Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-07-23 Origin: Site
1.4031 stainless steel, designated X39Cr13 under the European standard, is a high-carbon martensitic stainless steel that is approximately equivalent to AISI 420. It can achieve high hardness through heat treatment while providing good wear resistance, mechanical strength and polishability.
1.4031 typically contains approximately 0.36%–0.42% carbon and 12.5%–14.5% chromium. Its relatively high carbon content provides good hardenability, while chromium contributes a certain level of corrosion resistance. Its overall performance can be further enhanced through appropriate quenching, tempering and surface finishing.
C (%) | Si (%) | Mn (%) | P (%) | S (%) | Cr (%) | Ni (%) |
0.36–0.45 | ≤0.80 | ≤0.80 | ≤0.040 | ≤0.030 | 12.00–14.00 | ≤0.60 |
The chemical composition may vary slightly depending on the applicable standard, steel mill and delivery condition. The final requirements should be confirmed according to the material certificate and technical agreement.
Max. Tensile Strength | Min. Yield Strength | Min. Elongation（50mm） | Max. Hardness | |
760 MPa | 205 MPa | 12% | HRB 98 | HV 240 |
The actual mechanical properties of 1.4031 stainless steel depend on its delivery condition, material thickness and heat-treatment process.
Property | Typical value |
Density | 7.75 g/cm³ |
Thermal conductivity at 100°C | 28.1 W/(m·K) |
Thermal expansion coefficient at 0–100°C | 10.5 × 10⁻⁶/K |
Elastic modulus | 215 GPa |
Magnetism | Magnetic |
1.4031 is a heat-treatable martensitic stainless steel. Its hardness, strength and toughness can be adjusted through quenching and tempering according to the requirements of the finished product.
Due to its relatively high carbon content, 1.4031 can achieve high hardness after heat treatment. It is suitable for components exposed to friction, cutting or repeated use.
1.4031 can be used for blades, scissors and cutting tools. Appropriate material thickness, heat treatment, edge finishing and surface treatment can help improve sharpness and service life.
1.4031 stainless steel is suitable for precision grinding and polishing. A smooth, clean surface not only improves the product’s appearance but may also enhance corrosion resistance in suitable service environments.
As a martensitic stainless steel, 1.4031 is generally magnetic. If a product has specific magnetic requirements, these should be confirmed before material selection.
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Both 1.4031 and 1.4034 are high-carbon martensitic stainless steels. Their hardness can be increased through heat treatment, but their chemical compositions and performance priorities are different.
Comparison | 1.4031 | 1.4034 |
European designation | X39Cr13 | X46Cr13 |
Carbon content | Relatively lower | Relatively higher |
Hardness potential | High | Generally higher |
Performance focus | Balance of hardness, strength and toughness | High hardness and edge performance |
Typical applications | Knives, scissors, medical instruments and mechanical parts | High-hardness blades and precision cutting tools |
If the product requires particularly high hardness and edge retention, 1.4034 may be considered. If a balance of hardness, strength, wear resistance and processing performance is required, 1.4031 may be a more suitable choice.
Related article: What Is 1.4034 Stainless Steel? Differences Between 1.4034 and 1.4031
As a stainless steel supplier, we provide 1.4031 stainless steel and customized processing services according to customers’ product and manufacturing requirements, including:
Customized thickness and width
Precision slitting and cut-to-length processing
Thickness tolerance control
Flatness and shape control
Edge deburring
Surface finishing
Customized heat treatment and hardness
Material selection and processing recommendations
Our 1.4031 stainless steel strip can be used for knives, industrial blades, scissors, medical instruments and precision wear-resistant components.
If you are looking for 1.4031 stainless steel strip or X39Cr13 material, please provide the intended application, thickness, width, target hardness and surface requirements. We will recommend a suitable material solution based on your specific application.
