316 / X5CrNiMo17-12-2 vs 420C / X46Cr13: 48% composition overlap. Significantly different materials serving different application areas.
316 / X5CrNiMo17-12-2 vs 420C / X46Cr13
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
316 / X5CrNiMo17-12-2
1.4401
Standard-carbon austenitic stainless steel with molybdenum. Higher C than 316L (max 0.07% vs 0.03%) giving slightly higher strength. Same corrosion resistance as 316L. Used where welding is not required or post-weld solution annealing is possible.
420C / X46Cr13
1.4034
High-carbon martensitic stainless steel. Higher hardness than 410 (up to 56 HRC). The standard knife steel for European cutlery. Used for kitchen knives, pocket knives, surgical scalpels, machine blades, roller bearings, and valve components. Not weldable.
| 316 / X5CrNiMo17-12-2 | 420C / X46Cr13 | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 1.4401 | 1.4034 |
| Category | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Standard | EN 10088-2 | EN 10088-3 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | 316 / X5CrNiMo17-12-2 | 420C / X46Cr13 | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0–0.07% | 0.43–0.5% | No overlap |
| Si | 0–1% | 0–1% | OK |
| Mn | 0–2% | 0–1% | OK |
| P | 0–0.045% | 0–0.04% | OK |
Mechanical properties
| Property | 316 / X5CrNiMo17-12-2 | 420C / X46Cr13 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 530–680 | — | MPa |
| yield_strength | ≥ 220 | — | MPa |
| elongation | ≥ 40 | — | % |
Compatibility Assessment
316 / X5CrNiMo17-12-2 and 420C / X46Cr13 have significantly different compositions (48% overlap). These materials are not interchangeable and serve different application areas.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 316 / X5CrNiMo17-12-2 the same as 420C / X46Cr13?
316 / X5CrNiMo17-12-2 and 420C / X46Cr13 have a 48% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace 316 / X5CrNiMo17-12-2 with 420C / X46Cr13?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (48% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between 316 / X5CrNiMo17-12-2 and 420C / X46Cr13?
The main differences are in the following elements: C, Cr. 316 / X5CrNiMo17-12-2 is a Stainless Steel grade, while 420C / X46Cr13 is a Stainless Steel grade.
Related Comparisons
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Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.
All data is for reference only. Equivalents indicate similarity, not identity. Always verify against the applicable specification for safety-critical applications. materialref.com accepts no liability for decisions based on this data.