What is the hardest stainless steel alloy?
440C is one of the hardest stainless steels and offers high strength properties. Due to the high carbon content (about 1%), the hardness can reach 60HRC after appropriate heat treatment (quenching and tempering)
In addition, cryogenic treatment (liquid nitrogen cryogenic treatment) is generally recommended before tempering operations. It reduces the austenite content in the steel, makes the carbides smaller, and improves the toughness and wear resistance.
