Stainless Steel 17-6PH-A vs 17-6PH-H900
Stainless Steel · 17-6PH temper comparison
17-6PH-A and 17-6PH-H900 are two conditions of the same stainless steel grade, 17-6PH: A (solution annealed) versus H900 (aged 482 °C (900 °F) for 1 h, peak hardness). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 17-6PH-H900 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,275 MPa (185 ksi) against 760 MPa (110 ksi) for 17-6PH-A, about 68% more; tensile strength follows at 1,380 MPa (200 ksi) vs 965 MPa (140 ksi). In exchange, 17-6PH-A is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 8% for 17-6PH-H900, and 17-6PH-H900 is harder (45 HRC vs 30 HRC). On the shop floor, 17-6PH-A machines more easily (fair vs poor).
17-6PH-AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
17-6PH-H900Choose it when strength drives the design.
17-6PH-A vs 17-6PH-H900: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all stainless steel grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all stainless steel grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Rockwell C
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 200 GPa29 Msi · Shear Modulus 77 GPa11.2 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.28 · Shear Strength 620 MPa89.9 ksi · Hardness, Brinell 285 HB · Hardness, Vickers 300 HV
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.8 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,400°C2,552 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,450°C2,642 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 16 W/m·K9.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 10.8 µm/m·K6 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 270 J/g116 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 300°C572 °F · Min Service Temperature -75°C-103 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 2.2 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 8×10⁻⁷ Ω·m31.5 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.25 V · Corrosion Resistance 55 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Weldability 45 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 45 / 100 · Polishability 75 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 56 MJ/kg24,076 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 210 L/kg25.2 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 35%
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every stainless steel grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
17-6PH-A vs 17-6PH-H900 — frequently asked
Is 17-6PH-H900 stronger than 17-6PH-A?
Yes. 17-6PH-H900 has a typical yield strength of 1,275 MPa (185 ksi) against 760 MPa (110 ksi) for 17-6PH-A — about 68% more. Tensile strength is 1,380 MPa (200 ksi) vs 965 MPa (140 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, A or H900?
A is the default 17-6PH condition in the FabDigit quote flow. The other condition is available on request or by drawing note — specify it in the material field or the part notes and the quote is priced for it.
Which is easier to machine, 17-6PH-A or 17-6PH-H900?
17-6PH-A. Its machinability rates fair (38/100) against poor (22/100) for 17-6PH-H900.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 17-6PH-A and 17-6PH-H900 side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.