Stainless steel 409 409 (UNS S40900, EN 1.4512)

Fe balance

Also known as UNS S40900, UNS S40910, UNS S40920, UNS S40930, EN 1.4512, EN name X2CrTi12 · 8 more

Grade 409 (EN 1.4512) is a titanium-stabilised ferritic chromium steel with about 10.5 to 11.75 percent chromium.

8 sources · Updated 2026-10-24 · CC BY 4.0

Evidence level

2 of 5

Lab-measured

Strength

> 380 MPa

Yield

> 170 MPa

Stiffness

208.2 GPa

Density

7.75 g/cm³

Heat

200 MPa at 100 °C, 190 MPa at 200 °C

Recipe, share of the weight

  • Fe balance (the rest)Iron
  • Cr 10.5 to 11.75%Chromium
  • Ti 0 to 0.75%Titanium
  • C 0 to 0.08%Carbon
  • N 0 to 0.03%Nitrogen
  • Mn 0 to 1%Manganese
  • Si 0 to 1%Silicon
  • Ni 0 to 0.5%Nickel
  • Mo 0 to 0.35%Molybdenum
  • Cu 0 to 0.35%Copper
  • P 0 to 0.045%Phosphorus
  • S 0 to 0.03%Sulfur

Best for

Automotive exhaust systems and heat exchangers, where corrosion protection is needed beyond carbon steel (Combined Metals)

Weakest at

Pitting and intergranular corrosion: Outokumpu prints a critical pitting temperature below 10 °C and N/N for intergranular corrosion, and Aalco limits welded sheet to about 2.5 mm thick

Risk at a glance

  • People Low. Chromium record, not the alloy
  • If it fails Moderate. Pitting in chloride solution
  • Corrosion Moderate. Outokumpu's test gives a critical pitting temperature below 10 °C for 409, the same mark it prints for 430 and 304.

Quick facts: 409 (UNS S40900, EN 1.4512)

Key properties of 409 (UNS S40900, EN 1.4512)
PropertyValueBasis
Density7.6 to 7.75 g/cm³3 sourced values across conditions
Yield strength170 to 255 MPa5 sourced values across conditions
Tensile strength380 to 560 MPa4 sourced values across conditions
Young's modulus208 to 220 GPa3 sourced values across conditions
Thermal conductivity25 to 25.8 W/(m·K)2 sourced values across conditions
Thermal expansion (CTE)10.5 to 12 ppm/K2 sourced values across conditions
Specific heat460 J/(kg·K)1 sourced value
Electrical resistivity6.0e-7 Ω·m2 sourced values across conditions

What is the density of Stainless steel 409?

Stainless steel 409 has a density of 7.6 to 7.75 g/cm³. The range covers 3 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.

What is the thermal conductivity of Stainless steel 409?

Stainless steel 409 has a thermal conductivity of 25 to 25.8 W/(m·K). The range covers 2 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.

What is the coefficient of thermal expansion of Stainless steel 409?

Stainless steel 409 has a coefficient of thermal expansion of 10.5 to 12 ppm/K. The range covers 2 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.

What is the yield strength of Stainless steel 409?

Stainless steel 409 has a yield strength of 170 to 255 MPa. The range covers 5 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.

What is the tensile strength of Stainless steel 409?

Stainless steel 409 has a tensile strength of 380 to 560 MPa. The range covers 4 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.

What are the other names and codes for Stainless steel 409?

Stainless steel 409 is also written as UNS S40900, UNS S40910, UNS S40920, UNS S40930, EN 1.4512, EN name X2CrTi12. Each code is printed in the source listed beside it in the designations table.

What is Stainless steel 409 used for?

Uses recorded in the sources include Automotive exhaust systems, mufflers and pipes; Exhaust manifolds, down-pipes, converter casings and mufflers; Heat exchangers.

Why it exists

Grade 409 is a titanium-stabilised ferritic chromium steel. Aalco calls it muffler grade stainless steel because most of its bulk use is in automotive exhaust systems. Wikipedia's ferritic summary calls Type 409 the lower-chromium grade, mainly used in automotive exhaust systems. Combined Metals says it is used where corrosion protection is needed beyond carbon steel.

Where it's used

Automotive exhaust systems

Aalco calls 409 muffler grade stainless steel because most of its bulk use is in automotive exhaust systems. Aperam's 409A page lists manifolds, down-pipes, converter casings and mufflers.

Heat exchangers

Combined Metals lists automotive exhaust systems and heat exchangers as applications of its 409 sheet.

Recipe

Fe balance; Cr 10.500 to 11.750, C max 0.080, Mn max 1.000, Si max 1.000, P max 0.045, S max 0.030, Mo max 0.350, Ni max 0.500, Cu max 0.350, Ti max 0.750 (wt%, ASTM A240 listing for UNS S40900, ICAST); Combined Metals sheet for UNS S40910, S40920 and S40930: C max 0.030, Cr 10.50 to 11.70, Mn max 1.0, Si max 1.00, P max 0.040, S max 0.020, Ni max 0.50, N max 0.030; EN 10088-2 limits (Aalco): Cr 10.50 to 12.50, Ti 0.0 to 0.65

Grade 409 is an iron-chromium steel with 10.5 to 11.75 percent chromium and a titanium addition (ICAST). Aalco and Outokumpu describe it as titanium-stabilised. Carbon, manganese, silicon, phosphorus and sulfur are held low, and nickel is 0.5 percent at most (ICAST).

What 409 (UNS S40900, EN 1.4512) is made of
IngredientShare of the weightWhat it does
Iron Fe balance (the rest) The matrix of the alloy. Outokumpu marks the grade as magnetisable.
Chromium Cr 10.5 to 11.75% The main alloying element. Wikipedia says a Fe-base alloy must contain at least 10.5 percent Cr to qualify as stainless steel.
Titanium Ti 0 to 0.75% The stabilising addition. Aalco's EN 10088-2 limit is 0.0 to 0.65 percent.
Carbon C 0 to 0.08% Held low. The Combined Metals sheet for UNS S40910, S40920 and S40930 gives 0.030 maximum.
Nitrogen N 0 to 0.03% Held low. Combined Metals gives 0.030 maximum.
Manganese Mn 0 to 1% Melt addition, held at 1.000 percent maximum.
Silicon Si 0 to 1% Melt addition, held at 1.000 percent maximum.
Nickel Ni 0 to 0.5% Held low. Outokumpu prints 0.2 as typical.
Molybdenum Mo 0 to 0.35% Present in a small amount, 0.350 percent maximum.
Copper Cu 0 to 0.35% Present in a small amount, 0.350 percent maximum.
Phosphorus P 0 to 0.045% Impurity held low.
Sulfur S 0 to 0.03% Impurity held low.

Weight shares are as printed in the sources.

What it can do

Strength

> 380 MPa

measured

Annealed sheet has a minimum tensile strength of 380 MPa under ASTM A240 (Combined Metals). The EN 10088-2 range for sheet up to 8 mm is 380 to 560 MPa (Aalco).

Yield

> 170 MPa

measured

The minimum 0.2 percent proof stress is 170 MPa for annealed sheet in the Combined Metals table and 210 MPa for EN sheet up to 8 mm (Aalco). The typical room-temperature value for cold rolled sheet is 255 MPa (Outokumpu).

Stiffness

208.2 GPa

measured

Elastic modulus is 208 GPa (Aalco), 208.22 GPa at 20 °C (Combined Metals) and 220 GPa at room temperature in Outokumpu's table.

Density

7.75 g/cm³

measured

Density is 7.6 g/cm3 (Aalco), 7.7 kg/dm3 (Outokumpu) and 7.75 g/cm3 at 20 °C (Combined Metals).

Heat

200 MPa at 100 °C, 190 MPa at 200 °C

measured

The EN minimum 0.2 percent proof stress falls from 220 MPa at room temperature to 200 MPa at 100 °C and 190 MPa at 200 °C (Outokumpu Table 8).

How it compares

Against Type 430, Outokumpu's table gives 11.5 percent chromium for 409 against 16.2 percent for 430, and Wikipedia calls 409 the lower-chromium grade. Both grades print a critical pitting temperature below 10 °C in the same test, but 409's intergranular corrosion mark is N/N where 430's is Y/N. Against Type 304 (18.1 percent chromium, 8.1 percent nickel), 409 has 0.2 percent nickel and the same below-10 °C pitting mark, and 304's intergranular mark is Y/N*. Outokumpu's table shows no test result for 409 that is better than 430 or 304 on pitting or intergranular corrosion, and the sources read do not compare exhaust-condensate or salt-spray performance.

The same measurements for each material, so you can compare them. Each row names the key condition under the value; the full conditions and methods are in the numbered notes under Technical details. Other materials are shown beside it; each was measured under its own conditions, so open its page before comparing closely. Compare every grade in the family.

Benchmarks
Measurement409 (UNS S40900, EN 1.4512)430 (UNS S43000)444 (UNS S44400)430F (UNS S43020)
Thermal behavior and safety
Thermal conductivity (Aalco)25.8 W/m.K1023.86 W/m.K21.4 W/m.K26.1 W/m.K
Thermal conductivity at room temperature (Outokumpu)25 W/m°C1623.86 W/m.K21.4 W/m.K26.1 W/m.K
Specific heat at room temperature (Outokumpu)460 J/kg°C17460 J/kg.K447 J/kg.K460 J/kg.K
Physical and electrical
Density at 20 C (Combined Metals)7.75 g/cm³17.7 g/cm³7.75 g/cm³7700 kg/m3
Electrical resistivity at 20 C (Combined Metals)60 micro-ohm-cm360 micro-ohm-cm800 µΩ.mm600 nΩ.m
Annealed maximum hardness, Rockwell B (Combined Metals)< 88 HRB7< 89 HRB< 96 HRB< 262 HB
Density (Aalco)7.6 g/cm³87.7 g/cm³7.75 g/cm³7700 kg/m3
Density at room temperature (Outokumpu)7.7 g/cm³147.7 g/cm³7.75 g/cm³7700 kg/m3
Electrical resistivity at room temperature (Outokumpu)0.6 μΩm2060 micro-ohm-cm800 µΩ.mm600 nΩ.m
Minimum hardness, ASTM A240 listing for S40900 (ICAST)> 80 HB31< 89 HRB< 96 HRB< 262 HB
Temperature behavior
Critical pitting temperature, Avesta cell test (Outokumpu)< 10 °C27no datano datano data
Other measurements
Modulus of elasticity at 20 C (Combined Metals)208.2 GPa2200 GPa215 GPa200 GPa
Annealed minimum 0.2% yield strength (Combined Metals)> 170 MPa4> 30 ksi345 MPa379 MPa
Annealed minimum tensile strength (Combined Metals)> 380 MPa5> 65 ksi517 MPa552 MPa
Annealed minimum elongation in 2 in (Combined Metals)> 20 %6> 22 %30 %> 25 %
Modulus of elasticity (Aalco)208 GPa9200 GPa215 GPa200 GPa
Proof stress minimum, sheet up to 8 mm (Aalco)> 210 MPa11> 30 ksi345 MPa379 MPa
Tensile strength range, sheet up to 8 mm (Aalco)380 to 560 MPa12> 65 ksi517 MPa552 MPa
Elongation A50 minimum, sheet up to 8 mm (Aalco)> 25 %13> 22 %30 %> 25 %
Modulus of elasticity at room temperature (Outokumpu)220 GPa15200 GPa215 GPa200 GPa
Coefficient of thermal expansion, 20 to 100 C (Outokumpu)10.5 10-6/°C1810.3 10-6/K10.3 10-6/°C10.4 um/m/C
Coefficient of thermal expansion, 20 to 400 C (Outokumpu)12 10-6/°C1910.3 10-6/K10.3 10-6/°C10.4 um/m/C
Typical 0.2% proof stress, cold rolled sheet (Outokumpu)255 MPa21> 30 ksi345 MPa379 MPa
Typical tensile strength, cold rolled sheet (Outokumpu)425 MPa22> 65 ksi517 MPa552 MPa
Typical elongation A5, cold rolled sheet (Outokumpu)33 %23> 22 %30 %> 25 %
EN minimum 0.2% proof stress at room temperature (Outokumpu)> 220 MPa24> 30 ksi345 MPa379 MPa
EN minimum 0.2% proof stress at 100 C (Outokumpu)> 200 MPa25> 30 ksi345 MPa379 MPa
EN minimum 0.2% proof stress at 200 C (Outokumpu)> 190 MPa26> 30 ksi345 MPa379 MPa
Minimum yield strength, ASTM A240 listing for S40900 (ICAST)> 205 MPa28> 30 ksi345 MPa379 MPa
Minimum tensile strength, ASTM A240 listing for S40900 (ICAST)> 380 MPa29> 65 ksi517 MPa552 MPa
Minimum elongation, ASTM A240 listing for S40900 (ICAST)> 20 %30> 22 %30 %> 25 %

Why choose it, and why not

Good for

  • Automotive exhaust systems, mufflers and converter casings, which Aalco gives as the bulk use (Aalco; Aperam 409A page).
  • Heat exchangers, where corrosion protection beyond carbon steel is needed (Combined Metals).

Watch out for

  • Pitting. The critical pitting temperature is below 10 °C in Outokumpu's test, the same as for 430 and 304.
  • Intergranular corrosion. Outokumpu prints N/N for 409 in the delivery and welded conditions.
  • Welded thickness. Aalco limits weldability to about 2.5 mm thick.

Grade 409 is the titanium-stabilised exhaust grade. It is magnetisable and anneals at 800 ± 30 °C. Outokumpu's table marks its intergranular corrosion weaker than 430 and 304, and its pitting mark is no better than theirs in the same test.

Technical details

For scientists and researchers. Everything above comes from the record below: every number with its method, its conditions and its source.

Other names and standards

The same grade under other systems, as datasheets and standards print them. Each code was checked against the page it comes from.

Other names and standards
SystemCodes
UNSS40900, S40910 (one of three UNS numbers on the 409 sheet), S40920 (one of three UNS numbers on the 409 sheet), S40930 (one of three UNS numbers on the 409 sheet)
EN1.4512
EN nameX2CrTi12
AISI409
JISSUS409, SUH409
BS409S19
AFNORZ3 CT12
ASTMA240 (plate, sheet and strip)
ASMESA-240 (UNS S40900)
Trade namemuffler grade stainless steel

Notes

The method, full conditions and any caveat for the numbered rows above.

Notes for the numbered rows
#MeasurementMethodConditionsCaveat
1Density at 20 C (Combined Metals)Physical Properties table, At 20C column, printed as 7.75 g/cm3 (0.280 lb/in3 at 70 F)form 409 sheet (Combined Metals data sheet, ASTM A240 basis)temperature 20 C (At 20C column)—
2Modulus of elasticity at 20 C (Combined Metals)Physical Properties table, Modulus of Elasticity row, At 20C column; 208.22 x 10^3 MPa is the same number as 208.22 GPaform 409 sheet (Combined Metals data sheet)temperature 20 C (At 20C column)unit in source 208.22 x 10^3 MPa, printed as 208.22 x 103 MPa—
3Electrical resistivity at 20 C (Combined Metals)Physical Properties table, Electrical Resistivity row, At 20C column, printed as 60 μ ohm.cmform 409 sheet (Combined Metals data sheet)temperature 20 C (At 20C column)—
4Annealed minimum 0.2% yield strength (Combined Metals)Typical Room Temperature Mechanical Properties table, Annealed (Min) row, 0.2% YS Min column, printed as 25 ksi (170 MPa)form 409 sheet, ASTM A240 basis (Combined Metals data sheet)temper annealed (Min)temperature room temperature (typical room temperature table)basis 0.2 percent offset, minimum—
5Annealed minimum tensile strength (Combined Metals)Typical Room Temperature Mechanical Properties table, Annealed (Min) row, Tensile Strength Min column, printed as 55 ksi (380 MPa)form 409 sheet, ASTM A240 basis (Combined Metals data sheet)temper annealed (Min)temperature room temperature (typical room temperature table)—
6Annealed minimum elongation in 2 in (Combined Metals)Typical Room Temperature Mechanical Properties table, Annealed (Min) row, Elongation Min column, printed as 20% in 2 in (50.8 mm)form 409 sheet, ASTM A240 basis (Combined Metals data sheet)temper annealed (Min)temperature room temperature (typical room temperature table)gauge 2 in (50.8 mm)—
7Annealed maximum hardness, Rockwell B (Combined Metals)Typical Room Temperature Mechanical Properties table, Hardness Rockwell column, Annealed (Min) row, printed as 88 HRBW (Max)form 409 sheet, ASTM A240 basis (Combined Metals data sheet)temper annealed (row labelled Annealed (Min); hardness printed as a maximum)temperature room temperature (typical room temperature table)scale Rockwell B (HRBW printed)—
8Density (Aalco)Physical Property table, Density row, printed as 7.6 g/cm³form 409 / 1.4512 sheet (Aalco datasheet, EN 10088-2:2005 basis, indicative)temperature not printed—
9Modulus of elasticity (Aalco)Physical Property table, Modulus of Elasticity row, printed as 208 GPaform 409 / 1.4512 sheet (Aalco datasheet, EN 10088-2:2005 basis, indicative)temperature not printed—
10Thermal conductivity (Aalco)Physical Property table, Thermal Conductivity row, printed as 25.8 W/m.Kform 409 / 1.4512 sheet (Aalco datasheet, EN 10088-2:2005 basis, indicative)temperature not printed—
11Proof stress minimum, sheet up to 8 mm (Aalco)Mechanical Property table, sheet up to 8 mm, Proof Stress row, printed as 210 Min MPaform sheet up to 8 mm thick (EN 10088-2:2005)temperature not printedbasis proof stress, minimum—
12Tensile strength range, sheet up to 8 mm (Aalco)Mechanical Property table, sheet up to 8 mm, Tensile Strength row, printed as 380 - 560 MPaform sheet up to 8 mm thick (EN 10088-2:2005)temperature not printed—
13Elongation A50 minimum, sheet up to 8 mm (Aalco)Mechanical Property table, sheet up to 8 mm, Elongation A50 mm row, printed as 25 Min %form sheet up to 8 mm thick (EN 10088-2:2005)temperature not printedgauge A50 mm—
14Density at room temperature (Outokumpu)Table 12 (Physical properties), 4512 row, density RT column, printed as 7.7 kg/dm3temperature room temperature (RT)unit in source kg/dm3 (1 kg/dm3 = 1 g/cm3, so the number is unchanged)—
15Modulus of elasticity at room temperature (Outokumpu)Table 12, 4512 row, modulus of elasticity RT column, printed as 220 GPatemperature room temperature (RT)—
16Thermal conductivity at room temperature (Outokumpu)Table 12, 4512 row, thermal conductivity RT column, printed as 25 W/m°Ctemperature room temperature (RT)—
17Specific heat at room temperature (Outokumpu)Table 12, 4512 row, thermal capacity RT column, printed as 460 J/kg°Ctemperature room temperature (RT)—
18Coefficient of thermal expansion, 20 to 100 C (Outokumpu)Table 12, 4512 row, CTE between 20 C and 100 C column, printed as 10.5 (10-6 per C)temperature 20 C to 100 C (CTE between 20 C and T, 100 C column)—
19Coefficient of thermal expansion, 20 to 400 C (Outokumpu)Table 12, 4512 row, CTE between 20 C and 400 C column, printed as 12.0 (10-6 per C)temperature 20 C to 400 C (CTE between 20 C and T, 400 C column)—
20Electrical resistivity at room temperature (Outokumpu)Table 12, 4512 row, electrical resistivity RT column, printed as 0.60 μΩmtemperature room temperature (RT)—
21Typical 0.2% proof stress, cold rolled sheet (Outokumpu)Table 6 (Mechanical properties, room temperature), 4512 row, product C, typical Rp0.2 column, printed as 255 MPaform cold rolled coil and sheet (Outokumpu product code C)temperature room temperature (RT)basis Outokumpu typical value, Rp0.2—
22Typical tensile strength, cold rolled sheet (Outokumpu)Table 6, 4512 row, product C, typical Rm column, printed as 425 MPaform cold rolled coil and sheet (Outokumpu product code C)temperature room temperature (RT)basis Outokumpu typical value—
23Typical elongation A5, cold rolled sheet (Outokumpu)Table 6, 4512 row, product C, typical A5 column, printed as 33 %form cold rolled coil and sheet (Outokumpu product code C)temperature room temperature (RT)gauge A5basis Outokumpu typical value—
24EN minimum 0.2% proof stress at room temperature (Outokumpu)Table 6, 4512 row, EN min Rp0.2 column, printed as 220 MPaform EN 10088 minimum values, mainly hot rolled plate in the transverse direction (Table 6 note)temperature room temperature (RT)basis EN minimum Rp0.2—
25EN minimum 0.2% proof stress at 100 C (Outokumpu)Table 8 (Mechanical properties, elevated temperatures), 4512 row, EN min Rp0.2 MPa, 100 C column, printed as 200form EN minimum values, mainly hot rolled plate (Table 8 note)temperature 100 Cbasis EN minimum Rp0.2—
26EN minimum 0.2% proof stress at 200 C (Outokumpu)Table 8 (Mechanical properties, elevated temperatures), 4512 row, EN min Rp0.2 MPa, 200 C column, printed as 190form EN minimum values, mainly hot rolled plate (Table 8 note)temperature 200 Cbasis EN minimum Rp0.2—
27Critical pitting temperature, Avesta cell test (Outokumpu)Table 14 (Fabrication and use characteristics), 4512 row, CPT column, printed as < 10 °C; footnote 7 gives the testtest potentiostatic at +700 mV SCE with the Avesta cell, footnote 7electrolyte 1 M NaClsurface ground to P 320 (ASTM G 150)printed < 10—
28Minimum yield strength, ASTM A240 listing for S40900 (ICAST)Mechanical Properties table (AS 409 data sheet), Yield Strength in Mpa row, printed as 205 min.form plate, sheet and strip, ASTM A240 listing for UNS S40900 (AS 409 data sheet)temperature not printedbasis minimum; heat treatment printed as annealing or hardening plus tempering, not tied to one condition—
29Minimum tensile strength, ASTM A240 listing for S40900 (ICAST)Mechanical Properties table (AS 409 data sheet), Tensile Strength in Mpa row, printed as 380 min.form plate, sheet and strip, ASTM A240 listing for UNS S40900 (AS 409 data sheet)temperature not printedbasis minimum; heat treatment printed as annealing or hardening plus tempering, not tied to one condition—
30Minimum elongation, ASTM A240 listing for S40900 (ICAST)Mechanical Properties table (AS 409 data sheet), Elongation in % row, printed as 20 min.form plate, sheet and strip, ASTM A240 listing for UNS S40900 (AS 409 data sheet)temperature not printedbasis minimum; heat treatment printed as annealing or hardening plus tempering, not tied to one condition—
31Minimum hardness, ASTM A240 listing for S40900 (ICAST)Mechanical Properties table (AS 409 data sheet), Hardness in HB row, printed as 80 min.form plate, sheet and strip, ASTM A240 listing for UNS S40900 (AS 409 data sheet)temperature not printedscale Brinell (HB printed)basis minimum; heat treatment printed as annealing or hardening plus tempering—

Corrosion and compatibility

What happens when it meets other materials and environments.

Corrosion and compatibility
EnvironmentConcernWhat happens
General use against carbon steel (no test data given) not rated Combined Metals says 409 is used where corrosion protection is needed beyond carbon steel.1
Chloride pitting (critical pitting temperature test) moderate Outokumpu's test gives a critical pitting temperature below 10 °C for 409, the same mark it prints for 430 and 304.2
Intergranular corrosion, delivery and welded condition (EN ISO 3651-2) moderate Outokumpu prints N/N for 409 for intergranular corrosion, which its legend reads as no in both delivery and welded condition.3
Corrosion details
#EnvironmentDetailsTest conditions
1 General use against carbon steel (no test data given) Combined Metals says 409 stainless steel is used when corrosion protection is needed beyond a carbon steel capacity, and lists automotive exhaust systems and heat exchangers as its applications. The sheet gives no corrosion test data. —
2 Chloride pitting (critical pitting temperature test) Outokumpu's Table 14 prints the critical pitting temperature (CPT) of 4512 as < 10 °C. Footnote 7 gives the method: potentiostatic testing at +700 mV SCE with the Avesta cell in 1 M NaCl, on surfaces ground to P 320 (ASTM G 150); other methods give other values. The same table prints < 10 for 430 (4016) and for 304 (4301). Table 2 gives typical chromium of 11.5 percent for 409, 16.2 for 430 and 18.1 for 304, and typical nickel of 0.2 for 409 and 8.1 for 304. test potentiostatic, +700 mV SCE, Avesta cellelectrolyte 1 M NaClsurface ground to P 320 (ASTM G 150)
3 Intergranular corrosion, delivery and welded condition (EN ISO 3651-2) Outokumpu's Table 14 prints N/N for 4512 in the intergranular corrosion column. Footnote 6 says the test follows EN 10088-2 and EN ISO 3651-2, and that Y means yes and N means no for the delivery and welded conditions. For 430 (4016) the same column prints Y/N, and for 304 (4301) Y/N*, where the Table 15 note says the asterisk means it may be multi-certified as Y/Y. The source does not explain the 409 marks, so they are reported as printed. standard EN 10088-2, tested to EN ISO 3651-2condition delivery and welded

Risks and side effects

Hazards to people, what happens when a cell overheats, and how the material is handled and stored.

For people

No safety data sheet for 409 was read in this run. The PubChem record for elemental chromium is the only hazard source, and it is not a rating for the alloy.

Chromium record
PubChem lists sensitisation codes H317 and H334 and eye codes H319 and H320 for elemental chromium in its aggregated notifications. Half of the 2404 company reports (1202) say it does not meet GHS criteria.

In the environment

Outokumpu's pitting test marks 409 below 10 °C, the same mark it prints for 430 and 304.

Pitting
Critical pitting temperature below 10 °C in the Avesta cell test in 1 M NaCl (Outokumpu).
Intergranular
Outokumpu prints N/N for 409 for intergranular corrosion in the delivery and welded conditions, where 430 is Y/N.

Welding

Aalco says weldability is good up to about 2.5 mm thick and recommends grade 1.4003 for thicker welded material.

Thickness
Usually available up to a maximum of 2.5 mm thick, and weldable to about that thickness (Aalco).
Filler
Outokumpu lists 13 or 19 9L covered electrodes for welding 409 (ISO 3581 or ISO 14172).

Heat

Outokumpu gives the annealing temperature as 800 ± 30 °C. The sources read give no service temperature limit for 409.

Annealing
A 800 ± 30 °C anneal, with A meaning annealing (Outokumpu Table 14).

Test details
The original wording and numbers from the sources, for readers who want them.

Failure risks

Failure risks
FailureTrigger and consequence
Pitting in chloride solutionmoderate severityChloride exposure, tested at +700 mV SCE in 1 M NaClCritical pitting temperature printed as below 10 °C for 409, and the same mark for 430 and 304 in the same table, so the test does not separate the grades.
Intergranular corrosion in delivery or welded conditionmoderate severityDelivery, or welding of 409Outokumpu prints N (no) for both the delivery and welded condition in its intergranular corrosion column for 4512.
Weld thickness limitmoderate severityWelding material thicker than about 2.5 mmAalco says weldability is good up to about 2.5 mm thick and advises grade 1.4003 where thicker welded material is needed.

Handling and storage

  • Anneal at 800 ± 30 °C; A in the source means annealing (Outokumpu Table 14, heat treatment temperature column).
  • Outokumpu lists 13 or 19 9L as welding consumables for 4512 (covered electrodes to ISO 3581 or ISO 14172).
  • Aalco says welding is good up to about 2.5 mm thick and advises grade 1.4003 for thicker material.

Mitigations

  • For thicker welded parts, use grade 1.4003, which Aalco says is available in thicker sheets and plates.
  • Choose the welding consumable from the 13 or 19 9L group that Outokumpu lists for 4512.

Supply and geography

How common the raw materials are and where they come from.

Chromium

World mine production 51,000 thousand t gross weight in 2025 (estimated, world total rounded); world resources greater than 12 billion tons of shipping-grade chromite, 95 percent in Kazakhstan and southern Africa. US net import reliance 79 percent of apparent consumption in 2025 (estimated).

Top producers (2025)
South Africa 45.1%, Turkey 17.6%, Kazakhstan 13.7%, India 5.9%, Brazil 3.9%, Zimbabwe 3.9%, Finland 3.7%
Recycling
Recycled chromium in reported stainless-steel scrap receipts was 21 percent of US apparent consumption in 2025.
Substitutes
Chromium has no substitute in stainless steel, the leading end use (USGS 2026).