Physical Properties of Martensitic Chromium Stainless Steel 3Cr13

Introduction

3Cr13 stainless steel is a martensitic stainless steel commonly used for the production of high-quality cutlery and pocket knives. The stainless steel has good corrosion resistance, high strength, and low cost which makes it the preferred choice of material for many knife makers. In this article, the physical properties of 3Cr13 stainless steel will be discussed in detail.

Chemical Composition

3Cr13 stainless steel is composed of chromium, manganese, and carbon. The major components of 3Cr13 stainless steel are listed in the table below.

Element %

Carbon (C) 0.15 - 0.35

Chromium (Cr) 12 - 14

Manganese (Mn) 1 - 1.5

Physical Properties

3Cr13 stainless steel has high strength, good corrosion resistance, and good wear resistance. The mechanical properties of the steel are listed in the table below.

Tensile Strength (Mpa) 900

Yield Strength (Mpa) 750

Elongation (%) 15

Ductility (%) 25

Hardness (HRC) 50 - 54

Thermal Properties

3Cr13 stainless steel has high thermal conductivity and good thermal expansion properties. The thermal properties of the steel are listed in the table below.

Thermal Conductivity (W/mK) 17

Thermal Expansion (10-6/K) 14

Thermal Diffusivity (10-6m2/s) 1.5

Magnetic Properties

3Cr13 stainless steel is magnetic. The magnetic properties of the steel are listed in the table below.

Relative Permeability 1.005

Relative Susceptibility -0.00247

Magnetic Permeability (μ) 1.005

Appearance

3Cr13 stainless steel has a silver-gray color. The surface usually has an oxide layer which gives the surface a dull finish.

Conclusion

3Cr13 stainless steel is a martensitic stainless steel commonly used for the production of high-quality cutlery and pocket knives due to its good corrosion resistance, high strength, and low cost. The steel is composed of chromium, manganese, and carbon and has high strength, good thermal properties, and good wear resistance. It is also magnetic and has a silver-gray color with a dull finish.

Martensitic chromium stainless steel 3Cr13 (UNS S41003) belongs to the martensitic series of chromium stainless steels and has high yield strength, especially after hardening and tempering. It has good corrosion resistance in normal atmospheric and water environments, perhaps with a slight magnetic response that is attainable without heat treatment.

3Cr13 is a martensitic stainless steel similar to 410 stainless steel in formability and corrosion resistance but with equal hardness and wear resistance. The martensitic series of stainless steels are known for their good corrosion resistance next to the ferritic series. The corrosion resistance of 3Cr13 is bettered by the more corrosion resistant ferritic and austenitic grades but still remains a usable material in many applications. 3Cr13 also has good wear resistance, and is sometimes used in knife blades.

3Cr13 can be heat treated to increase strength and hardness as a result of its martsitic crystal structure. After tempering at 760-850°C, the fortitude and yield strength reaches peak values of 730-760Mpa with a hardness of 280-320 HV10. The hardening process can be repeated if desired, but annealing at 780-850°C is required between cycles to avoid over hardening or embrittlement of the material.

3Cr13 has high impact toughness for a martensitic stainless steel, and provides excellent hardness, strength, and wear resistance. 3Cr13 is also relatively easy to produce due to its low alloy content and with appropriate heat treatments, can provide excellent corrosion resistance, good formability and machinability. With properties such as these, 3Cr13 is a popular stainless steel grade among knife designers, manufacturers, and knife enthusiasts.