MARTENSITIC STAINLESS STEEL

Martensitic stainless steels are the first branch of the plain chromium stainless steels. These were the first stainless steels industrially developed (in the form of stainless steel cutlery). This group has a relatively high carbon content & a chromium content of 12-18% Cr. The common specifications are 410, 420 and 431.

Basic Properties:

• Moderate corrosion resistance
• Hardenable by heat treatment and therefore high strength and hardness levels can be developed
• Poor weldability due to the high carbon content and the hardenable nature.

Common Usage:
Common uses include applications, which need strength and hardness such as knife blades, surgical instruments, fasteners, spindles, nozzles, shafts and springs. Martensitic Stainless Steel is generally available in the form of a bar or strip.