Stainless Steel 440C High Hardness Wear Resistant Alloy

What is 440C Stainless Steel?

440C stainless steel is a high-carbon martensitic stainless steel designed to provide high strength and maximum hardness. I supply this grade specifically for applications where wear resistance is the top priority, as it can achieve the highest hardness of any stainless steel when heat-treated. It is a reliable, air-hardening steel that maintains moderate corrosion resistance in mild environments.

Standard Classifications

To ensure global compliance, I provide AISI 440C that meets the following international equivalent standards:

• UNS S44004: The Unified Numbering System designation.
• EN/DIN 1.4125: The common European standard for high-carbon martensitic steel.
• JIS SUS440C: The industrial standard used across Japanese manufacturing.

Distinction from 440A and 440B

The 440 series is categorized by carbon content, which directly dictates performance. Steel 440C is the premium choice in this family because:

• Higher Carbon Content: Containing 0.95% to 1.20% carbon, it far exceeds the levels found in 440A and 440B.
• Peak Hardness: This increased carbon allows 440C stainless steel hardness to reach up to 58-60 HRC, whereas 440A and 440B are limited to lower ranges.
• Wear Resistance: The high carbon facilitates the formation of massive chromium carbides, providing the superior abrasion resistance required for precision tools and bearings.

440C Stainless Steel Chemical Composition

The performance of AISI 440C (UNS S44004) comes down to its precise chemistry. As a premium high carbon stainless grade, it contains the highest carbon content of the 400 series, which is why it can reach such extreme hardness levels after heat treatment.

Why This Mix Matters

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cURL Too many subrequests. 440C stainless steel requires a precise thermal cycle. Because this is a high-carbon martensitic grade, the way you heat, quench, and temper it defines the final balance between extreme hardness and necessary toughness. We follow strict protocols to ensure the material reaches its full potential.

Hardening and Quenching for Peak Performance

To achieve a 440C stainless steel hardness of 58–60 HRC, the hardening process must be exact. We recommend a two-stage pre-heat to prevent distortion before hitting the final austenitizing temperature.

• cURL Too many subrequests. For maximum 440C stainless steel machinability, we perform a full anneal at 1550–1650°F (843–899°C), followed by a slow furnace cool.
• Hardening: Heat the material to 1850–1950°F (1010–1066°C). High-carbon grades like this need a thorough soak to ensure the chromium carbides are properly dissolved.
• cURL Too many subrequests. Use a warm oil quench or air cool for thinner sections. Proper quenching is the only way to transform the structure into the hard martensite required for bearing and blade applications.

Tempering Recommendations and Precautions

Tempering is where we fine-tune the 440C properties to meet your specific application needs. After quenching, parts should be cooled to room temperature and tempered immediately to relieve internal stresses.

Critical Warning: You must avoid the tempering range of 800–1050°F (425–565°C). Tempering within this window leads to “temper brittleness,” which significantly reduces impact resistance and degrades the corrosion performance of the steel.

Once the heat treatment is complete, we often recommend a professional surface treatment to remove any scale and restore the clean, aesthetic finish expected of high-end stainless components. This ensures your 440C heat treatment results in a part that is as durable as it is functional.

Key Advantages and 440C Stainless Steel Properties

Ni provizas 440C stainless steel specifically for environments that demand the ultimate combination of hardness and wear resistance. As a high-carbon martensitic stainless steel, this grade is the go-to choice for heavy-duty components that cannot afford to deform or wear down under pressure.

Superior Wear and Abrasion Resistance

The high carbon content in AISI 440C creates a dense network of chromium carbides that protects the surface from abrasive forces. This makes it ideal for parts subjected to constant friction. Much like the durability required for high-strength orthopedic components, our 440C is designed to maintain its structural integrity in high-stress mechanical assemblies.

Top Performance Characteristics

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440C vs. Other Stainless Steel Grades

Choosing the right material means understanding the trade-offs between hardness, toughness, and rust resistance. While 440C stainless steel is the heavy hitter for wear resistance, other grades in our stainless steel inventory might be better suited for specific environments.

Performance Comparison Table

Key Distinctions

• 440C vs. 440A & 440B: Ni rekomendas 440C stainless steel when your priority is absolute hardness. Because 440C has the highest carbon content, it holds an edge longer than 440A or 440B, though it is slightly more brittle.
• 440C vs. 410 & 420: Grades 410 and 420 are “workhorse” martensitic steels. They are easier to machine and offer decent strength, but they cannot reach the 440C hardness levels required for high-end bearings or premium cutlery.
• 440C vs. 304 & 316: This is the most common comparison we see. Steel 440c is a hardenable, magnetic tool steel. In contrast, 304 and 316 are non-hardenable and non-magnetic. If your project requires a part to survive submerged in saltwater, go with 316; if you need that part to cut through bone or steel, 440C is the only choice.

Nia martensitic stainless steel selection ensures you get the exact balance of carbon and chromium for your specific application, whether you are looking for the “surgical grade” precision of 440C or the general-purpose utility of the 400-series family.

Standard 440C Stainless Steel Forms and Specifications

I stock a comprehensive inventory of stainless steel 440c to ensure your project stays on schedule. Whether you need raw materials for high-volume manufacturing or specific dimensions for custom tool making, I provide several stock forms ready for immediate shipment or custom processing.

Available Stock Shapes

• 440C Round Bar: Available in various diameters, ideal for precision machining of bearings and valve components.
• Flat Bars & Square Bars: Precision-ground or hot-rolled options for mold inserts and surgical tools.
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cURL Too many subrequests., 440C stainless steel responds well to grinding, but it is prone to “grind burns” if overheated. Use plenty of coolant and keep your abrasives sharp to maintain the surface integrity of the cURL Too many subrequests. after it has been heat-treated.

Why Choose Vastmaterial for 440C Stainless Steel?

cURL Too many subrequests. 440C stainless steel from us, you are dealing directly with the source. We provide high-quality martensitic stainless steel that meets rigorous industrial standards, ensuring your project has the durability and hardness it requires. Our focus is on delivering performance-grade materials with the efficiency local businesses expect.

Our Competitive Edge

Fast Delivery and Custom Processing

We understand that downtime costs money. That is why we maintain a massive inventory of cURL Too many subrequests. to ensure quick turnaround times across the United States. Whether you need standard sizes or custom precision-ground stock, our facility is equipped to handle your specific requirements.

• Custom Fabrication: We offer precision processing to get your material closer to the finished shape.
• Technical Support: Our team provides expert advice on 440C heat treatment and material optimization to maximize tool life.
• cURL Too many subrequests. Streamlined shipping to ensure your high carbon stainless arrives on schedule and within spec.

By choosing us, you gain a partner dedicated to providing the best AISI 440C at the best value. We combine technical expertise with a localized service approach to help you get the job done right.

440C Stainless Steel FAQ

We get a lot of questions about how AISI 440C performs in real-world applications. Here are the quick facts to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your specific project.

Is 440C stainless steel magnetic?

Yes. Because it is a martensitic stainless steel, 440C stainless steel is strongly magnetic in both the annealed and hardened states. This is a key identifier when comparing it to 300-series grades.

What is the maximum 440C hardness?

When subjected to proper 440C heat treatment, this grade can reach a maximum hardness of 58-60 HRC (Rockwell C). This extreme hardness is exactly why it is the premier choice for bearing quality 440C and high-end cutlery.

Is it suitable for food contact or surgical use?

Absolutely. Surgical grade stainless 440C is a standard in the medical industry for tools like scalpels and bone saws because it holds an incredibly sharp edge and resists corrosion. It is also completely safe for food contact. For those needing complex surgical components, our investment casting steel alloy services can produce high-precision parts using this grade.

How does 440C compare to D2 tool steel?

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