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Stainless steel 1.4021 (also known as AISI 420) is a martensitic stainless steel with an addition of approximately 12–14% chromium. This steel is characterised by high hardness and strength after heat treatment, making it an ideal material for applications requiring wear resistance. However, its corrosion resistance is lower compared to austenitic stainless steels.
The production of steel 1.4021 involves melting and alloying, where chromium is added to improve corrosion resistance. After melting, the steel undergoes heat treatment, such as hardening and tempering, to increase its hardness and strength. This steel is easy to machine, though its weldability is limited due to a tendency to crack during rapid cooling.
Stainless steel 1.4021 is commonly used in the manufacture of knives, surgical instruments, shafts, pumps, and machine components. Its ability to retain high hardness after hardening makes it suitable for applications where a combination of strength and resistance to mechanical stress is crucial. In environments with high humidity, protective surface treatments are recommended to enhance its corrosion resistance.
