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409 Stainless Steel Comparisons

The Superior Choice

The firebox and water jacket are the main part of any outdoor stove, boiler, furnace, or hydronic heater. All Crown Royal Stoves are manufactured with DOMESTIC (Manufactured in the USA) 409 Titanium Enhanced Stainless Steel. Slowly but surely other outdoor stove manufactures are catching on and switching to 409 Stainless Steel. Crown Royal Stoves have always used 409 Titanium Enhanced Stainless Steel.

Type 409 stainless steel differs from other types of stainless steel because of the 11% chromium content. 409 Stainless Steel is commonly used for its’ corrosion resistance, high heat tolerances, the best thermal expansion, and excellent heat transfer capabilities. The 11% chromium content of 409 stainless steel accounts for these beneficial properties.

THE FACTS

Not All 409 Stainless Steel is Created Equal

Some competitors are using imported 409 stainless steel. Imported stainless steel has lower quality control standards that result in varying wall thickness, heavy inclusions from rolling, lamination and inconsistent annealing. These variables can all lead to excessive corrosion, material failures and leaks in the firebox and water jacket. Ask the competitors if they can show you mill test reports to prove they are using domestic steel.

Higher Strength & Heat Tolerance

409 Stainless Steel possesses higher strength & heat tolerance compared to a number steels. The 11% chromium content of 409 stainless steel accounts for these beneficial properties. 1450°F (789°C) is considered the practical upper temperature oxidation service limit, but brief excursions above 1600°F (871°C) can be tolerated.

tensile strength ati technical data

The Best Thermal Expansion

Thermal expansion is how much the metal moves during heating and cooling. Lower amounts of thermal expansion are better. 409 Stainless Steel has similar thermal expansion properties of carbon/mild steel but much better than 304 stainless steel. The graph shows the Coefficient of Lineal Thermal Expansion (CTE) in 10 – (6)/degrees F, based on room temperature to 212°F. (Sources – ASM Int. Ready Reference: Thermal Properties of Metals. AK steel 304 and 409 Data Bulletins.)

Excellent Corrosion Resistance

Type 409 stainless steel differs from other types of stainless steel because of the 11% chromium content. Because of this it offers excellent resistance to stress corrosion cracking (SCC). 409 stainless steel offers much better corrosion resistance than mild steel.

High Heat Transfer Capabilities

409 stainless steel is similar to mild steel heat transfer capabilities, but transfers heat much better than 304 stainless steel.

heat transfer capabilities 1-4 mild steel
heat transfer capabilities 1-2 mild steel