430 stainless steel balls high quality precision

Q: How do I choose the appropriate stainless steel brand (304(L)/316(L)/420(C)/440(C))? What are the main differences between 300 and 400 series stainless steel balls?
A:  To choose the proper steel brand for stainless steel balls, we should get to know well the properties of each brand and the application of the balls. The most common used stainless steel balls can be divided simply in two groups: 300 series and 400 series.
300 series “austenitic” stainless steel balls contain more chromium and nickel elements and are theoretically non-magnetic (actually are very low-magnetic. Totally non-magnetic require additionally heat treated.). Normally they are produced without the heat treatment process. They have better corrosion resistance than 400 series (in fact, the highest corrosion resistance of the stainless group. Although 300 series balls are all quite resistant, however 316 and 304 balls show different resistance to some substance. For more details, please refer to pages of different stainless steel balls) . They are less brittle, so can be applied also for sealing use. 400 series stainless steel balls contain more carbon, which makes it magnetic and more hardness. They can be easily heat treated like chrome steel balls or carbon steel balls to increase hardness. 400 series stainless steel balls are commonly used for applications that demand water-resistance, strength, hardness and wear resistance.