What are the differences between 1.4016 and 1.4021?
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1.4016 and 1.4021 are ferritic stainless steel grades, but they have some key differences that make them suitable for different industrial applications. 1.4016 (SUS430) is widely used for general purposes, while 1.4021 (SUS420) is better suited for applications requiring higher strength and wear resistance.
This article will explore the main differences between 1.4016 and 1.4021, focusing on their chemical composition, mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and common applications.
What is the grade 1.4016 equivalent to?
Grade 1.4016 (X6Cr17) is a European designation for the common AISI 430 stainless steel, a magnetic, ferritic type known for good corrosion resistance, formability, and use in appliances, decorative trim, and automotive parts, with equivalents like JIS SUS430, UNS S43000, AFNOR Z8C17, and BS 430S17.
What material is 1.4021 equivalent to?
Material 1.4021 (X20Cr13) is a martensitic stainless steel, with key equivalents being AISI 420 (USA), UNS S42000, BS 420S37 (UK), and JIS SUS420J1 (Japan), all sharing similar compositions and properties for applications needing good hardness, polishability, and corrosion resistance after heat treatment, like knives and decorative items.
1.4016 vs 1.4021 Stainless Steel：Chemical Composition
| Element | 1.4016 (SUS430) | 1.4021 (SUS420) |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.12% | ≤ 0.15% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.0 – 18.0% | 12.0 – 14.0% |
| Nickel (Ni) | ≤ 0.75% | ≤ 0.60% |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 1.0% | 0.60% max |
| Silicon (Si) | 1.0% max | 1.0% max |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.04% | ≤ 0.04% |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.03% | ≤ 0.03% |
1.4016 vs 1.4021 Stainless Steel：Mechanical Properties
| Property | 1.4016 (SUS430) | 1.4021 (SUS420) |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 480 - 680 MPa (70 - 98 ksi) | 600 - 750 MPa (87 - 109 ksi) |
| Yield Strength | 275 MPa (40 ksi) | 400 - 550 MPa (58 - 80 ksi) |
| Elongation (in 50mm) | ≥ 20% | ≥ 12% |
| Hardness (HB) | 160 - 200 HB | 200 - 250 HB |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 200 GPa (29 x 10^6 ksi) | 200 GPa (29 x 10^6 ksi) |
| Poisson's Ratio | 0.3 | 0.3 |
1.4016 vs 1.4021 Stainless Steel: Key Differences
The main difference lies in their properties: 1.4016 (AISI 430/X6Cr17) is a low-carbon ferritic stainless steel with good corrosion resistance and formability; while 1.4021 (AISI 420/X20Cr13) is a high-carbon martensitic stainless steel, which has high hardness and strength after heat treatment, but poor corrosion resistance in the hardened state. Therefore, 1.4016 is suitable for applications such as kitchenware and architectural decoration, while 1.4021 is used for items requiring sharp edges, such as surgical instruments and knives.
1.4016 vs 1.4021 Stainless Steel: Corrosion Resistance
| Material | Corrosion Resistance |
|---|---|
| 1.4016 (SUS430) | Good for mild environments, but less resistant to high chloride and acidic conditions. |
| 1.4021 (SUS420) | Moderate corrosion resistance, better than carbon steels, but not suitable for highly corrosive environments like SUS304 or SUS316. |
Note: While 1.4016 offers better corrosion resistance compared to 1.4021, 1.4021 excels in applications where hardness and wear resistance are critical, even though it has slightly lower corrosion resistance than 1.4016.
1.4016 vs 1.4021 Stainless Steel: Hardness
1.4021 is significantly harder than 1.4016 because it's a martensitic steel that hardens with heat treatment (reaching ~46-52 HRC), offering high abrasion resistance, while 1.4016 (AISI 430) is a non-hardenable ferritic steel, known for good formability with a softer hardness (below 200 HB) and better corrosion resistance in mild conditions.
1.4016 vs 1.4021 Stainless Steel: Applications
1.4016 (AISI 430) is a ferritic stainless steel with good formability, used for decorative trim, kitchen sinks, and auto parts, while 1.4021 (AISI 420) is a martensitic steel offering high hardness, making it ideal for knives, surgical tools, and pump shafts where strength and wear resistance are key over maximum corrosion resistance.
If you have project needs for 1.4016 or 1.4021 stainless steel, please feel free to place an order. GNEE has a large inventory of popular products for your selection. These can be processed into various practical product forms, including plates, coils, pipes, bars, and wires. For detailed chemical composition and free samples, please contact our factory immediately. We offer competitive prices and excellent service.
