The 3Cr13 Steel (also known as Chinese steel grade 0Cr13) is an austenitic stainless steel that contains a minimum of 0.13 percent carbon, with the maximum amount being 0.25 percent carbon. As a result, this stainless steel is both economical and practical, which makes it a common choice in various industries where high performance and cost-efficiency take precedence.
Due to its low carbon content, 3Cr13 steel is highly malleable and can be hot-worked more easily than other stainless steels. Additionally, due to its higher chromium content (13 percent) than other stainless steel grades, 3Cr13 steel offers superior corrosion and heat resistance. The alloy achieves a wide range of hardness, from HRC52-55, and is of high toughness. Due to its low cost, it is commonly used in flatware, knives, and tube components.
The 3Cr13 alloy is composed of several elements, such as (in percent weight): 0.25–0.35 percent carbon, 0.45–0.60 percent silicon, 12–14 percent chromium, and 0.20–0.50 percent manganese. Residual elements will be present in trace amounts, with max levels of 0.030 percent phosphorus, 0.015 percent sulfur and 0.30 percent nitrogen.
When compared to 304 and 410 stainless steels, 3Cr13 stainless steel is a good match for sensitizations and has good welding properties. Typically, this stainless steel alloy is used in welding rods, bars and other components that are machined or worked from hot-rolled bar and roll.
Due to its higher chromium content and relatively low carbon content, it exhibits extraordinary corrosion resistance, as well as excellent wear and fatigue resistance. In fact, 3Cr13 steel has a better corrosion resistance that 304 and 410 in most media, including acids, alkalis, salts and organic compounds.
Since 3Cr13 steel is quite cleavable, it has various applications that require a high level of precision and durability, including blades, molding dies and high-precision automotive and food processing. Moreover, non-dimensional components are made with this stainless steel alloy because of its high strength, wear resistance and impact resistance.
When minimized surface treatment is needed, 3Cr13 is a good choice since it polishes easily. In some cases, it is used for low or high temperature applications, due to its inherent properties, such as excellent ductility, corrosion resistance and burnishability.
Finally, 3Cr13 stainless steel is one of the best solutions for cost effective solutions for a wide range of industries, due to its combined strength, malleability, formability, and economical price.
