416 Stainless Steel Plate - ASTM A895 - UNS S41600
Type 416 stainless is a martensitic, free machining stainless steel. It is treated with hot working, which gives it elevated strength and hardness. 416 stainless has the highest machinability of any stainless steel. One of the first free-machining stainless steels ever developed, 416 offers considerable flexibility in machining applications. The addition of manganese-rich sulfides evenly distributed throughout the steel provides a natural lubricant, preventing buildup on cutting tools during the machining process. The additives also act as chip breakers, substantially increasing machining rates to 85%. Free machining steel like 416 allows for faster speeds and feeds and an overall increase in cutting tool life.
- Inventory & Specs
- Chemical Composition
- Physical Properties
- Mechanical Properties
- Datasheet
- Additional Info
- FAQs
Inventory Size Ranges for 416
| Type | Thickness | ASTM | UNS | Get a Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plate | 0.1875" - 4.000" | ASTM A 895, ASTM A 582 (Chem-only) | UNS S41600 | Get a Quote |
Characteristics of 416
One of the most common alloys to undergo heat treating, 416 stainless steel is capable of attaining the highest strength, hardness and wear resistance of all stainless alloys. It also has excellent machinability and non-galling characteristics. 416 stainless steel is often used in parts that require extensive machining and corrosion resistance. Heat treating 416 makes it an ideal selection for cutting tools. We are suppliers of 416 stainless steel plate in 0.1875" to 4.000" thickness.
Working with 416
416 is one of the easiest stainless steels to machine, leading to longer tool life and an excellent surface finish. Many people note that machining 416 feels more like machining a carbon steel rather than stainless. 416 is fully heat-treatable, giving it the ability to be harden, tempered, annealed, and stress-relieved. Typical hardness after heat treatment can reach ~40–45 HRC, sometimes higher with specialized processes. This makes 416 great for wear‑resistant, precision machined parts. Welding 416 can be a challenge due to its sulfur content with causes hot cracking. Welds may be brittle and heat-affected zones lose their corrosion resistance. If welding is necessary, preheat is often required and post-weld heat treatment can help. Due to 416's lower ductility and high sulfur content, it is also not a top choice for forming and fabrication. Light bending is possible, but for deep drawing or complex shapes, grades 304 or 305 stainless are better options.
Other industry standards we comply with:
Common Trade Names
Industry Applications for 416
- Screw machine parts
- Fasteners & fittings
- Gears
- Valves
- Pumps
Chemical Composition
| Element | Min | Max | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ni | Nickel | 8.0 | 10.5 |
| Cr | Chromium | 12.0 | 14.0 |
| Mn | Manganese | - | 1.25 |
| Si | Silicon | - | 1.0 |
| C | Carbon | - | 0.15 |
| S | Sulfur | - | 0.15 |
| P | Phosphorus | - | 0.06 |
| Mo | Molybdenum | - | 0.6 |
| Fe | Iron | - | Balance |
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 7750 lb/in |
| Electrical Resistivity | 570 |
| Thermal Conductivity at 100°C | 24.9 |
| Thermal Conductivity at 500°C | 28.7 |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Yield Strength | 39,900 psi |
| Ultimate Tensile Strength | 74,700 psi |
| Elongation | 30% |
| Hardness | B82 |
Datasheet
Additional Info
A Brief History of 416
416 stainless steel belongs to the martensitic stainless steel family, which originated in the early 20th century as engineers experimented with chromium additions to carbon steels to reduce rusting. 416 stainless steel is the first commercially successful free‑machining stainless steel, created by adding sulfur to martensitic stainless steel to dramatically improve machinability. Modern sources confirm that it was originally known as “No. 5” and was engineered to machine as easily as leaded carbon steels while still offering stainless‑level corrosion resistance.
How 416 Was Developed
Standard martensitic stainless steels like 410 offered hardness and moderate corrosion resistance but were difficult to machine. Metallurgists discovered that adding sulfur (minimum 0.15%) to a 12–14% chromium martensitic stainless steel produced a material that could be machined at speeds comparable to free‑machining carbon steels like 1144 and 8620 leaded steels. This sulfur addition improved chip-breaking, reduced friction and tool wear, and allowed clean, rapid cutting. The trade‑off was reduced corrosion resistance, weldability, and formability.
Early Applications of 416
Early uses centered on industries that needed high‑volume machining of stainless components. Applications included fasteners, gears, shafts, valves, pumps. small precision parts, and machined hardware for industrial equipment. Its combination of machinability and moderate corrosion resistance made it ideal for mass‑produced mechanical parts.
How 416 is Used Today
416 is known as the most machinable stainless steel available, with machinability rated at 85% of free machining carbon steel. Common applications today include:
- Automotive: Fuel systems, transmission parts, shafts
- Industrial: Gears, cams, bushings, pump shafts, valve parts
- Defense: Barrels, bolts, and precision machined components
- Consumer Products: Appliance parts, tools, fasteners
- Oil & Gas: Downhole tools, threaded components
Your Trusted Supplier for 416 Stainless
United Performance Metals offers 416 plate 0.1875" - 4.000". This stainless steel alloy is notably used for screw machine parts, fasteners, gears, valves, and pumps.
Product FAQs
416 stainless steel demonstrates some of the best machinability of any stainless steel grade and is heat-treatable to high hardness.
416 is not ideal for welding due to its sulfur content which causes hot cracking and reduce ductility in weld zones. If welding is required, 410 or 420 stainless steel are typically better alternatives.
416 is easier to machine due to its sulfur content, which forms manganese sulfide. This allows it to break chips cleanly, reduce tool wear, and improve surface finish. 416 machines more like a carbon steel than a typical stainless steel.