What is en 1.4028 Steel?
1.4028 steel is a martensitic stainless steel (also known as X30Cr13 or AISI 420B) with good corrosion resistance and high hardness, making it suitable for applications like knives, tools, and pump components. It is hardened by heat treatment and has a chromium content of approximately 13%.
1.4028 material equivalent
The EN 1.4028 stainless steel material is equivalent to AISI 420 (specifically 420B) in the United States, SUS420J2 in Japan, 3Cr13 in China, and Z30Cr13 or Z33C13 in France. It is a martensitic stainless steel known for its high hardness after heat treatment and good corrosion resistance in chlorine-free environments.
| Standard | Designation |
| EN 10088 | 1.4028 / X30Cr13 |
| AISI/ASTM A276 | 420 |
| JIS 4403 | SUS420J1 |
| GB/T 1220 | 3Cr13 / 30Cr13 |
1.4028 Steel Chemical Composition and Equivalents
The chemical composition of 1.4028 stainless steel, or its identity in terms of 1.4028 material composition, is pivotal for its distinguished properties. Below is a detailed table comparing the steel 1.4028 chemical composition with its global equivalents:
| Element | 1.4028% | AISI 420 % | DIN X30Cr13 % | JIS SUS420J1 | GB/T 3Cr13 / 30Cr13 |
| C | 0.26-0.35 | 0.15 min | 0.26-0.35 | 0.16-0.26 | 0.26-0.35 |
| Cr | 12.00-14.00 | 12.00-14.00 | 12.00-14.00 | 12.00-14.00 | 12.00-14.00 |
| Mn | ≤1.50 | ≤1.00 | ≤1.00 | 1.00 max | ≤1.00 |
| Si | ≤1.00 | ≤1.00 | ≤1.00 | 1.00 max | ≤1.00 |
| P | ≤0.040 | ≤0.040 | ≤0.040 | 0.04 max | ≤0.040 |
| S | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | 0.03 max | ≤0.030 |
1.4028 Stainless Steel Mechanical Properties
| Rm – Tensile strength (MPa) (+QT) | 650-950 |
| Rp0.2 0.2% proof strength (MPa) (+QT) | 450-600 |
| KV – Impact energy (J) longitud., (+QT) | +20°20-25 |
| A – Min. elongation at fracture (%) (+QT) | 10-12 |
| Vickers hardness ( HV): (+A) | 190 – 240 |
| Vickers hardness ( HV): (+QT) | 480 – 520 |
| Brinell hardness (HB): (+A)) | 230 |
Mechanical properties at elevated temperatures
| Properties | Temperatures | ||||
| 100℃ | 200℃ | 300℃ | 400℃ | ||
| Linear Expansion Factor, α | * 10-6 K-1 | 10.5 | 11.0 | 11.5 | 12.0 |
| Modulus of elasticity, E | GPa | 212 | 205 | 200 | 190 |
1.4028 stainless steel hardness
1.4028 stainless steel (AISI 420B) has a hardness that varies significantly depending on its condition, typically ranging from a maximum of 230-245 HB (Brinell) in the annealed state to a range of 52-58 HRC (Rockwell C) after hardening and tempering.
Heat Treatment of 1.4028 Stainless Steel
Soft Annealing
Heat to 745-820°C and allow cooling gradually in the air. This process achieves a maximum Brinell hardness of 225, resulting in a ferritic structure with spherical carbides.
Hardening
Harden by heating to a temperature range of 950-1050°C, then quench in oil or air. This process results in a hardness of 52-58 HRC post-quenching.
Tempering
Tempering temperature: 625-724°C, resulting in a transformation structure that includes ferrite.
Application of 1.4028 Stainless Steel
Typicall pplications include dental and surgical instruments, cutlery, pump shafts, gears, pinions, cams, steel balls, and assorted hand tools. Not suitable for high-pressure gas or liquid containers, or plastic molds needing high surface finishes.
What is the difference between 1.4028 and 1.4021 stainless steel?
The main difference is that 1.4021 has superior corrosion resistance, while 1.4028 offers higher hardness and strength due to its higher carbon content. Both are martensitic stainless steels with high chromium content, but 1.4028's increased carbon makes it harder and stronger after heat treatment, at the expense of corrosion resistance compared to 1.4021.