440C Stainless Steel Flat Bar
440C stainless steel is a high-carbon, martensitic stainless steel renowned for its exceptional hardness, strength, and wear resistance. When formed into flat bar, it becomes 440C stainless steel flat bar, widely used in applications requiring extremely high hardness and wear resistance.
Key Features
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Extreme Hardness: Can reach HRC 58-62 after heat treatment, enabling it to withstand intense wear and deformation.
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Excellent Wear Resistance: High carbon content results in a high concentration of hard carbides for superior durability.
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Moderate Corrosion Resistance: Performs well in dry or mildly corrosive environments; susceptible in saltwater or acidic conditions.
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Magnetism: As a martensitic stainless steel, it exhibits strong magnetic properties.
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Machinability: Fairly machinable in annealed state; requires specialized tools once hardened.
Common Applications
High-quality Blades & Scalpels
Precision Bearings
Molds and Gages
Valve Components
Pump Components
Scissors
440 Stainless Steel Flat Bar Specifications
| Specification |
A276/484 / DIN 1028 |
| Material |
303, 304, 316, 321, 416, 420, 440, 440C |
| Width |
1mm to 500mm |
| Thickness |
1mm to 500mm |
| Technique |
Hot Rolled Annealed & Pickled (HRAP), Cold drawn, Forged, Cut Sheet and Coil |
| Length |
3 to 6 Meters / 12 to 20 feet |
| Packing |
Standard export bundle with weaving bag or as per requirement |
Equivalent Grades Of 440C SS Flat Bar
| Region |
Standard |
440A |
440B |
440C |
440F |
| American |
ASTM |
440A |
440B |
440C |
440F |
| UNS |
UNS |
S44002 |
S44003 |
S44004 |
S44020 |
| Japanese |
JIS |
SUS 440A |
SUS 440B |
SUS 440C |
SUS 440F |
| German |
DIN |
1.4109 |
1.4122 |
1.4125 |
/ |
Chemical Composition (%)
| Grades |
C |
Si |
Mn |
P |
S |
Cr |
Mo |
| 440A |
0.6-0.75 |
≤1.00 |
≤1.00 |
≤0.04 |
≤0.03 |
16.0-18.0 |
≤0.75 |
| 440C |
0.95-1.2 |
≤1.00 |
≤1.00 |
≤0.04 |
≤0.03 |
16.0-18.0 |
≤0.75 |
Hardness Comparison
| Grades |
Annealing (HB) |
Heat Treatment (HRC) |
| 440A |
≤255 |
≥54 |
| 440C |
≤269 |
≥58 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum hardness 440C stainless steel can achieve?
After proper heat treatment, 440C stainless steel can reach a hardness of HRC 58-62, making it one of the hardest stainless steels available.
Is 440C stainless steel magnetic?
Yes, 440C is a martensitic stainless steel, and like all steels in this category, it possesses strong magnetic properties.
Can 440C stainless steel withstand saltwater environments?
While it has moderate corrosion resistance, its high carbon content makes it susceptible to rusting in seawater or highly acidic environments. It is better suited for dry or mildly corrosive conditions.
Why is 440C commonly used for knife blades?
Due to its extreme hardness and excellent wear resistance, it provides a very sharp edge and maintains that edge for a long period, which is essential for quality toolmaking.
Is 440C stainless steel easy to machine?
In its annealed state, it is fairly machinable. However, once it has been hardened by quenching, it becomes very difficult to machine and requires specialized tools and techniques.
What are the main differences between 440A and 440C?
The main difference lies in the carbon content. 440C has higher carbon (0.95-1.2%) compared to 440A (0.6-0.75%), allowing 440C to reach higher hardness and better wear resistance after heat treatment.