316L vs 420C / X46Cr13: 52% composition overlap. Moderate differences, generally not direct substitutes.
316L vs 420C / X46Cr13
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
316L
1.4404
Low-carbon austenitic stainless steel with molybdenum addition. Superior corrosion resistance to 304, especially against chlorides and pitting. Standard choice for chemical processing, marine, medical implants, and pharmaceutical equipment.
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.
| 316L | 420C / X46Cr13 | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 1.4404 | 1.4034 |
| Category | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Standard | EN 10088-2 | EN 10088-3 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | 316L | 420C / X46Cr13 | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0–0.03% | 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 | 316L | 420C / X46Cr13 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 520–680 | — | MPa |
| yield_strength | ≥ 220 | — | MPa |
| elongation | ≥ 40 | — | % |
Compatibility Assessment
316L and 420C / X46Cr13 have moderate differences (52% overlap). They are generally not direct substitutes. Consider the specific requirements of your application.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 316L the same as 420C / X46Cr13?
316L and 420C / X46Cr13 have a 52% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace 316L with 420C / X46Cr13?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (52% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between 316L and 420C / X46Cr13?
The main differences are in the following elements: C, Cr. 316L is a Stainless Steel grade, while 420C / X46Cr13 is a Stainless Steel grade.
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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.