420 Stainless Steel Sheet
420 stainless steel sheet is the hardest commonly used stainless steel in the 400 series after heat treatment.
Compared with other 400 series grades, it offers superior wear resistance and strength, making it ideal for tooling and cutting applications.
- Description
420 stainless steel sheet is a martensitic stainless steel containing higher carbon than 410, allowing it to achieve much higher hardness after heat treatment.
It is widely used in applications that require good corrosion resistance combined with high strength and wear resistance.
It belongs to the 400 series, which are known for their magnetic properties, heat-treatability, and high hardness.
Chemical Composition (Typical %)
| Element | 420 |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.15 – 0.40 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 12.0 – 14.0 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 1.0 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.0 |
| Nickel (Ni) | ≤ 0.75 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
Mechanical & Performance Properties
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Structure | Martensitic |
| Hardness (after heat treatment) | Up to 50–55 HRC |
| Tensile Strength | 700 – 850 MPa |
| Corrosion Resistance | Moderate |
| Wear Resistance | Excellent |
| Magnetism | Magnetic |
| Weldability | Poor |
| Formability | Limited |
Key Characteristics of 400 Series Stainless Steel
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Magnetic | Attracts magnets |
| Heat treatable | Can be hardened by quenching & tempering |
| High strength | Higher hardness than 300 series |
| Lower corrosion resistance | Compared with austenitic grades |
| Cost-effective | Lower nickel content |
Comparison Within the 400 Series
| Grade | Carbon | Hardness | Corrosion Resistance | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 410 | Low | Medium | Moderate | Shafts, fasteners |
| 420 | High | Very high | Moderate | Blades, tools |
| 430 | Very low | Low | Good | Decorative panels |
Common Applications
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Cutting blades and knives
-
Surgical and dental instruments
-
Molds and dies
-
Industrial wear parts
-
Valve components
