2Cr13 Stainless Steel | AISI 420 20Cr13 | Martensitic Stainless Steel Supplier

2Cr13 stainless steel (20Cr13) is a premium martensitic stainless steel manufactured to GB/T 1220 standards. With 0.16-0.25% carbon and 12.00-14.00% chromium, this “cutting tool grade” steel responds strongly to heat treatment—achieving high hardness up to 50-58 HRC after quenching and tempering. Unlike austenitic grades, it delivers superior wear resistance while maintaining good corrosion protection in mild environments.

This versatile grade is also designated as AISI 420, DIN 1.4021 (X20Cr13), and SUS420J1. Whether for cutting tools, surgical instruments, turbine blades, or wear-resistant components, it delivers reliable performance under moderate stress and corrosion conditions. Available annealed (≤223 HB) for machinability or quenched and tempered for immediate use.

Material Shape and Size

1.Round Bar

Flat Bar

2Cr13 Material Equivalent​

Standard System

Country/Region

Equivalent Grade

Common Search Terms

DIN EN

Germany

1.4021, X20Cr13

1.4021 steel, DIN 1.4021, X20Cr13

AISI/ASTM

USA

420, S42000

420 stainless steel, AISI 420, 420 steel

JIS

Japan

SUS 420J1

SUS420J1 steel, JIS SUS420J1

GB

China

2Cr13, 20Cr13, S42020

2Cr13 steel, 20Cr13 stainless steel, stainless steel 2cr13

ISO

International

X20Cr13

ISO 2Cr13 equivalent

2Cr13 Chemical Composition

Element

C

Si

Mn

P

S

Cr

Content (%)

0.16-0.25

≤1.00

≤1.00

≤0.040

≤0.030

12.00-14.00

Note: The defining feature of 2Cr13 stainless steel is its balanced carbon content (0.16-0.25%), which provides higher strength and hardness than 1Cr13 while maintaining good corrosion resistance . Chromium (12-14%) ensures adequate corrosion protection in mild environments, and low sulfur/phosphorus ensure cleanliness and isotropic properties .

2Cr13 Stainless Steel Property

MECHANICAL PROPERTY

METRIC VALUE

IMPERIAL VALUE

2Cr13 Hardness (Annealed)

≤223 HB

≤223 HB

2Cr13 Hardness (Quenched & Tempered)

≥192 HB

≥192 HB

Tensile Strength (σb)

≥640 MPa

≥92.8 ksi

Yield Strength (σ0.2)

≥440 MPa

≥63.8 ksi

Elongation (δ5)

≥20 %

≥20 %

Reduction of Area (ψ)

≥50 %

≥50 %

Impact Toughness (KV, 20°C, Longitudinal)

≥63 J

≥46.5 ft·lb

Note: stainless steel 2Cr13 achieves optimal properties after quenching from 920-1050°C and appropriate tempering . Quenching at 1000-1050°C can achieve higher hardness (45-52 HRC), while tempering at higher temperatures (600-750°C) improves toughness and corrosion resistance.

2Cr13 Steel Application

  • Cutting Tools and Blades: Industrial knives(stainless steel 2cr13), scissors, kitchen cutlery, cutting tools, blade(2cr13 stainless steel blade, 2cr13 steel blade)

  • Medical and Surgical Instruments: Surgical knives, forceps, dental instruments, surgical tools requiring sterilization resistance

  • Turbine and Power Generation: Steam turbine blades, compressor blades, turbine blades for power plants

  • Pump and Valve Components: Hot oil pump shafts, pump shafts, valve seats, valve plates for hydraulic systems, impellers for water pumps

  • Paper Industry: Paper-making machinery components, paper machine parts requiring wear and corrosion resistance

  • Food Processing Equipment: Food industry machinery, tableware, food conveyor components exposed to mild corrosive media

  • Automotive Components: Fasteners, shafts, gears requiring high strength with moderate corrosion resistance

  • General Engineering: High-stress structural parts, water press valve plates, mechanical components for industrial machinery

  • Household Goods: Tableware, scissors, kitchen knives, consumer products requiring edge retention and stain resistance

Heat Treatment & Processing of 2Cr13 Stainless Steel

Heat Treatment:

  • Soft Annealing: Heat to 800-900°C, hold 2-4 hours, slow furnace cool (or rapid cool at ~750°C). Resulting hardness ≤223 HB, optimized for extensive machining

  • Stress Relieving: Heat to 600-650°C, hold 1-2 hours, slow cool. Relieves machining stresses before hardening

  • Preheating: Recommended for complex parts to minimize thermal shock during austenitizing

  • Hardening (Austenitizing): Temperature 920-1050°C (typical 980-1020°C). Soak time proportional to section size. Protect against oxidation and decarburization. Quench in oil (preferred) or air for smaller sections. Hardness after quenching: 45-52 HRC depending on temperature

  • Tempering: Temper immediately after quenching while tool is still warm. Double tempering recommended for critical applications. Hold minimum 2 hours each temper.

 

Processing Guide:

  • Forging: Hot forming temperature 1050-850°C. After forging, cool slowly in furnace or insulating media to prevent cracking

  • Welding: Preheat 150-300°C recommended. Options include G202/G207 for atmospheric corrosion resistance (post-weld temper 700-730°C), G211 for organic acid resistance, or austenitic electrodes A302/A307 for improved plasticity without preheat

  • Surface Treatments: Suitable for nitriding, PVD coating, and other surface enhancements

 

 

 

 

 

 

2Cr13 Stainless Steel Quality Test

Full-process control: Raw material inspection (certificate, composition); production inspection (composition, mechanical properties, 100% UT, dimensional, surface); finished product inspection (MTC EN 10204 3.1, reports).

Our Advantages of 2Cr13 Stainless Steel

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