Looking for maximum hardness and wear resistance in a stainless steel? Our 420 stainless steel bar is a premium martensitic grade engineered to deliver the highest hardness achievable in the 12% chromium stainless steel family. This hardenable steel combines excellent strength and wear resistance with good corrosion resistance for demanding applications.
420 stainless steel stands out as a higher carbon version of 410, designed to optimize strength and hardness characteristics. When fully hardened, it achieves the highest hardness of any 12% chromium grade, making it ideal for applications requiring exceptional wear resistance, edge retention, and durability. From surgical instruments to industrial cutlery, 420 delivers reliable performance where hardness is critical.
At Best Stainless, we provide high-quality 420 stainless steel products with fast turnaround times and expert technical support for your specific application needs. Contact us today for professional guidance and to request a quote on 420 stainless steel bar in the sizes and conditions you require.
420 Stainless Steel Bar Stock
Our 420 stainless steel bar stock is available in standard lengths from 12' to 20' with diameters ranging from 1/4" to 6". We stock both annealed and hardened/tempered conditions to meet your specific application requirements. Custom sizes and special heat treatments available upon request.
Benefits of 420 Stainless Steel
420 stainless steel offers many advantages across various industries and applications. It is particularly valued in manufacturing, medical, and precision instrument applications. Here are some of the key benefits that 420 stainless steel provides:
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Maximum Hardness
- Capable of being hardened to a minimum of 50 HRC, the highest hardness achievable in the 12% chromium stainless steel family, making it ideal for cutting tools and wear-resistant components.
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Excellent Wear Resistance
- Superior wear resistance due to its high carbon content and ability to form hard carbides, providing exceptional durability in abrasive environments.
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Good Corrosion Resistance
- Provides corrosion resistance similar to 410 stainless steel when properly hardened and polished, suitable for exposure to mild acids, fresh water, and atmospheric conditions.
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Edge Retention
- Excellent ability to maintain sharp cutting edges, making it the preferred choice for surgical instruments, cutlery, and precision cutting tools.
420 Stainless Steel Stock Shapes
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420 Round Bar
- Our 420 stainless steel round bar supply ranges from 1/4" to 6" in diameter. Available in annealed condition for machining or hardened/tempered for immediate use.
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420 Flat Bar
- 420 flat bar stock is available in various thicknesses and widths, perfect for manufacturing cutting tools, blades, and wear-resistant components.
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420 Square Bar
- Our 420 square bar stock comes in standard sizes and can be custom cut to your specifications for specialized applications.
420 Stainless Steel Mechanical Properties
| Condition | Ultimate Tensile Strength (PSI) | 0.2% Yield Strength (PSI) | Elongation (% in 2in.) | Reduction Of Area (%) | Hardness Rockwell | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annealed (ASTM A276 Condition A) | — | — | — | — | B96 max | Quote » |
| Hardened & Tempered (Typical) | 230,000 | 195,000 | 8 | 25 | C48-56 | Quote » |
Note: Per ASTM A276, mechanical properties for 420 stainless steel in the annealed condition (Condition A) specify only maximum hardness requirements. Typical annealed properties may vary and are not guaranteed under this specification.
420 Stainless Steel Applications
- Surgical Instruments
- Dental Tools
- Cutlery & Blades
- Scissors
- Needle Valves
- Ball Check Valves
- Pump Shafts
- Plastic Molds & Dies
- Steel Balls
- Hand Tools
- Lens Molds
- Gauges & Instruments
- Gear Shafts
- Ball Bearings
- Cams & Pivots
- Straight Edges
420 Stainless Steel Bar Composition
- Carbon 0.30 - 0.40
- Chromium 12.00 - 14.00
- Manganese 1.00 max
- Silicon 1.00 max
- Nickel 0.50 max
- Molybdenum 0.50 max
- Phosphorus 0.040 max
- Sulfur 0.030 max
- Copper 0.50 max
- Aluminum 0.15 max
- Tin 0.050 max
- Iron Balance
420 Industry Standards
- UNS S42000
- AISI 420
- ASTM A276
- ASTM A314
- ASTM A473
- ASTM A580
- AMS 5506
- AMS 5621
- QQ-S-763
- MIL-S-862
Heat Treatment Options
420 stainless steel can be supplied in various heat-treated conditions:
- Annealed: 1550-1650°F (843-900°C), furnace cool - for maximum machinability
- Hardened: 1850-1950°F (1010-1066°C), oil quench - for maximum hardness
- Tempered: 400-700°F (204-371°C) - to achieve desired hardness/toughness balance
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