2Cr13 or 20Cr13 — which name is current?

Both denote the same steel: 20Cr13 is the GB/T 20878 designation, 2Cr13 the long-standing GB/T 1220 name still used across Chinese mills and stockists.

Grades · Stainless Steel · 2Cr13

2Cr13

Data verified

2Cr13 (new designation 20Cr13) is China’s 420-type martensitic stainless: a hardenable 13% chromium steel used Q&T for pump and valve shafts, fasteners and steam-turbine blades where moderate corrosion resistance meets real mechanical duty.

DIN1.4021 (X20Cr13)

AISI420

JISSUS420J1

CategoryStainless Steel

Chemical composition

Element	Content (%)
C	0.16–0.25
Si	≤1.00
Mn	≤1.00
P	≤0.040
S	≤0.030
Cr	12.00–14.00
Ni	≤0.60

Weight percent, per the governing standard ranges. Actual values per heat are on the mill certificate.

Properties

Delivery condition	Annealed
Tensile strength	≥640 MPa (Q&T, GB/T 1220)
Density	7.70 g/cm³
Magnetic	Yes

Heat treatment

Anneal 800–900 °C slow cool; quench 980–1000 °C oil; temper 600–700 °C for Q&T shaft duty, or 200–300 °C where hardness leads.

Equivalent grades

Standard	Designation
din	1.4021 (X20Cr13)
aisi	420
jis	SUS420J1
gb	2Cr13 (GB/T 1220) / 20Cr13 (GB/T 20878)

Compare side by side: 2Cr13 vs 420 · 2Cr13 vs 1.2083

Equivalents overlap in chemistry and use but are not always identical — see our equivalents guide before substituting in certified designs.

Applications & Processing

Applications: Pump and valve shafts, fasteners, turbine blades, surgical instruments, cutlery (economy).

Processing: Best corrosion resistance in the hardened and polished condition; weldability limited — preheat and post-weld temper if welded at all.

FAQ

2Cr13 or 20Cr13 — which name is current?: Both denote the same steel: 20Cr13 is the GB/T 20878 designation, 2Cr13 the long-standing GB/T 1220 name still used across Chinese mills and stockists.

Need 2Cr13 from stock?

Steel.Wiki is sponsored by Shenzhen NewAsia Special Steel (Nasteel), a special-steel stockholder in Shenzhen stocking mold, tool and alloy steels with EN 10204 3.1 certification.

Ask for a quotation Visit Nasteel

Source: GB/T 1220 / GB/T 20878 published ranges · Last updated 2026-11-03. Data is indicative — verify critical values against the governing standard and mill certificate before use.