Data Sheet
The Global Leader in Specialty Metals
440C Stainless
Stainless 440C is a high-carbon martensitic stainless steel. As a martensitic stainless steel, 440C is magnetic and can be hardened by heat treatment.
The high carbon content in 440C provides high hardness and strength. Despite this carbon content, the chromium content is sufficient to retain its
stainless characteristics.
Martensitic steels are commonly used in applications where high strength and moderate corrosion resistance is required.
Specifications UNS: S44004 W. Nr./EN: 1.4125 ASTM: A 276 AMS: 5630, 5880
Chemical Composition, % Cr C Mn Si Mo P S Fe
MIN 16.0 0.95 – – – – – –
MAX 18.0 1.2 1.00 1.00 0.75 0.04 0.03 Balance
Features • Attains the highest hardness of any stainless steel, when heat-treated
• Highest carbon content of 400 series stainless steels
Applications • Valve Seats
• Surgical Instruments
• Bearings
• Bushings
• Nozzles
• Structural Aircraft Parts
Physical Properties Density: 0.275 lb/in³ Melting Range: 2500 - 2700°F
Temperature, °F 70
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion* 5.6
in/in°F x 10-6
Thermal Conductivity 13.2
Btu • ft/ft2 • hr • °F
Modulus of Elasticity, Dynamic 30.4
psi x 106
* 70°F to indicated temperature.
Mechanical Properties Representative Tensile Properties (Hardened 1900°F, oil quench, and tempered 600°F)
Temperature, °F 70
Ultimate Tensile Strength, ksi 285
0.2% Yield Strength, ksi 275
Elongation, % 2
Reduction of Area, % 10
Hardness, Brinell 580
1-800-521-0332 www.rolledalloys.com
1-800-521-0332 www.rolledalloys.com
Mechanical Properties Typical Hardness (1" round, hardened 1900°F, oil quench, and tempered one hour)
Tempering Temperature, °F 300 400 500 600 700 800
Rockwell C Hardness 60 59 57 56 56 56
Workability Hot Working
Preheat to 1400/1500°F, then heat slowly and uniformly to 1900/2100°F. Do not forge below 1750°F, and reheat
as often as necessary. Furnace cool slowly. Anneal after forging; cool to room temperature before annealing.
Annealing
Heat to 1550 - 1600°F, slow cool in furnace. Brinell hardness should be approximately 223.
Hardening
Heat to 1850/1950°F. Quench in warm oil or air. Do not overheat. Temper between 300 - 800°F depending on
desired hardness. Temper immediately after quenching.
Cold Working
If annealed for maximum softness, this steel can be moderately cold formed or headed.
Machinability
Machining is best in the annealed condition. Because of its high carbon content it machines similar to high-speed
toolsteel. Chips will be tough and stringy, therefore chip curlers and breakers are important.
Grinding and Polishing
In cutlery applications, grinding and polishing are very important. Type 440C Stainless Steel works well in these
operations. Do not overheat while grinding since both the hardness and corrosion resistance may be lowered.
Weldability
Because of its high-hardness capability, this steel is seldom welded. However, if welding is necessary, the parts
should be preheated and maintained at about 500°F, welded, and then immediately given a 6-8 hour anneal at
1350/1400°F with a slow furnace cool. The parts should not be allowed to cool below 500°F between welding and
annealing. High welding heat inputs should be used. To obtain mechanical properties in the weld similar to those
in the base metal, welding consumables of like composition should be considered. Otherwise AWS E/ER309 might
also be considered.
Rolled Alloys
and RA are register
e d t r a d e m a r k s o f R o l l e d Al l o ys
The G l obal L e a d e r i n S p e c i a lt y Me t a ls
www.rolledalloys.com
© 2015 Rolled Alloys® The data and information in this printed matter are believed to be reliable. However, this material is not intended as a substitute for competent professional engineering assistance which is a requisite to any specific application. Rolled Alloys makes no
Bulletin No. 1142USe 08/15 warranty and assumes no legal liability or responsibility for results to be obtained in any particular situation, and shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special, or consequential damage therefrom. This material is subject to revision without prior notice.
