Stainless Steel 17-4 PH
AISI/SAE 17-4 PH · UNS S17400 · ASTM 630, A564 Type 630 · EN 1.4542, X5CrNiCuNb16-4 · JIS SUS630
17-4 PH is a copper- and niobium-bearing martensitic precipitation-hardening stainless (S17400 / 1.4542) that reaches 1000–1400 MPa after a single low-temperature age, with corrosion resistance between 304 and 430 and little heat-treat distortion.
Values for the Condition A condition
17-4 PH tempers and conditions
17-4 PH is supplied in 17 conditions, soft to hard. Condition A is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
- H1150M
- As Printed
- P800
- H1150D
- Condition A
- Stress Relieved
- HIP
- P900
- H1150
- H1100
- H1075
- P1070
- H1025
- H925
- P1300
- H900
- CH900
Compare all 17 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Double overaged 760 °C + 621 °C | Lowest-strength, highest-ductility condition for maximum notch toughness and cryogenic/sour service. | 620 | 860 | 24 | 26 HRC | — |
L-PBF / binder-jet / FFF sintered, no post heat treatment | Baseline for AM parts; anisotropic, contains retained austenite and residual stress — normally re-solutioned and aged. | 650 | 1,050 | 15 | 30 HRC | 2 % IACS |
Precipitation Hardened +P800 | European over-aged PH condition (≈480–620 °C long age, close to H1150): lowest strength but highest toughness and best stress-corrosion behaviour, Rm 800–950 MPa. | 660 | 870 | 17 | 28 HRC | 20 W/m·K |
Double aged 621 °C + 621 °C | Specified for sour-service oilfield hardware where hardness must stay at or below 33 HRC per NACE MR0175. | 730 | 930 | 20 | 30 HRC | 2.3 % IACS |
Condition ADefault solution annealed 1040 °C, air cooled (as-supplied bar/plate) | Standard stock condition — machine in this state, then age to the required H-temper. | 760 | 1,030 | 12 | 33 HRC | — |
650 °C low-temperature relief of printed / welded parts | Removes build/weld residual stress before cutting parts from the plate; strength changes little. | 780 | 1,000 | 16 | 31 HRC | 2.2 % IACS |
Hot isostatic pressed | Closes AM/casting porosity for fatigue-critical parts; follow with the required H-temper aging. | 780 | 1,030 | 17 | 32 HRC | 2.2 % IACS |
Precipitation Hardened +P900 | Intermediate European aged condition (≈580–600 °C age, between H1100 and H1150) with Rm 900–1050 MPa and still good ductility and impact energy. | 790 | 970 | 15 | 31 HRC | 19 W/m·K |
Overaged 621 °C (1150 °F) for 4 h, maximum toughness | Maximum toughness and best SCC resistance of the single-age tempers; common for subsea/valve parts. | 800 | 1,000 | 19 | 31 HRC | — |
Aged 593 °C (1100 °F) for 4 h | Higher toughness / lower hardness temper for impact-loaded or moderately corrosive service. | 900 | 1,000 | 17 | 33 HRC | — |
Aged 579 °C (1075 °F) for 4 h | Good general-purpose temper when notch toughness matters more than peak strength. | 1,000 | 1,070 | 16 | 36 HRC | — |
Precipitation Hardened +P1070 | European aged condition equivalent to about H1025: Rm 1070–1270 MPa with 0.2 % proof stress ≥ 1000 MPa, a common balance of strength and toughness for shafts and valve parts. | 1,060 | 1,140 | 13 | 36 HRC | 18 W/m·K |
Aged 552 °C (1025 °F) for 4 h | Balanced strength/toughness for shafts and highly loaded machined parts. | 1,070 | 1,140 | 15 | 38 HRC | — |
Aged 496 °C (925 °F) for 4 h | Slight ductility/SCC gain over H900 with only a small strength penalty. | 1,170 | 1,275 | 13 | 42 HRC | — |
Precipitation Hardened +P1300 | Peak-aged European condition equivalent to H900 (≈480 °C / 1 h): Rm ≥ 1300 MPa and ~42 HRC, the highest strength and hardness available in 1.4542 bar. | 1,220 | 1,350 | 11 | 42 HRC | 18 W/m·K |
Aged 482 °C (900 °F) for 1 h, peak hardness | Pick for maximum strength and hardness where toughness and SCC resistance are secondary. | 1,275 | 1,380 | 12 | 44 HRC | 18 W/m·K |
Condition C + H900 | Strip/foil condition for springs and diaphragms needing the highest attainable strength. | 1,350 | 1,450 | 6 | 45 HRC | 2.2 % IACS |
What is 17-4 PH?
17-4 PH is a copper- and niobium-bearing martensitic precipitation-hardening stainless (S17400 / 1.4542) that reaches 1000–1400 MPa after a single low-temperature age, with corrosion resistance between 304 and 430 and little heat-treat distortion. It is bought as bar, plate, forgings, castings and gas-atomised powder for pump shafts, valve parts, fasteners, mould inserts, aerospace fittings and metal 3D-printed parts, usually machined in Condition A and then aged (H900–H1150). Limits: pitting resistance is below 316 in chloride service, H900 has the lowest toughness and stress-corrosion resistance, and long-term service should stay under about 300 °C. 17-4 PH has a density of 7.78 g/cm³ (0.281 lb/in³), lighter than 57% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,404°C (2,559 °F). 17-4 PH has a yield strength of 760 MPa (110 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,030 MPa (149 ksi) — stronger than 94% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 12% and the elastic modulus is 196 GPa (28.4 Msi).
What is 17-4 PH used for?
- Pump shafts
- Valve stems and internals
- Aerospace structural fittings
- Injection mould inserts
- High-strength fasteners
- Additively manufactured brackets and manifolds
Advantages
- High strength — 760 MPa (110 ksi), better than 94% of stainless steel grades
- Easy to machine — 45/100, better than 84% of stainless steel grades
Limitations
- Limited service temperature — 200°C (392 °F), worse than 100% of stainless steel grades
- Limited ductility — 12%, worse than 95% of stainless steel grades
- Needs corrosion protection — 52/100, worse than 76% of stainless steel grades
- Low fracture toughness — 90 MPa·√m (81.9 ksi·√in), worse than 75% of stainless steel grades
17-4 PH properties
Typical room-temperature values for 17-4 PH-Condition A; bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
17-4 PH has a density of 7.78 g/cm³ (0.281 lb/in³), lighter than 57% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,404°C (2,559 °F).
Mechanical16
17-4 PH has a yield strength of 760 MPa (110 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,030 MPa (149 ksi) — stronger than 94% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 12% and the elastic modulus is 196 GPa (28.4 Msi).
Thermal6
17-4 PH is rated for continuous service to 200°C (392 °F). It conducts heat at 16.3 W/m·K (9.42 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 68% of stainless steel grades. Thermal expansion is 10.8 µm/m·K (6 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
17-4 PH conducts electricity at 2.2 % IACS, worse than 61% of stainless steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (52/100), worse than 76% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 17-4 PH takes about 55 MJ of energy and emits 5.2 kg of CO₂ — more than 50% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 50%.
Manufacturability8
17-4 PH's machinability is fair (45/100, better than 84% of stainless steel grades); weldability very good (70/100); formability fair (35/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the stainless steel family
Yield strength against density for every stainless steel grade FabDigit runs. 17-4 PH is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with 17-4 PH
Is 17-4 PH easy to machine?
Machine in Condition A or H1150 with rigid setups, positive-rake carbide, 60–110 m/min and heavy feeds; work hardens readily, so avoid dwelling — allow ~0.05 % shrinkage on aging (H900 grows/shrinks slightly).
Can 17-4 PH be welded?
Very good weldability by GTAW/GMAW/laser with matching 17-4 or ER630 filler, no preheat required; re-solution + age (or at minimum a direct H1150 age) after welding to restore properties.
Can 17-4 PH be formed, bent or molded?
Cold forming is limited in Condition A (bend radii ≥ 2t); hot work 1150–1200 °C and finish above 950 °C, then solution treat — for AM use 20–50 µm gas-atomized powder with N₂-free atmosphere to control retained austenite.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit's quote engine applies to 17-4 PH. Design inside these and the part quotes instantly; outside them it routes to an engineer.
CNC machining
| Machinability | Fair45 / 100 |
|---|---|
| ISO material group | M.3 |
| Cutting speed (rough / finish) | 120 / 140 m/min |
| Minimum wall | 0.8 mm |
| Minimum internal radius | 1.5 mm |
| Drill depth limit | 4× diameter |
| Best surface (machined / polished) | Ra 1.6 / 0.8 µm |
| Hardenable after machining | Yes |
Sheet metal
| Formability | Fair35 / 100 |
|---|---|
| Weldability | Better70 / 100 |
| Bendable | No |
| Minimum bend radius | 2.5× thickness |
| Sheet thickness range | 0.5 – 6 mm |
| Spring-back | High |
3D printing
| Technologies | DMLS |
|---|---|
| Layer height | 20 – 60 µmdefault 30 µm |
| Minimum wall / feature | 0.5 / 0.3 mm |
| Build envelope | 250 × 250 × 325 mm |
| Supports | Yes |
| Anisotropy | Mild |
| Mandatory post-processing | heat treatment |
17-4 PH chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| CASTM A564 Type 630 | ≤ 0.07 | 0.04 |
| Mn | ≤ 1 | 0.5 |
| Si | ≤ 1 | 0.5 |
| P | ≤ 0.04 | 0.02 |
| S | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| Cr | 15 – 17.5 | 16 |
| Ni | 3 – 5 | 4.2 |
| Cu | 3 – 5 | 3.8 |
| Nb+TaCb+Ta stabilizer, drives NbC/Cu precipitation | 0.15 – 0.45 | 0.3 |
| Fe | balance |
What surface finishes work on 17-4 PH?
Passivate per ASTM A967 (citric or nitric) after machining; takes a high polish for mold inserts and accepts hard chrome, electroless nickel or PVD — never anodized.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on stainless steel parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Plating
Organic Coating
CVD Coating
Black / Phosphate
Thermal Spray
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Stainless Steel 17-4 PH in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- S17400
- AISI / SAE
- 17-4PH
- ASTM
- 630A564 Type 630
- AMS
- 5643
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- 1.4542X5CrNiCuNb16-4
- GB (China)
- 05Cr17Ni4Cu4Nb0Cr17Ni4Cu4Nb
- JIS
- SUS630
- Trade names
- Alloy 630
How much does 17-4 PH cost?
17-4 PH is a premium-cost stainless steel ($$$), pricier than about 58% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
17-4 PH — frequently asked
What is 17-4 PH used for?
17-4 PH is typically used for pump shafts, valve stems and internals, aerospace structural fittings, injection mould inserts, high-strength fasteners and additively manufactured brackets and manifolds. In short: standard aerospace PH.
What is the yield strength of 17-4 PH?
17-4 PH has a typical yield strength of 760 MPa (110 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,030 MPa (149 ksi) — stronger than 94% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 17 listed tempers.
Is 17-4 PH easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (45/100, better than 84% of stainless steel grades). Machine in Condition A or H1150 with rigid setups, positive-rake carbide, 60–110 m/min and heavy feeds; work hardens readily, so avoid dwelling — allow ~0.05 % shrinkage on aging (H900 grows/shrinks slightly).
Can 17-4 PH be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (70/100). Very good weldability by GTAW/GMAW/laser with matching 17-4 or ER630 filler, no preheat required; re-solution + age (or at minimum a direct H1150 age) after welding to restore properties.
What surface finishes work on 17-4 PH?
Passivate per ASTM A967 (citric or nitric) after machining; takes a high polish for mold inserts and accepts hard chrome, electroless nickel or PVD — never anodized.
Can 17-4 PH be formed, bent or molded?
Cold forming is limited in Condition A (bend radii ≥ 2t); hot work 1150–1200 °C and finish above 950 °C, then solution treat — for AM use 20–50 µm gas-atomized powder with N₂-free atmosphere to control retained austenite.
What is the maximum service temperature of 17-4 PH?
17-4 PH is rated for continuous use to about 200°C (392 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between 17-4 PH Condition A and 17-4 PH-CH900?
Condition A is the default condition — standard stock condition — machine in this state, then age to the required H-temper. CH900: strip/foil condition for springs and diaphragms needing the highest attainable strength. Yield strength is 760 MPa in Condition A versus 1,350 MPa in CH900.
How much does 17-4 PH cost?
17-4 PH is a premium-cost stainless steel ($$$), pricier than about 58% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Can FabDigit make parts in 17-4 PH?
Yes — 17-4 PH is available for CNC machining, sheet metal, 3D printing and casting & forging with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- ASTM A564/A564M — Age-Hardening Stainless Bars and Shapes (Type 630) — ASTM (2019)
- AMS 5643 — Steel, Corrosion and Heat-Resistant, Bars, Wire, Forgings (17-4 PH) — SAE International (2020)
- EN 10088-3 / X5CrNiCuNb16-4 (1.4542) — CEN (2014)
- GB/T 1220 (05Cr17Ni4Cu4Nb) — SAC (2007)
- 17-4 PH Stainless Steel Product Data Bulletin — AK Steel / Cleveland-Cliffs (2016)
- ATI 17-4 Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel Technical Data Sheet — ATI (2016)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- NACE MR0175/ISO 15156-3 — hardness limits for UNS S17400 — NACE/ISO (2015)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.