General Properties

420J1 has a chemical composition that includes carbon (C: 0.16-0.25%), chromium (Cr: 12.0-14.0%), and other elements in smaller amounts. It is magnetic and can be hardened to a Rockwell hardness of approximately HRC52-55 after heat treatment. Lower carbon content than 420, offering better corrosion resistance but lower hardness.

Applications

Common applications for 420J1 stainless steel include food preparation equipment, kitchen knife blades, industrial machinery blades, mechanical parts, surgical instruments, and decorative applications where standard corrosion resistance is sufficient.

Standard

420J1 aligns with international standards such as JIS G4303 for stainless steel bars, JIS G4304 for hot-rolled stainless steel plate, sheet, and strip, and JIS G4305 for cold-rolled stainless steel plate, sheet, and strip.

Resistencia a la corrosión:

420J1 is better corrosion resistance than 420 due to lower carbon content, suitable for mild corrosive environments.

Heat Resistance:

While 420J1 has good resistance to corrosion at room temperature, its performance in high-temperature environments is limited due to a loss of ductility at sub-zero temperatures and a loss of strength at elevated temperatures due to over-tempering. Similar to 420, but lower hardness retention at high temperatures.

Maquinabilidad:

420J1 is relatively easy to machine in the annealed condition, but its machinability decreases once hardened.

Welding:

Welding is possible for 420J1, but it is recommended to avoid welding in annealed, hardened, or tempered conditions to prevent brittleness and cold cracking. Pre-heating and inter-pass temperature control during welding, followed by very slow cooling and post-weld annealing, are good measures to prevent cracking.

Hot Working:

Hot working can improve the toughness and wear resistance of 420J1 stainless steel.

Cold Working:

Cold working increases the hardness and strength of 420J1 while also improving its surface quality and dimensional accuracy.

Annealing:

Annealing is performed by heating uniformly to 840-900°C (1544-1652°F) and holding until the temperature is uniform throughout the section. Soaking and cooling are required.

Tempering:

Tempering is used to reduce brittleness and internal stresses after hardening.

Hardening:

420J1 can be hardened by heating to 950-1020°C (1742-1868°F) and holding until the temperature is uniform throughout the section, followed by quenching in oil or air cooling.