What are the differences between 304 and 430 stainless steel friction stays?

The differences between 304 stainless steel friction stays and 430 stainless steel friction stays are as follows in terms of composition, performance, applicable environments, and prices:

430 Stainless Steel: SS430 are Ferritic stainless steel, Its main components are iron, chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni). The chromium content is approximately 16%-18%, and the nickel content < 0.6%. This gives it good corrosion resistance and oxidation resistance. With Magnetic and Good general corrosion resistance but lower than 304.
304 Stainless Steel: SS304 are Austenitic stainless steel, Its main components are iron, chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni). The chromium content is approximately 18%, and the nickel content is around 8%. This gives it good corrosion resistance and oxidation resistance.

Corrosion Resistance: 430 stainless steel has good corrosion resistance in general atmospheric environments, fresh water environments, and most indoor environments. However, in some environments containing corrosive media such as chloride ions, its corrosion resistance is relatively weak. Due to the addition of molybdenum element, 304 stainless steel has a stronger tolerance to chloride ions and other substances. In harsh corrosive environments, such as the high-salt environments in coastal areas and the acidic or alkaline environments in industrial areas, it has better corrosion resistance.
Strength and Hardness: The strength and hardness of the two are similar, but the strength and hardness of 304 stainless steel are slightly higher than those of 430 stainless steel. This makes 304 stainless steel friction stays less likely to deform and be damaged when bearing relatively large weights and external forces.

430 Stainless Steel: It is suitable for most common building doors, windows, and furniture, etc., such as the friction stays of doors and windows in ordinary residential buildings and offices. In indoor environments or dry outdoor environments, 430 stainless steel can meet the requirements of long-term use and provide reliable support and smooth opening and closing functions.
304 Stainless Steel: It is mainly used in environments with high requirements for corrosion resistance, such as the doors and windows of buildings in coastal areas, chemical workshops, food processing workshops, hospitals, and other places. In these environments, 304 stainless steel friction stays can better resist the erosion of corrosive media and ensure the normal use and safety of doors and windows.

Since more nickel element is added to 304 stainless steel and the production process is relatively complex, its cost is higher than that of 430 stainless steel. Therefore, the price of 304 stainless steel friction stays is usually higher than that of 430 stainless steel friction stays. The specific price difference will vary depending on factors such as market supply and demand and product specifications.