440C is a martensitic stainless steel with a high carbon content. It possesses high strength and moderate corrosion resistance in a variety of environments, such as freshwater steam, gasoline, and food acids. It is heat treatable, and after undergoing such processes it achieves the highest strength of all 400 series stainless steel. When heat treated, small portions of 440C can be air-cooled, while larger pieces can be quenched in oil.
440C’s hardness and mechanical strength make it a material used in many products and industries, such as:
- Knife blades
- Surgical instruments
- Chisels
- Ball bearings
- Structural aircraft parts
Vincent Metals offer 440C in a variety of forms: rod, bar, and plate.