Description
The Workhorse of High-Wear Applications
We’ve been working with 440C stainless steel round bars for over a decade, and it remains one of our most requested materials for demanding applications. What makes it special isn’t just the specs on paper – it’s how reliably it performs in real-world conditions where failure isn’t an option.
This high-carbon martensitic stainless steel strikes an impressive balance between hardness and corrosion resistance. After proper heat treatment, we regularly see hardness values between 58-60 HRC, making it a favorite for cutting tools that need to maintain sharpness. The secret? That 16-18% chromium content provides the corrosion resistance, while 1.00% carbon ensures the wear resistance needed for high-stress components.
- When a medical device manufacturer needed surgical tools that could withstand repeated sterilization without losing edge quality, 440C delivered
- Aerospace customers use it for bearings and valve stems where dimensional stability under load is critical
- We’ve even supplied it for high-end kitchen knives where users demand both stain resistance and long-term edge retention
What You Should Know Before Ordering
We often get asked: “How does 440C compare to 440A or 440B?” The difference lies in the carbon content – 440C has the highest (0.95-1.20%), which means maximum hardness potential but slightly less corrosion resistance than its siblings. It’s also less weldable, so we recommend careful preheating if welding is required in your process.
Our production follows ASTM A276/A479 standards with strict control over:
– Dimensional tolerances (standard h9/h10, tighter available)
– Surface finishes (Ra ≤1.6μm for ground bars)
– Heat treatment processes (we document each batch’s quench/temper parameters)
Available in diameters from 5mm to 300mm, we can provide:
– Standard lengths (3m/6m)
– Precise cut-to-length pieces
– Multiple surface options (polished, peeled, ground, or as-rolled)
Why Work With Our Mill
Based in China’s steel hub, we’ve built our reputation on consistent quality and flexible customization. Unlike large mills that prioritize bulk orders, we handle specialty requests – need 440C bars with specific residual magnetism levels? We can adjust the annealing process. Require ultrasonic testing on every bar? Our NDT lab can comply.
Our metallurgists work directly with your engineers to:
– Optimize material selection
– Recommend heat treatment parameters
– Troubleshoot machining challenges
We know your supply chain depends on reliability, so we maintain full traceability from raw materials to finished products. If you need material certifications, PPAP documentation, or first article inspection reports, we’ve got you covered. Let’s discuss how we can support your next project – reach out today.
