The major alloying addition in martensitic stainless steels is chromium in the range of 11 to 17%. The carbon levels can vary from 0.10 to 0.65% in these alloys. This radically changes the behavior of the martensitic alloys relative to the ferritic 400 Series alloys. The high carbon enables the material to be hardened by heating to a high temperature, followed by rapid cooling (quenching). Martensitic types offer a good combination of corrosion resistance and superior mechanical properties, as produced by heat treatment to develop maximum hardness, strength and resistance to abrasion and erosion