X90CrMoV18 (1.4112) Martensitic Stainless Steel

X90CrMoV18 (1.4112) Martensitic Stainless Steel

X90CrMoV18 (1.4112) Martensitic Stainless Steel - High Hardness & Wear Resistance for Cutting Tools and Bearings

Comprehensive material data for X90CrMoV18 (1.4112) according to EN 10088-1. Includes chemical composition, mechanical and physical properties, international equivalents, similar grades, and typical applications.

Hot rolling, cold rolling, annealing, hardening and tempering, machining (in annealed condition), grinding, polishing

X90CrMoV18 Martensitic Stainless Steel Introduction

X90CrMoV18 (EN material number 1.4112) is a high-carbon, martensitic, corrosion-resisting stainless steel defined in EN 10088-1. The combination of high carbon (0.85–0.95%) with 17–19% chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium provides excellent hardness after heat treatment (typically ≥60 HRC) along with good corrosion resistance.

  • Characterised by exceptional wear resistance and edge retention, it is widely used for cutlery, surgical instruments, and precision bearings.
  • In the annealed condition it offers good machinability; after hardening and tempering it achieves a microstructure of martensite with finely dispersed carbides, delivering a unique balance of hardness and moderate corrosion resistance.
  • Normally supplied as plate, sheet, or coil in the annealed (+A) condition, ready for subsequent forming and heat treatment.

X90CrMoV18 Martensitic Stainless Steel Chemical Composition

The following chemical composition corresponds to the cast analysis limits for grade X90CrMoV18 (1.4112) according to EN 10088-1:2014. Vanadium and molybdenum additions enhance wear resistance and secondary hardening response. Low sulfur content is controlled for improved cleanliness.

ElementStandard ValueRemarks
Carbon (C)0.85 – 0.95High carbon for high hardness
Silicon (Si)≤ 1.00
Manganese (Mn)≤ 1.00
Phosphorus (P)≤ 0.040
Sulfur (S)≤ 0.015Low sulfur for better toughness
Chromium (Cr)17.0 – 19.0Provides corrosion resistance
Molybdenum (Mo)0.90 – 1.30Improves hardenability and corrosion resistance
Vanadium (V)0.07 – 0.12Refines grain, increases wear resistance
Nickel (Ni)≤ 0.50Residual element, not intentionally added

X90CrMoV18 Martensitic Stainless Steel Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

The following physical properties are typical for martensitic stainless steel X90CrMoV18 at room temperature unless otherwise stated. Values are collected from reliable technical sources and may vary slightly depending on heat treatment condition. Density is given for annealed condition; thermal expansion coefficient and thermal conductivity are essential for design in thermal environments.

PropertyTypical ValueUnitCondition / Test Reference
Density (ρ)7.70g/cm³At 20°C
Modulus of elasticity (E)215GPaAt 20°C
Shear modulus (G)83GPaAt 20°C
Poisson's ratio (ν)0.27–0.30–At 20°C
Thermal expansion coefficient (α)10.510⁻⁶/K20–100°C
Thermal expansion coefficient (α)12.010⁻⁶/K20–500°C
Thermal conductivity (λ)18W/(m·K)At 20°C
Specific heat capacity460J/(kg·K)At 20°C
Electrical resistivity (ρ_e)0.65µΩ·mAt 20°C

X90CrMoV18 Martensitic Stainless Steel Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties are primarily specified by hardness. In the annealed (+A) condition, the material is soft enough for forming and machining. After hardening and tempering, it achieves its service hardness. EN 10088-2:2014 for flat products gives only the annealed hardness. Tensile properties for QT condition are not standardised; typical hardened condition hardness is shown as technical guidance.

PropertyStandard Requirement / Typical ValueUnitCondition / Remarks
Hardness (annealed)≤ 255HBWAnnealed (+A) condition, according to EN 10088-2
Hardness (hardened + tempered)≥ 60HRCTypical after hardening 1050–1080°C oil quench and tempering 150–200°C

X90CrMoV18 Martensitic Stainless Steel Fully Equivalent Material Standards and Replaceable Grade Designations

Country / RegionStandardGradeRemarks
EuropeEN 10088-1 / EN 10088-2X90CrMoV18 (1.4112)Direct match – martensitic stainless steel flat products
InternationalISO 15510X90CrMoV18Identical chemical composition to EN grade

X90CrMoV18 Martensitic Stainless Steel Application Introduction

X90CrMoV18 is selected where high hardness (≥60 HRC) and moderate corrosion resistance are required simultaneously. It is not recommended for highly corrosive chloride-containing environments because of its martensitic structure. The vanadium addition provides superior wear resistance, making it ideal for:

  • Cutting tools that must resist edge deformation and mild chemical attack
  • Precision bearing components under high contact stress
  • Valve and pump parts in contact with slightly acidic or alkaline fluids

Product Applications: Surgical blades, scissors, and dental instruments, High-end kitchen knives and chef's knives, Ball and roller bearings, especially for corrosive environments, Valve seats and stems for moderate pressure and temperature, Pump shafts and sleeves requiring wear resistance

Processed into products: Scalpel and surgical blade blanks, Dental drill blanks and rotary instruments, Miniature ball bearings (e.g., for dental handpieces), Knife edges for food cutting machinery, Wear-resistant bushings and sleeves in food-processing machines, Hydraulic valve spools and seats

Application industries: Medical and surgical instruments manufacturing, Cutlery and kitchenware production, Anti-friction bearing manufacturing, Food and chemical processing equipment, General mechanical engineering (wear parts)

X90CrMoV18 Martensitic Stainless Steel Similar / Alternative Materials with Comparable Performance

Country / RegionStandardGradeRemarks
USAASTM A276 / A276M440C (UNS S44004)Comparable martensitic stainless but no vanadium addition; Mo ≤0.75% vs 0.90–1.30%; slightly lower wear resistance.
JapanJIS G4303SUS440CSame as AISI 440C, non-vanadium grade.
EuropeEN 10088-1X105CrMo17 (1.4125)Higher carbon (0.95–1.20) and no vanadium; harder but less tough; often used as alternative for bearings and cutlery.
Germany (historical)DIN 17440X90CrMoV18Former DIN designation, now integrated into EN system.

Notes:

Heat treatment recommendations: To achieve full hardness, austenitise at 1050–1080°C, hold until uniform, and quench in oil or pressurised gas. Temper immediately at 150–200°C to relieve quenching stresses while maintaining hardness. Avoid tempering between 400–600°C to prevent sensitisation and loss of corrosion resistance. Machining: Best performed in the annealed condition using carbide tools and adequate cooling. Welding: Not recommended for this grade due to high carbon equivalent and risk of cracking; if unavoidable, use preheating and post-weld heat treatment with matching filler (e.g., 1.4125).

  • Share

Processing Services

BBN supplies steel raw materials and provides product processing services according to customer requirements. .

Get In Touch

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt dolore magna aliqua. Quis ipsum suspendisse ultrices gravida.

Contact Us

Drop Us A Message