1.4034 / X46Cr13 – Martensitic stainless steel with high hardness and corrosion resistance
Steel 1.4034 (X46Cr13) is a martensitic stainless steel with a high chromium content of around 13% and a carbon content of approximately 0.45%. It can achieve hardness levels of up to 52–56 HRC while maintaining very good corrosion resistance.
Thanks to its combination of hardness, strength and corrosion resistance, it is one of the most widely used steels for knives, medical instruments, measuring components and precision parts.
Properties of 1.4034
🛡️ Good corrosion resistance
About 13% chromium provides reliable resistance against moisture, sweat, water and weak acids.
🔩 High hardness after hardening (52–56 HRC)
Ideal for knives, cutting parts, surgical instruments and working tools.
✨ Good polishability
Can be polished to a high-gloss or mirror finish, making it suitable for aesthetic and precision components.
⚙️ Good wear resistance
Its high carbide content ensures long cutting-edge life.
🔧 Medium toughness
A strong steel for fine and moderately stressed parts, but not suitable for extreme impact loading.
Chemical composition of 1.4034 (X46Cr13)
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| C | 0.43 – 0.50 |
| Cr | 12.50 – 14.50 |
| Mn | ≤ 1.00 |
| Si | ≤ 1.00 |
| P | ≤ 0.040 |
| S | ≤ 0.030 |
Typical applications of 1.4034
🔪 Knives and cutting tools
- kitchen knives
- pocket and working knives
- industrial cutting components
🏥 Medical and pharmaceutical industry
- surgical instruments
- tweezers, jaws and scissors
- sterilizable components
⚙️ Precision mechanical parts
- measuring elements
- spring segments
- stainless pins and guide elements
🛡️ Parts exposed to moisture and mild corrosion
- small sliding and guiding elements
- components requiring both hardness and corrosion resistance
Heat treatment (guideline values)
| Process | Temperature | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Soft annealing | 750 – 800 °C | hardness approx. 200 HB |
| Hardening (austenitising) | 1000 – 1050 °C | oil / air |
| Tempering | 150 – 250 °C | target: 52–56 HRC |
| Nitriding (optional) | 480 – 520 °C | improves wear resistance |
Mechanical properties
- Hardness after hardening: 52–56 HRC
- Hardness in annealed condition: approx. 200 HB
- Good corrosion resistance
- Very good polishability
- Suitable for cutting and precision parts
