1Cr13 vs. 2Cr13 vs. 3Cr13 vs. 4Cr13: Which is Best for Your Needs?

What makes 1Cr13, 2Cr13, 3Cr13, and 4Cr13 martensitic stainless steels unique, and which is the right choice for your project? This article breaks down their chemical compositions, heat treatment processes, and mechanical properties. You’ll discover how varying carbon content affects strength, hardness, and toughness, helping you choose the best grade for corrosion resistance and mechanical performance. Dive in to learn which Cr13 grade meets your specific needs and applications.

Table Of Contents

Martensitic stainless steel is a type of stainless steel that can have its properties altered through heat treatment processes such as quenching and tempering, making it a hardenable stainless steel.

Type Cr13, also known as 1Cr13, 2Cr13, 3Cr13, or 4Cr13, is a commonly used grade that offers general resistance to corrosion in environments such as atmospheric conditions, seawater, and nitric acid. Additionally, it provides the necessary strength for various components.

Cr13 is widely utilized in various applications.

What distinguishes 1Cr13 from 2Cr13? And what distinguishes the four similar Cr13 grades from each other?

This article presents a comparison and reference of the chemical composition, heat treatment system, and final mechanical properties of four stainless steel grades.

Chemical composition
StandardGB/T1220-2007 Stainless Steel Bars
Steel grade1Cr132Cr133Cr134Cr13
C0.08~0.150.16~0.250.26~0.350.36~0.45
Si≤1.00≤1.00≤1.00≤0.60
Mn≤1.00≤1.00≤1.00≤0.80
P≤0.040≤0.040≤0.040≤0.040
S≤0.030≤0.030≤0.030≤0.030
Ni(<0.60)(≤0.60)(≤0.60)(≤0.60)
Cr11.5~13.512.0~14.012.0~14.012.0~14.0
Heat treatment schedule
GradeAnnealingQuenchingTempering
1Cr13800-900 ℃ slow cooling or about 750 ℃ fast cooling950~1000 ℃ oil cooling700~750 ℃ fast cooling
2Cr13920~980 ℃ oil cooling600~750 ℃ fast cooling
3Cr13920~980 ℃ oil cooling600~750 ℃ fast cooling
4Cr131050~1100 ℃ oil cooling200~300 ℃ fast cooling

Mechanical property

Grade1Cr132Cr133Cr134Cr13
Annealing hardness≤200≤223≤235≤235
After quenching and tempering1Cr132Cr133Cr134Cr13
Specified non-proportional extension strength Rpo.2/(N/mm2)≥345≥440≥540
Tensile strength Rm/(N/mm2)≥540≥640≥735
Elongation after fracture A/%≥22≥20≥8
Reduction of area Z/%≥55≥50≥35
Impact absorbing energy Aku2/J≥78≥63≥24
Hardness HBW≥159≥192≥217HRC50

The difference between 1Cr13 and 2Cr13 lies in their chemical composition, mechanical properties, and heat treatment system. The table shows that they differ in these aspects.

The average chromium content in all four grades (1Cr13, 2Cr13, 3Cr13, and 4Cr13) is over 12%, which is responsible for their basic corrosion resistance. As the carbon content increases from 1Cr13 to 4Cr13, the strength also increases, but the plasticity and toughness decrease accordingly, as reflected by the heat treatment mechanical property data.

So which is harder, 2Cr13 or 1Cr13? 2Cr13 is harder than 1Cr13, and 3Cr13 is harder than 2Cr13.

Regarding the heat treatment system, 1Cr13, 2Cr13, and 3Cr13 can be considered in one category, while 4Cr13 is quite different. The metallographic structure and heat treatment method are different due to the varying carbon content.

Therefore, it is important to consider these factors when choosing a replacement material.

Don't forget, sharing is caring! : )
Shane
Author

Shane

Founder of MachineMFG

As the founder of MachineMFG, I have dedicated over a decade of my career to the metalworking industry. My extensive experience has allowed me to become an expert in the fields of sheet metal fabrication, machining, mechanical engineering, and machine tools for metals. I am constantly thinking, reading, and writing about these subjects, constantly striving to stay at the forefront of my field. Let my knowledge and expertise be an asset to your business.

You May Also Like
We picked them just for you. Keep reading and learn more!

Chemical Composition of 316L Stainless Steel

What makes 316L stainless steel a top choice for critical applications? Its unique chemical composition, which includes chromium, nickel, and molybdenum, gives it superior corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. This…
Steel In China

Classification and Standard of Steel In China

Why do different types of steel have such varied properties, and how are they categorized in China? This article breaks down the classification and standards of steel, explaining the systematic…
MachineMFG
Take your business to the next level
Subscribe to our newsletter
The latest news, articles, and resources, sent to your inbox weekly.
© 2024. All rights reserved.

Contact Us

You will get our reply within 24 hours.