420 vs 440 Stainless Steel

Composition Differences

• 420 Stainless Steel:

  • Contains 12-14% chromium and 0.15-0.40% carbon.
  • It is a lower carbon content stainless steel compared to 440, which affects its hardness and corrosion resistance.

• 440 Stainless Steel:

  • Comes in three sub-grades: 440A, 440B, and 440C. Each has slightly different carbon content:
    • 440A: Contains 16-18% chromium and 0.60-0.75% carbon.
    • 440B: Contains 16-18% chromium and 0.75-0.95% carbon.
    • 440C: Contains 16-18% chromium and 0.95-1.20% carbon.
  • The higher carbon content in 440C gives it superior hardness and wear resistance compared to 420.

Hardness and Wear Resistance

• 420 Stainless Steel:

  • Can be heat treated to achieve hardness between HRC 50-55. Its lower carbon content results in less hardness and wear resistance compared to 440C.
  • Suitable for applications where toughness is more important than extreme hardness.

• 440 Stainless Steel:

  • Can be heat treated to achieve much higher hardness, especially 440C, which can reach up to HRC 58-60.
  • 440C, in particular, is favored for its extreme wear resistance, making it ideal for high-stress cutting applications such as knife blades and surgical instruments.

Corrosion Resistance

• 420 Stainless Steel:

  • Offers good corrosion resistance in mild environments but is less resistant than 440 due to its lower chromium and carbon content. It is adequate for applications where occasional moisture or humidity exposure is expected.
  • Typically used in applications where corrosion resistance is secondary to toughness, like cutlery and certain industrial tools.

• 440 Stainless Steel:

  • 440A has the best corrosion resistance among the 440 grades due to its lower carbon content but is less hard than 440B and 440C.
  • 440C offers slightly lower corrosion resistance compared to 440A, but it still provides excellent corrosion resistance in most environments due to its high chromium content. It can withstand exposure to moisture and mild chemicals.
  • Overall, 440 stainless steel, particularly 440A, provides better corrosion resistance than 420, making it more suitable for applications in corrosive environments.

Applications

• 420 Stainless Steel:

  • Commonly used for cutlery, surgical instruments, scissors, and some knife blades that don’t require extreme hardness but need good corrosion resistance and toughness.
  • Also used for hand tools, pump shafts, and machinery parts where high wear resistance is not critical but some toughness is needed.

• 440 Stainless Steel:

  • 440A is commonly used for cutlery, knife blades, and surgical tools where corrosion resistance is prioritized over hardness.
  • 440B is used for cutting tools where higher hardness and wear resistance are required, but corrosion resistance is still important.
  • 440C is the go-to material for high-end knife blades, precision bearings, and surgical instruments that require maximum hardness, edge retention, and wear resistance.

Heat Treatment and Machinability

• 420 Stainless Steel:

  • Relatively easy to heat treat and can be hardened to moderate levels, offering a good balance between machinability and wear resistance.
  • Machinability is better than 440C, but the lower hardness means it is less suited for applications requiring extreme wear resistance.

• 440 Stainless Steel:

  • 440C is more challenging to machine due to its high hardness after heat treatment, but it offers excellent results for applications requiring wear resistance and edge retention.
  • Heat treatment is critical to achieving optimal hardness, especially for 440C, which can be hardened to very high levels but must be carefully tempered to avoid brittleness.

Cost

• 420 Stainless Steel:

  • Generally less expensive than 440 due to its lower carbon content and less complex heat treatment requirements. It is often used in lower-cost items that still require stainless steel properties.

• 440 Stainless Steel:

  • 440A is less expensive than 440C, but 440C is more expensive due to its higher carbon content and the superior hardness it can achieve. The higher cost is justified in applications requiring extreme wear resistance and durability, such as high-quality knife blades and tools.

Strength and Toughness

• 420 Stainless Steel:

  • Known for its toughness, making it more resistant to impact than the harder 440C. However, this comes at the cost of hardness and wear resistance.
  • It is more forgiving in applications where the material may be subjected to sudden impacts or stresses.

• 440 Stainless Steel:

  • Particularly 440C, offers superior hardness and strength but is more brittle and less tough than 420. It is ideal for applications where edge retention and wear resistance are critical, but not for those requiring high impact resistance.

Summary of Key Differences

Difference between 420 and 440 stainless steel

The choice between 420 and 440 stainless steel depends on the specific requirements of the application. 420 stainless steel offers better toughness and is easier to machine, making it a good choice for general-purpose tools, cutlery, and components that require moderate wear resistance. On the other hand, 440 stainless steel, particularly 440C, excels in applications where extreme hardness, edge retention, and wear resistance are crucial, such as high-quality knife blades, bearings, and surgical instruments.

If corrosion resistance is a priority but hardness isn’t as important, 440A might be a better choice than 420. However, if maximum hardness and wear resistance are needed, 440C is the superior option, despite its higher cost and more challenging machinability.

Questions and contact

Contact us for hygienic solution

Get our catalogue here