Martensitic Stainless Steel

Martensitic, recognized for its high carbon content (up to 1.2%) and iron-chromium composition, holds a unique position in the stainless steel spectrum. This steel variant, known for its hardenability through heat treatment, offers exceptional strength and wear resistance, making it suited for applications where mechanical properties are valued over corrosion resistance.

What is Martensitic Stainless Steel

Overview

Martensitic steel, known for its base composition including iron, 12% chromium, and up to 1.2% carbon, mirrors the low nickel content characteristic of Ferritic stainless steel. Notable grades within this family include 1Cr13 and 3Cr13. This steel category can vary in carbon content, offering options for both high and low carbon levels, and is distinguishable by its ability to be hardened through heat treatments such as quenching and tempering.

Key Features of Austenitic Stainless Steel

Martensitic steel is recognized for its exceptional strength and wear resistance, although it exhibits lower plasticity and weldability. The presence of high carbon enhances its hardness, making it ideal for components requiring significant mechanical properties over corrosion resistance, including turbine blades, hydraulic valves, and springs. Typically, this steel is utilized post-quenching and tempering to optimize its performance.

Austenitic Stainless Steel Remarks

When tempered, martensitic stainless steel achieves an optimal balance of hardness and toughness, making it suitable for precision medical instruments like scalpels and razors. In its untempered state, it tends to be brittle, limiting its application scope.