440C, 304, 316, 420 ...... How to choose stainless steel bearing material?

The choice of material for stainless steel bearings is critical to their performance and application areas. The following is an analysis and comparison of four common stainless steel materials, 440C, 304, 316 and 420, in stainless steel bearing applications:

440C stainless steel

• Hardness and wear resistance: 440C stainless steel belongs to high-carbon stainless steel, extremely high hardness, excellent wear resistance, suitable for use in high load and high friction environment.
• Corrosion resistance: Although its corrosion resistance is slightly inferior compared to several other materials, it can still resist the corrosion of a variety of chemical substances.
• Magnetism: 440C stainless steel is magnetic, which is determined by its martensitic structure.

304 stainless steel

Corrosion resistance: 304 stainless steel is known for its excellent corrosion resistance, able to resist the erosion of a variety of chemicals, is one of the most widely used stainless steel.

Mechanical properties: good mechanical strength and toughness, suitable for a variety of working conditions.

Magnetism: 304 stainless steel belongs to austenitic stainless steel, usually non-magnetic or weakly magnetic.

316 stainless steel

Corrosion resistance: 316 stainless steel in 304 stainless steel based on the addition of molybdenum, so that it is better in terms of corrosion resistance, especially in the marine environment and acidic environment performance.

Mechanical properties: the same excellent mechanical properties and toughness.

Magnetic properties: Similar to 304 stainless steel, 316 stainless steel is also usually non-magnetic or weakly magnetic.