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Stainless Steel - Grade 420/1.4021
Description
Stainless Steel Grade 420/1.4021 is a high-carbon martensitic stainless steel known for its high hardness and excellent corrosion resistance. It is often used in applications requiring a combination of high strength and moderate corrosion resistance. Grade 420 can be hardened through heat treatment to achieve a range of hardness levels and mechanical properties, making it versatile for various industrial uses.
Chemical Composition
- Carbon (C): 0.15 - 0.40%
- Chromium (Cr): 12.0 - 14.0%
- Manganese (Mn): ≤ 1.0%
- Silicon (Si): ≤ 1.0%
- Sulfur (S): ≤ 0.03%
- Phosphorus (P): ≤ 0.04%
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Mechanical Properties
- Tensile Strength: 655 - 980 MPa
- Yield Strength: 345 MPa (minimum)
- Elongation: 20% (in 50 mm)
- Hardness (Rockwell C): 50 (annealed) to 60 (hardened)
Thermal & Physical Properties
- Density: 7.74 g/cm³
- Melting Ragne: 1450 - 1510 °C
- Thermal Conductivity: 24.9 W/m•K (at 100°C)
- Electrical Resistivity: 0.55 µΩ•m (at 20°C)
- Specific Heat Capacity:460 J/kg•K (at 25°C)
Other Designations
- DIN: 1.4021
- UNS: S42000
- ASTMA: A276, A580
- EN: X20Cr13
- JIS: SUS 420J1
Fabrication and Heat Treatment
- Forming: Stainless steel 420/1.4021 can be formed using conventional methods, but requires more force than other stainless steels due to its higher strength and hardness.
- Welding: This grade is not recommended for welding as it can be difficult to weld and may require preheating and post-weld heat treatment to prevent cracking.
- Heat Treatment:
- Annealing: Heat to 840-900°C, then cool slowly in the furnace to improve ductility and machinability.
- Hardening: Heat to 980-1035°C, then quench in oil or air for maximum hardness.
- Tempering: Heat to 150-370°C to reduce brittleness while maintaining hardness.
Applications
- Cutlery: High hardness and sharpness retention make it ideal for knives and blades.
- Surgical Instruments: Used in medical tools requiring high strength and corrosion resistance.
- Industrial Blades: Suitable for various industrial cutting tools.
- Valves and Pumps: Used in components exposed to water and other corrosive environments.
- Gears and Bearings: Employed where high wear resistance and strength are essential.
Supplied Forms
- Bars
- Coils
- Wires
Features
- High Hardness: Achievable through heat treatment, making it suitable for cutting and wear-resistant applications.
- Good Corrosion Resistance: Offers resistance to mild corrosive environments, although not as high as austenitic grades.
- Excellent Wear Resistance: Suitable for applications with high friction and wear.
- Versatile Heat Treatment: Can be annealed or hardened to achieve desired mechanical properties.
- Magnetic Properties: 420 stainless steel is magnetic in all conditions.