420F vs 416
These two grades are listed as equivalents of each other: their chemistry windows overlap and they serve the same applications. They are not always identical — check the differences below before substituting, especially in certified designs.
420F
Stainless Steel
420F is the free-machining version of 420, resulfurized (0.15% S minimum) so that hardened stainless parts can be produced economically on automatic lathes. It keeps 420’s hardenability to around 50 HRC but gives up corrosion resistance and weldability for chip-breaking.
Standards: AISI 420F (UNS S42020) · JIS SUS420F
416
Stainless Steel
416 is the free-machining version of 410, with sulfur added so it cuts faster than any other stainless grade. It is the default bar material for high-volume turned parts that still need hardening and mild corrosion resistance.
Standards: DIN 1.4005 · AISI 416 · JIS SUS416 · GB Y12Cr13
Chemical composition compared (%)
| Element | 420F | 416 |
|---|---|---|
| C | ≥0.15 | ≤0.15 |
| Si | ≤1.00 | ≤1.00 |
| Mn | ≤1.25 | ≤1.25 |
| P | ≤0.060 | ≤0.060 |
| S | ≥0.15 | ≥0.15 |
| Cr | 12.00–14.00 | 12.00–14.00 |
| Mo | ≤0.60 | ≤0.60 (optional) |
Properties compared
| Property | 420F | 416 |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery condition | Annealed (hardened for use) | Annealed or hardened & tempered |
| Hardness (hardened) | 40–52 HRC typical | 35–45 HRC typical |
| Density | 7.70 g/cm³ | 7.70 g/cm³ |
| Magnetic | Yes | Yes |
| Tensile strength | — | 515–860 MPa (annealed to tempered) |
Sourcing either grade?
Nasteel stocks both families from Shenzhen with EN 10204 3.1 mill certificates by heat number.
Ask for a quotationSee full data sheets: 420F · 416. Substitution decisions for certified parts stay with the design authority.