Introduction
Martensitic stainless steel 416 is a free-machining martensitic stainless steel. It has a chromium content of 11–18%, a carbon content ranging from 0.08% to 1.20%, and a nickel content below 2.5%. These steels are known for their ability to be hardened through heat treatment to form a martensitic structure. The higher carbon content not only enhances hardness and mechanical strength but also promotes the formation of carbides. Tempering in the range of 150–200°C can improve corrosion resistance, making 416 stainless steel well-suited for applications requiring strength, wear resistance, and moderate corrosion resistance.
Martensitic steels with high hardness are manufactured using methods that require final hardening and tempering treatments. The corrosion resistance of these steels is lower than that of austenitic steels. Decrease in the ductility of martensitic steels at sub-zero temperatures, and strength at high temperatures due to over-tempering, are the two key factors that affect their operating temperatures.
| Category | Steel |
| Class | Stainless steel |
| Type | Martensitic standard |
| Common Names | Chromium steel |
| Designations | Germany: DIN 1.4005 Italy: UNI X 12 CrS 13 United Kingdom: B.S. 416 S 21 United States: ASME SA194 , ASTM A194 , ASTM A314 , ASTM A473 , ASTM A581 , ASTM A582 , FED QQ-W-423 , MIL SPEC MIL-S-862 , SAE 51416 , SAE J405 (51416) , UNS S41600 |
Another notable characteristic is its magnetic behavior. Martensitic 416 is ferromagnetic, meaning it can be magnetized and attracted to magnets, with a relative permeability ranging from 40 to 95, depending on its composition and processing. Once hardened, the material exhibits permanent magnetism, with increased hardness and spontaneous magnetization, making demagnetization difficult. This property stems from its body-centered cubic (BCC) structure, which stands in sharp contrast to the generally non-magnetic nature of austenitic stainless steels.

Key features
- Addition of sulphur to this martensitic alloy gives it the best machining properties of any stainless steel.
- This comes at a cost in terms of reduced corrosion resistance, formability & weldability.
- Machinability: Excellent machinability
- Weldability: Poor.
- Availability: Round Bar, plate, sheet, wire tube.
- Corrosion resistance: Highly resistant to acids, alkalis, fresh water and dry air.
Chemical Composition Of Martensitic Stainless Steel 416
| Element | Composition( %) |
| Carbon( C) | 0.15 max |
| Manganese(Mn) | 1.25 max |
| Silicon(Si) | 1.00 max |
| Phosphorus(P) | 0.060 max |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.15 min |
| Chromium(Cr) | 12.0-14.0 |
| Molybdenum( Mo) | 0.60 max |
| Nickel(Ni) | 0.60 max |
| Iron(Fe) | Balance |
In terms of machinability and corrosion resistance, 416 is one of the easiest stainless steels to machine, while also offering good resistance to mild corrosive environments, fresh water, steam, organic materials, as well as many weak acids and petroleum products. These two characteristics make it widely used in the manufacturing of components that require extensive machining and only moderate corrosion resistance.
Martensitic stainless steel 416 is typically supplied in the hardened and tempered condition (Condition P), with a tensile strength range of 550–700 MPa and a Brinell hardness of 152–207. It is also available in the annealed condition, with a maximum Brinell hardness of 207.
Mechanical properties of grade 416 stainless steels
| Property | Value Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 500 – 1400 | MPa |
| Proof Stress | 280 – 1110 | MPa |
| Elongation A5 | 11 – 30 | % |
Mechanical properties vary greatly according the heat treatment that the material has undergone.
Physical Properties
| Property | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 7.75 | g/cm³ |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 200 | GPa |
| Electrical Resistivity | 0.057 | ×10⁻⁶ Ω·m |
| Thermal Conductivity | 24.9 | W/m·K |
| Thermal Expansion | 9.9 | ×10⁻⁶ /K |
Heat Treatment of 416, 1.4005, X12CrS13 martensitic stainless steel
Full Annealing – Heat to 815-900°C for ½ hour per 25mm of thickness. Cool at 30°C per hour maximum to 600°C and air cool.
Sub-Critical Annealing – Heat to 650-760°C and air cool.
Hardening – Hardened by heating to 925-1010°C, quenching in oil, and tempering to suit the mechanical requirements. See accompanying table.
Condition: Tensile Strength Range (N/mm² or MPa)
QT 650: 650 – 850
QT 700: 700 – 850
QT 800: 800 – 950
QT 850: 850 – 1000
QT 900: 900 – 1050
Typical Applications
- Automotive components
- General engineering
- Washing machine parts
- Motor shafts
- Gears
- Valves & pumps
C&N Group is a manufacturer and supplier of high-quality stainless steel 416 products. We produce martensitic stainless steel 416 in a variety of specifications, including pipes, tubes, sheets, coils, bars, fittings, flanges, fasteners, and custom-designed components. Please contact us immediately if you have a project need.
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