X20Cr13
1.4021Basic martensitic stainless steel — 0.16-0.25% C + 12-14% Cr. Hardenable to HRC 48-52. THE workhorse martensitic stainless: cheap, available, and adequate corrosion resistance for mild environments. AISI 420 equivalent. Used for cutlery, surgical instruments, shafts, valve spindles, bolts, and turbine blades. Better corrosion resistance than X12Cr13 (1.4006/410) due to higher C and slight Cr advantage.
International equivalents
| Flag | Standard | Country | Grade | Number | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 | AISI | USA | AISI 420 / UNS S42000 | S42000 | REF |
| 🇪🇺 | EN | Europe | X20Cr13 / 1.4021 | 1.4021 | 100% |
Sources: ASTM A240, EN 10088-3
Chemical composition comparison (wt%)
Side-by-side: X20Cr13 (EN) (EN 10088-3) vs X20Cr13 / 1.4021 (EN) (EN 10088-3)
| Element | X20Cr13 (EN) | X20Cr13 / 1.4021 (EN) | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0.16–0.25% | 0.16–0.25% | OK |
| Si | 0–1% | 0–1% | OK |
| Mn | 0–1.5% | 0–1.5% | OK |
| P | 0–0.04% | 0–0.04% | OK |
| S | 0–0.015% | 0–0.015% | OK |
| Cr | 12–14% | 12–14% | OK |
Mechanical properties
QT
| Property | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 700–850 | MPa |
| Yield Strength | ≥ 500 | MPa |
| Elongation | ≥ 12 | % |
| Hardness HRC | 48–52 | HRC |
| Elastic Modulus | ≥ 215 | GPa |
| Density | ≥ 7.7 | g/cm3 |
Heat treatment
| Process | Temperature | Medium | Holding Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| hardening | 980–1030 °C | oil/air | — | Air-hardenable in larger sections |
| tempering | 200–350 °C | air | 1-2h | Low temper for max hardness; 600-700°C for toughness |
Compatibility verdict
X20Cr13 and X20Cr13 / 1.4021: 100% composition match
Close equivalents but NOT identical.
Related materials
304 Stainless Steel
1.4301The most widely used austenitic stainless steel. Excellent corrosion resistance, good formability and weldability. Standard choice for food processing, chemical, and architectural applications.
316L
1.4404Low-carbon austenitic stainless steel with molybdenum addition. Superior corrosion resistance to 304, especially against chlorides and pitting. Standard choice for chemical processing, marine, medical implants, and pharmaceutical equipment.
430 Stainless Steel
1.4016Ferritic chromium stainless steel with good corrosion resistance and formability. Lower cost than austenitic grades. Used for automotive trim, kitchen sinks, architectural panels, and appliance components.
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