AISI 440C steel is sometimes called as “surgical stainless“. ASTM A276 standard grade 440c stainless steel is a high carbon martensitic stainless steel, which is generally supplied in the annealed condition with a maximum Brinell hardness of 269 (Rc29) or annealed and cold drawn with a maximum Brinell hardness of 285 (Rc31).

• AISI 440C stainless steel is characterized by good corrosion resistance in mild domestic and industrial environments, including fresh water, organic materials, mild acids, various petroleum products.
• Stainless steel 440C  is capable of attaining, after heat treatment, the highest strength, hardness and wear resistance of all the stainless alloys.
• Small AISI 440C material sections can be air cooled and quite large sections oil quenched for maximum through hardness.