Stainless Steel 420 Wire

Product Description

FUSHUN METAL's Stainless Steel 420 Wire is a premium high-carbon martensitic stainless steel wire offering an exceptional combination of high hardness, excellent wear resistance, good corrosion resistance, and strength. With a carefully controlled chemical composition featuring approximately 12-14% chromium and 0.15-0.40% carbon, our 420 wire provides superior hardening capability, achieving hardness values up to 55 HRC after proper heat treatment while maintaining good corrosion resistance in mild environments. Available in precision diameters down to 0.10mm, this specialized wire combines strength with durability, making it the ideal choice for demanding applications in cutlery, surgical instruments, high-quality knives, valve components, and industrial applications requiring both wear resistance and moderate corrosion protection. Unlike lower carbon martensitic grades, FUSHUN METAL's 420 stainless steel wire offers significantly higher attainable hardness and better edge retention while maintaining good magnetic properties. Each spool of our 420 wire undergoes comprehensive quality control to ensure consistent properties, precise dimensions, and superior surface quality for reliable performance in your most demanding applications.

Wire Specifications

FUSHUN METAL offers Stainless Steel 420 Wire in a comprehensive range of specifications to meet diverse application requirements:

Available Wire Diameters

• Ultra-Fine Wire: 0.10 mm to 0.30 mm
• Fine Wire: 0.31 mm to 1.00 mm
• Medium Wire: 1.01 mm to 3.00 mm
• Standard Wire: 3.01 mm to 10.00 mm

Dimensional Tolerances

Surface Finishes

• Bright Drawn: Clean, smooth surface with excellent dimensional accuracy
• Annealed: Soft condition for forming operations
• Tempered: Heat treated to specific hardness levels
• Centerless Ground: Superior surface finish and tight tolerances
• Polished: Enhanced surface appearance for visible applications
• Custom Finishes: Available upon request for specific applications

Temper Conditions

• Annealed (Soft): Maximum formability and machinability
• Process Annealed: Balanced formability and strength
• Quenched: Hardened condition
• Quenched and Tempered: Various hardness levels available (HRC 40-55)
• Spring Temper: High strength for spring applications
• Custom Heat Treatments: Available to meet specific mechanical property requirements

Packaging Options

• Precision Layer Wound Spools: For automated feeding and processing
• Standard Spools: Various sizes available
• Pancake Coils: For specialized applications
• Straight Cut Lengths: Available from 0.5m to 6.0m
• Custom Packaging: Designed to meet specific handling and storage requirements
• Oil-Coated Option: Available for enhanced corrosion protection during storage

Applications

FUSHUN METAL's Stainless Steel 420 Wire is specifically engineered for applications requiring an optimal combination of high hardness, wear resistance, and moderate corrosion resistance:

Cutlery and Blades

• High-quality knife blades
• Professional chef's knives
• Hunting and sporting knives
• Industrial cutting blades
• Food processing blades
• Razor components
• Shear blades

Medical and Surgical Instruments

• Surgical scissors and scalpels
• Hemostats and forceps
• Dental instruments
• Needle components
• Laboratory cutting tools
• Surgical staples
• Veterinary instruments

Industrial Components

• Valve seats and balls
• High-wear bushings and bearings
• Pump components
• Measuring tools
• Shafts and spindles
• Wear-resistant pins
• Collets and tool holders

Fasteners and Springs

• High-strength corrosion-resistant fasteners
• Springs requiring high tensile strength
• Heavy-duty retaining clips
• Locking wire for critical applications
• Structural fasteners in corrosive environments
• Spring wire for automotive applications
• Latches and catches

Oil and Gas Industry

• Valve components
• Downhole tool parts
• Pump components
• Wear-resistant bushings
• Measuring and cutting tools
• Drill bit components
• Flow control equipment

Specialty Applications

• Ball bearings for moderate corrosion environments
• High-precision gauges and measurement tools
• Jewelry components requiring durability
• Firearm components
• Textile machinery parts
• Automotive sensor components
• Wear-resistant rollers and guides

Chemical Composition

FUSHUN METAL's Stainless Steel 420 Wire features the following nominal composition:

Key Element Functions

• Chromium (12.0-14.0%): Provides corrosion resistance through the formation of a passive chromium oxide layer.
• Carbon (0.15-0.40%): Higher carbon content than 410 grade allows for greater hardness and wear resistance after heat treatment. Forms hard chromium carbides that enhance wear resistance and edge retention.
• Manganese (≤ 1.0%): Improves hardenability and contributes to strength.
• Silicon (≤ 1.0%): Acts as a deoxidizer during melting and contributes to strength.
• Limited Nickel Content: Ensures proper martensitic structure formation and maintains magnetic properties.

Physical and Mechanical Properties

Our Stainless Steel 420 Wire offers an impressive combination of physical and mechanical properties that make it ideal for demanding applications:

Mechanical Properties by Condition

The mechanical properties of our 420 wire vary significantly by heat treatment condition, providing versatility for various applications:

* Values are approximate and may vary depending on wire diameter and exact processing conditions

Special Features of FUSHUN METAL's 420 Wire

Our Stainless Steel 420 Wire offers several distinctive advantages that set it apart from conventional wire products:

Superior Heat Treatment Response

Type 420 stainless steel wire exhibits exceptional response to heat treatment:

• High Hardness Capability: Achieves hardness values up to 55 HRC after proper heat treatment.
• Excellent Through-Hardening: Consistent hardness throughout cross-sections up to 12mm.
• Wide Tempering Range: Allows precise control of hardness and toughness through tempering temperature selection.
• Dimensional Stability: Good dimensional stability during heat treatment for predictable final dimensions.
• Multiple Temper Options: Can be tempered to various hardness levels to optimize properties for specific applications.
• Carbide Formation Control: Optimized heat treatment cycles maximize hardness while controlling carbide size and distribution.

Excellent Wear Resistance

Type 420 provides superior resistance to various wear mechanisms:

• Abrasion Resistance: Hard chromium carbides provide excellent resistance to abrasive wear.
• Edge Retention: Superior edge holding ability compared to lower carbon stainless steels.
• Surface Hardness: Achieves high surface hardness for resistance to scratching and scoring.
• Adhesive Wear Resistance: Good resistance to galling and metal-to-metal wear.
• Erosion Resistance: Excellent performance in environments with particle impingement.

Balanced Corrosion Properties

420 stainless steel provides good corrosion resistance in moderate environments:

• Atmospheric Corrosion: Good resistance to normal indoor and outdoor atmospheric conditions.
• Fresh Water Resistance: Good resistance to fresh water corrosion.
• Mild Chemical Resistance: Resistance to mild organic and inorganic chemicals.
• Combined Performance: Excellent balance of hardness/wear resistance with corrosion protection.
• Optimal Condition: Best corrosion resistance typically achieved in properly tempered condition with surface passivation.

Magnetic Properties

Unlike austenitic stainless steels, 420 wire is ferromagnetic, offering unique advantages for certain applications:

• High Magnetic Permeability: Excellent response to magnetic fields.
• Good Magnetic Retention: Can be permanently magnetized if required.
• Magnetic Property Stability: Properties remain stable across a wide temperature range below the Curie point.
• Combined Corrosion Resistance: Offers both magnetic properties and good corrosion resistance.
• Magnetic Property Customization: Heat treatment can be used to optimize magnetic characteristics.

Manufacturing Excellence

FUSHUN METAL employs specialized processes to ensure our 420 wire delivers reliable performance in critical applications:

• Precise Composition Control: Carefully controlled carbon and chromium content for optimal balance of hardness and corrosion resistance.
• Optimized Melting: Advanced melting practices for cleaner steel with minimal inclusions.
• Controlled Drawing: Specialized drawing techniques to maintain dimensional accuracy and surface quality.
• Advanced Annealing: Precisely controlled annealing cycles to ensure optimal microstructure for subsequent heat treatment.
• Consistent Property Control: Rigorous process controls to ensure batch-to-batch consistency.
• Superior Surface Quality: Enhanced surface finishing and inspection to ensure clean, defect-free wire.
• Advanced Heat Treatment: State-of-the-art heat treatment facilities for custom hardening and tempering operations.

Heat Treatment Recommendations

For customers performing their own heat treatment of 420 stainless steel wire, FUSHUN METAL recommends the following parameters:

Annealing

• Heat to 815-900°C (1500-1650°F)
• Hold for appropriate time based on section thickness (typically 1-2 hours per 25 mm)
• Slow cool in furnace to below 540°C (1000°F), then air cool
• Resulting hardness: approximately 95 HRB maximum

Hardening

• Preheat to 760-790°C (1400-1450°F)
• Austenitize at 980-1065°C (1800-1950°F)
• Hold for appropriate time (typically 30-60 minutes depending on section size)
• Oil quench or air cool for sections under 10 mm
• As-quenched hardness: approximately 50-55 HRC

Tempering

• Temper immediately after hardening
• Tempering temperature selection based on desired final properties:
  • 150-260°C (300-500°F): Maximum hardness and wear resistance
  • 260-425°C (500-800°F): High strength with improved toughness
  • 425-565°C (800-1050°F): Balanced strength and ductility
  • 565-675°C (1050-1250°F): Maximum ductility and toughness
• Hold at temperature for minimum 2 hours
• Air cool
• Double tempering recommended for optimal properties and stress relief

Stress Relieving

• For relieving stresses without significant softening:
• Heat to 230-370°C (450-700°F)
• Hold for 1-2 hours
• Air cool

Surface Treatment

• For optimal corrosion resistance, passivation after heat treatment is recommended:
• Clean thoroughly to remove any scale or contaminants
• Passivate in 20-30% nitric acid solution at 49-60°C (120-140°F) for 30 minutes
• Rinse thoroughly in clean water
• Alternative passivation methods using citric acid-based solutions are also effective

Quality Assurance and Testing

Every batch of FUSHUN METAL's Stainless Steel 420 Wire undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets our exacting quality standards:

• Chemical Composition Analysis: Spectrographic testing to verify precise element content critical for performance, with special attention to carbon and chromium levels.
• Mechanical Property Testing: Tensile testing to confirm strength, ductility, and hardness characteristics.
• Microstructural Examination: Metallographic analysis to verify proper structure, grain size, and carbide distribution.
• Surface Quality Inspection: Advanced eddy current and visual inspection systems to detect surface imperfections.
• Dimensional Verification: Precision measurement throughout production to ensure tight diameter tolerances.
• Hardenability Testing: Verification of heat treatment response to ensure proper hardening capability.
• Corrosion Testing: Sample testing available for critical applications.
• Wear Resistance Testing: Available for applications where wear performance is critical.

Certifications Provided

• Material Test Certificates according to EN 10204 3.1
• Chemical composition analysis
• Mechanical property test results
• Dimensional inspection report
• Heat treatment certification when applicable
• Special property verifications available upon request
• Certificate of conformity to ordered specifications

International Standards Compliance

Our Stainless Steel 420 Wire complies with the following international standards:

Handling and Storage Recommendations

To maintain the quality and performance of your Stainless Steel 420 Wire, FUSHUN METAL recommends the following handling and storage practices:

• Store in a clean, dry environment away from chemical contaminants.
• Maintain original protective packaging until ready for use.
• For extended storage, consider light oil coating for additional corrosion protection.
• Handle with clean gloves to prevent surface contamination from oils or salts.
• Avoid exposure to chloride-containing environments which may cause pitting.
• For heat treating operations, ensure clean furnace conditions to prevent carbon contamination.
• After any heat treatment, clean thoroughly to remove any heat treatment residues.
• Consider passivation after heat treatment for optimal corrosion resistance.
• For cutting applications, maintain proper edge geometry and avoid overheating during sharpening.

Comparative Advantages over Other Stainless Steel Grades

Understanding how 420 stainless steel wire compares to other grades helps in selecting the optimal material for your application:

Customization Capabilities

FUSHUN METAL offers extensive customization options to meet your specific application requirements:

• Custom Diameters: Special sizes manufactured to exact specifications for your application.
• Modified Chemical Composition: Slight adjustments to standard composition available to optimize specific properties.
• Specialized Heat Treatments: Custom heat treatment cycles to achieve specific mechanical properties.
• Specialized Surface Finishes: Surface treatments to enhance performance characteristics or appearance.
• Custom Hardness Levels: Precision heat treatment to achieve specific hardness requirements.
• Special Packaging: Customized packaging for protection during shipping and storage.
• Specialized Testing: Application-specific testing protocols available upon request.
• Cut-to-Length Service: Precision cutting to customer-specified lengths.
• Edge Pre-processing: Limited edge preparation for blade applications.
• Technical Consultation: Expert metallurgical support for your specific application challenges.

Why Choose FUSHUN METAL for 420 Stainless Steel Wire

When you select FUSHUN METAL as your supplier for Stainless Steel 420 Wire, you partner with a leading manufacturer committed to excellence:

• High-Carbon Martensitic Expertise: Specialized experience in manufacturing high-carbon martensitic stainless steel wire products.
• Advanced Production Facilities: State-of-the-art melting, drawing, and heat treatment equipment specifically optimized for high-carbon martensitic stainless steels.
• Stringent Quality Control: Comprehensive testing and inspection protocols ensure consistent performance in demanding applications.
• Metallurgical Knowledge: In-depth understanding of heat treatment and microstructural control of high-carbon martensitic stainless steels.
• Supply Chain Reliability: Robust inventory management and production planning to ensure consistent availability of critical materials.
• Technical Support: Expert assistance in material selection, heat treatment guidance, and application support.
• Global Capabilities: Worldwide shipping network with experience in international documentation and compliance.
• Material Traceability: Complete documentation and batch traceability for quality assurance.
• Continuous Improvement: Ongoing research and development in high-carbon martensitic stainless steel processing and performance.
• Industry Compliance: Materials and processes that meet or exceed international standards for critical applications.

Request Information

Contact FUSHUN METAL today to discuss your Stainless Steel 420 Wire requirements. Our technical team is ready to assist you with:

• Detailed product specifications
• Technical consultations for your specific application
• Heat treatment recommendations for optimal properties
• Custom wire development for specialized requirements
• Pricing inquiries and delivery schedules
• Sample requests for evaluation

FUSHUN METAL – Your trusted partner for premium high-carbon martensitic stainless steel wire solutions that deliver consistent quality, superior hardness, excellent wear resistance, and reliable performance in demanding applications requiring both edge retention and corrosion resistance.