Stainless steel
1.4034 / X46Cr13 round bar – cut to length
1.4034 is a martensitic stainless steel in the 420 family. The EN designation is X46Cr13, the standard is EN 10088-3. “420C” is the name the trade uses for the high end of the family – the certificate states X46Cr13 and W.Nr. 1.4034. The carbon figure in the designation is the reason to choose it: it holds a hardness where 1.4021 / X20Cr13 becomes too soft. The corrosion resistance is that of a chromium steel without molybdenum, not 316L. It belongs with the special steels because it is hardened – that is precisely the difference between it and 304 and 316L. INDUSTRISTÅL supplies it quenched and tempered (+QT), so the part is machined in the as-delivered condition without a hardening trip in between. In the tool steel series, 1.2083 / X40Cr14 is the neighbouring grade – same family, standardised and traded as mould steel. We supply bar and flat, cut to length and ship with EN 10204 3.1.
Typical applications
- Knives, cutters and blades
- Wear parts that have to be hardened
- Valve and pump parts
- Parts where 1.4021 becomes too soft
Delivery conditions
- +QT (quenched and tempered)
Designations
- W.Nr.
- 1.4034
- EN standard
- X46Cr13
- UNS
- S42000
- JIS
- SUS420J2
- Group
- Stainless steel
Heat treatment
The material comes quenched and tempered from the mill, so no hardening is needed before machining. If post-treatment is required, keep the tempering in the low range: tempered high, both hardness and corrosion resistance fall, because the chromium is bound in carbides. If the drawing requires a condition other than +QT, it must be stated on the enquiry.
Machinability and weldability
The part is machined in the condition in which it is supplied. If it is to be ground or spark-eroded at the end, that belongs to your process – state it on the enquiry if we are to allow for an allowance. Not a welding steel. Martensitic stainless steel at that carbon level requires preheating and post-treatment, and the zone still becomes brittle. If the part has to be welded, it is 304 or 316L – not 1.4034.
The carbon ladder in the 420 family
The designations form a ladder on which the carbon rises while the chromium stays roughly put: 1.4021 / X20Cr13, 1.4028 / X30Cr13, 1.4031 / X39Cr13 and 1.4034 / X46Cr13. More carbon gives hardness and less toughness – and slightly poorer corrosion resistance, because some chromium is bound in carbides. If the hardness has to go higher still, the next step is 440C / 1.4125, where molybdenum comes in. We do not swap a step on the ladder without asking first.
1.4034 or 1.2083
The question most often comes from the mould side: can 1.4034 be used when the drawing states 1.2083 or Stavax? They are related – both martensitic chromium steels that are hardened – but 1.4034 has higher carbon in the designation, is standardised as stainless to EN 10088-3 and is not traded with the cleanliness and polishability of mould steel. The other way round, 1.2083 for a knife or a wear bush, is rarely technically wrong, but often a more expensive purchase than necessary. The W.Nr. on the drawing decides, and the certificate carries the name the mill has issued. If the mould has to be polished, it is the cleanliness of the mould steel that has been bought – not just the chemistry.
- Series: Stainless steel, 1.4xxx · Tool steel, 1.2xxx
- Traded as: Stainless bar and flat · Mould steel in flat and block
- Trade names: 420C · Stavax ESR, M310
- Delivery condition: +QT, quenched and tempered · +QT, quenched and tempered
- Typical task: Knives, cutters and wear parts · Moulds that have to be polished
Sawing and machining
Sawing of bar and flat to length. Hardening and grinding by arrangement.
Certificates and documentation
EN 10204 3.1 as standard. The certificate states X46Cr13 and W.Nr. 1.4034 – “420C” is the trade name, not the standard.
Dimension programme
| Form | Range | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Round bar | Ø8–200 mm | Quenched and tempered (+QT) round bar. Also available bright — drawn, ground or polished — with tolerance to DIN 671 in 3–4 m bars. State Ø, length and whether it must be bright. |
| Flat bar | Cut to order | Flat for knives and wear parts. Bright flat is toleranced to DIN 174. |
| Plate | 2–50 mm thickness | State thickness and finish. |
The range is a delivery programme, not a stock statement. Length is cut to your drawing.
Frequently asked questions
- What is 1.4034?
- 1.4034 is a martensitic stainless steel, X46Cr13, to EN 10088-3. It sits at the high end of the 420 family and is supplied quenched and tempered (+QT).
- Is 420C the same as AISI 420?
- 420C is used in the trade for the high end of the 420 family. AISI 420 covers more broadly, and 1.4021 / X20Cr13 sits at the low end. The certificate states X46Cr13 and 1.4034.
- Is 1.4034 the same as 1.2083?
- No. They are related, but 1.4034 is stainless to EN 10088-3 with higher carbon in the designation, whereas 1.2083 is mould steel and is available ESR-remelted. If the mould is drawn in 1.2083, 1.4034 is not an approved substitute without agreement.
- Does 1.4034 have to be hardened after delivery?
- No. We supply it quenched and tempered (+QT), so the part can be machined directly. If a different condition is on the drawing, it must be included on the enquiry.
- Is 1.4034 as corrosion-resistant as 316L?
- No. It is a martensitic chromium steel without molybdenum, and the carbon binds part of the chromium in carbides. In chloride, acid or seawater it is 316L or duplex.
- Can 1.4034 be welded?
- Not like structural steel. The carbon makes the zone hard and brittle, and it requires preheating and post-treatment. If the part has to be welded, 304 or 316L is the right choice.
- Can you supply 1.4034 cut to length?
- Yes. State cross-section, length and quantity. The condition is +QT unless otherwise agreed, and 3.1 is included.
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Send your enquiry
State grade, dimensions and quantity — or attach a drawing. We reply with a quote.