409 and 409L stainless steel are ferritic stainless steel grades commonly used in applications where oxidation and corrosion resistance are paramount. The presence of chromium and other alloying elements provides the steel with its enhanced corrosion resistant properties.
A 409/409L stainless steel pipe is a pipe made from these types of steel. This pipe would have the qualities of 409 or 409L stainless steel, making it suitable for use in various industries such as automotive exhaust systems, furnace components, heat exchangers, and other high-temperature applications.
409 stainless steel has the lowest chromium content of all stainless steels, which makes it cheaper but also less resistant to corrosion compared to the 300 series stainless steels. It also has a lower aesthetic appeal due to its tendency to develop a rust-like appearance when exposed to the elements, but this is often not an issue in applications where aesthetics are not critical.
409L stainless steel is a low-carbon version of type 409 stainless steel. This makes it superior in terms of weldability and formability. It also exhibits a better performance than 409 in terms of resistance to intergranular corrosion.