Grade overview

Higher carbon increases hardenability and wear resistance while reducing weldability and toughness relative to lower-carbon martensitic grades.

Typical applications

Cutlery, surgical instruments, molds, shafts, wear parts and precision components.

Equivalent / related designations

European 1.4021/1.4028 families are often compared depending on carbon level. Exact grade matching requires chemistry and property review.

Common manufacturers and supply

Available from specialty stainless and tool-steel producers.

Fabrication and selection notes

Confirm the exact product standard, edition, dimensions, delivery condition, mechanical properties, impact requirements, heat treatment, welding procedure, corrosion environment and certification. A grade name alone is not sufficient for procurement or design approval.

QA/QC documentation

For critical service, verify heat number traceability, mill test certificate, chemical analysis, tensile/impact results where required, NDT, heat-treatment record and project-specific third-party inspection requirements.

Element Folio engineering reference. Requirements vary by standard edition, product form and manufacturer; verify the latest governing specification.