Stainless Steel – Grade 444 (UNS S44400)

Stainless Steel is a miraculous invention. Its enduring properties make it fit for various applications. Finding it versatile for various applications, many variations were made to stainless steel chemical composition to form different variants.

One such variant of stainless steel in grade 444. 

Let us explore various properties and applications of grade 444 to evaluate its fitment for your applications.

About Grade 444 Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel Grade 444 is a ferritic stainless steel that consists of high chromium content. The higher chromium content gives excellent resistance to corrosion and heat, making it suitable for many industrial applications.

Chemical Composition of Grade 444 Stainless Steel

The chemical composition of Grade 444 Stainless Steel also contains 77.475% iron, in addition to high percentages of chromium (18.5%). The various elements combine to give SS grade 444 good corrosion resistance and high mechanical strength.

Iron, Fe

77.48%

Chromium, Cr

18.50%

Molybdenum,Mo

2%

Nickel, Ni

1%

Manganese, Mn

1%

Silicon, Si

1%

Carbon, C

0.03%

Physical Properties of Grade 444 Stainless Steel

Stainless steel grade 444 has a density of 7.80 g/cm³, which essentially shows that the molecular structure of this material is compact and robust, thus reflecting durability and reliability in different operational surroundings.

Mechanical Properties of Grade 444 Stainless Steel

Grade 444 Stainless Steel has impressive mechanical properties, with tensile strength of 415 MPa and yield strength of 275 MPa at 0.200% strain. Its elasticity is expressed by an elasticity modulus of 200 GPa; thus, this material under any stress and pressure is very resistant.

Tensile strength

415 MPa

Yield strength (@strain 0.200%)

275 MPa

Elastic modulus

200 GPa

Shear modulus

80-83 GPa

Poisson's ratio 

0.27-0.30

Elongation at break

20%

Carbon, C

0.12-0.25%

Phosphorous, P

0.06%

Hardness, Rockwell

B95

Thermal Properties of Grade 444 Stainless Steel

In terms of thermal behavior, Grade 444 Stainless Steel exhibits a thermal expansion coefficient of 10 µm/m°C and a thermal conductivity of 26.8 W/mK. Both these properties prove the alloy to be efficient for heat transfer applications, vital for industries such as cooking utensil manufacturing.

Applications of Grade 444 Stainless Steel

The magnetic properties of this ferritic steel is a major advantage and enabler for many of its applications. 

  • It is widely used for making fastening parts and induction heaters.
  • It has a lower thermal expansion coefficient and higher thermal conductivity, making it suitable for cooking utensils.
  • The corrosion resistance of grade 444 can be used for the production of dishwashers, kitchen sinks and food processing equipment.
  • Addition of molybdenum and higher chromium content makes it suitable for corrosive seawater applications.
  • Its unique properties make it fit for the automobile industry and nuclear reactors.