Stainless Steel E409Nb -16
Grade
UNS W40910
-16 = e409Nb-16
Most widely stocked coating type: smooth arc, easy slag removal, all-position on thin exhaust sheet with AC or DC+ power sources.
Values for the -16 condition
Other E409Nb tempers and conditions
E409Nb is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at E409Nb.
Compare all 5 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Post-weld heat treated | Choose when maximum weld-metal ductility, toughness and dimensional stability are needed on thicker sections. | 330 | 470 | 26 | 160 HB | 3 % IACS |
E409Nb-17 | Pick for the finest bead appearance and fluid slag on flat/horizontal fillets in sheet-metal exhaust work. | 375 | 495 | 22 | 176 HB | 2.9 % IACS |
AWDefault As-welded deposit | Standard condition for thin-gauge exhaust and automotive fabrication where no PWHT is applied. | 380 | 500 | 22 | 180 HB | 2.9 % IACS |
-16This page E409Nb-16 | Most widely stocked coating type: smooth arc, easy slag removal, all-position on thin exhaust sheet with AC or DC+ power sources. | 380 | 500 | 22 | 180 HB | 2.9 % IACS |
E409Nb-15 | Use where lowest hydrogen and best weld-metal toughness/crack resistance are required on restrained or thicker joints. | 390 | 505 | 23 | 183 HB | 2.9 % IACS |
What is E409Nb -16?
E409Nb -16 is E409Nb in the -16 grade — most widely stocked coating type: smooth arc, easy slag removal, all-position on thin exhaust sheet with AC or DC+ power sources. E409Nb -16 has a yield strength of 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) — stronger than 52% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 22% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi). E409Nb -16 has a density of 7.7 g/cm³ (0.278 lb/in³), lighter than 83% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,480°C (2,696 °F). AW is the default condition FabDigit quotes; -16 is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Conducts heat well — 25 W/m·K (14.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 93% of stainless steel grades
- Easy to machine — 48/100, better than 88% of stainless steel grades
- High electrical conductivity — 2.9 % IACS, better than 87% of stainless steel grades
- Low embodied carbon — 3.8 kg CO₂/kg, better than 77% of stainless steel grades
Limitations
- Low fracture toughness — 50 MPa·√m (45.5 ksi·√in), worse than 92% of stainless steel grades
- Hard to polish — 55/100, worse than 89% of stainless steel grades
- Needs corrosion protection — 45/100, worse than 85% of stainless steel grades
- Limited ductility — 22%, worse than 75% of stainless steel grades
E409Nb -16 properties
Typical room-temperature values for E409Nb -16; 21 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are E409Nb reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
E409Nb -16 has a density of 7.7 g/cm³ (0.278 lb/in³), lighter than 83% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,480°C (2,696 °F).
Mechanical16
E409Nb -16 has a yield strength of 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) — stronger than 52% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 22% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi).
Thermal6
E409Nb -16 is rated for continuous service to 675°C (1,247 °F). It conducts heat at 25 W/m·K (14.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 93% of stainless steel grades. Thermal expansion is 11 µm/m·K (6.11 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
E409Nb -16 conducts electricity at 2.9 % IACS, better than 87% of stainless steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (45/100), worse than 85% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of E409Nb -16 takes about 52 MJ of energy and emits 3.8 kg of CO₂ — less than 76% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 65%.
Manufacturability6
E409Nb -16's machinability is fair (48/100, better than 88% of stainless steel grades); weldability very good (72/100); formability fair (35/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with E409Nb -16
Is E409Nb easy to machine?
Weld deposit machines like Type 409 — moderate rating (~55% of AISI 1212); use sharp carbide, rigid setup and positive rake to avoid work-hardened smearing.
Can E409Nb be welded?
Redry electrodes per maker's schedule, use low heat input and stringer beads, interpass below ~150 °C to limit ferrite grain coarsening; 150–250 °C preheat helps on thick or restrained sections.
Can E409Nb be formed, bent or molded?
Deposit is fully ferritic with limited ductility — avoid tight-radius cold forming across the weld; form the sheet before welding where possible.
What surface finishes work on E409Nb?
Grind and pickle/passivate to restore the chromium oxide film; the deposit takes a fair mechanical polish but will rust-stain if free iron or heat tint remains.
E409Nb chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| C | ≤ 0.12 | 0.06 |
| Cr | 11 – 14 | 12.5 |
| Ni | ≤ 0.6 | 0.3 |
| Mn | ≤ 1 | 0.6 |
| Si | ≤ 1 | 0.6 |
| Nbcolumbium, stabilizer | 0.5 – 1.5 | 0.9 |
| Mo | ≤ 0.75 | — |
| Cu | ≤ 0.75 | — |
| P | ≤ 0.04 | — |
| S | ≤ 0.03 | — |
| Fe | balance | — |
E409Nb -16 — frequently asked
What is E409Nb -16 used for?
E409Nb -16 is typically used for automotive exhaust systems, mufflers and catalytic converter shells, heat exchanger tubing repair and mild corrosive service parts. In short: low-cost exhaust-grade filler; stabilized against weld decay; ferritic, limited weld ductility.
What is the yield strength of E409Nb -16?
E409Nb -16 has a typical yield strength of 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) — stronger than 52% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is E409Nb -16 easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (48/100, better than 88% of stainless steel grades). Weld deposit machines like Type 409 — moderate rating (~55% of AISI 1212); use sharp carbide, rigid setup and positive rake to avoid work-hardened smearing.
Can E409Nb -16 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (72/100). Redry electrodes per maker's schedule, use low heat input and stringer beads, interpass below ~150 °C to limit ferrite grain coarsening; 150–250 °C preheat helps on thick or restrained sections.
What surface finishes work on E409Nb -16?
Grind and pickle/passivate to restore the chromium oxide film; the deposit takes a fair mechanical polish but will rust-stain if free iron or heat tint remains.
Can E409Nb -16 be formed, bent or molded?
Deposit is fully ferritic with limited ductility — avoid tight-radius cold forming across the weld; form the sheet before welding where possible.
What is the maximum service temperature of E409Nb -16?
E409Nb -16 is rated for continuous use to about 675°C (1,247 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between E409Nb-AW and E409Nb PWHT?
AW is the default condition — standard condition for thin-gauge exhaust and automotive fabrication where no PWHT is applied. PWHT: choose when maximum weld-metal ductility, toughness and dimensional stability are needed on thicker sections. Yield strength is 380 MPa in AW versus 330 MPa in PWHT.
Sources
- AWS A5.4/A5.4M — Stainless Steel Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding — American Welding Society (2012)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels and High-Performance Alloys (Type 409) — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol.6 — Welding, Brazing and Soldering (ferritic stainless weldability) — ASM International (1993)
- Ferritic stainless SMAW electrode datasheets (409/409Nb class) — Welding consumable producers (2023)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.