Martensitic stainless steel

Martensitic stainless steel is not as corrosion-resistant as the austenitic and ferritic steels described earlier, but it has exceptionally high strength properties and high wear resistance. The chromium content in the steel ranges from 11.5 to 17.5%. It is also characterized by a relatively high carbon content (from 0.08 to 0.5%), which provides hardening properties and increases the level of hardness, but also makes the material somewhat brittle. Martensitic stainless steels are non-weldable or difficult to weld – the exception is grade 1.4006. These alloys can undergo heat treatment. The resulting martensitic structure is magnetic.
Martensitic steel is used in mildly aggressive environments. It is used to manufacture parts of devices requiring hardness such as screws, springs, pins, pump components, and hydraulic press valves. In addition, it is used to produce cutting tools, surgical instruments, measuring tools, and others.