Stainless Steel 440C Corrosion Resistance

440C stainless steel is a martensitic grade of stainless steel. Stainless Steel 440C has good wear resistance combined with moderate corrosion resistance in mild environments. 440C SS is heat treatable to RC 59. This grade is commonly used in cutlery and food processing applications.

Physical Properties:

Corrosion Resistance: Stainless steel 440C is characterized by good corrosion resistance in mild domestic and industrial environments, including fresh water, organic materials, mild acids, various petroleum products. 440C also provides extreme high strength, hardness and wear resistance when in the hardened and tempered condition.
Thermal Treatments
Preheat : Optional preheat stage for unbalanced geometries or complex designs - 1100/1250F (590/675C), equalize, standard preheat stage - 1400/1500F (760/815C), equalize.
Austenize : 1850/1900F (1010/1020C), equalize, 30/45 minutes at temperature.
Quench : Air, positive pressure vacuum to below 125F (50C)(2 bar minimum). Interrupted oil to below 1000F (540C). Air cool to 150F (65C). Temper immediately.
Temper : 400/800F (205/425C), hold 2 hours at temperature, air cool. Temper twice. Avoid tempering between 800 and 1100F, due to a decrease in toughness and corrosion resistance.
Cryogenic Treating : Refrigeration treatments may improve long term dimensional stability by transforming retained austenite. Refrigeration treatments should generally be performed after the first temper, and must be followed by a temper.
Stainless Steel 440C Typical Applications:
Plastic Injection Molds
Cutlery
Custom Knives
Food Processing Equipment
Bearings
Petroleum Pumps and Valves
Surgical Tools