X46Cr13

X46Cr13 has good workability when hot, and potential to reach high hardness of up to 56 HRC.[4][5] It contains a moderately high carbon ratio of approximately 0.46% which gives it a good compromise between high hardness and corrosion resistance for many applications.[6][7][8] It is also relatively inexpensive to produce.

X46Cr13 is a basic steel without molybdenum, nitrogen or vanadium. It can be outperformed (typically at a higher cost) by more advanced steels like N680 with similar carbon content.[9][10]

Common uses include:

• knife blades,[11][12][13][14][15][16]
• surgical instruments,[17][18][19][20]
• bearings,[21][22]
• valves and pumps,[22]
• measuring devices
• spring wire.[23]

It is also used in the manufacture of heat treated steel pipes used for CO₂ carbon capture and storage.[24][25][26][27]

A commercial variant of X46Cr13 with some Vanadium is known as 420HC and is used in the knife industry because of its ability to hold a superior edge.[28]

An NHTSA recall was issued by Porsche for spherical joints utilized in 2003-2005 Porsch Carrera GT models due to long term intergranular corrosion.[29]

• EN numeric : 1.4034
• EN symbolic : X46Cr13
• Old AFNOR : Z40C13, Z44C14
• AISI : 420C
• ASTM : F899
• UNS : S 42000
• JIS : SUS420
• GOST : 40Ch13 ou 40X13
• PN : 4H13

According to EN 10088.[30]

• Carbon : 0.46 % (–0.03 / +0.04)
• Chromium : 13% (–0.5 / +0.5)
• Silicium < 1%
• Manganese < 1%
• Phosphorus < 0.04 %
• Sulfur < 0.03 %

• Steel grades
• List of blade materials