What is the equivalent of 1.4301 stainless steel?
The equivalent of stainless steel 1.4301 is AISI 304, which is also known by other designations such as UNS S30400, X5CrNi18-10, and ASTM 304. It is the standard austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel, widely used for its good corrosion resistance, formability, and weldability. It can be processed into various practical product forms, including plates, coils, pipes, bars, and wires.
What grade is 1.4021 equivalent to?
The European steel grade 1.4021 is equivalent to the AISI 420 grade in the United States, also known as X20Cr13. It is a martensitic stainless steel with high tensile strength and hardness after heat treatment, commonly used for items like cutlery and medical instruments.
1.4021 vs 1.4301 Stainless Steel ：Mechanical properties
| Feature | 1.4021 (AISI 420 / EN 1.4021) | 1.4301 (AISI 304 / EN 1.4301) |
|---|---|---|
| Steel Type | Martensitic stainless steel | Austenitic stainless steel |
| Hardness | 48–52 HRC (after heat treatment) | 70–90 HRB |
| Tensile Strength | 600–850 MPa | 500–700 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 450–600 MPa | 210–275 MPa |
| Elongation | 10–15% | 40–60% |
| Impact Toughness | ≥30 J | 150–200 J |
| Applications | Cutting tools, shafts, wear-resistant parts | Food processing equipment, pipelines, structural components |
1.4021 vs 1.4301 Stainless Steel ：Chemical Composition Comparison
| Element | 1.4021 (EN 1.4021 / AISI 420) | 1.4301 (EN 1.4301 / AISI 304) |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.15 – 0.30% | 0.07 – 0.10% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 12.00 – 14.00% | 17.00 – 19.00% |
| Nickel (Ni) | ≤ 0.75% | 8.00 – 10.50% |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 1.00% | ≤ 2.00% |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.00% | ≤ 1.00% |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.040% | ≤ 0.045% |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030% | ≤ 0.030% |
1.4021 and 1.4301 Stainless Steel: Hardenability
1.4021 is a martensitic stainless steel and can be hardened by quenching and tempering, achieving a tensile strength of 600–850 MPa and hardness of 48–52 HRC. In contrast, 1.4301 is austenitic stainless steel, which is non-hardenable by heat treatment, maintaining a relatively low hardness (70–90 HRB) but offering excellent ductility and toughness. This makes 1.4021 suitable for wear-resistant and cutting applications, while 1.4301 is better for structural and corrosion-resistant components.
1.4021 and 1.4301 Stainless Steel: Hardness
1.4021 stainless steel can reach 48–52 HRC after quenching and tempering, providing high wear resistance and cutting-edge strength. 1.4301 stainless steel, on the other hand, typically has a hardness of 70–90 HRB, making it softer and more ductile. The high hardness of 1.4021 allows it to retain sharp edges and resist abrasion, whereas 1.4301 is easier to form and machine without cracking.
1.4021 and 1.4301 Stainless Steel: Magnetic Properties
1.4021, being martensitic, is magnetic in both annealed and hardened conditions, making it detectable with magnets and suitable for applications requiring magnetic properties. 1.4301, as an austenitic stainless steel, is essentially non-magnetic in its annealed state, though slight magnetism may appear after cold working. This difference is critical when selecting materials for magnetic-sensitive equipment or applications.
1.4021 and 1.4301 Stainless Steel: Corrosion Resistance
1.4301 offers excellent corrosion resistance due to its higher chromium (17–19%) and nickel (8–10.5%) content, making it suitable for marine, chemical, and food-grade environments. In comparison, 1.4021 has moderate corrosion resistance with 12–14% chromium and low nickel, meaning it can resist mild corrosion but may rust in aggressive or chloride-rich environments. Proper heat treatment and surface finishing can improve 1.4021's resistance.
GNEE Stainless Steel is an independent stocker and processor of 1.4021 and 1.4301 stainless steel. With a large inventory and excellent processing capabilities, we can meet the needs of most projects, whether they are stock products or custom-made products. We offer: stock sizes of sheet and slab, stock lengths of round bar, fixed-length sheet and slab, fixed-length round bar, cold forming of sheet and slab and round bar, and any other necessary processing services. For any questions, please email Mail:es@gescosteel.com
