MARTENSITIC ALLOYS

Martensitic Stainless Steel

Martensitic stainless steel is a type of stainless steel known for its strength, corrosion resistance, and toughness. These properties make martensitic alloys an ideal choice for a wide range of applications, such as medical instruments, turbines, auto parts and valves for the oil industry. 

Unlike many other types of stainless steel, the chemical structure of martensitic steel allows it to be hardened and strengthened by using heat and aging treatment. This makes martensitic alloys among the hardest and most wear resistant alloys on the market.  

There are martensitic alloys with high levels of carbon, and those that have a low amount of carbon. A high carbon content (0.60-1.50% C) gives you steel with an exceptional toughness and strength. However, it also becomes less flexible and more brittle. Low carbon martensitic alloys (0.05-0.25% C), on the other hand, are both more flexible and more corrosion resistant, but haven’t got the same level of strength as high carbon martensitic stainless steel. 

At Sverdrup Steel, we offer martensitic stainless steel with different chemical compositions to meet your specific needs. 

Advantages of Martensitic Alloys

• Very high strength
• High toughness
• High abrasion resistance
• Can be hardened using heat and age treatment
• High wear and tear resistance
• Moderate corrosion resistance

Our Martensitic Alloys

At Sverdrup Steel, you find martensitic alloys for many purposes. We keep one of the world’s largest stock holdings of round bars and bored bars made of martensitic stainless steel. Click on the preferred alloy to see the complete list of MSS bar dimensions. By doing so, you will also find detailed information on the various alloys’ properties and chemical composition. 

17-4 PH (Alloy 1.4542)

17-4 PH is a martensitic precipitation hardening stainless steel with copper, niobium and tantalum additions. This alloy provides an outstanding combination of high strength, hardness and moderate corrosion resistance, in addition to outstanding wear resistance and good toughness at temperatures up to 310°C. Typical areas of application include chemical, petrochemical, paper and general metalworking industries. 

S165M (Alloy 1.4418)

S165M is a high-strength low carbon martensitic/austenitic stainless steel. It combines high strength, good fatigue resistance and good weldability – properties that are maintained after welding. S165M is designed for application in slightly corrosive environments and has corrosion resistance similar to AISI 304L in most environments. However, S165M is insensitive to intergranular corrosion. The alloy also resists erosion corrosion, and cavitation experienced in hydraulic applications. General areas for applications include shafts, propellers, spindles, bolts, etc.

SUPER 13CR (UNS S41425 / UNS S41426)

SUPER 13CR is developed from the standard 13Cr grade and offers enhanced mechanical properties and increased corrosion resistance. The low carbon content improves the steel weldability whilst maintaining the martensitic microstructure. This martensitic alloy is commonly used in the same areas as AISI 4130, 4140 and 4145 but often in environments with high sulfur content.

AISI 420 Mod (UNS S42000)

AISI 420 Mod is a martensitic 13Cr modified stainless steel with increased strength and hardness compared to standard 13Cr stainless steel. This alloy is predominantly used in manufacturing oil industry completion equipment such as packers, valves and pressure-containing parts. In addition, AISI 420 is suitable for constructional and fastener applications where moderate corrosion resistance is required.

Find the right type of stainless steel for your project

In addition to martensitic alloys, we offer a great selection of stainless steel materials, ranging from austenitic and nickel-based alloys to duplex and super duplex. 

With more than 30 years in the industry, we have amassed a unique know-how and expertise, and our technical department can advise you on various technical topics. You can find our contact details here. 

Additionally, we have created a handful of digital tools with which you can compare grades and properties before placing your order. For example, use our tools for calculating PRE-value and material weight or our conversion tools for steel hardness and ksi to MPa conversion.