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SUS420J2 Equivalent: The Comprehensive Guide

Martensitic stainless steel carries different grade codes across five regions: Japan uses SUS420J2, China uses 2Cr13 or 3Cr13, Germany uses 1.4021, and the US uses 420, and this full article delivers a complete SUS420J2 Equivalent, breaks down element gaps of each grade one by one, and sets clear judgment standards to tell you which substitution works and which should be avoided entirely.

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SUS420J2 Equivalent
SUS420J2 Equivalent
SUS420J2 Stainless Steel
SUS420J2 Stainless Steel
SUS420J2 Material
SUS420J2 Material
SUS420J2 HRC
SUS420J2 HRC

Quick SUS420J2 Equivalent Chart for 5 National Standards

Standard SystemGradeC (%)Cr (%)Core Differences vs SUS420J2
Japanese JISSUS420J20.26-0.4012-14Base reference grade
Chinese GB2Cr13 / 20Cr130.16-0.2512-14C lower by 0.1-0.24%, 5-8 HRC softer, not interchangeable
Chinese GB3Cr13 / 30Cr130.26-0.3512-14Max C 0.05% lower, close match with slightly lower hardness
Chinese GB4Cr13 / 40Cr130.36-0.4512-14Max C 0.05% higher, harder yet more brittle
German DIN1.40210.16-0.2512-14Same as 2Cr13, low carbon leads to insufficient hardness
German DIN1.40340.43-0.5012.5-14.5Higher carbon, matches range of 4Cr13
US AISI420≥0.1512-14Only minimum C set with no upper limit, carbon range broad; minimum C requirement must be specified

DIN grades do not cover the exact carbon window 0.26-0.40% for SUS420J2; grades are split strictly by carbon content: low-carbon 1.4021 and high-carbon 1.4034. This precise carbon range makes SUS420J2 unique.

Differences for SUS420J2 Equivalent

 

Chinese 2Cr13 (20Cr13)

 

Carbon content sits at 0.16-0.25%, 0.1-0.24% less than SUS420J2. Its maximum quenched hardness reaches only 45-48 HRC, compared to over 55 HRC for SUS420J2. It can only replace SUS420J2 if required hardness does not exceed 45 HRC, and cannot be used for cutting tools or heavy wear parts.

 

Chinese 3Cr13 (30Cr13)

 

With carbon 0.26-0.35%, it is the closest SUS420J2 Equivalent material. Functional performance is nearly identical. The only minor gap is wider acceptable limits for phosphorus and sulfur (GB ≤0.035% against JIS ≤0.030-0.040%). Direct interchange works for most uses, as long as certificates meet carbon and chromium standards.

 

Chinese 4Cr13 (40Cr13)

 
Carbon range 0.36-0.45% exceeds SUS420J2’s upper limit by 0.05%. It can achieve higher hardness (58-60 HRC) yet with poorer toughness. Choose 4Cr13 for higher hardness demand, and 3Cr13 for better impact resistance. 4Cr13 shares nearly the same price as SUS420J2; select based on performance needs.
 

AISI 420

 
The biggest drawback of AISI 420 lies in its loose ASTM A276 carbon rule: only a minimum 0.15% carbon is required without maximum cap. Delivered stock may carry merely 0.15-0.20% carbon, resulting in hardness barely above 40 HRC. If using AISI 420 as SUS420J2 Equivalent, write carbon 0.26-0.40% clearly on purchase orders, or final hardness will depend fully on supplier quality control.
 

SUS420J2 Equivalent Substitution Decision Matrix

Demand TargetRecommended SubstituteFeasibilityPotential Risks
Hardness ≥50 HRC3Cr13 / 4Cr13✅ Acceptable3Cr13 offers better toughness; adjust tempering temperature for 4Cr13 to avoid brittleness
Hardness 40-45 HRC2Cr13✅ Acceptable2Cr13 has good toughness; control hardness via tempering
Top corrosion resistance3Cr13✅ AcceptableEqual chromium content creates negligible corrosion gap
US sourcingAISI 420 (C specified 0.26-0.40%)⚠️ Special specification requiredUnspecified carbon may result in overly soft steel
German sourcing1.4034⚠️ Use cautiouslyHigher carbon; adjust tempering process to prevent brittleness
Mandatory JIS certificationNo valid substitute❌ Not allowedStick to original JIS grade per drawing requirements

3Cr13/30Cr13 acts as the most reliable equivalent within all 420 Equivalent grade series, with almost matching carbon and chromium ranges. All other grades carry obvious parameter deviations; inform downstream partners and adjust production processes before substitution.

Sourcing Guide for SUS420J2 Equivalent

 
Scenario 1: Client drawing marks SUS420J2, while your warehouse only stocks domestic 3Cr13. 3Cr13 qualifies as SUS420J2 Equivalent steel. Substitution is allowed if clients set no extra strict rules for hardness (50-55 HRC) and corrosion resistance. Original JIS SUS420J2 must be ordered if JIS certification or tight P/S limits are mandatory.
 
Scenario 2: Quotation for European buyers requesting martensitic stainless steel under DIN EN 10088. 2Cr13 has no exact matching EN grade number. Note on quotations: “Equivalent to DIN 1.4021/1.4034, carbon range 0.26-0.40%”. Clear explanation of grade differences lifts quotation conversion rate by 30%.

FAQ:

Q1: Which SUS420J2 Equivalent matches original performance best?

A: Chinese 3Cr13/30Cr13 with carbon 0.26-0.35% and chromium 12-14% delivers nearly identical element ranges. Next is 4Cr13 with slightly higher carbon, followed by 2Cr13 with low carbon and insufficient hardness.

A: No changes needed for 3Cr13; both share the same quenching temperature window 1000-1050°C. Adjustments are required for 2Cr13: raise quenching temperature by 10-20°C to offset low carbon and low hardness. For AISI 420, test actual carbon via spectrum inspection first to fix proper quenching temperature.

A: It depends on destination country standards. Original JIS grade is mandatory for shipments to Japan. Most European and American clients accept 3Cr13 with official ASTM/EN equivalence statements. Confirm certification requirements in advance before ordering.

Conclusion

Unsure about cross-standard grade matching for international orders? Consult Keyspark Steel engineers for professional cross-system analysis. We master martensitic stainless standards from Japan, China, Germany and the US to avoid blind substitution.

 

 

 

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