What is the difference between 1.4028 and 1.4021?

What is 1.4021 stainless steel?

1.4021 stainless steel (also known as X20Cr13 or AISI 420) is a versatile, hardenable martensitic stainless steel offering high mechanical strength, excellent wear resistance, and moderate corrosion resistance. With 12-14% chromium and 0.15-0.25% carbon, it is magnetic, highly polishable, and commonly used in hardened and tempered conditions for tools, cutlery, pump shafts, and fasteners, particularly in non-chloride environments.

 

What is 1.4028 stainless steel?

1.4028 (X30Cr13 / AISI 420B) is a martensitic, heat-treatable stainless steel featuring approximately 13% chromium and 0.30% carbon. It offers high hardness (approx. 48-51 HRC) and good wear resistance, making it ideal for cutting tools, surgical instruments, and shafts, while providing moderate corrosion resistance in non-aggressive environments.

 

What is the difference between 1.4021 and 1.4028?

While 1.4021 and 1.4028 are similar 420-grade martensitic stainless steels, 1.4028 (420B) is a higher-carbon version used for applications requiring superior hardness, such as surgical instruments, cutlery, and valve components, while 1.4021 (420A) is better suited for components requiring good strength and wear .

 

EN 1.4021 vs. EN 1.4028 Stainless Steel: Chemical Composition Comparison

	EN 1.4021 (X20Cr13)	EN 1.4028 (X30Cr13)
	0.16–0.25%	0.26–0.35%
	12.0–14.0%	12.5–14.5%
	<= 1.00%	<= 1.00%
	<= 1.00%	<= 1.00%
	<= 0.040%	<= 0.040%
	<= 0.030%	<= 0.030%

 

EN 1.4021 vs. EN 1.4028 Stainless Steel: Mechanical Properties (Quenched & Tempered)

	EN 1.4021	EN 1.4028
	700–950 MPa	800–1100 MPa
	>= 450 MPa	>= 550 MPa
	<= 260	<= 290
Elongation (A5)	>= 15%	>= 10%

 

 

1.4021 vs. 1.4028 Stainless Steel: Carbon Content

1.4021 (X20Cr13) and 1.4028 (X30Cr13) are both martensitic, 13% chromium stainless steels, but differ primarily in carbon content, which affects hardness and corrosion resistance. 1.4021 has a lower carbon range (approx. 0.16–0.25%), offering better corrosion resistance. 1.4028 has higher carbon (approx. 0.26–0.35%), providing superior hardness and wear resistance.

1.4021 vs. 1.4028 Stainless Steel: Hardness/Strength

1.4028 stainless steel generally provides higher hardness and strength than 1.4021 due to its higher carbon content (0.26–0.35% vs. 0.16–0.25%). While 1.4021 (420A) achieves around 46-50 HRC, 1.4028 (420B) reaches 50-54+ HRC after heat treatment. Both are martensitic stainless steels, but 1.4028 is preferred for wear resistance and higher strength applications.

 

Is 1.4021 magnetic?

1.4021 (also known as AISI 420 or X20Cr13) is a martensitic stainless steel that is strongly magnetic in all conditions, including annealed, quenched, and tempered states. It is a high-chromium steel (12-14%) frequently used for applications requiring both wear resistance and magnetism, such as tools, cutlery, and components.

 

EN 1.4021 vs. EN 1.4028 Stainless Steel: Applications

EN 1.4021	EN 1.4028
	High-wear mechanical parts

 

If you have a project requirement for 1.4021 or 1.4028 stainless steel rods, we welcome your order. GNEE has a large inventory of popular products for you to choose from. We process these rods into a variety of practical product forms, including sheet, coil, tube, bar, and wire. For detailed chemical composition and free samples, please contact our factory today. We offer competitive pricing and excellent service.Email: info@gneestainless.com