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Stainless Steel SUS431-QT700

Heat-treated state

JIS SUS431 · UNS S43100 · EN 1.4057

Choose when toughness and machinability matter more than strength — large sections, impact-loaded shafts.

Standard cost $$

Values for the QT700 condition

Other SUS431 tempers and conditions

SUS431 is listed in 7 conditions; see the grade overview at SUS431.

Compare all 7 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
Solution annealed
Softest supply condition for machining, drilling or subsequent hardening; still relatively hard because the alloy is air-hardening.5208002024 HRC—
QT700This page
hardened and high-temperature tempered, Rm 700–850 MPa
Choose when toughness and machinability matter more than strength — large sections, impact-loaded shafts.5607801821 HRC—
QT800Default
+QT800 / JIS heat-treated
The standard stocked bar condition — best all-round balance of strength, toughness and corrosion resistance for pump/valve shafts and studs.6808801627 HRC—
Cold drawn
Precision-size bright bar for small shafts and screw-machine parts where tight tolerance matters more than peak strength.7509001229 HRC2.4 % IACS
hardened and tempered, Rm 900–1050 MPa, ~30–34 HRC
Higher-strength shaft/fastener condition where wear and fatigue loading are more severe but some impact ductility is still needed.7909701331 HRC—
Q&T low-temper
Low tempering (≈250–350 °C) for maximum strength, wear and best retained corrosion resistance; toughness is low, avoid shock loads.1,0001,2501038 HRC—
Hardened
Intermediate condition only — must be tempered promptly; quoted for hardenability reference (≈43–46 HRC).1,1001,450544 HRC2.2 % IACS

What is SUS431-QT700?

SUS431-QT700 is SUS431 heat treated to QT700 — choose when toughness and machinability matter more than strength — large sections, impact-loaded shafts. SUS431-QT700 has a yield strength of 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 780 MPa (113 ksi) — stronger than 85% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 18% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi). SUS431-QT700 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). QT800 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; QT700 is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • High strength — 560 MPa (81.2 ksi), better than 85% of stainless steel grades
  • Low embodied carbon — 3.6 kg CO₂/kg, better than 83% of stainless steel grades

Limitations

  • Difficult to weld — 25/100, worse than 92% of stainless steel grades
  • Needs corrosion protection — 45/100, worse than 85% of stainless steel grades
  • Limited ductility — 18%, worse than 83% of stainless steel grades
  • Low fracture toughness — 70 MPa·√m (63.7 ksi·√in), worse than 83% of stainless steel grades
  • Limited formability — 25/100, worse than 78% of stainless steel grades

SUS431-QT700 properties

Typical room-temperature values for SUS431-QT700; 10 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are SUS431 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among stainless steel grades.

Physical3

SUS431-QT700 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

Mechanical16

SUS431-QT700 has a yield strength of 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 780 MPa (113 ksi) — stronger than 85% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 18% 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 Ratio0.29
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)780 MPa113 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)560 MPa81.2 ksi
Elongation at Break18%
Reduction in Area55%
Compressive Strength700 MPa102 ksi
Shear Strength530 MPa76.9 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)380 MPa55.1 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)70 MPa·√m63.7 ksi·√in
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)60 J44.3 ft·lbf
Hardness, Brinell230 HB
Hardness, Rockwell C21 HRC
Hardness, Vickers285 HV

Thermal6

SUS431-QT700 is rated for continuous service to 550°C (1,022 °F). It conducts heat at 20 W/m·K (11.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 74% of stainless steel grades. Thermal expansion is 10.3 µm/m·K (5.72 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity20 W/m·K11.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)10.3 µm/m·K5.7 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion270 J/g116 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)550°C1,022 °F
Min Service Temperature-30°C-22 °F

Electrical3

SUS431-QT700 conducts electricity at 2.4 % IACS, better than 67% of stainless steel grades.

Electrical Conductivity2.4 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity7.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m28.3 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responseferromagnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is fair (45/100), worse than 85% of stainless steel grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.25 V
Corrosion ResistanceFair45/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryGood in fresh water, steam, mild atmospheric and weak organic acids; the Ni addition gives better resistance than 410/420. Poor in chlorides (pitting/SCC risk), reducing acids and seawater; corrosion resistance drops sharply if tempered in the 400–580 °C range.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of SUS431-QT700 takes about 53 MJ of energy and emits 3.6 kg of CO₂ — less than 67% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 60%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)53 MJ/kg22,786 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)3.6 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water130 L/kg15.6 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content60%

Manufacturability7

SUS431-QT700's machinability is fair (42/100, better than 79% of stainless steel grades); weldability poor (25/100); formability poor (25/100).

MachinabilityFair42/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)42%
WeldabilityPoor25/100
Formability (cold)Poor25/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityFair40/100
PolishabilityVery good70/100
Anodizing Responsen/a — ferrous alloy; use passivation (ASTM A967) or hard chrome/electroless nickel plating instead

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with SUS431-QT700

Is SUS431 easy to machine?

Machine in the annealed or ≤30 HRC tempered condition with rigid setups, sharp positive-rake carbide, heavy coolant and constant feed to avoid work hardening; expect ~35 % of AISI 1212 and use chip-breaking geometry for its stringy chips.

Can SUS431 be welded?

Poor weldability — preheat 200–300 °C, use 430/309L or matching 431 filler, keep interpass hot and temper immediately after (≥650 °C) to avoid martensitic cold cracking; avoid welding in the fully hardened state.

Can SUS431 be formed, bent or molded?

Only mild cold forming in the annealed state (air-hardening alloy); hot work at 1150–1200 °C down to ~900 °C, then slow-cool/anneal before further processing.

What surface finishes work on SUS431?

Passivate per ASTM A967 after machining; takes a good mechanical polish when hardened, and accepts hard chrome or electroless nickel for shaft wear surfaces — do not temper or bake in the 400–580 °C embrittlement range.

SUS431 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
CJIS G4303 SUS431≤ 0.20.16
Si≤ 10.4
Mn≤ 10.6
P≤ 0.040.03
S≤ 0.030.02
Ni1.25 – 2.52
Cr15 – 1716
Febalance—

SUS431-QT700 — frequently asked

What is SUS431-QT700 used for?

SUS431-QT700 is typically used for precision shafts, valve stems and high-strength fasteners. In short: strongest 400-series martensitic; better corrosion than 420; air-hardening, poor weldability.

What is the yield strength of SUS431-QT700?

SUS431-QT700 has a typical yield strength of 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 780 MPa (113 ksi) — stronger than 85% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 7 listed tempers.

Is SUS431-QT700 easy to machine?

Not especially — machinability is rated fair (42/100, better than 79% of stainless steel grades). Machine in the annealed or ≤30 HRC tempered condition with rigid setups, sharp positive-rake carbide, heavy coolant and constant feed to avoid work hardening; expect ~35 % of AISI 1212 and use chip-breaking geometry for its stringy chips.

Can SUS431-QT700 be welded?

Not readily — weldability is rated poor (25/100). Poor weldability — preheat 200–300 °C, use 430/309L or matching 431 filler, keep interpass hot and temper immediately after (≥650 °C) to avoid martensitic cold cracking; avoid welding in the fully hardened state.

What surface finishes work on SUS431-QT700?

Passivate per ASTM A967 after machining; takes a good mechanical polish when hardened, and accepts hard chrome or electroless nickel for shaft wear surfaces — do not temper or bake in the 400–580 °C embrittlement range.

Can SUS431-QT700 be formed, bent or molded?

Only mild cold forming in the annealed state (air-hardening alloy); hot work at 1150–1200 °C down to ~900 °C, then slow-cool/anneal before further processing.

What is the maximum service temperature of SUS431-QT700?

SUS431-QT700 is rated for continuous use to about 550°C (1,022 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

What is the difference between SUS431-QT800 and SUS431-H?

QT800 is the default condition — the standard stocked bar condition — best all-round balance of strength, toughness and corrosion resistance for pump/valve shafts and studs. H: intermediate condition only — must be tempered promptly; quoted for hardenability reference (≈43–46 HRC). Yield strength is 680 MPa in QT800 versus 1,100 MPa in H.

Sources

  1. JIS G4303 Stainless steel bars — JSA (2021)
  2. EN 10088-3 X17CrNi16-2 (1.4057) — CEN (2014)
  3. ASTM A276 / A479 (UNS S43100) — ASTM (2023)
  4. GB/T 1220 1Cr17Ni2 (14Cr17Ni2) — SAC (2007)
  5. ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels — ASM International (1990)
  6. Martensitic stainless bar datasheet (431 / 1.4057) — Sandvik / Outokumpu (2020)

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.