Durcissement de l’acier inoxydable ferritique

Ferritic stainless steels are a family of stainless steels with a body-centered cubic (BCC) crystal structure and composed primarily of iron and chromium.

A significant portion of the AISI 400-series stainless steels falls into the category of ferritic steels. In contrast to austenitic variants, these exhibit lower susceptibility to cold working by hardening, reduced weldability, and are not recommended for use at cryogenic temperatures. However, certain types within this category, such as 430, demonstrate outstanding corrosion resistance and exceptional heat tolerance.

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Common grades of Ferritic steel:

• Type 409 contains lower chromium content and is primarily used for automotive exhaust systems
• Type 430 is the most common ferritic grade primarily used in kitchen appliances and general purpose applications
• Type 439 contains lower carbon and added titanium to resist carbide precipitation
• Type 444 contains molybdenum for improved corrosion resistance.

AISI 430 stainless is a corrosion- and heat-resisting 17% chromium ferritic stainless steel used for all types of decorative trim as the color resembles that of chromium plate when buffed. Ferritic stainless steels generally have better engineering properties than austenitic grades but have reduced corrosion resistance because of the lower chromium and nickel content.

They are also usually less expensive. Ferritic stainless steels have a body-centered cubic crystal system and contain between 10.5% and 27% chromium with very little nickel, if any, but some types can contain lead. Most compositions include molybdenum; some, aluminium or titanium. Ferritic stainless steels are best known for their excellent ductility, making them a frequent material for kitchenware and automotive parts.

The purpose of this process is to dissolve nitrogen in the surface of stainless steel to a depth in the range of 1mm. Peak hardness ranges from 280HV on austenitic grades to 950HV on martensitic/ferritic grades.

The purpose of this process is to dissolve nitrogen and carbon in the surface of stainless steel to a depth in the range of 5-30µm. Peak hardness ranges from 1100-1200HV on all grades.

Expanite® surface hardening and heat treatment solutions unlock the full potential of ferritic stainless steels by improving wear resistance, eliminating galling, and extending component lifetime without compromising corrosion resistance. With our proven expertise, we help customers in demanding industries achieve superior performance and reliability.

To gain a complete overview of how Expanite can support your material choices, we also invite you to explore our dedicated pages on Duplex, Austenitic, and Martensitic stainless steels – and discover how our technology adds value across the full range of stainless steel alloys.