FabDigit

Stainless Steel E430Nb

UNS W43011

E430Nb is the niobium-stabilized version of E430 (W43011, E430Nb-16 to GB/T 983), a straight-chromium ferritic electrode in which niobium ties up carbon to improve intergranular corrosion resistance and weld ductility on stabilized ferritic base metals.

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Reference datasheet — E430Nb is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.

Values for the AW condition

E430Nb tempers and conditions

E430Nb is supplied in 5 conditions, soft to hard. AW is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.

Compare all 5 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
Post-weld heat treated
Choose when maximum weld ductility, toughness and machinability are required, or when the fabrication code mandates stress relief of ferritic stainless joints.34049028170 HB2.9 % IACS
E430Nb-17
Higher-silica variant of the -16 coating giving a more fluid slag, flatter bead and better wash-in for flat/horizontal fillet welding.41553522197 HB2.9 % IACS
AWDefault
As-welded deposit
Default condition for AWS A5.4 classification testing and for most field repairs where PWHT is impractical; preheat 150–250 °C and control interpass to limit grain coarsening.4205402214 HRC2.9 % IACS
E430Nb-16
Most widely stocked type (GB/T 983 E430Nb-16); smooth arc, easy slag release and good bead appearance for general fabrication of stabilized ferritic stainless.42054022200 HB2.9 % IACS
E430Nb-15
Pick for lowest weld-metal hydrogen and best toughness on thick or restrained ferritic sections; DC electrode-positive, all-position, slightly rougher bead.43055023200 HB2.9 % IACS

What is E430Nb?

E430Nb is the niobium-stabilized version of E430 (W43011, E430Nb-16 to GB/T 983), a straight-chromium ferritic electrode in which niobium ties up carbon to improve intergranular corrosion resistance and weld ductility on stabilized ferritic base metals. It is supplied in -15, -16 and -17 coatings with as-welded and PWHT deposit data, typically 420 MPa yield, 540 MPa tensile and 22 % elongation, service to 800 °C and a corrosion resistance score of 50. The deposit remains ferritic and notch-sensitive at room temperature and usually needs preheat plus a 760–800 °C anneal; unstabilized E430 is the lower-cost option where weld decay is not a risk. E430Nb 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). E430Nb has a yield strength of 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 540 MPa (78.3 ksi) — stronger than 64% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 22% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi).

What is E430Nb used for?

  • Stabilized ferritic sheet fabrication
  • Automotive exhaust flanges
  • Appliance panel welding
  • Mild chemical exposure equipment

Advantages

  • Conducts heat well — 25 W/m·K (14.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 93% of stainless steel grades
  • High electrical conductivity — 2.9 % IACS, better than 87% of stainless steel grades
  • Easy to machine — 45/100, better than 84% of stainless steel grades

Limitations

  • Low fracture toughness — 35 MPa·√m (31.9 ksi·√in), worse than 98% of stainless steel grades
  • Hard to polish — 60/100, worse than 80% of stainless steel grades
  • Needs corrosion protection — 50/100, worse than 78% of stainless steel grades
  • Limited ductility — 22%, worse than 75% of stainless steel grades

E430Nb properties

Typical room-temperature values for E430Nb-AW; bars are the position among stainless steel grades.

Physical3

E430Nb 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).

Density7.7 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)1,425°C2,597 °F
Liquidus Temperature1,510°C2,750 °F

Mechanical17

E430Nb has a yield strength of 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 540 MPa (78.3 ksi) — stronger than 64% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 22% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus200 GPa29 Msi
Shear Modulus77 GPa11.2 Msi
Bulk Modulus160 GPa23.2 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.28
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)540 MPa78.3 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)420 MPa60.9 ksi
Elongation at Break22%
Reduction in Area45%
Compressive Strength425 MPa61.6 ksi
Shear Strength350 MPa50.8 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)230 MPa33.4 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)35 MPa·√m31.9 ksi·√in
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)25 J18.4 ft·lbf
Hardness, Brinell200 HB
Hardness, Rockwell B93 HRB
Hardness, Rockwell C14 HRC
Hardness, Vickers210 HV

Thermal6

E430Nb is rated for continuous service to 800°C (1,472 °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 10.4 µm/m·K (5.78 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity25 W/m·K14.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)10.4 µm/m·K5.8 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion270 J/g116 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)800°C1,472 °F
Min Service Temperature0°C32 °F

Electrical3

E430Nb conducts electricity at 2.9 % IACS, better than 87% of stainless steel grades.

Electrical Conductivity2.9 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity6×10⁻⁷ Ω·m23.6 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responseferromagnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is fair (50/100), worse than 78% of stainless steel grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.25 V
Corrosion ResistanceFair50/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryGood in fresh water, nitric acid, mild oxidizing and sulfur-bearing hot gases; Nb stabilization prevents sensitization and intergranular attack after welding. Poor resistance to chlorides (pitting/crevice), reducing acids (HCl, dilute H2SO4) and seawater.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of E430Nb takes about 55 MJ of energy and emits 4.2 kg of CO₂ — more than 50% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 55%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)55 MJ/kg23,646 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)4.2 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water100 L/kg12 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content55%

Manufacturability6

E430Nb's machinability is fair (45/100, better than 84% of stainless steel grades); weldability good (60/100); formability poor (30/100).

MachinabilityFair45/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)50%
WeldabilityGood60/100
Formability (cold)Poor30/100
PolishabilityGood60/100
Anodizing Responsen/a — ferrous alloy, not anodized

Common Calculations5

Specific Strength (UTS / density)calculated70 kN·m/kg
Specific Stiffness (E / density)calculated26 MN·m/kg
Modulus of Resiliencecalculated441 kJ/m³
Thermal Diffusivitycalculated7.1 mm²/s
Thermal Shock Resistance Indexcalculated6

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.

Strength versus weight in the stainless steel family

Yield strength against density for every stainless steel grade FabDigit runs. E430Nb is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.

3005007001,0001,5002,0007.27.47.67.888.2Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleE430Nb

Working with E430Nb

Is E430Nb easy to machine?

Machine the deposit after 760–800 °C anneal; use sharp carbide tooling, rigid setup and positive rake as the as-welded ferrite work-hardens and smears.

Can E430Nb be welded?

Preheat 150–250 °C, keep interpass below ~300 °C, use stringer beads and low heat input, redry electrodes 250–300 °C/1 h, then anneal 760–800 °C and air cool where the code allows.

Can E430Nb be formed, bent or molded?

Not a formable product; the weld bead is deposited to shape — avoid heavy peening or cold straightening of as-welded ferritic joints.

E430Nb 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.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
CAWS A5.4 undiluted weld metal≤ 0.10.05
Cr15 – 1816.5
Ni≤ 0.60.3
Mo≤ 0.750.2
Mn≤ 10.6
Siupper end for -17 coating≤ 0.90.5
NbNb(+Ta) stabilizer; some producers specify 10×C min0.5 – 1.50.9
P≤ 0.040.02
S≤ 0.030.01
Cu≤ 0.750.1
Febalance

What surface finishes work on E430Nb?

Grind or brush with stainless-only abrasives to remove slag and heat tint, then pickle/passivate to restore the passive Cr oxide; the deposit polishes to a finish close to 430 base metal.

Surface treatments FabDigit runs on stainless steel parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).

Equivalent designations

Standards and trade names that resolve to Stainless Steel E430Nb in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.

UNS
W43011
Also called
AWS A5.4 E430Nb-XX

How much does E430Nb cost?

E430Nb is a premium-cost stainless steel ($$$), cheaper than about 51% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.

E430Nb — frequently asked

What is E430Nb used for?

E430Nb is typically used for stabilized ferritic sheet fabrication, automotive exhaust flanges, appliance panel welding and mild chemical exposure equipment. In short: stabilized ferritic electrode; better weld-decay resistance than E430; anneal for best ductility.

What is the yield strength of E430Nb?

E430Nb has a typical yield strength of 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 540 MPa (78.3 ksi) — stronger than 64% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.

Is E430Nb easy to machine?

Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (45/100, better than 84% of stainless steel grades). Machine the deposit after 760–800 °C anneal; use sharp carbide tooling, rigid setup and positive rake as the as-welded ferrite work-hardens and smears.

Can E430Nb be welded?

Yes — weldability is rated good (60/100). Preheat 150–250 °C, keep interpass below ~300 °C, use stringer beads and low heat input, redry electrodes 250–300 °C/1 h, then anneal 760–800 °C and air cool where the code allows.

What surface finishes work on E430Nb?

Grind or brush with stainless-only abrasives to remove slag and heat tint, then pickle/passivate to restore the passive Cr oxide; the deposit polishes to a finish close to 430 base metal.

Can E430Nb be formed, bent or molded?

Not a formable product; the weld bead is deposited to shape — avoid heavy peening or cold straightening of as-welded ferritic joints.

What is the maximum service temperature of E430Nb?

E430Nb 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 E430Nb-AW and E430Nb PWHT?

AW is the default condition — default condition for AWS A5.4 classification testing and for most field repairs where PWHT is impractical; preheat 150–250 °C and control interpass to limit grain coarsening. PWHT: choose when maximum weld ductility, toughness and machinability are required, or when the fabrication code mandates stress relief of ferritic stainless joints. Yield strength is 420 MPa in AW versus 340 MPa in PWHT.

How much does E430Nb cost?

E430Nb is a premium-cost stainless steel ($$$), cheaper than about 51% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.

Sources

  1. AWS A5.4/A5.4M — Specification for Stainless Steel Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding — American Welding Society (2012)
  2. ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
  3. ASM Handbook Vol.6 — Welding, Brazing and Soldering (ferritic stainless welding) — ASM International (1993)
  4. ASM Handbook Vol.13B — Corrosion: Materials — ASM International (2005)
  5. Stainless covered electrode datasheets (430/430Nb type) — Böhler Welding / ESAB / (2023)

Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.