420 stainless steel is a type of martensitic stainless steel. Unlike the common 300-series (like 304 and 316) which are austenitic, martensitic stainless steels are characterized by their ability to be hardened significantly through heat treatment (quenching and tempering), similar to carbon and alloy steels.
Key characteristics and properties of 420 stainless steel include:
- Hardenability: Its primary feature is that it can be heat-treated to achieve high hardness and strength. In its hardened condition, it offers good wear resistance.
- Magnetic: Being martensitic, 420 stainless steel is ferromagnetic and thus strongly attracted to a magnet in both annealed (softened) and hardened conditions.
- Moderate Corrosion Resistance: It offers decent corrosion resistance to the atmosphere, fresh water, mild alkalis, and acids, but it is less resistant to corrosion than austenitic grades (like 304, 316) or ferritic grades (like 430). Its best corrosion resistance is achieved in the hardened and polished condition. It is prone to rusting if exposed to salts or marine environments.
- Composition: It’s essentially a higher carbon version of 410 stainless steel. It contains a minimum of 12% chromium (which provides the basic stainless property) and a higher carbon content (typically around 0.15% minimum, often 0.3-0.4%) which allows for the high hardness upon heat treatment.
- Wear Resistance: Due to its high achievable hardness, it exhibits good wear resistance, making it suitable for cutting tools and wear components.
- Applications: Commonly used for applications requiring good strength, hardness, and moderate corrosion resistance, such as:
- Cutlery (knives, surgical instruments)
- Needle valves
- Shear blades
- Hand tools
- Springs (less common than 300 series or PH grades for wire springs, but used in some flat spring applications)
- Gear components
- Limitations: Not generally recommended for applications involving severe corrosion or exposure to chlorides. Its weldability is also limited compared to austenitic grades.
In summary, 420 stainless steel is a hardenable, magnetic stainless steel grade known for its high strength and wear resistance after heat treatment, combined with moderate corrosion resistance. It’s often referred to as “cutlery grade” stainless steel due to its widespread use in knives and surgical tools.
What is 420 stainless steel? — This article provides a practical buyer‑focused overview with specifications, selection tips, and on‑site considerations. Explore related topics: blog.
Key Specifications and Standards
- Standards: ASTM / EN / JIS (e.g., ASTM A240/A36, EN 10088/10025, JIS G4304/G3131).
- Surface options: 2B, BA, No.4, HL, mirror; galvanized (electro / hot‑dip).
- Processing: hot‑rolled, cold‑rolled, annealed & pickled, welded or seamless.
- Typical services: slitting, shearing, cut‑to‑length, drilling, beveling, deburring.
- Documentation: MTC, CO, packing list with net/gross weight and heat numbers.
Typical Applications
Construction, machinery, automotive, energy, enclosures and fencing, food equipment (for stainless), and general fabrication. Match grade and finish to corrosion, strength, and appearance requirements.
Selection Guide
- Use certified material with Mill Test Certificate (MTC).
- Confirm standards (ASTM/EN/JIS) and tolerances per drawing.
- Match surface finish to application (2B/BA/No.4/galvanized).
- Specify dimensions and acceptable deviation upfront.
- Plan packaging and corrosion protection for transit.
Processing, Packaging and Logistics
We adopt edge protection, waterproof wrapping, rust‑inhibiting paper, fumigated pallets, and strapping suitable for sea freight. Loading photos and weight lists are provided for each shipment.
FAQs
Q: What lead time can I expect?
A: Typically 7–15 days ex‑works for standard sizes; custom processing may extend the schedule.
Q: Can you provide cut‑to‑size service?
A: Yes. We slit, shear, cut, drill, bevel and deburr to drawing to reduce waste and speed installation.
Q: How do you ensure quality?
A: Incoming inspection, process control, and final inspection with traceable heat numbers; third‑party inspection is available.
Q: Do you support small trial orders?
A: We support pilot quantities with consolidated shipping to control cost.
All values are typical and for guidance only; confirm with the datasheet and purchase order before production.
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