420 is a martensitic stainless steel
We supply 420 stainless in three different carbon ranges. All of them provide both outstanding corrosion resistance and exceptional wear resistance.
420 stainless steel is a higher carbon version of 410; and like most non-stainless steels it can be hardened by heat treatment.
It contains a minimum of 12 per cent chromium, just sufficient to give corrosion resistance properties. It has good ductility in the annealed condition but is capable of being hardened up to Rockwell Hardness 52HRC, the highest hardness of the 12 per cent chromium grades.
Its best corrosion resistance is achieved when the metal is hardened and surface ground or polished.
Typical applications include fine cutlery, machine knives, surgical instruments, wear plates, cutting tools and knives and blades for the food processing industries.
Composition of 420ss
Carbon – 0.16-0.25%
Manganese – 1.00% max
Silicon – 1.00% max
Chromium – 12 -14%
Sulphur -0.030% max
Phosphorous – 0.040% max
Carbon – 0.28 – 0.36%
Manganese – 1.00% max
Silicon – 1.00% max
Nickel – 1.00% max
Chromium – 12 – 14%
Sulphur – 0.030% max
Phosphorous – 0.040% max
Molybdenum – 0.30% max
We supply 420 stainless steel sheet and coil
We stock 420 in a range of thicknesses from 0.5mm to 3.00mm thick, in sheet and in coil. Our stock is hardened and tempered, suitable for manufacturing flat springs and blades. We can also offer a cutting or profiling service.
The material we stock is usually hardened in the range of 48/52HRC. Also, we hold some stock in 420 annealed from 1.5 mm to 6.5mm thickness.
Alternatively we stock grade 301 strip which is an austenitic grade. 301 is suitable for forming springs without the need for subsequent hardening.
We do not supply Mill Certificates with orders, we only supply Certificates of Conformity.
Our customers ask about our 420 Stainless Steel Steel supply:
Do you provide 420 stainless steel in soft annealed conditions, so it can be further heat treated?
Yes, we do. If our customers want to cut off the correct shape of a steel product first and only then apply heat treatment, then 420 soft is the right choice of steel for them.
Can we use 420 ss for butcher knives manufacture?
Of course. Also, for cigarette cutters, fine cutlery, and many food processing industries applications, as we do offer 420 stainless in different carbon ranges. As knives require to keep their sharp edge for longer, so our high carbon and high chromium 420 steel is ideal choice for the knives manufacturers. High content of chromium also stops the blades going rusty. Being a stainless steel, it doesn’t impregnate the final product.
How hard is your stainless 420 and can it be used for compressor valves?
Compressor valves made out of 420 last longer and are very reliable. At BSS we supply 420 steels that are usually hardened in the range of 42/46 and 48/52 HRC. We would offer 420 material in tempered and hardened conditions, ready for the laser treatment. Being extremely flat our steel sheets provide great efficiency during further production. Magnetic properties of our 420 ss provides safety and control in further tools applications.
