Engineering Resource
Material Guide
Compare common stainless steel grades used in bearings and related components, including 304, 316, 420, 440C, and 17-4PH. Review corrosion resistance, hardness, magnetism, and typical application considerations.
Quick Material Comparison
A high-level overview of the most common stainless steel grades used in our assemblies.
- 300 Series (304, 316/316L) - Corrosion resistance priority
- 400 Series (420, 440C) - Hardness & wear priority
- 17-4PH - High-strength structural parts
| MATERIAL | GENERAL TYPE | MAGNETISM | MAIN STRENGTH | MAIN LIMITATION |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 304 | Austenitic | ● No / trace | ✓ Good general corrosion resistance | - Lower hardness |
| 316/316L | Austenitic | ● No | ✓ Better chloride and marine resistance | - Higher cost, harder to machine |
| 420 | Martensitic | ● Yes | ✓ Higher hardness than 300 series | - Moderate corrosion resistance |
| 440C | Martensitic | ● Yes | ✓ High hardness and wear resistance | - Lower corrosion resistance than 300 series |
| 17-4PH | Precipitation-hardening | ● Yes | ✓ High strength with good corrosion resistance | - More complex processing and higher cost |
Not all products are available in all materials. Availability varies by product type and structure. Please confirm on the relevant product page or during inquiry.
Material Profiles
304
A widely used stainless steel grade for general industrial environments. Often selected where general corrosion resistance, manufacturability, and cost balance are important.
Common Designation
1.4301 / A2
Structure Type
Austenitic
Side-by-Side Property Matrix
| Property | 304 | 316 | 420 | 440C | 17-4PH |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structure Type | Austenitic | Austenitic | Martensitic | Martensitic | PH Stainless |
| Magnetism | No / trace | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good | Excellent | Moderate | Moderate | Good |
| Hardness Potential | Low | Low | Medium to high | High | Medium to high |
| Wear Resistance | Low | Low | Medium | High | Medium |
| Marine / Chloride | Limited | Better choice | Not preferred | Not preferred | Project-dependent |
| Typical Cost | $ | $$ | $ | $$ | $$$ |