431 stainless steel is an exceptional alloy widely recognized for its robust combination of strength, korrosionsmotstånd, och bearbetbarhet.
As martensitic stainless steel, it has earned its place across industries that require components to endure mechanical stress, resist wear, and maintain performance under harsh conditions.
Whether you’re designing high-performance parts in the aerospace sector or developing durable components for food processing, 431 stainless steel is a top choice.
I denna omfattande guide, we will delve into the egenskaper av 431 rostfritt stål,
explore its ansökningar across various industries, and explain why it continues to be a go-to material in critical engineering sectors.
1. Vad är 431 Rostfritt stål?
431 stainless steel is a martensitisk steel alloy primarily composed of krom (15–17%) och nickel, with additional elements such as mangan och kisel.
The inclusion of chromium gives it corrosion resistance, while the nickel enhances its toughness.
Dock, what sets 431 apart from other alloys is its ability to maintain magnetiska egenskaper,
making it particularly useful in applications where magnetism is essential, såsom magnetic clamping in industrial settings.

This alloy is widely used for making high-strength components that require a combination of hårdhet och duktilitet.
It is particularly valued in industries that rely on precision and durability, inklusive flyg-, bil-, och marina applikationer.
2. Detailed Chemical Composition of 431 Rostfritt stål:
Krom (Cr): 15–17%
- Chromium is the key element that makes 431 stainless steel a corrosion-resistant alloy.
It forms a passive oxide layer on the surface, which protects the steel from rust and environmental degradation.
This also contributes to 431’s resistance to various acids, kemikalier, och högtemperaturmiljöer.
Nickel (I): 1–2%
- Nickel enhances the seghet, duktilitet, och korrosionsmotstånd av 431 rostfritt stål.
The nickel content ensures that the material remains strong even at low temperatures and in environments where toughness is required.
Kol (C): 0.15% max
- Carbon is responsible for increasing the hardness of 431 rostfritt stål.
Dock, in higher amounts, carbon can reduce ductility and make the material more prone to cracking.
Därför, the low carbon content helps maintain a balance between hardness and toughness.
Mangan (Mn): 0.60–1.00%
- Manganese helps improve the styrka och hårdhet av 431 rostfritt stål. It also acts as a deoxidizing agent during steel production, ensuring better steel quality.
Kisel (Och): 0.50–1.00%
- Silicon is used as a deoxidizer in steel production and also contributes to the alloy’s oxidationsmotstånd.
It enhances the material’s performance in high-temperature applications.
Fosfor (P): 0.04% max
- Phosphorus is generally considered an impurity in steel but can improve the machinability of 431 rostfritt stål, contributing to its use in various machining processes.
Svavel (S): 0.03% max
- Similar to phosphorus, sulfur is an impurity that can impact the bearbetbarhet av 431 rostfritt stål.
While it helps improve machinability, excessive sulfur can make the material more brittle.
Koppar (Cu): 0.50% max
- Koppar, when added in small amounts, enhances the material’s Motstånd mot korrosion in certain environments, especially in marine or chemical industries.
Aluminium (Al): 0.10% max
- Aluminum helps improve the oxidationsmotstånd and enhances the stability of the alloy, especially at high temperatures.
Trace Elements:
Bor (B): 0.003% max
- Boron can improve the hardenability of the steel, ensuring better heat treatment results and an increased depth of hardness after quenching.
Titan (Av): 0.60% max
- Titanium can be used in small quantities to stabilize the carbon content and reduce the risk of carbide formation, which can affect the steel’s corrosion resistance.
Summary of 431 Stainless Steel Chemical Composition:
| Element | Sammansättning (wt%) |
|---|---|
| Krom (Cr) | 15–17% |
| Nickel (I) | 1–2% |
| Kol (C) | 0.15% max |
| Mangan (Mn) | 0.60–1.00% |
| Kisel (Och) | 0.50–1.00% |
| Fosfor (P) | 0.04% max |
| Svavel (S) | 0.03% max |
| Koppar (Cu) | 0.50% max |
| Aluminium (Al) | 0.10% max |
| Bor (B) | 0.003% max |
| Titan (Av) | 0.60% max |
3. Key Properties of 431 Rostfritt stål
431 stainless steel boasts a well-balanced blend of fysisk och mekaniska egenskaper that make it an outstanding material choice for demanding applications.
Fysikaliska egenskaper
- Hårdhet: With a working hardness of 300 till 447 Bnn (32 till 47 Hrc), 431 provides excellent wear resistance, making it suitable for parts subjected to friction and high stress.
- Densitet: This alloy has a density of 0.278 lb/in³ (7.7 g/cm³), which balances strength and weight, allowing for the construction of robust yet manageable components.
- Dragstyrka: With a tensile strength of approximately 152.2 KSI,
431 stainless steel can withstand substantial forces without yielding or deforming, making it ideal for structural and heavy-duty applications. - Avkastningsstyrka: Offering a yield strength of 515 MPA (7469 KSI), 431 resists deformation under stress, ensuring long-term durability in various applications.
- Termisk konduktivitet: Its thermal conductivity is measured at 25 W/(m*K),
making it suitable for environments that require moderate heat dissipation but not the extreme conductivity of pure copper.

Mekaniska egenskaper
431 stainless steel also offers exceptional mechanical properties that ensure its durability and versatility:
- Duktilitet och formbarhet: Medan 431 is known for its hardness, it retains ductility, meaning it can be shaped and machined into detailed parts without risk of breaking.
This property makes it ideal for manufacturing intrikata komponenter såsom ventiler, växlar, och flygdelar. - Korrosionsmotstånd: De krom content in 431 provides Motstånd mot korrosion in mild environments, including water and atmospheric exposure.
Dock, det kan vara sårbart för korrosion in chloride-rich environments, which requires additional protective coatings or surface treatments. - Magnetiska egenskaper: As martensitic stainless steel, 431 exhibits magnetic properties,
vilket gör det lämpligt för magnetic clamping ansökningar, where strong magnetic forces are necessary for precision work. - Slitbidrag: On the wear resistance scale, 431 scores a 3 out of 6, indicating its ability to withstand wear in industrial applications where friction is a concern.
Its high hardness further contributes to its durability under challenging conditions.
4. Värmebehandling
To enhance 431’s mechanical properties, heat treatment processes such as glödgning, släckning, och härdning are often employed:
- Glödgning: This process involves heating 431 to temperatures between 680-800° C, följt av slow cooling to relieve internal stresses and improve machinability.
- Släckning: Rapid cooling in mediums such as oil or air transforms 431 från Austenit till martensit, making it harder but more brittle.
- Härdning: This heat treatment reduces brittleness, making the material tougher, which is crucial for parts that will undergo cyklisk belastning eller inverkan.
Further surface treatments like nitrering, passivering, och elektrisk can enhance 431’s performance
by improving wear resistance, reducing corrosion, and enhancing the appearance and surface finish.
5. Applikationer av 431 Rostfritt stål
431 stainless steel’s combination of strength, korrosionsmotstånd, and machinability makes it highly suitable for a variety of industries and applications:
- Flyg-: 431 stainless steel is commonly used in aircraft components, such as landing gears and turbine blades, where high strength and toughness are essential.
- Bil: It is also used for engine parts, ventilkomponenter, växlar, and suspension systems, where both wear resistance and strength are required.
- Marin: Although susceptible to pitting in highly saline environments, 431 is used for marine hardware and pumps due to its durability and corrosion resistance in less aggressive environments.
- Food Processing: Components in food processing equipment, such as pumps, ventiler, and blades,
benefit from 431’s resistance to corrosion and wear, making it suitable for long-term operation in food production settings. - Industrial Valves and Pumps: The material’s corrosion resistance in mildly corrosive chemicals
makes it an excellent choice for valve bodies, pumpkomponenter, and shafts that operate in harsh conditions.
Stainless Steel Valve
6. How 431 Stainless Steel Compares to Other Alloys
When choosing the right material for a specific application, comparing 431 stainless steel to other alloys is essential to understanding its strengths and limitations.
304 Rostfritt stål vs. 431 Rostfritt stål
Sammansättning:
- 304 Rostfritt stål is primarily composed of krom (18-20%) och nickel (8-10%), medan 431 Rostfritt stål har 15-17% krom och 1-2% nickel.
The primary difference here is that 431 contains less nickel, which contributes to a more cost-effective alloy.
Korrosionsmotstånd:
- 304 Rostfritt stål has excellent corrosion resistance due to its high nickel content, making it ideal for environments exposed to sur eller oxiderande villkor.
It is highly resistant to corrosion in matbearbetning och kemisk industri. - 431 Rostfritt stål, being martensitic, has slightly lower corrosion resistance than 304, särskilt i kloridrika miljöer.
Dock, 431 offers good corrosion resistance in mild till måttligt frätande miljöer, vilket gör det lämpligt för flyg- och marin applications where saltwater exposure is common.
Styrka och hårdhet:
- 304 Rostfritt stål has relatively high strength and can be hardened by cold working,
but it is not as hard som 431 rostfritt stål, which benefits from släckning och härdning processer. Detta gör 431 more suitable for high-stress ansökningar. - 431 Rostfritt stål offers a harder surface with higher tensile strength (~152.2 KSI) and wear resistance compared to 304,
vilket gör det lämpligt för högpresterande applikationer som ventilkomponenter, bultar, och maskindelar that need durability under stress och trötthet.
Magnetiska egenskaper:
-
- 304 Rostfritt stål är omagnetisk in its annealed condition, making it unsuitable for applications requiring magnetism, såsom magnetic clamping or certain motor components.
- 431 Rostfritt stål är magnetisk, as it is a martensitic stainless steel.
This property makes 431 ideal for use in magnetic fields and applications such as magnetic clamping och rotary parts.
316 Rostfritt stål vs. 431 Rostfritt stål
Sammansättning:
- 316 Rostfritt stål innehåller 16-18% krom och 10-14% nickel, with an addition of 2-3% molybden, which improves its resistance to grop och sprickorrosion.
431 Rostfritt stål does not contain molybdenum, and its nickel content is lower.
Korrosionsmotstånd:
- 316 Rostfritt stål is considered the best stainless steel for corrosion resistance, particularly against klorider och syror.
It is widely used in marin miljöer, pharmaceutical applications, och högtemperatur miljöer. - 431 Rostfritt stål has good corrosion resistance but lacks the pitting resistance offered by 316.
Därför, 316 is a better choice for severe environments, såsom havsvatten, coastal areas, eller kemisk industri där high chloride exposure is a concern.
Ansökningar:
- 316 Rostfritt stål is used in applications that demand extreme resistance to corrosion, såsom kemisk bearbetning, farmaceutisk utrustning, och marina hårdvara.
- 431 Rostfritt stål, å andra sidan, is more suitable for flyg-, maskiner,
och automotive applications that require a good balance of korrosionsmotstånd, magnetiska egenskaper, och styrka, but it is not ideal for highly corrosive environments.
Kolstål vs. 431 Rostfritt stål
Sammansättning:
- Kolstål contains varying levels of carbon (typically 0.05–2%) and iron as its primary element, with minimal alloying elements.
- 431 Rostfritt stål contains chromium (15-17%) och nickel (1-2%),
making it a more corrosion-resistant and harder alloy compared to carbon steel, which is more prone to rusting and corrosion.
Korrosionsmotstånd:
- Kolstål lacks the corrosion resistance of stainless steel alloys.
It is highly susceptible to rust when exposed to moisture, syre, and other corrosive elements, kräver beläggning eller målning for protection. - 431 Rostfritt stål has much better corrosion resistance and does not rust like carbon steel,
making it a superior choice for highly demanding environments såsom maskiner och marina komponenter.
Styrka:
- Kolstål offers great strength and is widely used in konstruktion och strukturella tillämpningar, särskilt i reinforced steel.
Dock, it is not as resistant to trötthet eller high-stress conditions as 431. - 431 Rostfritt stål, due to its alloy content, erbjudanden högre styrka, especially after heat treatment processes,
gör det lämpligt för applikationer som ventiler, fästelement, och fjädrar that experience cyklisk belastning och trötthet.
Titanium Alloys vs. 431 Rostfritt stål
Sammansättning:
- Titanlegeringar are primarily composed of titanium with varying amounts of aluminium, vanadin, och andra legeringselement, depending on the specific grade.
Titanium alloys are known for their exceptionell styrka-till-vikt. - 431 Rostfritt stål is much heavier than titanium alloys but provides greater hardness och magnetiska egenskaper.
Korrosionsmotstånd:
- Titanlegeringar are known for their enastående korrosionsmotstånd, especially in harsh chloride-rich miljöer.
Titanium does not form a passive oxide layer like 431 stainless steel but has an inherently stable oxide layer that protects it from corrosion. - 431 Rostfritt stål är less resistant to corrosion in klorid och acidic environments compared to titanium, but it is still suitable for mild to moderate miljöer.
Strength and Weight:
- Titanlegeringar are much lighter than 431 Rostfritt stål and have excellent styrka-till-vikt ratios.
This makes titanium alloys ideal for applications where weight reduction is crucial, som i flyg- och military industries. - 431 Rostfritt stål is stronger than pure titanium but much tyngre, making it more suitable for applications where styrka och magnetiska egenskaper are more critical than weight.
Legeringsstål vs. 431 Rostfritt stål
Sammansättning:
- Legeringsstål is a category of steel that includes a variety of metals such as krom, mangan, nickel, vanadin, och molybden to impart different properties.
- 431 Rostfritt stål is a martensitic stainless steel with specific amounts of chromium and nickel.
Mekaniska egenskaper:
- Legeringsstål offers various combinations of styrka, seghet, och slitbidrag baserat på dess sammansättning. It is often used in highly demanding mechanical applications.
- 431 Rostfritt stål har superior strength och hårdhet but is particularly valued for its magnetiska egenskaper and resistance to trötthet.
Summary of Comparison:
| Property/Alloy | 431 Rostfritt stål | 304 Rostfritt stål | 316 Rostfritt stål | Kolstål | Titanlegeringar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Korrosionsmotstånd | Good in mild to moderate | Excellent in many environments | Best for marine environments | Dålig, rostar lätt | Excellent in harsh environments |
| Styrka & Hårdhet | Hög draghållfasthet | Moderate strength | Moderate to high strength | Högstyrka | Outstanding strength-to-weight |
| Magnetiska egenskaper | Magnetisk | Omagnetisk | Omagnetisk | Magnetisk | Omagnetisk |
| Ansökningar | Flyg-, bil- | Matbearbetning, arkitektur | Marin, flyg- | Konstruktion, strukturell | Flyg-, högpresterande ansökningar |
| Vikt | Tyngre | Måttlig | Måttlig | Tyngre | Ljus |
7. Machining Techniques for 431 Rostfritt stål
Cutting Tools for 431 Rostfritt stål
Selecting the right tools is crucial for machining 431 stainless steel effectively.
Använda hårdmetallskär eller höghastighetstål (Hss) tools with a strong cutting edge to ensure precision and longevity.
Coated tools, such as those with Tenn (titanium nitride) eller TiAlN (titanium aluminum nitride), help reduce friction and improve tool life in tough materials like 431.
Cutting Speeds and Feed Rates
To prevent work hardening and tool damage, it’s essential to carefully control the cutting speeds and feed rates.
Use slower cutting speeds (runt 50-70 ft/min eller 15-20 m/min) for optimal performance, and adjust feed rates accordingly.
A higher feed rate can help reduce heat buildup by removing material more quickly.
Kylning och smörjning
Proper cooling and lubrication are essential when machining 431 rostfritt stål.
Because of the high heat generation during the cutting process, it’s recommended to use flood coolant eller cutting oils to keep the material cool and reduce friction.
This helps prevent work hardening and minimizes tool wear. The use of a high-pressure coolant system can also assist in achieving better cooling, improving chip removal and surface finish.
Roughing and Finishing
- Grov: When rough machining 431, it is important to remove material in större, deeper cuts med måttliga hastigheter.
This will reduce the strain on your cutting tools and allow for a more controlled cut. - Efterbehandling: After rough machining, use finer cuts at slower speeds for finishing operations.
This helps achieve a smooth surface finish and avoids dimensional inaccuracies due to thermal expansion or work hardening.
Use of High-Pressure Coolant
High-pressure coolant systems are especially beneficial for machining materials like 431 rostfritt stål.
These systems help to reduce heat build-up, improve chip removal, and enhance surface finishes. High-pressure cooling also helps extend tool life by reducing friction at the cutting edge.
Common Machining Operations for 431 Rostfritt stål
Here are some of the key machining operations that can be successfully performed on 431 rostfritt stål with the correct setup:
1. Vändning
CNC Turning is a common operation used to machine round parts or cylindrical shapes from 431 rostfritt stål.
It’s essential to use positive rake-cutting tools to reduce cutting forces. You should also consider a hög hastighet, low-feed rate to minimize tool wear and maintain a consistent finish.

2. Fräsning
CNC -fräsning can be challenging due to the work hardening and potential tool wear associated with 431 rostfritt stål.
Använda carbide or high-performance coated end mills and avoid excessive axial depth cuts. Klättringfräsning is typically recommended for better chip removal and a smoother finish.
3. Borrning
When drilling 431 rostfritt stål, it is essential to use höghastighetstål (Hss) drill bits eller carbide-tipped drills.
Cobalt drill bits are also highly effective due to their toughness and heat resistance.
Ensure to use the appropriate speed and feed rates, and keep the drill bit cool using flood coolant eller cutting oil to prevent overheating.
4. Slipning
Slipning is often required for finishing surfaces on 431 rostfritt stål, especially for achieving a fine finish or tight tolerances.
Använda abrasive wheels suited for stainless steel, and ensure that the wheel is dressed regularly to maintain its effectiveness.
Kylmedel should be applied generously to avoid heat buildup and tool wear.
5. Elektrisk urladdningsbearbetning (EDM)
EDM can be employed for complex shapes or tight tolerances in 431 rostfritt stål.
It’s a good option for applications where traditional machining methods may not be effective, such as when dealing with hard, work-hardened materials.
EDM allows precise machining without direct contact with the material, reducing heat damage.
Challenges in Machining 431 Rostfritt stål
While machining 431 stainless steel is highly achievable, there are challenges to be aware of:
- Arbetet härdning: Som nämnts tidigare, 431 stainless steel tends to work harden, making deeper cuts harder to achieve.
It’s essential to use the proper cutting tools and maintain consistent feed rates to minimize work hardening. - Tool Wear and Breakage: Due to its hardness, cutting tools tend to wear out more quickly.
Carbide tools eller höghastighetstål (Hss) are the best choice, and frequent tool changes may be required to maintain optimal cutting performance. - Värmegenerering: 431’s high strength can generate excessive heat during the machining process.
This heat can result in poor surface finishes, verktygslitage, and even part deformation if not managed properly.
8. Best Practices for Machining 431 Rostfritt stål
To achieve the best results when machining 431 rostfritt stål, follow these key practices:
- Control the Cutting Speed and Feed Rate: Lower cutting speeds and higher feed rates help reduce heat buildup and work hardening.
- Use the Right Tools: Välja carbide or high-speed steel tools med TiAlN coatings for better tool life and performance.
- Ensure Effective Cooling: Använda flood coolant eller högtryckskylvätska systems to reduce heat generation and minimize work hardening.
- Select the Right Cutting Techniques: Använda långsam, steady cuts for roughing, followed by finer cuts for finishing.
9. Slutsats: Why Choose 431 Rostfritt stål?
431 stainless steel is a high-performance alloy offering a unique combination of strength, korrosionsmotstånd, och bearbetbarhet.
Its ability to be heat-treated to achieve superior hardness while maintaining ductility
makes it a versatile material for demanding applications across industries like aerospace, bil-, och matbearbetning.
Whether you need components with high wear resistance, toughness under stress, or the ability to function in magnetic environments, 431 stainless steel delivers reliable performance.
Choosing 431 stainless steel for your projects ensures long-lasting durability, reduced maintenance costs, and the performance needed in even the harshest conditions.
If you’re looking for high-quality custom Stainless Steel products, vald DETTA är det perfekta beslutet för dina tillverkningsbehov.




