AISI 410 Stainless
The Magnetic Choice.
A basic Martensitic stainless steel that combines high strength, moderate corrosion resistance, and strong ferromagnetic properties.
Yes, It's Magnetic.
Here is the Science.
The magnetism of stainless steel is determined by its crystal structure, not just its chemistry. AISI 410 is a Martensitic stainless steel.
Unlike 304 stainless (which is Austenitic), 410 possesses a Body-Centered Tetragonal (BCT) or Cubic crystal structure. This atomic arrangement allows magnetic fields to align, making the material strongly ferromagnetic—just like carbon steel or pure iron.
Material Selection Guide
Choosing between 410 and 304 often comes down to three factors: Magnetism, Hardness, and Cost.
While 304 is the general-purpose "standard," AISI 410 offers specific mechanical advantages that 304 cannot match—specifically the ability to be hardened and its interaction with magnets.
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You need it to stick to a magnet.
Essential for magnetic sorting lines, sensor triggers, or magnetic holding racks.
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You need high wear resistance.
410 can be heat-treated to extremely high hardness (up to 40-45 HRC), making it ideal for cutlery and blades. 304 stays relatively soft.
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You want to save money.
Because 410 contains no Nickel (Ni), it is significantly cheaper than 304, offering a cost-effective solution for non-corrosive environments.
Where Magnetic Properties Matter
410 Stainless Steel is not just about being magnetic; it's about using that property for functional engineering advantages.
Automotive Sensors & Tone Rings
Used in ABS systems, camshaft position sensors, and transmission speed sensors where a rotating metal part must trigger a magnetic Hall-effect sensor.
Sorting & Recycling Lines
Components in food processing or recycling that need to be automatically removed from non-ferrous waste streams using overhead magnets.
Cutlery & Hand Tools
High-quality kitchen knives, surgical instruments, and industrial tools that need to be stored on magnetic racks or holders for convenience and hygiene.
Fasteners & Self-Tapping Screws
Screws used in high-volume assembly lines where magnetic driver bits are used to hold the fastener in place during installation.
Our 410 Supply Range
Available in both annealed (soft) for forming and hardened conditions for wear resistance.
Technical FAQ
Addressing common engineering concerns regarding 410 stainless steel properties.
Will 410 Stainless Steel rust?
Yes, it can. Because 410 contains no Nickel and has a lower Chromium content (11.5-13.5%) compared to 304, it is less corrosion-resistant. It resists dry atmospheres, fresh water, and mild alkalies well, but will rust if exposed to high humidity or salt without protection. We recommend passivation or coating for outdoor use.
Is 410 magnetic after heat treatment?
Yes, absolutely. Unlike some stainless grades that might lose magnetism slightly when annealed, AISI 410 is strongly ferromagnetic in ALL conditions—whether annealed (soft), hardened, or tempered. Its crystal structure remains body-centered tetragonal (BCT) or cubic.
How hard can 410 stainless get?
410 is highly responsive to heat treatment. Through quenching and tempering, it can achieve a hardness range of 35 HRC to 45 HRC depending on the carbon content balance. This makes it suitable for self-tapping screws, blades, and wear plates.
Is 410 stainless steel food safe?
It is commonly used for cutlery and kitchen knives due to its ability to hold a sharp edge. However, it is not recommended for food storage containers or exposure to acidic foods (like tomatoes or citrus), where 304 or 316 grade is preferred for corrosion resistance.