Stainless Steel E430-15
Grade
EN E430 · UNS W43010
E430-15 = lime (basic) coated electrode, DCEP only, low hydrogen
Pick when low diffusible hydrogen and better weld-metal toughness/crack resistance are needed on thicker or restrained ferritic joints.
Values for the E430-15 condition
Other E430 tempers and conditions
E430 is listed in 7 conditions; see the grade overview at E430.
Compare all 7 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Post-weld heat treated | Standard qualification/service condition: tempers HAZ martensite, restores ductility, toughness and corrosion behaviour. | 380 | 500 | 24 | 175 HB | 2.9 % IACS |
E430-15This page Lime (basic) coated electrode, DCEP only, low hydrogen | Pick when low diffusible hydrogen and better weld-metal toughness/crack resistance are needed on thicker or restrained ferritic joints. | 395 | 510 | 23 | 180 HB | 2.9 % IACS |
Heavy lime coating, DCEP, flat/horizontal-fillet only, high deposition | For high-deposition flat-position welding and surfacing of heavier 430 sections. | 395 | 510 | 22 | 185 HB | 2.9 % IACS |
E430-16Default Titania (rutile-lime) coated electrode, AC or DCEP, all positions | The standard stocked E430 electrode: smooth arc, easy slag removal, AC-capable, used for most decorative and appliance repairs. | 400 | 520 | 22 | 185 HB | 2.9 % IACS |
Heavy titania coating, AC/DCEP, flat/horizontal-fillet only, high… | AC-capable high-recovery version of -25 for productive flat-position fillet welding and cladding. | 400 | 515 | 22 | 188 HB | 2.9 % IACS |
Silica-rutile (acid-rutile) coated electrode, AC/DCEP | Choose for the smoothest bead appearance and finest ripple on thin decorative sheet; slightly lower toughness than -15. | 405 | 525 | 21 | 190 HB | 2.9 % IACS |
As-welded deposit | Condition of the joint if PWHT is skipped: higher strength and hardness from untempered martensite, but low ductility and toughness. | 470 | 590 | 10 | 22 HRC | 2.8 % IACS |
What is E430-15?
E430-15 is E430 in the E430-15 grade — pick when low diffusible hydrogen and better weld-metal toughness/crack resistance are needed on thicker or restrained ferritic joints. E430-15 has a yield strength of 395 MPa (57.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 510 MPa (74 ksi) — stronger than 55% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 23% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi). E430-15 has a density of 7.7 g/cm³ (0.278 lb/in³), lighter than 83% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,425°C (2,597 °F). E430-16 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; E430-15 is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Low embodied carbon — 3 kg CO₂/kg, better than 97% of stainless steel grades
- High electrical conductivity — 2.9 % IACS, better than 87% of stainless steel grades
- Easy to machine — 46/100, better than 87% of stainless steel grades
- Conducts heat well — 23.9 W/m·K (13.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 79% of stainless steel grades
Limitations
- Low fracture toughness — 55 MPa·√m (50.1 ksi·√in), worse than 91% of stainless steel grades
- Needs corrosion protection — 46/100, worse than 82% of stainless steel grades
E430-15 properties
Typical room-temperature values for E430-15; 22 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are E430 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
E430-15 has a density of 7.7 g/cm³ (0.278 lb/in³), lighter than 83% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,425°C (2,597 °F).
Mechanical16
E430-15 has a yield strength of 395 MPa (57.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 510 MPa (74 ksi) — stronger than 55% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 23% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi).
Thermal6
E430-15 is rated for continuous service to 800°C (1,472 °F). It conducts heat at 23.9 W/m·K (13.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 79% of stainless steel grades. Thermal expansion is 10.4 µm/m·K (5.78 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
E430-15 conducts electricity at 2.9 % IACS, better than 87% of stainless steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (46/100), worse than 82% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of E430-15 takes about 38 MJ of energy and emits 3 kg of CO₂ — less than 99% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 65%.
Manufacturability6
E430-15's machinability is fair (46/100, better than 87% of stainless steel grades); weldability good (58/100); formability poor (33/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with E430-15
Is E430 easy to machine?
Weld deposit machines like annealed Type 430 (~50 % of 1212) after PWHT; in the as-welded state hard martensitic HAZ dulls tools — anneal first.
Can E430 be welded?
Preheat 150–260 °C, keep interpass moderate, use short arc and stringer beads, then anneal 760–790 °C and furnace cool; redry electrodes 250–300 °C before use.
Can E430 be formed, bent or molded?
Deposited joints tolerate only limited cold forming; ferritic weld metal is notch-sensitive at room temperature so avoid bending as-welded.
What surface finishes work on E430?
Grinds and polishes to a bright finish that colour-matches 430 sheet; passivate after grinding, and avoid carbon-steel contamination to prevent rust staining.
E430 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 |
|---|---|---|
| CAWS A5.4 undiluted weld metal | ≤ 0.1 | 0.06 |
| Cr | 15 – 18 | 16.5 |
| Ni | ≤ 0.6 | 0.3 |
| Mo | ≤ 0.75 | 0.2 |
| Mn | ≤ 1 | 0.6 |
| Si | ≤ 0.9 | 0.5 |
| P | ≤ 0.04 | 0.02 |
| S | ≤ 0.03 | 0.02 |
| Cu | ≤ 0.75 | 0.1 |
| Fe | balance | — |
E430-15 — frequently asked
What is E430-15 used for?
E430-15 is typically used for kitchen equipment fabrication, architectural trim welding, automotive trim repair and mild acid resistant tanks. In short: colour-matches 430 sheet; low-cost ferritic electrode; needs preheat and anneal.
What is the yield strength of E430-15?
E430-15 has a typical yield strength of 395 MPa (57.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 510 MPa (74 ksi) — stronger than 55% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 7 listed tempers.
Is E430-15 easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (46/100, better than 87% of stainless steel grades). Weld deposit machines like annealed Type 430 (~50 % of 1212) after PWHT; in the as-welded state hard martensitic HAZ dulls tools — anneal first.
Can E430-15 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (58/100). Preheat 150–260 °C, keep interpass moderate, use short arc and stringer beads, then anneal 760–790 °C and furnace cool; redry electrodes 250–300 °C before use.
What surface finishes work on E430-15?
Grinds and polishes to a bright finish that colour-matches 430 sheet; passivate after grinding, and avoid carbon-steel contamination to prevent rust staining.
Can E430-15 be formed, bent or molded?
Deposited joints tolerate only limited cold forming; ferritic weld metal is notch-sensitive at room temperature so avoid bending as-welded.
What is the maximum service temperature of E430-15?
E430-15 is rated for continuous use to about 800°C (1,472 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between E430-16 and E430-AW?
E430-16 is the default condition — the standard stocked E430 electrode: smooth arc, easy slag removal, AC-capable, used for most decorative and appliance repairs. AW: condition of the joint if PWHT is skipped: higher strength and hardness from untempered martensite, but low ductility and toughness. Yield strength is 400 MPa in E430-16 versus 470 MPa in AW.
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 — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol.6 — Welding, Brazing and Soldering — ASM International (1993)
- Stainless SMAW electrode datasheets (E430-16/-15) — Lincoln Electric / ESAB / (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.