S. S. 431

Grade 431 Stainless Steels are martensitic, heat-treatable grades with phenomenal corrosion resistance, torque strength, high toughness and tensile properties. Entire of these properties make them perfect for bolt and shaft applications. These steels, however, cannot be cold-worked owing to their elevated return strength, henceforth they are suitable for operations for example, deep drawing, spinning, bending or cold heading. Fabrication of martensitic steels is usually carried out using methods that permit hardening and tempering treatments and poor weldability.

The corrosion resistance properties of grade 431 Stainless Steels are not higher than austenitic grades. The operations of grade 431 are constrained by their loss of strength at high temperatures, because of over-tempering, and loss of ductility at negative temperatures.

• Excellent impact strength at high hardness levels
• Best corrosion resistance

• Laboratory equipment
• Marine systems
• Beater bars
• Pump and propeller shafts
• Nuts and bolts

Grade 431 stainless steels have impressive resistance to salt water, yet they are less resistant to tropical water when correlated to that of grade 316 steels. Grade 431 steels have general corrosion resistance similar to, or slightly lower than, that of grade 304 steels. Grade 431 steels, along with a smooth surface completely perform well in tempered and hardened conditions.

Grade 431 steels are resistant to scaling at temperatures of 925°C in intermittent conditions, and 870°C during persistent operations. Normally, these steels are not to be utilized at temperatures above standard tempering temperatures, owing to loss of mechanical properties.

Grade 431 steels can be effectively machined in their annealed state. However, it is very hard to machine these steels if they are hardened above 30HRC.

Welding of grade 431 stainless steels is very hard because of the chances of cracking. It is recommended for pre-heat the materials to 200 - 300°C since welding and carry out post-weld heat treatment at 650°C. Welding can be easily performed by utilizing grade 410 filler rod, yet ductile welds can accomplish utilizing grades 308L, 309 or 310 steels.

Heat working to 2100-2200 F (1149-1204 C) for one of the best results. Do not work material below 1650 F (900 C).

This alloy is effectively spun, drawn, headed, sheared and bent compared with other stainless steels.

1200-1250 F (650-677 C), furnace or air cools.

Temper for desired properties. Temperatures within 700-1050 F (371-565 C) will adversely affect impact strength and corrosion properties.

Hardening at 1800-1950 F (982-1066 C) oil quench or air cool for maximum properties.