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Need the right steel for your project? Choosing the wrong grade can cost time and money.
304 and 410 stainless steels differ in corrosion resistance, strength, magnetic properties, weldability, and ideal uses.
Let's break down the facts so you can decide confidently.
What Are 304 and 410 Stainless Steel?
Not sure what makes these grades different?
304 is an austenitic stainless steel1 with high chromium and nickel; 410 is a martensitic steel2 with higher carbon and lower chromium.
Key Structural Difference
- 304: Non-magnetic, tough, corrosion-resistant
- 410: Magnetic, hardenable, strong, less corrosion-resistant
How Do the Chemical Compositions of 304 and 410 Stainless Steel Differ?
Composition shapes performance.
304 has 18–20% Cr and 8–10.5% Ni; 410 has 11.5–13.5% Cr, ≤ 0.75% Ni, and higher carbon.
Composition Table
| Element | 304 (%) | 410 (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon | ≤ 0.08 | ≤ 0.15 |
| Chromium | 18–20 | 11.5–13.5 |
| Nickel | 8–10.5 | ≤ 0.75 |
Which Stainless Steel Grade Has Better Corrosion Resistance: 304 or 410?
Think hygiene or exposure matters?
304 has much higher corrosion resistance thanks to chromium and nickel1 creating a protective passive layer.
Corrosion Comparison
- 304: Ideal for wet, food, and harsh environments
- 410: Suited for dry air or low corrosion settings
How Do the Mechanical Properties of 304 and 410 Stainless Steel Compare?
Need durability or ductility?
410 is stronger and harder; 304 is more ductile and impact-resistant.
Strength Table
| Property | 304 | 410 |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 515–750 MPa | 450–700 MPa |
| Yield Strength | ~205 MPa | ~275 MPa |
| Hardness | B70–B90 | C35–C40 |
| Elongation | ~40% | ~20% |
How Do Thermal Properties Differ Between 304 and 410 Stainless Steel?
High heat performance?
410 has higher melting point3 (~1530 °C) and thermal conductivity than 304.
Thermal Comparison
- Melting Point: 410 > 304
- Conductivity: 410 ~25 W/mK, 304 ~16 W/mK
- Expansion: 304 expands more at heat
Which Grade Is Easier to Weld and Fabricate: 304 or 410 Stainless Steel?
Tackling a weld job?
304 welds easily with TIG and MIG4 and needs little treatment. 410 needs careful welding and stress relief.
What Are the Typical Applications for 304 vs. 410 Stainless Steel?
Let's match material to use case.
304 is common in food, chemistry, and architecture. 410 is used in knives, tools, and wear parts.
Use Case Overview
| Grade | Top Applications |
|---|---|
| 304 | Kitchenware, food, piping, architecture |
| 410 | Cutlery, valves, shafts, tools, bearings |
Is 410 Stainless Steel Suitable for Food-Grade Applications Compared to 304?
Food safety?
No. 410 lacks corrosion resistance required for food processing. 304 meets FDA requirements5 as the safer choice.
How Do Cost and Maintenance Compare Between 304 and 410 Stainless Steel?
Budget matters too.
304 costs about 50% more6 but offers easier maintenance and better corrosion resistance. 410 is cheaper but may need more upkeep.
Conclusion
304 resists rust and welds easily; 410 is stronger and holds an edge better—pick based on your project's needs.
FAQ
What is the main difference between 304 and 410 stainless steel?
304 is corrosion-resistant and non-magnetic; 410 is harder, magnetic7, and less resistant to corrosion.
Which grade has better corrosion resistance?
304 offers superior corrosion resistance.
Is 410 stainless steel magnetic?
Yes, 410 is magnetic in all conditions7.
Can 410 stainless steel be used for food-grade applications?
No, 304 is the recommended grade for food applications.
Which grade is stronger?
410 is stronger and harder.
How do they differ in weldability?
304 welds easily; 410 requires more welding control and post-heat treatment.
What are their common uses?
304: food, chemicals, architecture; 410: cutlery, tools, valves.
Does 410 rust more easily than 304?
Yes, 410 is less corrosion-resistant and may rust faster.
How much more expensive is 304?
Approximately 50% more costly than 410.
Which is better for high-temperature work?
410 performs better due to higher melting point and thermal conductivity.
Footnotes:
-
Austenitic stainless steels like 304 have a face-centered cubic crystal structure with high nickel content that creates a protective chromium oxide layer, providing exceptional corrosion resistance in various environments including moisture, acids, and chemicals. ↩ ↩
-
Martensitic stainless steels like 410 have a body-centered tetragonal structure that can be hardened through heat treatment, achieving high strength and hardness but with lower corrosion resistance than austenitic grades. ↩
-
AISI 410 stainless steel has a melting point around 1460-1530°C with thermal conductivity of approximately 25 W/mK at 100°C, making it suitable for high-temperature applications like turbine components. ↩
-
304 stainless steel's austenitic structure and excellent weldability make it compatible with TIG and MIG welding processes using 308L filler material, requiring minimal pre-heating and no post-weld heat treatment. ↩
-
304 stainless steel meets FDA food-grade requirements with its 18% chromium content exceeding the 16% minimum standard, making it safe for direct food contact and processing applications. ↩
-
Raw material costs show 304 stainless steel at approximately $3,500 per ton compared to 410 at $2,100 per ton, with the price difference primarily due to 304's higher nickel content. ↩
-
410 stainless steel exhibits ferromagnetic properties in all conditions due to its martensitic body-centered structure and high iron content, unlike non-magnetic austenitic 304 stainless steel. ↩ ↩
