Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-07-16 Origin: Site
1.4034 stainless steel (EN designation: X46Cr13) is a high-carbon martensitic stainless steel known for its high hardness, excellent wear resistance, and moderate corrosion resistance. After proper heat treatment, it can achieve high hardness, making it widely used in knives, medical instruments, industrial blades, valve components, and various wear-resistant mechanical parts.
For applications that require both wear resistance and mechanical strength, 1.4034 is a well-established and widely used material.
As a manufacturer specializing in precision cold-rolled stainless steel strip, we supply 1.4034 precision stainless steel strip in a wide range of specifications and provide customized dimensions, performance control, and processing recommendations based on customers' product requirements.
Industrial knives Razor blades Scissors Medical instruments Food processing knives Valve components Wear-resistant mechanical parts Precision stamped parts |  |
Depending on the application requirements, different heat treatment processes can be used to achieve the desired hardness and mechanical properties.
Both 1.4034 (X46Cr13) and 1.4031 (X39Cr13) belong to the martensitic stainless steel family. Their chemical compositions are very similar, but the difference in carbon content leads to different mechanical properties and application areas.
Element | ||
Carbon (C) | 0.43–0.50% | 0.36–0.42% |
Chromium (Cr) | 12.50–14.50% | 12.50–14.50% |
Silicon (Si) | ≤1.00% | ≤1.00% |
Manganese (Mn) | ≤1.00% | ≤1.00% |
Phosphorus (P) | ≤0.040% | ≤0.040% |
Sulfur (S) | ≤0.030% | ≤0.015% |
Property | 1.4034 | 1.4031 |
Tensile Strength (MPa) | 690–900 | 670–900 |
Yield Strength (MPa) | 390–730 | 390–730 |
Hardness after Heat Treatment (HRC) | 52–56 | 50–55 |
Density (g/cm³) | 7.7 | 7.7 |
Elastic Modulus (GPa) | 190 | 190 |
The primary difference between the two grades is the carbon content. With 0.43–0.50% carbon, 1.4034 contains significantly more carbon than 1.4031 (0.36–0.42%). This gives 1.4034 better hardenability and allows it to achieve approximately 2–4 HRC higher hardness after heat treatment.
Both grades offer good corrosion resistance in non-chloride environments, mild organic acids, and weak alkaline conditions. However, neither grade is resistant to intergranular corrosion, so they are generally not recommended for applications requiring high corrosion resistance after welding or in the annealed condition.
Both materials have relatively poor weldability. Due to its higher carbon content, 1.4034 is more difficult to weld, and welding is generally not recommended unless appropriate procedures and post-weld heat treatment are applied.
Application | 1.4034 | 1.4031 |
Cutting Tools | ★★★★★ Preferred | ★★★☆☆ Optional |
Medical Instruments | ★★★★★ Widely Used | ★★★★☆ Common |
Bearings | ★★★★★ Suitable for Heavy Loads | ★★★★☆ Suitable |
Valves & Pump Components | ★★★★☆ Suitable | ★★★★☆ Suitable |
Springs | ★★★☆☆ Suitable | ★★★★☆ More Common |
General Mechanical Parts | ★★★☆☆ Optional | ★★★★☆ Preferred |
Due to its higher hardness and wear resistance, 1.4034 is better suited for applications such as industrial knives, surgical instruments, and heavily loaded bearings.
1.4031, on the other hand, offers a better balance between hardness and toughness, making it more suitable for surgical instruments, bearings, valves, springs, and general engineering components.
Different products require different dimensions, mechanical properties, and delivery conditions. We provide customized production according to customer requirements.
Thickness: 0.04–3.00 mm
Custom slit widths
Coil or cut-to-length supply
High-precision thickness tolerance control
Excellent flatness and strip shape
BA (Bright Annealed)
2B
Other surface finishes available upon request
Slit Edge
Mill Edge
Deburred Edge
In addition to supplying materials, we also provide technical assistance based on customers' manufacturing requirements, including:
Heat treatment recommendations
Hardness selection
Material grade recommendations
Thickness and tolerance selection
Surface finish recommendations
Flatness optimization
Stamping and subsequent processing suggestions
For products such as knives, medical instruments, and mechanical components, processing methods have a significant impact on final performance. Selecting the appropriate material condition according to the application can improve product consistency and manufacturing efficiency.
1.4034 is a martensitic stainless steel that combines high hardness with excellent wear resistance. It is widely used in industrial knives, medical instruments, and mechanical components. Through proper heat treatment, its performance can be fully optimized for demanding applications.
In practical applications, selecting the right material involves more than choosing a grade. Factors such as dimensions, tolerances, hardness, heat treatment condition, and end-use requirements should all be considered.
