CarTech 416, originally known as No. 5, was the first free-machining stainless steel. It was found that the addition of sulfur to this high-chromium, corrosion-resisting steel gave it easy machining properties, with speeds comparable to those of 1144 and 8620 Leaded. Type 416 can be cut rapidly and cleanly with regular metal cutting tools. This steel also grinds and polishes freely.

The low frictional properties of CarTech 416 tend to reduce scratching, galling, or seizing in service. Nuts worked freely on their threads which, together with absence of rust in the threads, made disassembly easy. Pump shafts and valve stems worked more smoothly in their packings, and many metal-to-metal contacts withstood more pressure without scratching.

CarTech 416 has been used for shafts, axles, gears and pinions, worms, lead screws, golf club heads, valve trim, bolts and nuts-in fact, any part requiring considerable machining. Where greater corrosion resistance is needed consider Carpenter Project 70+® Type 303 stainless, which is our free-machining 18-8 grade. CarTech 416 stainless is not recommended for vessels containing gases or liquids under high pressure.