3x250x1000mm

Heat Treatment for 1.4116 Stainless Steel for Knives

Heat Treatment Steps

1. Annealing (if needed before machining)

Not always necessary, but if so:

- Heat to 800–850 °C

- Cool slowly in furnace (e.g. 10–20 °C/hour)

2. Austenitizing (main heat treatment)

- Heating temperature: 1050–1080 °C

- Holding time: approx. 5–10 minutes (5 minutes preferred for 3 mm thickness)

- Protective atmosphere: vacuum, inert gas (argon), or foil wrap, or Luiso W61

- Quenching: in oil, air, or gas under pressure

3. Post-Quench Hardness

Can reach up to 60–61 HRC

4. Tempering

- Purpose: relieve stress + adjust hardness to target (58 HRC)

- Temperature: 180–200 °C

- Time: minimum 1 hour

- Repetition: two cycles recommended

5. Result

Final hardness of 58–59 HRC with good edge retention and cutting ability