416, originally known as No. 5, was the first free-machining stainless steel. The addition of sulfur to this high-chromium, corrosion-resisting steel gives it easy machining properties, with speeds comparable to those of 1144 and 8620 Leaded. Provides quenched hardness capability between that of Project 70 Type 416 stainless and Type 416 BQ stainless. 416 can be cut rapidly and cleanly with regular metal cutting tools, grinds and polishes freely, and has low frictional properties that reduce scratching, galling, or seizing in service.
