Material Deep Dive

Understanding SS 400 Series Martensitic Stainless Steel Balls with Rama & Sons

By Metallurgists at Rama & Sons
Main image for blog post: Understanding SS 400 Series Martensitic Stainless Steel Balls with Rama & Sons - by Rama & Sons

The SS 400 series of stainless steels, including grades like SS 410, SS 420, and SS 440C, are martensitic types known for their high strength, hardness, and wear resistance after heat treatment. Rama & Sons manufactures these specialized stainless steel balls for demanding industrial use in India.

Key Features of SS 400 Series Steel Balls:

  • High Hardness: Can be heat-treated to achieve significant hardness, particularly SS 440C, making them suitable for bearing applications and cutlery.
  • Good Wear Resistance: The hardness contributes to good resistance against abrasive wear.
  • Magnetic Properties: Unlike austenitic stainless steels (e.g., SS 304/316), martensitic stainless steels are magnetic.
  • Moderate Corrosion Resistance: Offer better corrosion resistance than carbon steels but generally less than austenitic grades. Resistance varies among the 400 series grades.

Specific Grades and Applications:

  • SS 410: A general-purpose martensitic stainless steel offering good strength and corrosion resistance in mild environments. Used in valves, pumps, and cutlery.
  • SS 420: Higher carbon content than SS 410, allowing for greater hardness. Used for cutlery, surgical instruments, and wear-resistant parts.
  • SS 440C: Highest carbon content in the 400 series, achieving the highest hardness and wear resistance. Excellent for ball bearings, valve components, and high-wear applications.

When high hardness and wear resistance are paramount, and moderate corrosion resistance is acceptable, SS 400 series steel balls from Rama & Sons are an excellent choice. Our team in Agra can assist you in selecting the right grade for your application.

Found this article useful? Share it!