If you’re a homeowner, contractor, engineer, or even an avid DIYer, then you know that stainless steel is one of the most useful and versatile materials around. It’s also no surprise that it comes in wide varieties, each having its own unique properties. Today we’ll be taking a look at 405 stainless steel—a low-cost, highly versatile type of stainless steel used in many everyday applications. Let’s dive in!
405 Stainless Steel Chemical Composition
UNS S40500 is composed primarily of chromium and iron with minimal amounts of carbon (0.08%), manganese (1%) and silicon (1%). It also contains trace amounts of phosphorus, sulfur and nitrogen. These elements give 405 stainless steel its corrosion resistance properties as well as its strength and hardness.
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Iron, Fe | 85 |
| Chromium, Cr | 13 |
| Manganese, Mn | 1.0 |
| Silicon, Si | 1.0 |
| Aluminum, Al | 0.2 |
| Carbon, C | 0.080 |
| Phosphorous, P | 0.040 |
| Sulfur, S | 0.030 |
405 Stainless Steel Physical Properties
One of the most notable physical properties of 405 SS is its exceptional machinability rating—the highest among all types of stainless steel. Its ability to withstand wear and tear makes it ideal for use in any application where it will be subject to abrasion or vibration. In addition to this, 405 stainless steel has a high melting point (1400°C) and good heat transfer properties, which make it perfect for welding applications such as pressure vessels and pipes.
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 7.80 g/cm3 | 0.282 lb/in³ |
405 Stainless Steel Mechanical Properties
UNS S40500 has excellent mechanical properties due to its controlled composition and thermomechanical processing techniques employed during manufacture. This type of stainless steel can achieve higher tensile strength levels than standard 304-grade austenitic stainless steel due to its high nickel content (> 10%). This makes it suitable for use in industrial applications such as fasteners, valves, pumps and other high-pressure equipment where strength is critical.
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 448 MPa | 65000 psi |
| Yield strength (@strain 0.200 %/) | 276 MPa | 40000 psi |
| Elastic modulus | 200 GPa | 29007 ksi |
| Poisson’s ratio | 0.27-0.30 | 0.27-0.30 |
| Elongation at break (in 50 mm) | 25.00% | 25.00% |
| Izod Impact (@20°C/68°F) | 41.0 J | 30.2 ft-lb |
| Hardness, Brinell (converted from Rockwell B hardness) | 131 | 131 |
| Hardness, Knoop (converted from Rockwell B hardness) | 146 | 146 |
| Hardness, Rockwell B | 75 | 75 |
| Hardness, Vickers (converted from Rockwell B hardness) | 140 | 140 |
405 Stainless Steel Thermal Properties
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal expansion co-efficient (@0-100°C/32-212°F) | 10.8 µm/m°C | 6.00 µin/in°F |
| Thermal conductivity (@0-100°C/32-212°F) | 27.0 W/mK | 187 BTU in/hr.ft².°F |
SS 405 Equivalent
| AISI 405 | ASTM A176 | ASTM A240 | ASTM A268 | ASTM A276 |
| ASTM A473 | ASTM A479 | ASTM A511 | ASTM A580 | ASME SA240 |
| DIN 1.4002 | QQ S763 | ASME SA268 | ASME SA479 | ASTM A314 |
| ASTM A473 | ASTM A479 | ASTM A511 | SAE 51405 | FED QQ-S-763 |
| MIL SPEC MIL.S-862 | SAE J405 (51405) |
Uses
Due to its affordability and versatility, stainless steel 405 is frequently used in domestic appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and water heaters, as well as in commercial kitchen equipment like stoves, ovens and fryers. Its corrosion resistance also makes it ideal for use in marine environments – particularly saltwater – where other materials may not stand up to harsh conditions over time. In addition to this, 405 stainless steel can be found in automotive components like exhaust systems due to its ability to withstand extreme temperatures without degrading or corroding too quickly.
Conclusion:
SS 405 is an affordable option with versatile mechanical properties that make it suitable for a range of industrial uses, from automotive parts to kitchen appliances. Its high machinability rating means that it can easily be cut into different shapes for custom fabrication projects while still maintaining its durability and strength under pressure or vibration. If you are looking for a reliable material with corrosion resistance suitable for domestic use cases or industrial applications, look no further than 405 Stainless Steel! Intended Audience: Engineers, contractors, DIYers, homeowners.
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