416 Stainless Steel Plate: The Ultimate Free-Machining Stainless Alloy

416 stainless steel plate is renowned in the manufacturing industry for its exceptional machinability, surpassing even that of the popular 303 grade. This martensitic stainless steel combines excellent machining characteristics with moderate corrosion resistance, making it a go-to material for high-volume production of precision components that require intricate machining.

Composition and Properties
416 stainless steel plate is characterized by its high sulfur content, which significantly enhances its machinability. The typical composition includes:

• Iron (Balance)
• Chromium (12-14%)
• Sulfur (0.15% min)
• Manganese (1.25% max)
• Carbon (0.15% max)

Key properties of 416 stainless steel plate include:

1. Superior machinability
2. Moderate corrosion resistance
3. Magnetic characteristics
4. Good strength and hardness
5. Heat treatable

Unparalleled Machinability
The defining feature of 416 stainless steel plate is its exceptional machinability. The high sulfur content forms manganese sulfide inclusions that act as chip breakers during machining operations. This results in:

1. Excellent surface finish
2. Significantly reduced tool wear
3. Higher cutting speeds
4. Lower production costs
5. Improved dimensional accuracy

These properties make 416 stainless steel plate the material of choice for applications requiring complex machining or high-volume production.
 

Applications
Due to its superior machinability and moderate corrosion resistance, 416 stainless steel plate finds use in various applications:

1. Automotive: Valve stems, pump shafts, and steering components
2. Aerospace: Fasteners, bushings, and small structural parts
3. Electrical: Switch components and relay parts
4. Food processing: Shafts and fittings in non-corrosive environments
5. Hydraulics and pneumatics: Valve components and fittings
6. General manufacturing: Gears, bolts, nuts, and screws