Stainless steel grade 1.4003 is a utility ferritic stainless steel and an alternative for mild steel. It is supplied in the form of plate, sheet, and tube. Due to its numerous benefits, 1.4003 stainless steel can be used in several applications across a wide range of industries. It corresponds to designations 3CR12 and Nirosta 4003, but may not be a direct equivalent.
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It is a fact that 1.4003 stainless steel provides lower life-cycle costs than conventional materials, where service conditions involve abrasion and/or corrosion. Compared to conventional materials, there are options to minimize initial cost by excluding protective coatings and corrosion allowances. Costs are further reduced as a result of less maintenance, better productivity, and a considerably longer life. This stainless steel does not contain major quantities of costly alloying elements, such as molybdenum and nickel, so the cost of the material is lower than austenitic stainless steel and can be used as an alternative to these grades.
In damp or wet conditions where abrasive conditions exist, stainless steel grade 1.4003 provides superior performance by resisting corrosion, maintaining good flow and slideability, compared to low-alloy or non-alloyed steels, including abrasion resistant grades.
Benefits
The other benefits of using type 1.4003 stainless steel are listed below:
- High strength
- 250 times greater corrosion resistance than mild steel
- Exceptional impact resistance
- Can be welded by traditional techniques
- Can eliminate the need for protective coating
- Better performance at high temperatures
- Proven success in several applications across numerous industries
Chemical Composition
| 1.4003 Steel |
Spec: EN 10088-2:2005 |
| Chemical Element |
% Present |
| Carbon (C) |
0.0 - 0.03 |
| Chromium (Cr) |
10.50 - 12.50 |
| Manganese (Mn) |
0.0 - 1.50 |
| Silicon (Si) |
0.0 - 1.00 |
| Phosphorous (P) |
0.0 - 0.04 |
| Sulphur (S) |
0.0 - 0.02 |
| Nickel (Ni) |
0.30 - 1.00 |
| Nitrogen (N) |
0.0 - 0.03 |
| Iron (Fe) |
Balance |
Properties
| Physical Property |
Value |
| Density |
7.74 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point |
1430-1510°C |
| Thermal Expansion |
11.1-12.3 x 10-6/K |
| Modulus of Elasticity |
200 GPa |
| Thermal Conductivity |
30.5 W/m.K |
| Electrical Resistivity |
0.678 x 10-6 Ω.m |
| Sheet & Plate - Up to 13.5mm Thick |
Spec: EN 10088-2:2005 |
| Mechanical Property |
Value |
| Proof Stress |
280 Min MPa |
| Tensile Strength |
450-650 MPa |
| Elongation A |
20 Min % |
| Plate - Over 13.5mm to 25mm Thick |
Spec: EN 10088-2:2005 |
| Mechanical Property |
Value |
| Proof Stress |
250 Min MPa |
| Tensile Strength |
450 - 650 MPa |
| Elongation A |
18 Min % |
Fabrication
Weldability - The fine-grained microstructure of type 1.4003 limits grain growth in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) and allows highly reliable welds in section thicknesses up to 30 mm. Ideal weld methods include GTAW, FCAW, SMAW, PAW, Spot, Laser, and Seam.
Strength and stiffness – It offers better strength, but equal structural stiffness to mild steels, such as BSEN10113 Grade Fe430A (ASTM A36). Compared to aluminium, it offers better impact and energy resistance. It acts similar to austenitic steel as it gradually yields and does not reveal a clear yield point.
Coating and painting – As stainless steel type 1.4003 provides superior corrosion resistance and exceptional abrasion resistance, it does not require coating or painting systems to be applied to enhance performance. Painting may be desired only for aesthetic reasons in some applications. The metal can resist corrosion even if the paint wears off. A clean surface free of grease and other contamination is recommended before starting the paint job. A primer coat is recommended for cold-rolled material, as it has a smoother surface. In the case of hot rolled 1D finish material a single coat of paint will suffice.
Applications
1.4003 stainless steel can be used in the following scenarios:
- Cable trays
- Bulk wet materials handling
- Vehicle frames/chassis
- Chimneys and ducting
- Sweeper and gritter vehicles
- Rail car hoppers
- Conveyors, screen, chutes, troughs
- Enclosures and cabinets
- Bunkers and hoppers
- Tanks and containers
- Walkways, stairs and railings
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Aalco - Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals Stockist.
For more information on this source, please visit Aalco - Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals Stockist.