Stainless Steel Ball
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Stainless Steel Ball
AISI 420C Stainless Steel Ball
Profile
AISI 420C is the high-carbon version of the 420 family. With 0.43–0.50% carbon and 12.5–14.5% chromium, it hardens to HRC 52–56 — the highest hardness among the 420 grades, with corrosion resistance far better than chrome or carbon steel. A cost-effective alternative to 440C where maximum hardness is not required. Jiaxin supplies 420C balls from 0.3 mm to 250 mm in grades G3 to G60.
Hardness: HRC 52–56 after hardening and tempering.
Grade: AISI 420C, X46Cr13, 1.4034, SUS420J2.
Sizes: 0.3 mm – 250 mm, with custom diameters available on request.
Applications:Bearings, valve balls and seats, pumps, cutlery, surgical instruments and wear-resistant components.
ISO 9001
Certified
30+ Years
Experience
0.3–250mm
Size Range
G3–G60
Precision
Why Jiaxin 420C Stainless Steel Balls
Four advantages over typical 420C stainless steel ball suppliers.
Widest Size Range
0.3 mm miniature to 250 mm large balls — far exceeding the typical 50.8 mm limit of most suppliers.
Bearing-Grade Precision
Grades G3 to G60, significantly tighter than industry-standard G20 or grade 1000, ideal for precision bearings
30 Years, Fortune 500
Three decades of manufacturing experience, trusted by Fortune 500 oil, gas and chemical companies worldwide.
ISO Certified Quality
Every batch ships with material certificate and inspection report. Passivation and custom packaging available.
Characteristics
Key material properties that make 420C the hardest of the 420 series.
High Hardness
Heat treated to HRC 52–56, the highest in the 420 family, giving excellent wear resistance.
Good Corrosion Resistance
12.5–14.5% chromium gives good resistance to water, steam, food products and mild chemicals.
Precision Manufacturing
Available in grades G3 to G60 with good roundness, surface finish and consistent dimensional tolerances.
Magnetic
Martensitic stainless steel is magnetic in all conditions, enabling automated sorting and assembly.
Chemistry
Reference chemical composition of AISI 420C stainless steel.
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Carbon (C): 0.43 – 0.50% — high carbon gives maximum hardness in the 420 family
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Chromium (Cr): 12.50 – 14.50% — provides corrosion resistance and hardenability
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Manganese (Mn): ≤ 1.00% — aids hot workability
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Silicon (Si): ≤ 1.00% — improves oxidation resistance
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Phosphorus (P): ≤ 0.040% — kept low to avoid brittleness
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Sulfur (S): ≤ 0.030% — controlled for cleanliness
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Nickel (Ni): ≤ 0.75% — residual element, tightly limited
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Iron (Fe): Balance
Microstructure of 420C martensitic stainless steel balls after hardening and tempering.
Corrosion Resistance
420C balls offer good resistance to fresh water, steam, food acids, alcohol and mild chemicals. They outperform carbon and chrome steel substantially.
Not recommended for: seawater, salt spray or strong acids. For marine service, choose 316; for maximum hardness plus corrosion resistance, choose 440C.
Technical Specifications
Standard 420C ball specifications. Custom dimensions available on request.
Material Grade
AISI 420C / X46Cr13 / 1.4034
Precision Grades
G3, G5, G10, G16, G20, G28, G40, G60
Young's Modulus
~200 GPa
Surface Finish
Polished, passivated, oiled, or custom
Equivalent Names
X46Cr13, 1.4034, SUS420J2, 4Cr13, 420HC
Hardness
HRC 52–56 after heat treatment
Tensile
Strength~900-1200 MPa
Supply Condition
Hardened, tempered, polished or passivated
Diameter Range
0.3 mm – 250 mm
Density
~7.75 g/cm³
Magnetism
Magnetic
Certification
ISO 9001, material certificate, inspection report
Material Selection Guide
Compare 420C with other common ball materials to choose the right one.
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420C — HRC 52–56, hardest of the 420 grades, good corrosion resistance. Best for bearings, valves and instruments. → 420C product page
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420C — HRC 48-56, moderate corrosion resistance. Lower-cost martensitic option. → 420C product page
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304 — ~HRC 25, good corrosion resistance. General-purpose non-magnetic. → 304 product page
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316 / 316L — ~HRC 25, excellent corrosion resistance. Best for marine and chemical. → 316 product page
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52100 Chrome Steel — HRC 60-67, low corrosion resistance. Highest wear resistance at lower cost. → Chrome steel page
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Silicon Nitride (Ceramic) — Extremely hard, corrosion-proof, lightweight. For extreme environments. → Ceramic ball page
International Grade Equivalents
AISI 420C stainless steel is known by different designations worldwide.
AISI / ASTM (USA): 420C / 420HC
JIS (Japan): SUS420J2
EN / DIN (Europe): X46Cr13 / 1.4034
GB (China): 4Cr13
420C
X46Cr13
1.4034
SUS420J2
4Cr13
420HC
Z40C13
SUS420J2
Industries Using 420C Stainless Steel Balls
420C balls are specified where high hardness, wear resistance and moderate corrosion resistance must be combined.
Bearings & Valves
Anti-friction bearings, ball valves, check valves, pump seats, hydraulic components and metering pumps.
Cutlery & Instruments
Knife pivots, folding knife detents, scissors, dental instruments and surgical tools.
Industrial
Wear-resistant components, moulds, gauges, jigs, conveyors, casters and general engineering assemblies.
Lead Times & Ordering
Flexible supply for both standard and custom requirements.
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Standard sizes: Popular diameters in stock — typically 3-7 days for shipment.
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Custom orders: Lead time 15-30 days, based on diameter, grade and quantity.
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MOQ: Standard sizes have low MOQ. Custom sizes quoted per requirement.
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Packaging: Standard export packaging, or custom VCI bags, vacuum packing, bulk drums.
Technical Resources
Learn more about 420C stainless steel ball selection and applications.
Frequently asked questions
Contact us! We reply within 24 hours, offer free procurement guidance, design to your needs, and provide a free sample
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