Mechanical Grade Stainless Steels
X46Cr13 – 1.4034 / 4H13 / 40KH13
X46Cr13 – 1.4034 stainless steel belongs to the group of martensitic stainless steels and is widely used in applications requiring high hardness, excellent cutting performance, and wear resistance. It is generally considered one of the higher carbon variants of the 420 series, enabling it to achieve higher hardness levels compared to standard martensitic grades.
The chemical composition typically includes approximately 12–14% chromium and 0.43–0.50% carbon. Chromium provides a certain level of corrosion resistance, while the high carbon content significantly enhances the material’s hardenability. With appropriate heat treatment, very high hardness values can be achieved, making it particularly suitable for cutting and piercing tools.
One of the key characteristics of X46Cr13 stainless steel is its heat-treatable microstructure. Through hardening and tempering processes, the material can be optimized to provide both high hardness and controlled toughness. This allows it to deliver high performance without excessive brittleness. However, due to its high carbon content, its ductility is lower compared to low-carbon steels.
From a mechanical standpoint, this grade offers high strength, good wear resistance, and excellent cutting performance. Its machinability is adequate, and it can be processed using operations such as turning, milling, and grinding. Its weldability is limited, and mechanical joining methods are typically preferred over welding.
In terms of corrosion resistance, it is lower than that of austenitic stainless steels, but with proper surface treatment and maintenance, it can perform satisfactorily in humid environments. Its polishable surface finish also makes it suitable for aesthetic and decorative applications.
Overall, X46Cr13 – 1.4034 stainless steel is a reliable engineering material, particularly suited for applications requiring high hardness, cutting performance, and durability.
Main Application Areas
- Knife and cutting tool manufacturing
- Surgical and medical instruments
- Scissors and cutting equipment
- Molds and tooling components
- Wear-resistant machine parts
- Shafts, spindles, and mechanical components
- Hand tools and industrial equipment
- Durable parts in the automotive industry
- Decorative and technical metal products
Thanks to these properties, X46Cr13 – 1.4034 stainless steel is widely preferred in applications requiring high hardness and cutting performance, making it an important material in various industrial and technical fields.
General Identity
X46Cr13 – 1.4034
| Grade |
X46Cr13 |
| Number |
1.4034 |
| Classification |
Martensitic Stainless Steel |
Standards
X46Cr13 – 1.4034
| Standard 1 |
EN 10088-2: 2005 |
| Standard 2 |
EN 10088-3: 2005 |
| Standard 3 |
EN 10088-1: 2005 |
Chemical Composition
X46Cr13 – 1.4034
| C |
0.43 – 0.50 |
| Si |
max 1.00 |
| Mn |
max 1.00 |
| P |
max 0.040 |
| S |
max 0.015 |
| Cr |
12.5 – 14.5 |
Mechanical Properties
X46Cr13 – 1.4034
| Rm – Tensile strength (MPa) (+QT800) |
780 |
| Rm – Tensile strength (MPa) (+A) |
850 – 1000 |
| Rp0.2 0.2% proof strength (MPa) +QT800 |
650 |
| KV – Impact energy (J) longitud., |
+20° – 12 |
| A – Min. elongation at fracture (%) |
10 – 12 |
| Brinell hardness (HB): (+A) |
245 |
