Stainless Steel 409 Plate Prices

About 409|A ferritic stainless with only about 11% chromium, stabilized with titanium. This is the exhaust system stainless. It handles high temperatures and thermal cycling well at a fraction of the cost of austenitic grades. It will rust on the surface in humid conditions, but it won't fail structurally. Machines easier than any austenitic stainless since ferritic grades don't work harden the same way. No nickel means the chips break better and the cutting forces are lower. Not commonly seen in machine shop work since most 409 applications are formed and welded, not machined. Compare to 430 (more chromium, better general corrosion resistance, takes a nicer finish) and 304 (far better corrosion resistance but significantly more expensive).

About Plate|Thick flat stock, generally 3/16" and up, used for machined base plates, fixture plates, wear surfaces, and structural fabrication. Heavier grades get milled, drilled, and tapped directly.