A martensitic machining bar with machinability enhanced through the addition of Sulphur.
As for most other free-machining stainless steels the improvement in machinability is achieved by addition of sulphur which forms manganese sulphide inclusions; this sulphur addition also lowers the corrosion resistance, weldability and formability to below that of its non-free machining equivalent Grade 410.
Martensitic stainless steels are optimised for high hardness, and other properties are to some degree compromised. Fabrication must be by methods that allow for poor weldability and usually also allow for a final harden and temper heat treatment. Corrosion resistance is lower than the common austenitic grades, and their useful operating temperature range is limited by their loss of ductility at sub-zero temperatures and loss of strength by over-tempering at elevated temperatures.
Carbon (C) -> 0.16 - 0.25
Chromium (Cr) -> 12.00 - 14.00
Manganese (Mn) -> 0.0 - 1.50
Silicon (Si) -> 0.0 - 1.00
Phosphorous (P) -> 0.0 - 0.04
Sulphur (S) -> 0.0 - 0.03
Iron (Fe) -> Balance
Density -> 7.75 g/cm³
Thermal Expansion -> 10.3 x10^-6 /K
Modulus of Elasticity -> 200 GPa
Thermal Conductivity -> 24.9 W/m.K
Electrical Resistivity -> 0.55 x10^-6 Ω.m
Proof Stress -> 500 - 600 MPa
Tensile Strength -> 700 - 950 MPa
Elongation A -> 12 - 13 %
1.4021 is similar, but may not be a direct equivalent to:
-> 420
-> UNS42000
-> 1.4021, 1.4024, 1.4028, 1.4029, 1.4030, 1.4034
-> Bar
Typical applications include:
-> Valve Parts
-> Pump Shafts
-> Automatic Screw Machined Parts
-> Motor Shafts
-> Washing Machine Components
-> Bolts and Nuts
-> Studs
-> Gears
-> Shear Blades
-> Cutlery (Blades)
-> Surgical Instruments
Corrosion resistance is lower than the common austenitic grades.
Useful resistance to dry atmospheres, fresh water and mild alkalies and acids, but less resistant than the equivalent non-free-machining grades. Less corrosion resistant than the austenitic grades and also less than 17% chromium ferritic alloys such as Grade 430. High sulphur content free machining grades such as 416 are totally unsuitable for marine or other chloride exposure.
Maximum corrosion resistance is achieved in the hardened condition, with a smooth surface finish.
Fair resistance to scaling in intermittent service up to 760°C and up to 675°C in continuous service. Not recommended for use in temperatures above the relevant tempering temperature, if maintenance of mechanical properties is important.
Fabrication must be by methods that allow for poor weldability and usually also allow for a final harden and temper heat treatment.
Not recommended - Suitable only for minor deformation. Severe deformation will result in cracking.
All hot work procedures should commence following uniform heating to 2100-2250 F (1149-1232 C). Hot work below 1700 F (927 C) may result in cracking.
Grade 420 offers exceptionally good machinability, the highest of any of the commonly available stainless steels. Best machinability is in the sub-critical annealed condition.
Grade 420 has poor weldability.
Pre-heat to 150-320°C and post-heat at 610-760°C. Grade 420 coated welding rods are recommended for high strength joints, where a post-weld hardening and tempering heat treatment is to be carried out.
If parts are to be used in the "as welded" condition, a ductile joint can be achieved by using Grade 309 filler rod. AS 1554.6 pre-qualifies welding of 420 with Grade 309 rods or electrodes.
source: https://www.aalco.co.uk