Stainless steel grade 416 has excellent machinability and wear resistance. It is commonly used in applications where moderate corrosion is a problem and good strength is required. It is not a high-corrosion-resistance grade like austenitic stainless steels, but it has good resistance to mild acids and corrosive atmospheres.
This grade is commonly supplied in hardened and tempered condition. The hardening process helps to enhance the hardness of the material, while tempered conditions establish a strong resistance to cracking and breaking. The machinability of this grade is comparable to that of free-machining carbon steel. It is available in a number of forms including rod, wire, round bar and square bar.
The high-chromium content in this grade helps to prevent rusting. The addition of sulfur increases machinability. This grade is often used in the manufacturing of pumps and electrical motors.
It is a martensitic stainless steel grade, which means it has a higher sulfur content than 410. The addition of sulphur helps to improve non-galling characteristics and increase the machinability of the steel. It also helps to prevent the formation of manganese sulfide inclusions, which act as chip breakers. This grade can be heat-treated to a higher hardness level, but it is not recommended for use in high-sulfur environments.
The machinability of grade 416 is comparable to that of free-machining carbon and austenitic steels. It can be machined easily and can be threaded, broached, and turned. The grade is also used for welding and can be hardened and tempered.
