3Cr13

Data verified

3Cr13 (new designation 30Cr13) is the higher-carbon 420-family stainless of GB/T 1220 — the volume Chinese grade for knife blades, scissors and wear parts needing 40+ HRC with stainless behavior.

Hardness40–48 HRC typical
DIN1.4028 (X30Cr13)
AISI420 (high-carbon type)
JISSUS420J2 (near)
CategoryStainless Steel

Chemical composition

ElementContent (%)
C0.26–0.35
Si≤1.00
Mn≤1.00
P≤0.040
S≤0.030
Cr12.00–14.00
Ni≤0.60

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

Properties

Delivery conditionAnnealed
Tensile strength≥735 MPa (Q&T, GB/T 1220)
Hardness (hardened)40–48 HRC typical
Density7.70 g/cm³
MagneticYes

Heat treatment

Anneal 800–900 °C slow cool; quench 1000–1050 °C oil; temper 200–300 °C for blade hardness.

Equivalent grades

StandardDesignation
din1.4028 (X30Cr13)
aisi420 (high-carbon type)
jisSUS420J2 (near)
gb3Cr13 (GB/T 1220) / 30Cr13 (GB/T 20878)

Compare side by side: 3Cr13 vs 420

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

Applications & Processing

Applications: Knife and scissor blades, valve parts, springs, hand tools, medical instruments.

Processing: Hardens higher than 2Cr13 thanks to 0.26–0.35% C; corrosion resistance is best hardened, tempered and polished.

FAQ

2Cr13 vs 3Cr13 for a blade?
3Cr13 — the extra carbon (0.26–0.35% vs 0.16–0.25%) buys several points of HRC and edge life. 2Cr13 is the tougher Q&T engineering choice for shafts and fasteners.

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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.