 409 stainless steel is less resistant to corrosion due to its chromium makeup, but still a better option than mild carbon steel in terms of corrosion. It’s most common applications include automotive parts like exhaust systems, heat exchangers, silencers, catalytic converters, and furnace liners.

Ferritic Stainless Steel Grade 430

This grade of stainless steel is a non-hardenable grade that must contain at least 16% chromium. For this reason, it is often applied to indoor applications, like appliances, food equipment, roofing, automotive parts, flue liners, and more. Similar to 409 stainless steel, grade 430 has a decent resistance to corrosion and rust formation. Because of its chemical makeup, it also retains good malleability and can be annealed.

Ferritic Stainless Steel Grade 439

Similar to 430, to be this grade, stainless steel must contain at least 17% chromium. Because of this content, 430 grade steel is also resistant to corrosion and can be easily formed, rolled, bent, or stretched into custom shapes or cuts. For this reason, its most common industry applications include heating units, evaporator tubes, and automotive exhaust components. Compared to 409, this grade is actually more resistant to both corrosion and oxidation.

Where to Recycle Scrap Steel for Cash

Call Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to recycle steel in Indianapolis, or in Central and Southern Indiana. We pay cash on the spot for both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, as well as, junk cars, automotive parts, appliances, construction equipment, motorized farming equipment, and much more! Get rid of your junk and make some fast cash at the same time.

Garden City Iron and Metal 1-888-586-5322
Garden City Iron and Metal 1-888-586-5322

3 Types of Magnetic Stainless Steel

In our last blog, we discussed which attributes make stainless steel magnetic, and how to determine if your stainless steel is ferrous or not. In this blog, we will show you the 3 common types of magnetic stainless steel, and give you a brief description of how they compare to austenitic structures, which are not magnetic at all.

We Buy Scrap Steel! 1-888-586-5322
We Buy Scrap Steel! 1-888-586-5322

Magnetic Stainless Steels

In order for stainless steel to have magnetic properties, two very important elements must exist. First, it must contain iron, which is a ferrous metal (or metal with high amounts of ferrite). Second, it must have a crystal composition arranged in a ferritic or martensitic structure. In fact, the 3 primary types of magnetic stainless steel are ferritic, martensitic, and duplex, each of which have their own set of grades.

❶ Ferritic Stainless Steels

⚙ Ferritic stainless steel has large quantities of ferrite in its chemical composition. It contains grades like 409, 430 and 439.

❷ Martensitic Stainless Steel

⚙ The martensitic steel group is ferromagnetic, as it contains an abundant amount of iron in grades like 410, 420, and 440.

❸ Duplex Stainless Steel

⚙ Duplex stainless steel contains a mixture of austenite and ferrite, mostly austenite, making it slightly less magnetic. This group contains grades like 2205.

Austenitic Structures

Stainless steels that have austenitic structures are those with higher quantities of austenite in them. This also makes them mostly non-magnetic. For instance, stainless steel grades like 304 and 316 retain high amounts of iron in their chemical composition, but their austenite structures renders them non-magnetic, or non-ferromagnetic.

Does it Make a Difference?

You might be wondering why ferromagnetic properties matter in terms of stainless steel. Well, in various industries and applications, the level of magnetism is highly influential. For instance, magnetic steels can cause a lot of problems in processes like metal fabrication, welding, building construction, and more. Electrical currents are also effected by magnetic steel. Other times, magnetic properties are required, such as in metal sorting, electronics, and more.

How to Get Paid for Your Scrap Metal

Call Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to sell scrap metal for cash in Central and Southern Indiana. We pay cash on the spot for both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, including junk cars, automotive parts, appliances, construction equipment, motorized farming equipment, and more. Request a free estimate for your scrap metal, today.

Garden City Iron and Metal 1-888-586-5322
Garden City Iron and Metal 1-888-586-5322