X46Cr13
X46Cr13 is a designation for a martensitic stainless steel according to the EN (European Norm) standard. This designation specifies the chemical composition of the steel, indicating the presence and percentage of key alloying elements.
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X indicates that the steel is a high-alloy steel. In this context, "high-alloy" generally means that the total alloy content exceeds a certain threshold, often 5%.
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46 indicates the carbon content, multiplied by 100. Therefore, X46Cr13 contains approximately 0.46% carbon.
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Cr signifies the presence of chromium as a significant alloying element.
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13 indicates the chromium content, which is approximately 13%.
Therefore, X46Cr13 is a high-alloy steel containing roughly 0.46% carbon and 13% chromium. The presence of chromium provides the steel with its stainless properties, making it resistant to corrosion. The relatively high carbon content contributes to the steel's hardness and ability to be heat treated. Martensitic stainless steels like X46Cr13 are commonly used in applications requiring a combination of corrosion resistance, hardness, and wear resistance, such as cutlery, surgical instruments, and certain types of bearings.