Stainless steel 431 431 (UNS S43100, EN 1.4057)

Fe balance with 15.0 to 17.0 Cr, 1.5 to 2.5 Ni, 0.12 to 0.22 C, up to 1.5 Mn, 1.0 Si, 0.04 P and 0.03 S (wt%, EN 10088-3 limits for 1.4057, as printed by Smiths High Performance and Team Edelstahl)

Also known as UNS S43100, EN 1.4057, EN name X17CrNi16-2, AISI 431, JIS SUS 431, BS 431S29 · 3 more

Type 431 (UNS S43100, EN 1.4057, X17CrNi16-2) is a martensitic chromium-nickel stainless steel with 15 to 17 percent chromium and 1.5 to 2.5 percent nickel (EN 10088-3 limits, Smiths High Performance and Team Edelstahl).

10 sources · Updated 2026-10-25 · CC BY 4.0

Evidence level

2 of 5

Lab-measured

Strength

850 to 1000 MPa

Toughness

25 J

Weight

7800 kg/m3

Thermal

25 W/(m·K)

Usable range

-40 to 400 °C

Recipe, share of the weight

  • Fe balance (the rest)Iron
  • Cr 15 to 17%Chromium
  • Ni 1.5 to 2.5%Nickel
  • C 0.12 to 0.22%Carbon
  • Mn 0 to 1.5%Manganese
  • Si 0 to 1%Silicon
  • P 0 to 0.04%Phosphorus
  • S 0 to 0.03%Sulfur

Best for

High tensile and torsional strength in shafts, valve stems and pump parts that also need reasonable corrosion resistance (Smith Metal, Smiths High Performance)

Weakest at

Welding and cold forming: welds crack unless preheated, and the grade is not recommended for cold heading or bending (Smiths High Performance, Voestalpine)

Risk at a glance

  • People Low. Chromium and nickel alloy, not a safety data sheet
  • If it fails Moderate. Intergranular corrosion from chromium carbides
  • Corrosion Moderate. Considerable resistance to salt water, described as similar to Type 304.

Quick facts: 431 (UNS S43100, EN 1.4057)

Key properties of 431 (UNS S43100, EN 1.4057)
PropertyValueBasis
Density7.8 g/cm³1 sourced value
Yield strength600 to 1,034 MPa5 sourced values across conditions
Tensile strength800 to 1,379 MPa4 sourced values across conditions
Young's modulus200 to 215 GPa2 sourced values across conditions
Hardness (Brinell)260 to 331 HB3 sourced values across conditions
Thermal conductivity25 W/(m·K)1 sourced value
Thermal expansion (CTE)10 ppm/K1 sourced value
Specific heat460 J/(kg·K)1 sourced value
Electrical resistivity0.7 ohm mm2/m1 sourced value
Maximum service temperature400 °C1 sourced value

What is the density of Stainless steel 431?

Stainless steel 431 has a density of 7.8 g/cm³. The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.

What is the thermal conductivity of Stainless steel 431?

Stainless steel 431 has a thermal conductivity of 25 W/(m·K). The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.

What is the coefficient of thermal expansion of Stainless steel 431?

Stainless steel 431 has a coefficient of thermal expansion of 10 ppm/K. The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.

What is the yield strength of Stainless steel 431?

Stainless steel 431 has a yield strength of 600 to 1,034 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 431?

Stainless steel 431 has a tensile strength of 800 to 1,379 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 431?

Stainless steel 431 is also written as UNS S43100, EN 1.4057, EN name X17CrNi16-2, AISI 431, JIS SUS 431, BS 431S29. Each code is printed in the source listed beside it in the designations table.

What is Stainless steel 431 used for?

Uses recorded in the sources include Pump and propeller shafts, outboard drive shafts, valve stems and axles; Pumps, valves, piston rods and compressor impellers; Bolts, fasteners and bearings.

Why it exists

Type 431 is a martensitic stainless steel that combines high tensile and torsional strength with reasonable corrosion resistance and toughness. Smith Metal and Smiths High Performance name shafts, valve stems and pump parts as typical uses. Its chemistry is 15 to 17 percent chromium and 1.5 to 2.5 percent nickel, and after heat treatment it reaches 850 to 1000 MPa tensile strength (Voestalpine, Smith Metal). Welding and cold forming are its limits, and Team Edelstahl notes the chromium carbide route to intergranular corrosion.

Where it's used

Shafts, valve stems and axles

Smith Metal lists pump and propeller shafts, outboard drive shafts, valve stems and axles among typical applications.

Pumps, valves and compressor parts

Team Edelstahl says it is often used for heavily loaded parts such as pumps, valves, piston rods and compressor impellers.

Motorsport and fasteners

Smiths High Performance lists valve stems, bolts and fasteners, bearings and pump shafts as motorsport applications.

Recipe

Fe balance with 15.0 to 17.0 Cr, 1.5 to 2.5 Ni, 0.12 to 0.22 C, up to 1.5 Mn, 1.0 Si, 0.04 P and 0.03 S (wt%, EN 10088-3 limits for 1.4057, as printed by Smiths High Performance and Team Edelstahl)

Type 431 is an iron-chromium-nickel martensitic steel, supplied as bar, plate, sheet and tube (Smith Metal). Voestalpine recommends a soft anneal with slow furnace cooling, hardening in oil or air, and tempering with at least one hour at temperature followed by air cooling. Team Edelstahl gives the same EN ranges as Smiths High Performance.

What 431 (UNS S43100, EN 1.4057) is made of
IngredientShare of the weightWhat it does
Iron Fe balance (the rest) The matrix of the alloy. Quench and tempering turn it into martensite, which gives the high strength.
Chromium Cr 15 to 17% Forms the passive oxide film that gives corrosion resistance. Voestalpine's average analysis sits in the upper part of this range.
Nickel Ni 1.5 to 2.5% Adds toughness and corrosion resistance over 13 percent chromium steels (Team Edelstahl). Swiss Steel and Smith Metal print a minimum of 1.25 percent.
Carbon C 0.12 to 0.22% Gives the hardness that hardening produces. Voestalpine's average analysis is at the upper end of this range.
Manganese Mn 0 to 1.5% Deoxidiser held at up to 1.5 percent in the EN limits; Smith Metal prints a lower upper limit.
Silicon Si 0 to 1% Deoxidiser held at up to 1.0 percent.
Phosphorus P 0 to 0.04% Impurity held at up to 0.04 percent.
Sulfur S 0 to 0.03% Impurity held at up to 0.03 percent.

Weight shares are as printed in the sources.

What it can do

Strength

850 to 1000 MPa

measured

Heat treated, the tensile strength is 850 to 1000 MPa with a yield strength of 600 MPa and 12 percent elongation (Voestalpine). Smiths High Performance gives 800 to 950 MPa for QT800 at 60 to 160 mm.

Toughness

25 J

measured

Voestalpine gives 25 J impact toughness for the heat-treated condition, and Swiss Steel gives a minimum of 27 J ISO-V for QT800 at 20 to 160 mm.

Weight

7800 kg/m3

measured

Smiths High Performance gives a density of 7800 kg/m3. Team Edelstahl prints 7.0 kg/dm3, which conflicts with it and is not used.

Thermal

25 W/(m·K)

measured

Thermal conductivity is 25 W/(m·K) at 20 °C (Abrams) and 20.2 W/(m·K) at 100 °C (Smiths High Performance).

Usable range

-40 to 400 °C

measured

Team Edelstahl says the grade can be used from -40 °C to 400 °C.

How it compares

Team Edelstahl says 1.4057 has better toughness and corrosion resistance than comparable 13 percent chromium steels, and is widely used where heavily loaded machine parts need strength. Smith Metal compares its corrosion resistance with Type 304 and Smiths High Performance says it is the most corrosion resistant of the martensitic grades. Voestalpine says it can not be readily cold worked, which limits forming compared with more ductile grades.

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
Measurement431 (UNS S43100, EN 1.4057)410 (UNS S41000)440C (UNS S44004)S41500 (F6NM forged, CA6NM cast)410S (UNS S41008)4164201.4418 (X4CrNiMo16-5-1)
Capacity and energy
Impact toughness, heat treated25 J11no datano datano datano datano datano datano data
Impact energy ISO-V, QT800 minimumMinimum value printed in a supplier datasheet> 27 J12no datano datano datano datano datano datano data
Thermal behavior and safety
Thermal conductivity at 20 °CValue printed in a steel-grade datasheet25 W/(m·K)124.9 W/m-K24.2 W/m.K25 W/(m K)26.9 W/m-K30 W/m K24.9 W/(m·K)15 W/m K
Thermal conductivity at 100 °CValue printed in a stockholder datasheet20.2 W/(m·K)24.9 W/m-K24.2 W/m.K25 W/(m K)26.9 W/m-K30 W/m K24.9 W/(m·K)15 W/m K
Specific heat capacity at 20 °CValue printed in a steel-grade datasheet460 J/(kg·K)20.46 kJ/(kg·K)no data430 J/(kg K)0.46 kJ/kg·K460 J/kg K460 J/(kg·K)430 J/kg K
Physical and electrical
Density, Smiths High Performance datasheetValue printed in a stockholder datasheet7800 kg/m37.73 g/cm³0.275 lb/in37.61 to 8.1 kg/dm37.73 g/cm³7.7 kg/dm37.75 g/cm³7.7 kg/dm3
Electrical resistivity at 20 °CValue printed in a steel-grade datasheet0.7 ohm mm2/m457 µohm-cm0.6 10-6 ohm.mno data60 µohm-cm0.6 Ω mm2/m0.55 µΩ·mno data
Hardness, annealedTypical value printed on the page260 HBno datano datano datano data< 220 HB< 241 HBno data
Hardness, delivery condition, maximumMaximum value printed in a steel-grade datasheet< 331 HBno datano datano datano data< 220 HB< 241 HBno data
Hardness, QT800 maximumMaximum value printed in a supplier datasheet< 321 HBWno datano datano datano data< 220 HB< 241 HBno data
Other measurements
Modulus of elasticity at 20 °CValue printed in a steel-grade datasheet215 kN/mm23200 GPa200 GPa200 GPa200 GPa200 GPa200 GPa200 GPa
Modulus of elasticity, temperature not statedValue printed in a stockholder datasheet200 GPa200 GPa200 GPa200 GPa200 GPa200 GPa200 GPa200 GPa
Mean coefficient of thermal expansion, 20 to 100 °C10 ppm/K59.9 µm/m-°C10.1 10-6/Kno data10.8 µm/m·K10.5 10^-6/K10.3 10^-6/K10.8 10-6 K-1
Tensile strength, annealedTypical value printed on the page862 MPa450 to 510 MPa1965 MPa< 1100 MPa> 60 ksi650 to 850 N/mm285.8 ksi760 to 960 MPa
Tensile strength, heat treated to AMS 5628Typical value printed on the page1379 MPa450 to 510 MPa1965 MPa< 1100 MPa> 60 ksi650 to 850 N/mm285.8 ksi760 to 960 MPa
Tensile strength, heat treatedRange printed in a steel-grade datasheet850 to 1000 MPa450 to 510 MPa1965 MPa< 1100 MPa> 60 ksi650 to 850 N/mm285.8 ksi760 to 960 MPa
Tensile strength, QT800 at 60 to 160 mmRange printed in a stockholder datasheet800 to 950 MPa6450 to 510 MPa1965 MPa< 1100 MPa> 60 ksi650 to 850 N/mm285.8 ksi760 to 960 MPa
Yield strength, heat treated600 MPa7205 to 290 MPa1896 MPa> 520 MPa> 30 ksi> 450 MPa51.5 ksi> 550 MPa
Proof stress 0.2 percent, annealedTypical value printed on the page655 MPa205 to 290 MPa1896 MPa> 520 MPa> 30 ksi> 450 MPa51.5 ksi> 550 MPa
Proof stress 0.2 percent, heat treated to AMS 5628Typical value printed on the page1034 MPa205 to 290 MPa1896 MPa> 520 MPa> 30 ksi> 450 MPa51.5 ksi> 550 MPa
Proof stress, T condition, minimumMinimum value printed in a stockholder datasheet> 665 MPa205 to 290 MPa1896 MPa> 520 MPa> 30 ksi> 450 MPa51.5 ksi> 550 MPa
Rp0.2, QT800 at 20 to 160 mm, minimumMinimum value printed in a supplier datasheet> 620 MPa8205 to 290 MPa1896 MPa> 520 MPa> 30 ksi> 450 MPa51.5 ksi> 550 MPa
Elongation, annealedTypical value printed on the page20 %920 to 34 %2 %15 %> 22 %> 12 %12 to 13 %> 16 %
Elongation, heat treated to AMS 5628Typical value printed on the page10 %1020 to 34 %2 %15 %> 22 %> 12 %12 to 13 %> 16 %
Elongation, heat treatedValue printed in a steel-grade datasheet12 %20 to 34 %2 %15 %> 22 %> 12 %12 to 13 %> 16 %
Usable temperature, upper limitRange printed in a steel-grade datasheet400 °C< 649 °C400 °C300 °C< 705 °C675 °C< 675 °C300 °C
Usable temperature, lower limitRange printed in a steel-grade datasheet-40 °Cno datano data-60 °Cno datano datano data-30 °C

Why choose it, and why not

Good for

  • Shafts, valve stems and pump parts that need high strength and torsional capacity (Smith Metal, Smiths High Performance).
  • Heavily loaded machine parts, such as pumps, valves and piston rods (Team Edelstahl).
  • Parts that will be nitrided for surface hardness, though corrosion resistance drops after nitriding (Smiths High Performance).

Watch out for

  • Welding cracks without preheat (Smiths High Performance, Smith Metal).
  • Carbide formation can cause intergranular corrosion (Team Edelstahl).
  • Nitriding lowers corrosion resistance (Smiths High Performance).
  • No salt-spray result, corrosion rate or cryogenic toughness figure was found, and service is quoted only to -40 °C (Team Edelstahl).

Type 431 is the high-strength martensitic grade for shafts, valve stems and pump parts. It reaches 850 to 1000 MPa tensile strength when heat treated and resists salt water reasonably well. Welding needs preheat, cold forming is limited, and carbides can cause intergranular corrosion. Its strength figures are manufacturer values for specific heat treatments and forms, and it has no 431 safety data sheet in this profile.

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
UNSS43100
EN1.4057
EN nameX17CrNi16-2
AISI431
JISSUS 431
BS431S29
ASTMA276 (bar)
AMS5628 (bars, wire and forgings, heat treated)
Trade nameAcidur 4057

Notes

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

Notes for the numbered rows
#MeasurementMethodConditionsCaveat
1Thermal conductivity at 20 °C—grade 1.4057 (X17CrNi16-2)temperature 20 °Cunit in source W/(m • K)—
2Specific heat capacity at 20 °C—grade 1.4057temperature 20 °Cunit in source J/kg K—
3Modulus of elasticity at 20 °C—grade 1.4057temperature 20 °Cunit in source kN / mm²—
4Electrical resistivity at 20 °C—grade 1.4057temperature 20 °Cunit in source (ohm) mm²/m—
5Mean coefficient of thermal expansion, 20 to 100 °CValue printed in a steel-grade datasheet, table of thermal expansion coefficientsgrade AISI/SAE 431 (1.4057)temperature 20 to 100 °Cunit in source 10-6 m/(m·K)—
6Tensile strength, QT800 at 60 to 160 mm—condition QT800 quench and temperedthickness 60 to 160 mmbasis BS EN 10088-3, 1.4057—
7Yield strength, heat treatedValue printed in a steel-grade datasheet, shown as a single valuecondition heat treated (recommended heat treatment)product not stated—
8Rp0.2, QT800 at 20 to 160 mm, minimum—condition QT800thickness 20 to 160 mm, longitudinalbasis BS EN 10088-3 table—
9Elongation, annealed—condition annealedgauge length 2 inproduct not stated—
10Elongation, heat treated to AMS 5628—condition heat treated to AMS 5628gauge length 2 inproduct not stated—
11Impact toughness, heat treatedValue printed in a steel-grade datasheet, shown as a single valuecondition heat treatedtest temperature not stated—
12Impact energy ISO-V, QT800 minimum—condition QT800thickness 20 to 160 mm, longitudinaltest temperature not stated—

Corrosion and compatibility

What happens when it meets other materials and environments.

Corrosion and compatibility
EnvironmentConcernWhat happens
Salt water and marine atmosphere moderate Considerable resistance to salt water, described as similar to Type 304.1
Nitrided surface moderate Nitriding raises hardness and fatigue resistance but lowers corrosion resistance.2
Carbide-sensitised zones after heat treatment or welding moderate Chromium carbides can make the alloy prone to intergranular corrosion.3
Corrosion details
#EnvironmentDetailsTest conditions
1 Salt water and marine atmosphere Smith Metal says the alloy offers considerable resistance to saltwater and is used widely in marine equipment, and rates its corrosion resistance as similar to Type 304. No salt-spray test result or corrosion rate is printed. basis manufacturer statement, no test conditions printed
2 Nitrided surface Smiths High Performance says 431 has the highest corrosion resistance of all martensitic stainless steels, although resistance reduces once the material is nitrided. Nitriding increases hardness and fatigue resistance. basis manufacturer statement, no test conditions printed
3 Carbide-sensitised zones after heat treatment or welding Team Edelstahl says the grade is susceptible to intergranular corrosion because chromium carbides form and deplete chromium in some areas. It gives PREN 17.5 to 21.2, and says the maximum corrosion resistance is reached with a bare metallic surface. basis manufacturer statement, PREN as printed

Risks and side effects

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

For people

No 431 safety data sheet was read. The hazard record is for elemental chromium, and it does not name the alloy.

Chromium
PubChem lists sensitisation codes H317 and H334 and eye irritation code H319 for elemental chromium in its aggregated notifications.

In the environment

Smith Metal calls the alloy resistant to salt water and widely used in marine equipment, and Smiths High Performance says it has the highest corrosion resistance of the martensitic grades.

Salt water
Smith Metal says the alloy offers considerable resistance to saltwater, similar to Type 304. No salt-spray result is printed.
Nitriding
Smiths High Performance says nitriding raises hardness and fatigue resistance, but corrosion resistance reduces once the material is nitrided.

Welding and heat

Welds crack without preheat and can lose corrosion resistance through carbide formation.

Weld
Team Edelstahl recommends heating to 100 to 300 °C before welding and avoiding cooling below 200 °C while welding. Smith Metal also recommends preheat.
Carbides
Team Edelstahl says chromium carbide formation depletes chromium in some areas and makes the grade prone to intergranular corrosion.

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

Failure risks

Failure risks
FailureTrigger and consequence
Intergranular corrosion from chromium carbidesmoderate severityHeat treatment or welding that lets chromium carbides form along grain boundaries and deplete chromium next to themTeam Edelstahl says the grade is susceptible to intergranular corrosion, so corrosion resistance falls in the affected zones.
Cracking in weldsmoderate severityWelding without preheatSmiths High Performance says welding is more complicated and susceptible to cracking unless pre-heated. Smith Metal says welding is difficult and recommends preheating.
Lower corrosion resistance after nitridinglow severityNitriding the surface for hardness or fatigue resistanceSmiths High Performance says corrosion resistance reduces once the material is nitrided.
Property loss from hydrogen or nitrogen gas during weldingmoderate severityWelding under gases that contain hydrogen or nitrogenTeam Edelstahl says such gases have a negative effect on the mechanical properties of the weld.

Handling and storage

  • Voestalpine says the grade cannot be readily cold worked and is not recommended for cold heading and bending.
  • Team Edelstahl says it can be welded only with precautions, and recommends heating to 100 to 300 °C before welding and avoiding cooling below 200 °C during welding.
  • Team Edelstahl says tempering colours must be removed chemically or mechanically after welding to keep corrosion resistance in the weld.

Mitigations

  • Preheat before welding, and keep the weld below 200 °C while it is made (Team Edelstahl). Smiths High Performance and Smith Metal also recommend preheat.

Supply and geography

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

Chromium

World mine production of chromite was 51,000 thousand t gross weight in 2025 (estimated). World resources are greater than 12 billion t of shipping-grade chromite, 95 percent in Kazakhstan and southern Africa (USGS 2026).

Top producers (2025)
South Africa 45.1%, Turkey 17.6%, Kazakhstan 13.7%, India 5.9%, Zimbabwe 3.9%, Brazil 3.9%
Recycling
USGS says recycled chromium, contained in reported stainless-steel scrap receipts, accounted for 21 percent of the chromium total in 2025.

Nickel

World mine production of nickel was an estimated 3.9 million t in 2025, and world reserves are greater than 140 million t (USGS 2026).

Top producers (2025)
Indonesia 66.7%, Philippines 6.9%, Russia 5.1%