1.4021 vs 1.4401 Stainless Steel
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When selecting stainless steel materials for industrial applications, choosing the right grade is critical for long-term performance and cost-efficiency. Two commonly compared grades are EN 1.4021 (AISI 420) and EN 1.4401 (AISI 316). While both are stainless steels, they serve very different purposes.
In this article, we explain the chemical composition, mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, applications, and help you decide which is best for your needs.
What is 1.4021 stainless steel?
EN 1.4021, also known as X20Cr13 or AISI 420, is a martensitic stainless steel with high hardness and moderate corrosion resistance. It contains approximately 0.20% carbon and 12-14% chromium and can be hardened by heat treatment. It also has a high surface hardness, good wear resistance, and is magnetic under all conditions.
1.4021 stainless steel Applications:Knife blades,Mechanical parts,Shafts and valves,Pump components
What is 1.4401 stainless steel?
EN 1.4401, also known as X5CrNiMo17-12-2 or AISI 316, is an austenitic stainless steel with a molybdenum content of 2-2.5%, which significantly improves its corrosion resistance, especially in chloride-rich environments. It is suitable for use in aggressive environments (seawater, chemicals). It offers excellent corrosion resistance, good formability, and weldability. It is non-magnetic in the annealed condition.
1.4401 stainless steel Applications:Marine components,Food and chemical processing equipment,Heat exchangers and pressure vessels,Pharmaceutical and medical devices
What is the difference between 1.4021 and 1.4401 stainless steel?
1.4021 is a hardenable martensitic grade with moderate corrosion resistance, while 1.4401 is an austenitic, non-magnetic steel with excellent corrosion resistance.
chemical composition
| Element | 1.4021 (X20Cr13) | 1.4401 (X5CrNiMo17-12-2) |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.16–0.25% | ≤0.07% |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤1.00% | ≤1.00% |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤1.50% | ≤2.00% |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤0.040% | ≤0.045% |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤0.030% | ≤0.030% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 12.0–14.0% | 16.5–18.5% |
| Nickel (Ni) | ≤0.60% | 10.0–14.0% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | – | 2.0–3.0% |
| Nitrogen (N) | – | ≤0.11% |
1.4021 vs 1.4401 Stainless Steel：Mechanical Properties
EN 10216-5 1.4021 vs 1.4401 Stainless Steel Tubes
| Property | 1.4021 (X20Cr13) Tubes (Quenched & Tempered) |
1.4401 (X5CrNiMo17-12-2) Tubes (Solution Annealed) |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (Rm) | 650 – 850 | 500 – 700 |
| Yield Strength (Rp0.2) | ≥450 | ≥200 |
| Elongation (A5) | ≥15 | ≥40 |
| Hardness (HB) | 200 – 250 | ≤215 |
| Impact Energy (at 20°C) | 20 – 40 | ≥100 (longitudinal) |
| Magnetic Properties | Magnetic | Non-magnetic |
EN 10028-7 1.4021 vs 1.4401 Stainless Steel Plates
| Property | 1.4021 (X20Cr13) Plates (Quenched & Tempered) |
1.4401 (X5CrNiMo17-12-2) Plates (Solution Annealed) |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (Rm) | 600 – 800 | 500 – 700 |
| Yield Strength (Rp0.2) | ≥420 | ≥200 |
| Elongation (A5) | ≥18 | ≥40 (thick plates) / ≥30 (thin plates) |
| Hardness (HB) | 180 – 230 | ≤215 |
| Impact Energy (at 20°C) | 25 – 45 | ≥100 (longitudinal) |
| Magnetic Properties | Magnetic | Non-magnetic |
EN 10088-3 1.4021 vs 1.4401 Stainless Steel Bars
| Property | 1.4021 (X20Cr13) Bars (Quenched & Tempered) |
1.4401 (X5CrNiMo17-12-2) Bars (Solution Annealed) |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (Rm) | 650 – 850 | 500 – 700 |
| Yield Strength (Rp0.2) | ≥450 | ≥200 |
| Elongation (A5) | ≥15 | ≥40 |
| Hardness (HB) | 200 – 250 | ≤215 |
| Impact Energy (at 20°C) | 20 – 40 | ≥100 (longitudinal) |
| Magnetic Properties | Magnetic | Non-magnetic |
Can 1.4021 Be Hardened?
Yes, 1.4021 can be hardened through heat treatment to achieve high surface hardness.
GNEE – Your Reliable Stainless Steel Supplier
At GNEE, we offer 1.4021 and 1.4401 stainless steel in a variety of forms, including hot-rolled and cold-rolled plates and sheets, round bars, hexagonal bars and flat bars, as well as seamless and welded tubes, to meet the diverse application needs of different industries for these two stainless steel materials.
We offer:
✅ Full certification (EN 10204 3.1/3.2)
✅ Short delivery times from stock or production
✅ Expert technical support for material selection
✅ Custom cutting, polishing, and export packaging
