What is 3Cr13 steel material?
3Cr13 steel is a martensitic stainless steel with a carbon content of (0.26%) to 0.35% and a chromium content of (12.00%) to 14.00%. It possesses high strength and wear resistance, and after heat treatment, it is ideal for manufacturing mechanical parts requiring high mechanical properties. This steel is mainly used in the manufacture of knives (such as cutlery and scalpels), springs, valves, bearings, and medical devices
What is 3Cr13 steel equivalent to?
The main equivalents for 3Cr13 steel are 420 (USA), X30Cr13 (EU), and SUS420J2 (Japan). These grades are considered comparable due to similar composition and properties, though minor differences may exist based on the specific standards and quality control of each region.
| EU EN |
USA - |
Germany DIN,WNr |
Japan JIS |
France AFNOR |
England BS |
Italy UNI |
China GB |
Sweden SS |
Poland PN |
Czechia CSN |
Russia GOST |
||||||||||||||
| X30Cr13 (1.4028) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chemical Composition of 3Cr13 Steel
| Element | Content |
|---|---|
| C | 0.26 – 0.35% |
| Si | ≤ 1.00% |
| Mn | ≤ 1.00% |
| P | ≤ 0.035% |
| S | ≤ 0.030% |
| Cr | 12.00 – 14.00% |
| Ni | ≤ 0.60% |
3Cr13 Physical Properties
①Density Density (20 ℃) / kg / dm3: 7.76,
②Melting point/°C:1365,
③Specific heat capacity (0~100℃)/kg/(kg.k):0.17,
④ Thermal conductivity/w/(m.k)100℃-:25.1,
⑤ Thermal conductivity/w/(m.k)500℃-:25.5,
⑥ Coefficient of linear expansion/(10-6/k)0~100℃:10.5,
⑦Coefficient of linear expansion/(10-6/k)0~594℃:12,
⑧ Resistivity (20℃)/(.mm2/m):0.52,
⑨Longitudinal modulus of elasticity(20℃)/GPa:219,.
⑩Magnetic:Yes
3Cr13 Mechanical Properties
| Property | Annealed | Quenched and Tempered |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 520 – 700 | 750 – 950 |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | ≥ 275 | ≥ 500 |
| Elongation (%) | 20 | 12 |
| Hardness (HRC) | ≤ 30 | 45 – 55 |
Heat Treatment
Annealing: The steel is heated to around 800-900°C and then slowly cooled. This softens the steel, making it easy to machine and work with.
Quenching: For hardening, it's heated to 920-980°C and then rapidly cooled in oil or air. This creates the hard martensitic structure.
Tempering: After quenching, the steel is brittle. It's then heated to a lower temperature (typically 150-350°C) and held for a period to reduce brittleness and increase toughness.
Is 3Cr13 magnetic?
3Cr13 is a martensitic stainless steel, and its crystal structure (martensite) is inherently ferromagnetic. Unlike austenitic stainless steels like 304 or 316, 3Cr13 is magnetic in both the annealed and hardened state.
What is 3Cr13 steel good for?
3Cr13 steel is a budget-friendly, martensitic stainless steel suitable for applications requiring a balance of strength, wear resistance, and moderate corrosion resistance. It is commonly used for manufacturing affordable knives, scissors, and basic tools, as well as for industrial parts like shafts, bolts, and valves. Key advantages are its high hardness (54-56 HRC) and ease of sharpening, while its main drawback is limited edge retention and modest toughness compared to high-end steels.
3Cr13 steel vs 440C stainless
440C or 3Cr13? 440C is better in terms of hardness, wear resistance, and edge retention. Use it for performance-critical applications. Choose 3Cr13 for low-cost tools with moderate performance needs.
If you have any project needs for 420 stainless steel bars, please feel free to place an order. GNEE has a large inventory of popular products for you to choose from. They can be processed into various practical product forms, including plates, coils, pipes, bars, and wires. For detailed chemical compositions and free samples, please contact our factory immediately. We offer competitive prices and excellent service.

