Grade 440 stainless steels exhibit excellent resistance to mild acids, alkalis, foods, fresh water and air. A smooth polished surface also helps grade 440 steels resist corrosion in tempered, passivated and hardened conditions. All three forms of grade 440 steels are commonly used. However, grade 440C is more readily available than the other standard grades. Grade 440F, a free-machining type of grade 440 series, is also available with a high carbon content similar to that of grade 440C. Martensitic steel grades are high-hardness steels, usually fabricated using techniques that require hardening and tempering treatments. Grade 440C stainless steels are high carbon steels, which attain the highest hardness, wear resistance and strength of all stainless steel grades after heat treatment. These properties make this grade suitable for applications such as valve components and ball bearings. Grade 440A and 440B stainless steels, on the other hand, have similar properties – except for a slightly lower percentage of carbon in grade 440A.