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Stainless Steel - Grade 420C / 1.4021
Description
Stainless Steel Grade 420C / 1.4021 is a high-carbon martensitic stainless steel that provides high strength, hardness, and wear resistance. It is capable of being hardened through heat treatment and offers a good combination of corrosion resistance and toughness. This grade is widely used in applications that require both high mechanical properties and moderate corrosion resistance.
Chemical Composition
- Carbon (C): 0.15 - 0.40%
- Chromium (Cr): 12.0 - 14.0%
- Manganese (Mn): ≤ 1.0%
- Silicon (Si): ≤ 1.0%
- Sulfur (S): ≤ 0.030%
- Phosphorus (P): ≤ 0.040%
- Iron (Fe): Balance
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Mechanical Properties
- Tensile Strength: 650 - 880 MPa
- Yield Strength: 450 - 650 MPa
- Elongation at Break: 20 - 30%
- Hardness: 50 - 55 HRC (when heat-treated)
Thermal & Physical Properties
- Density: 7.75 g/cm³
- Melting Point: 1480 - 1530°C
- Thermal Conductivity: 24.9 W/m•K at 100°C
- Specific Heat:460 J/kg•K
- Electrical Resistivity:600 nΩ•m
Other Designations
- UNS: S42000
- EN: 1.4021
- JIS: SUS 420J1
- AISI: 420
- BS: 420S29
Fabrication and Heat Treatment
- Machinability: Grade 420C / 1.4021 is readily machinable in its annealed state. It requires slow speeds and constant feeds to minimize the risk of work hardening.
- Formability: It can be formed using conventional methods but has limited cold forming capabilities due to its high strength and hardness.
- Welding: Preheating and post-weld heat treatment are recommended to reduce the risk of cracking. Common welding methods include TIG, MIG, and resistance welding.
- Heat Treatment:
- Annealing: Heat to 840-900°C, then cool slowly in the furnace.
- Hardening: Heat to 980-1050°C, followed by air cooling or oil quenching.
- Tempering: Heat to 150-370°C to achieve desired hardness and mechanical properties.
Applications
- Cutlery: High-quality knives and blades.
- Surgical Instruments: Scalpels and other medical tools requiring sharpness and strength.
- Industrial Tools: Shear blades, cutting tools, and industrial knives.
- Automotive: Parts requiring high wear resistance and moderate corrosion resistance.
- Valves and Pumps: Components that require high strength and wear resistance.
Supplied Forms
- Bars
- Wires
- Coils
Features
- High Hardness and Strength: Capable of achieving high levels of hardness through heat treatment, making it ideal for cutting tools and blades.
- Good Wear Resistance: Suitable for applications involving abrasive environments.
- Moderate Corrosion Resistance: Adequate for environments where corrosion is not severe.
- Heat Treatable: Can be hardened to increase strength and durability.
- Magnetic Properties: Magnetic in all conditions.