410 Stainless vs 316

2024-09-11 by Cherry

Stainless steel plays a vital role in modern industry, 

especially in the die-casting process. Different types

of stainless steel, such as 410 stainless steel and 316

stainless steel has been widely used in different application

fields due to their respective chemical composition and

performance characteristics. 

This article will explore the characteristics of 410 stainless

steel and 316 stainless steel, and analyze their applications

and relationships in die-casting machines.

What is stainless steel? ——Basic understanding

Stainless steel is an iron-based alloy containing chromium

(Cr) elements and its corrosion resistance is enhanced

by adding other alloying elements such as nickel and molybdenum.

410 stainless steel and 316 stainless steel are two types

of them, belonging to martensitic stainless steel and 

austenitic stainless steel respectively.

1. 410 stainless steel

410 stainless steel is a type of martensitic stainless 

steel with a relatively high carbon content. It is mainly

characterized by high strength, high hardness, wear resistance,

and certain corrosion resistance. The chromium content 

of this steel is usually between 11.5% and 13.5%, and the 

carbon content is high, which enables it to obtain good 

hardness and strength after heat treatment. 

Therefore, 410 stainless steel is often used to make parts with 

high strength requirements such as knives, valves, and bearings. 

In the manufacture of some parts of die-casting machines, the

high strength of 410 stainless steel can meet the parts with high 

mechanical strength requirements. For example, some supporting

structures of die-casting machines that are subjected to high 

pressure or connectors of some moving parts.

However, the corrosion resistance of 410 stainless steel is 

relatively weak, and its application may be limited in some 

die-casting environments that may be exposed to corrosive media.

2. 316 stainless steel

316 stainless steel is an austenitic stainless steel with the

main components of chromium (16%-18%), nickel (10%-14%), and 

molybdenum (2%-3%). It contains molybdenum, which makes it

extremely good in corrosion resistance, especially in environments

with strong corrosive agents such as chloride ions.

Compared with 410 stainless steel, the biggest advantage 

of 316 stainless steel is its excellent corrosion resistance,

especially in salt water and other corrosive media.

Therefore, 316 stainless steel is often used in marine equipment,

chemical industry equipment, food processing equipment, and 

other places that require high corrosion resistance.316 

stainless steel is an ideal choice for some parts of the 

die-casting machine related to the cooling system, or parts

that may be exposed to corrosive substances generated during

the die-casting process. 

It can ensure that the die-casting machine can operate stably

for a long time in a complex working environment, reducing 

component damage and increased maintenance costs caused by

corrosion.

The difference between 410 stainless steel and 316 stainless 

steel

The main differences between 410 stainless steel and 316 

stainless steel has chemical composition, corrosion resistance,

and physical properties:

1. Chemical composition: 410 stainless steel has a higher carbon

content and is suitable for applications requiring high-strength

and hardness; 316 stainless steel contains a higher proportion

of chromium and nickel, and adds molybdenum to make it more

corrosion-resistant, especially in environments containing 

chlorides.

2. Corrosion resistance: 316 stainless steel is far superior to 

410 stainless steel in terms of corrosion resistance, especially

in extreme environments. 410 stainless steel is more suitable 

for applications with high wear resistance requirements but 

less corrosive environments.

3. Physical properties: 410 stainless steel has high hardness 

and strength after heat treatment, and is suitable for parts

that require high mechanical strength. Although 316 stainless

steel has relatively low strength, flexibility, and corrosion

resistance makes it the preferred material for industries 

such as the food and chemical industry.

Application of die casting machine and stainless steel

A die-casting machine is a device that quickly cools and forms

molten metal by injecting it into a mold under high pressure.

It is widely used to manufacture precision metal parts. 

Although stainless steel is not a common choice for die-casting

material, in some applications, 410 stainless steel and 316

stainless steel has a certain relationship with die-casting

process.

1. Die material selection

During the die-casting process, the durability and corrosion 

resistance of the mold is crucial. Although the mold is usually

made of high-strength alloy steel, in some special applications,

316 stainless steel may be used in some parts of the mold due

to its excellent corrosion resistance, especially when manufacturing

parts of highly corrosive materials. 316 stainless steel can

effectively extend the service life of the mold. 

And 410 stainless steel is suitable for manufacturing die-casting 

mold parts that need to withstand high pressure and friction

due to its high strength and wear resistance.

2. Die-casting machine parts

Some key parts of the die-casting machine itself may also be

made of stainless steel. For example, 410 stainless steel

can be used to manufacture die-casting machine parts that

require high strength, such as valves, nozzles, etc., to 

ensure the durability of the equipment in high-pressure working

environments. 316 stainless steel is more suitable for parts

that come into contact with corrosive media, such as pipes 

and joints in hydraulic systems, to prevent leakage or failure 

due to corrosion.

The relationship between die-casting machines and stainless 

steel: complementary applications

Although 410 stainless steel and 316 stainless steel are not

die-casting materials, their use in die-casting machines 

is essential to the entire process. Especially in high-pressure,

corrosive environments, these two stainless steels can provide

longer life and higher reliability for key components of 

die-casting machines.

1. The role of 410 stainless steel in die-casting machines

410 stainless steel is mainly used in die-casting machine parts

that require high strength and wear resistance. Its high hardness

makes it very suitable for parts such as gates and nozzles 

that need to withstand high pressure and continuous friction. 

Although 410 stainless steel is not as corrosion-resistant 

as 316 stainless steel, it performs well in dry environments,

making it suitable for use in working conditions with high 

friction environments but low corrosion risks.

2. The role of 316 stainless steel in die-casting machines

Due to its extremely strong corrosion resistance, 316 stainless

steel is suitable for parts in die-casting machines that come

into contact with corrosive liquids. For example, if the valves

and seals of the hydraulic system are often in contact with

corrosive media, the use of 316 stainless steel can prevent

equipment damage caused by corrosion. 

In addition, in the die-casting cooling system, 316 stainless

steel can extend the service life of the cooling pipe and 

prevent corrosion of the equipment by scale, salt deposits, etc.

From the perspective of the overall operation of the die-casting

machine, the selection of these two stainless steel materials

is crucial. 

The die-casting machine is a complex mechanical equipment 

that operates under high temperature, high pressure,

and a working environment where corrosive media may exist. 

If inappropriate stainless steel materials are selected for

key components, the performance of the die-casting machine

may be reduced or even malfunctioned.

1. Die casting machine mold manufacturing

If 410 stainless steel is used, although the strength of the

mold is guaranteed to a certain extent if the die-casting 

material has a certain degree of corrosiveness, the service

life of the mold may be affected. Using 316 stainless steel 

to make molds will have more advantages in terms of corrosion

resistance, but the cost may be relatively high. 

Therefore, in practical applications, it is necessary to 

comprehensively consider factors such as cost and performance

to decide which stainless steel material to use.

2. Some internal channels and piping systems of die-casting 

machines 

We also need to consider the choice of stainless steel

materials 410 stainless steel can be used in parts with 

high-strength requirements but relatively weak corrosion 

environments, while 316 stainless steel is suitable for use 

in channels, with corrosion risks to ensure the stability

and reliability of the fluid transmission system of the die-casting 

machine.

3. In terms of maintenance and repair of die-casting machines

Understanding stainless steel components is also very critical

If signs of corrosion are found in 410 stainless steel components,

they may need to be replaced in time or additional protective 

measures may be taken, such as surface coating. For 316 stainless

steel components, the focus is on checking whether their mechanical

strength has been reduced due to long-term use, and whether there

are problems such as deformation caused by external force impact.

In general, 410 stainless steel and 316 stainless steel have 

their advantages and applicable scenarios in different parts

of die-casting machines, different working environments, and 

different use stages. The correct selection and application of 

these two stainless steel materials have a profound impact on 

the efficient operation, extended service life, and reduced 

operating costs of die-casting machines. 

In today's industrial environment of pursuing efficient and

high-quality production, a deep understanding of the relationship

between them and die-casting machines can provide important 

theoretical basis and practical guidance for the design, manufacture,

use and maintenance of die-casting machines.

However, this is just the beginning. In the actual work-related 

to die-casting machines, it is also necessary to combine the 

specific die-casting process, working environment, cost budget,

and other factors for comprehensive consideration.

At the same time, the continuous exploration of new stainless

steel materials and processing technologies will also bring new

opportunities and challenges to the development of die-casting

machines. We look forward to more innovations and breakthroughs

in this field, so that die-casting machines can play a greater

role in modern industrial production and provide a more powerful

impetus for the development of various industries.

But at present, we have seen the role of 410 stainless

steel and 316 stainless steel in the application of die-casting

machines and the subtle relationship between them. 

Whether in the initial design stage of the die-casting machine 

or the subsequent operation and maintenance process, it is

necessary to flexibly select and apply these two materials

according to the actual situation to achieve the optimal

balance between the performance and cost of the die-casting

machine. 

This is not only a rational application of material science,

but also a careful care for the complex mechanical equipment

of the die-casting machine, which ensures the smooth progress

of industrial production.

What we cannot ignore is that with the continuous advancement

of science and technology, the technology of die-casting

machines are also constantly developing. New die-casting processes 

and higher performance requirements have also posed new challenges

to stainless steel materials. 

For example, in some high-precision die-casting machines, 

the processing accuracy requirements for stainless steel, 

parts are getting higher and higher, which requires us to 

further, optimize the processing technology based on material

selection to ensure that stainless steel parts can meet the

high-precision requirements of die-casting machines.

At the same time, with the increasing awareness of environmental

protection, the production process of die-casting machines also

needs to consider the impact on the environment. 410 stainless 

steel and 316 stainless steel have their characteristics

in recycling. 

Due to the stability of its composition and high market value,

316 stainless steel is relatively easier to handle during the

recycling process, while the recycling of 410 stainless steel

is also constantly exploring new ways and methods.

In the design and manufacture of die-casting machines, full 

consideration of the recyclability of stainless steel materials

is not only conducive to reducing production costs but also 

reducing the burden on the environment, which is in line with

the concept of sustainable development.

5. Summary

The relationship between 410 stainless steel and 316 stainless

steel in die-casting machines is complementary. Although they

are not directly used for die-casting materials, they play 

a vital role in the molds and equipment parts of die-casting

machines. 

410 stainless steel performs well in parts that need to 

withstand high pressure due to its high strength and

wear resistance, while 316 stainless steel protects the parts

of the die casting machine that are in contact with corrosive 

liquids due to its extremely strong corrosion resistance. 

A reasonable selection of these two stainless steel materials can 

effectively improve the overall performance and durability of 

the die-casting machine.

By understanding the characteristics of 410 stainless steel and 

316 stainless steel and their applications in die-casting machines,

companies can choose suitable materials according to the actual 

production needs to optimize the performance of die-casting machines,

extend equipment life, and reduce maintenance costs. 

This is also the key for companies to improve production 

efficiency, reduce downtime, and improve product quality.

Whether it is when selecting mold materials or equipment 

parts, understanding the relationship between these two 

stainless steel and die-casting processes a necessary 

step to achieve efficient manufacturing.

In addition, from the perspective of industry development, 

the application of 410 stainless steel and 316 stainless steel

in the field of die-casting machines is also driving the 

progress of related industries. 

Stainless steel material manufacturers are constantly improving

production processes and improving material quality to meet

the die-casting machine industry's demand for high-performance

stainless steel. 

Die-casting machine manufacturers are constantly exploring new

design concepts and manufacturing methods to better utilize 

the characteristics of stainless steel materials and improve 

the overall performance of die-casting machines.

For more info, you can refer to: 

https://www.tiktok.com/@lk_diecastingmachine/video/7405113006880820522 

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/JLX410QV_kw

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