Facts About 420 Stainless Steel

When Alliant Metals began, we started as a metals distributor for the 300/400 series stainless. We noticed the demand in New England to be pertinent and continuing to grow. Since then, we added services and a larger selection of raw metals to be go-to for all stainless steel needs. That said, we have spent the past 30 years educating ourselves about the different metal grades we carry, including 420 stainless steel. We would love to share some information with you.

  • 420 stainless steel is the martensitic higher carbon version of 410 and 416 stainless steel
  • This metal contains a minimum of 12% chromium
  • The chrome elements are what give 420 its corrosion resistance
  • It is known to have the highest corrosion resistance in its fully hardened condition
  • 420 hardening occurs by heat treatment (between 1850° and 1950° F)
  • Maximum hardness for 420 is approximately 500 Brinell
  • 420F stainless steel was created to be an easier machined version of 420
  • 420 stainless is difficult to weld because of its hardening characteristics
  • It is magnetic in all forms
  • It is often used to create surgical/dental instruments, hand tools, cutlery, scissors, gear shafts, gauges, and other similar items

Our objective at Alliant Metals is to provide our customers with the best services and products possible, and that starts with knowing as much as possible about our most popular stainless steel items. Given our tight focus on quality control, we are aware our customers feel comfortable ordering with us every time. Alliant Metals is consistently chasing new ways to make your experience with us the best yet, and with our research, we believe we can provide more superior materials than other metal distributors across the country.

For more information about our 420 or 420F stainless steel, talk to our experts today by calling (800) 543-1453.

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