stainless steel 420 vs 304: The Most Important Differences
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When it comes to the selection of stainless steel materials, 420 stainless steel and 304 stainless steel are two common materials. They have their own characteristics in terms of performance, use and price. Below we compare the advantages and disadvantages of these two types of stainless steel to help you better understand them and facilitate better application in your future projects.
1.stainless steel 420 vs 304 Chemical composition :
Compared with 316 stainless steel, 420 stainless steel has a higher carbon content and therefore a higher hardness. 304 stainless steel contains higher chromium and nickel elements to improve its corrosion resistance.
| Element | 420 Stainless Steel (%) | 304 Stainless Steel (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.15 - 0.25 | ≤0.08 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 12.0 - 14.0 | 18.0 - 20.0 |
| Nickel (Ni) | - | 8.0 - 12.0 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤1.0 | ≤1.0 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤1.0 | ≤2.0 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤0.04 | ≤0.045 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤0.03 | ≤0.03 |
| Nitrogen (N) | - | ≤0.1 |
2.Stainless steel 420 VS 304 hardness
420 Stainless Steel Hardness: 420 stainless steel is a martensitic stainless steel. After heat treatment (such as quenching and tempering), its hardness can be significantly increased, and its hardness is usually higher.
304 stainless steel hardness: In contrast, 304 stainless steel is an austenitic stainless steel, its main alloy components are nickel and chromium, and has good corrosion resistance, but its hardness is usually not as high as 420 stainless steel.
3. aisi 420 vs 304 Applicable scenarios:
Due to the high hardness and wear resistance of 420 stainless steel, it is often used to manufacture mechanical parts that need to withstand heavy loads and high-speed operation.
304 stainless steel is more suitable for occasions that require high corrosion resistance and aesthetics, such as kitchenware, medical equipment, and architectural decoration.
4.Is there a big price difference between 420 and 304 stainless steel?
The price difference between 420 and 304 stainless steel does exist, and 304 stainless steel is usually more expensive than 420 stainless steel.
