Stainless Steel 420 Powder
Stainless steel 420 powder is a martensitic grade stainless steel in powder form. It offers high hardness and moderate corrosion resistance, making it suitable for tooling applications requiring high wear resistance.
Some key properties and characteristics of 420 stainless steel powder include:
- High hardness and wear resistance
- Moderate corrosion resistance
- Can be heat treated to increase hardness
- Good dimensional stability in hardened state
- Available in various particle size distributions
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Table of Contents
Overview
Stainless steel 420 powder is a martensitic grade stainless steel in powder form. It offers high hardness and moderate corrosion resistance, making it suitable for tooling applications requiring high wear resistance.
Some key properties and characteristics of 420 stainless steel powder include:
- High hardness and wear resistance
- Moderate corrosion resistance
- Can be heat treated to increase hardness
- Good dimensional stability in hardened state
- Available in various particle size distributions
420 stainless steel powder is an ideal material for manufacturing tooling components, wear parts, and other applications requiring hardness, strength, and corrosion resistance using powder metallurgy techniques.
Composition
The chemical composition of 420 stainless steel powder is as follows:
| Element | Composition (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.15 – 0.40 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.00 max |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.04 max |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.03 max |
| Silicon (Si) | 1.00 max |
| Chromium (Cr) | 12.00 – 14.00 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 1.00 max |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
The key alloying element is chromium, which provides corrosion resistance by forming a protective chromium-oxide surface layer. Carbon is added to increase hardness through the formation of martensite upon heat treatment.
Properties and Characteristics
420 stainless steel powder offers the following properties:
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 7.70-8.03 g/cm3 |
| Hardness | 46-55 HRC (annealed)<br>52-57 HRC (hardened and tempered) |
| Transverse Rupture Strength | 186-310 MPa (27-45 ksi) |
| Tensile Strength | 760-860 MPa (110-125 ksi) |
| Elongation | 12-20% |
| Microstructure | Tempered martensite |
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | 1400-1450°C (2550-2640°F) |
| Thermal Conductivity | 24 W/mK |
| Electrical Resistivity | 0.65 x 10<sup>-6</sup> Ω.m |
Corrosion Resistance
When heat treated and passivated, 420 stainless steel powder provides corrosion resistance suitable for:
- Moderately oxidizing to mildly reducing acids and alkalis
- Mild outdoor atmospheres and mild water containing applications
Heat treating increases wear resistance but lowers corrosion resistance compared to the annealed condition.
Particle Size Distribution
420 stainless steel powder is available in different particle size distributions including:
| Mesh Size | Particle Size (Microns) |
|---|---|
| -100 Mesh | 149 microns minimum |
| -200 Mesh | 74 microns minimum |
| -325 Mesh | 45 microns minimum |
| -400 Mesh | 38 microns minimum |
| 10-45 Microns | 10-45 microns |
Finer mesh sizes allow higher packing densities and better surface finish. Coarser sizes improve flowability. The appropriate size depends on the final part and manufacturing process.
Gas atomized 420 stainless steel powder has a very spherical morphology ideal for powder metallurgy applications.
Applications of 420 Stainless Steel Powder
Thanks to its properties, 420 stainless steel powder has several applications across industries:
Automotive and Transportation
- Engine valves
- Valve spring retainers
- Transmission bands, clutches, clutch plates
- Spring clips
- Ball studs
Consumer Goods
- Food processing equipment parts like blades and couplings
- Cutlery
- Mixers
- Scissors
- Knives
Industrial
- Gear parts
- Bushings
- Power take-off shafts
- Robotics parts
- Molds for plastics
- Drawing dies
Medical and Dental
- Dental and surgical instruments like scalpels, forceps, clamps
- Orthodontic wires
- Surgical pins and orthopedic implants
Other applications taking advantage of 420 stainless steel powder’s balanced properties include aerospace components, sporting goods, tooling for textile and glass working, fasteners, wear plates, and military applications like gun barrels.
It can be used in additive manufacturing for directly fabricating dense functional metal components. Compared to other stainless steel powders, it provides an optimum combination of hardness, strength, and corrosion resistance.
Manufacturing Using 420 Stainless Steel Powder
420 stainless steel powder is processed into components through powder metallurgy techniques:
Step 1: Compaction – The powder is filled into a die cavity and compressed at high pressures into a “green” compact, generally 55 MPa to 600 MPa. This can be done through uniaxial pressing, cold isostatic pressing or metal injection molding.
Step 2: Sintering – The green compact is then heated to 0.7 to 0.9 times the melting point to fuse the particles through diffusion bonding into a dense mass with enhanced mechanical properties compared to the green compact. Sintering activates diffusion to reduce porosity, driving off lubricants, and unifying the structure.
Step 3: Additional Processing – Further secondary operations like repressing, resintering, infiltration, machining and finishing can help achieve the final properties and dimensions required by the application. Optional heat treatment can further enhance hardness at the cost of corrosion resistance.
The flexibility of powder metallurgy allows the manufacture of net shape or near-net shape parts, minimizing scrap losses from machining. It also enables precise control over final chemistry and microstructure.
The different grades of 420 stainless steel powder available help customize properties like hardness, strength, wear resistance and corrosion resistance based on end use by altering particle size distribution, density variations, secondary processing, and heat treatment parameters.
Specifications and Grades
420 stainless steel powder conforms to the following specifications:
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| ASTM A493 | Standard for stainless steel for springs |
| AMS 5643 | Annealed corrosion-resistant stainless steel bars, wire, forgings, and rings |
| AMS 5678 | Precipitation hardening stainless steel bars and forgings |
| AMS 5844 | Corrosion and heat resistant steel bars, wire, forgings, and rings |
| QQ-S-766 | Steel bars, wire, forgings, mechanical tubing, and rings |
Based on minor variations in composition, 420 stainless steel powder is available in slightly differing grades:
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 420 | Standard 12-14% chromium 420 grade |
| 420F | Higher carbon for maximum hardness |
| 420HC | Higher hardness through cold working |
| 420D | Excellent toughness and stability |
| 420PB | Improved corrosion resistance |
The specific grade is selected based on balancing hardness, corrosion resistance, and cost requirements of the application.
Comparative Analysis
420 Stainless Steel Powder vs. 316 Stainless Steel Powder
| Parameter | 420 Stainless Steel Powder | 316 Stainless Steel Powder |
|---|---|---|
| Strength and Hardness | Very high – can achieve over 52 HRC through heat treatment | Lower – typically 95 HB maximum |
| Corrosion Resistance | Moderate – suitable for mild atmospheres and applications | Excellent – with high molybdenum content for severely corrosive service |
| Wear and Abrasion Resistance | Excellent due to hardness | Lower resistance |
| Workability and Machining | More work hardening. Difficult to machine in hardened state | Excellent machining qualities |
| Cost | Economical | More expensive |
| Major Alloying Element | Chromium | Chromium and molybdenum |
| Applications | Tools, molds, wear parts requiring hardness | Corrosion resistant components for chemical processing, marine applications |
So while 420 stainless steel powder offers higher hardness and wear resistance, 316 SS powder is tougher, more easily machined, and has superior corrosion resistance. 316 SS powder costs 20-50% higher for most particle size distributions.
420 Stainless Steel Powder vs. 17-4PH Stainless Steel Powder
| Parameter | 420 Stainless Steel Powder | 17-4PH Stainless Steel Powder |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion Resistance | Moderate – suitable for neutral atmospheres | Better – comparable to 316 grade |
| Hardness | Higher as-sintered hardness of over 50 HRC through heat treatment | 35-45 HRC typical |
| Strength | Lower – 120 KSI tensile strength | Higher – 155-185 KSI |
Cost Analysis
420 stainless steel powder is more economical than premium grades like 17-4PH and 316 stainless steel powders. Cost depends on:
1. Particle Size Distribution
| Mesh Size | Average Price Range* |
|---|---|
| -100 mesh | $3.5 – $6 per lb |
| -200 mesh | $4 – $7 per lb |
| -325 mesh | $5 – $9 per lb |
| 10-45 microns | $8 – $12 per lb |
*For gas-atomized powder in small quantities
Finer powder sizes are more expensive because additional processing is required to achieve smaller particle sizes.
2. Purchase Quantity
420 stainless steel powder price reduces significantly for bulk purchase quantities over 1000 lbs due to economies of scale.
3. Quality and Grade
- Highly spherical, low oxygen, gas atomized powder carries a premium over water atomized powder
- Customized compositions and special grades with extra processing increase powder price
4. Supplier
There is a considerable variation in price between different 420 stainless steel powder manufacturers and suppliers. Users must evaluate all parameters like particle shape, impurities level, consistency in production lots etc. to make an informed procurement decision.
Available Industry Suppliers
Some leading global suppliers of 420 stainless steel powder include:
North America
- Carpenter Powder Products
- Sandvik Osprey
- Rio Tinto Metal Powders
- Praxair Surface Technologies
- Hoganas
Europe
- Höganäs
- Alpoco UK
- Erasteel
Asia
- Japan New Metal
- Shanghai STAL Precision Alloy
- FMC Technologies
When selecting a suitable 420 stainless steel powder supplier, buyers must evaluate parameters like:
- Technical expertise and customer service
- Manufacturing capacity and lead times
- Powder quality and consistency
- Prices and minimum order quantity
- Range of particle sizes and morphologies available
- Quality assurance and control testing data
- Qualifications and certifications
FAQs
Q: Is 420 stainless steel powder corrosion resistant?
A: Yes, 420 stainless steel powder provides moderate corrosion resistance comparable to grade 410 stainless steel through the presence of 12-14% chromium. This allows its use in mild outdoor atmospheres and applications involving mildly acidic environments after passivation. However, 420 SS powder has lower corrosion resistance compared to 300 series grades like 316 SS powder.
Q: What kind of 420 stainless steel powder is used to make knives?
A: Grade 420HC stainless steel powder with higher carbon content is often used for knife manufacturing using powder metallurgy techniques. The higher carbon allows maximizing hardness to 60-62 HRC while retaining strength. The high hardness provides excellent edge retention and wear resistance desired in cutlery applications.
Q: How is 420 stainless steel powder made?
A: 420 stainless steel powder is manufactured through gas atomization or water atomization of the molten alloy. In gas atomization, a high velocity inert gas stream is used to break up the liquid metal stream into fine spherical powders with smooth surface morphology ideal for sintering. Finer powder sizes can be achieved through additional milling or crushing.
Q: What is 420 stainless steel powder used for?
A: Thanks to its excellent hardness and moderate corrosion resistance, 420 stainless steel powder finds uses across industries like:
- Automotive: Engine valves, valve spring retainers
- Aerospace and military: Bushings, bearings
- Consumer goods: Knives, surgical instruments, dental instruments
- Industrial: Drawing dies, wear parts, pump shafts
Its versatile properties allow use in a vast range of wear and abrasion applications where hardness and resistance to mild atmospheres is needed.
Q: How strong is 420 stainless steel?
A: 420 stainless steel powder achieves high hardness in the 52-57 HRC range when heat treated and tempered, making it significantly stronger than 400 series ferritic stainless steel grades. It has tensile strengths of 750-950 MPa after sintering and heat treating. The strength varies based on factors like processing, heat treatment parameters, and powder composition.
Q: Can 420 stainless steel powder be 3D printed?
A: Yes, 420 stainless steel powder is compatible with popular metal 3D printing processes like direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), electron beam melting (EBM) and binder jetting. Its excellent hardness, strength and heat treatability allow fabricating complex end-use parts like molds, medical implants and aerospace components using additive techniques.
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