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Stainless Steel 17-4 PH-CH900

Supply condition

AISI/SAE 17-4 PH · UNS S17400 · ASTM 630, A564 Type 630 · EN 1.4542, X5CrNiCuNb16-4 · JIS SUS630

CH900 = condition C + H900

Strip/foil condition for springs and diaphragms needing the highest attainable strength.

Values for the CH900 condition

Other 17-4 PH tempers and conditions

17-4 PH is listed in 17 conditions; see the grade overview at 17-4 PH.

Compare all 17 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
Double overaged 760 °C + 621 °C
Lowest-strength, highest-ductility condition for maximum notch toughness and cryogenic/sour service.6208602426 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.6501,0501530 HRC2 % 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.6608701728 HRC20 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 MR0175.7309302030 HRC2.3 % IACS
solution annealed 1040 °C, air cooled (as-supplied bar/plate)
Standard stock condition — machine in this state, then age to the required H-temper.7601,0301233 HRC—
650 °C low-temperature relief of printed / welded parts
Removes build/weld residual stress before cutting parts from the plate; strength changes little.7801,0001631 HRC2.2 % IACS
Hot isostatic pressed
Closes AM/casting porosity for fatigue-critical parts; follow with the required H-temper aging.7801,0301732 HRC2.2 % 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.7909701531 HRC19 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.8001,0001931 HRC—
Aged 593 °C (1100 °F) for 4 h
Higher toughness / lower hardness temper for impact-loaded or moderately corrosive service.9001,0001733 HRC—
Aged 579 °C (1075 °F) for 4 h
Good general-purpose temper when notch toughness matters more than peak strength.1,0001,0701636 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.1,0601,1401336 HRC18 W/m·K
Aged 552 °C (1025 °F) for 4 h
Balanced strength/toughness for shafts and highly loaded machined parts.1,0701,1401538 HRC—
Aged 496 °C (925 °F) for 4 h
Slight ductility/SCC gain over H900 with only a small strength penalty.1,1701,2751342 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.1,2201,3501142 HRC18 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.1,2751,3801244 HRC18 W/m·K
CH900This page
Condition C + H900
Strip/foil condition for springs and diaphragms needing the highest attainable strength.1,3501,450645 HRC2.2 % IACS

What is 17-4 PH-CH900?

17-4 PH-CH900 is 17-4 PH supplied in the CH900 condition — strip/foil condition for springs and diaphragms needing the highest attainable strength. 17-4 PH-CH900 has a yield strength of 1,350 MPa (196 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,450 MPa (210 ksi) — stronger than 99% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 6% and the elastic modulus is 196 GPa (28.4 Msi). 17-4 PH-CH900 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). Condition A is the default condition FabDigit quotes; CH900 is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • High strength — 1,350 MPa (196 ksi), better than 99% of stainless steel grades

Limitations

  • Limited ductility — 6%, worse than 99% of stainless steel grades
  • Low fracture toughness — 45 MPa·√m (41 ksi·√in), worse than 95% of stainless steel grades
  • Limited formability — 12/100, worse than 93% of stainless steel grades
  • Limited service temperature — 300°C (572 °F), worse than 90% of stainless steel grades
  • Difficult to weld — 40/100, worse than 83% of stainless steel grades

17-4 PH-CH900 properties

Typical room-temperature values for 17-4 PH-CH900; 21 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are 17-4 PH reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among stainless steel grades.

Physical3

17-4 PH-CH900 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).

Density7.78 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)1,404°C2,559 °F
Liquidus Temperature1,440°C2,624 °F

Mechanical16

17-4 PH-CH900 has a yield strength of 1,350 MPa (196 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,450 MPa (210 ksi) — stronger than 99% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 6% and the elastic modulus is 196 GPa (28.4 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus196 GPa28.4 Msi
Shear Modulus77 GPa11.2 Msi
Bulk Modulus142 GPa20.6 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.27
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)1,450 MPa210 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)1,350 MPa196 ksi
Elongation at Break6%
Reduction in Area45%
Compressive Strength1,400 MPa203 ksi
Shear Strength900 MPa131 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)650 MPa94.3 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)45 MPa·√m41 ksi·√in
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)10 J7.4 ft·lbf
Hardness, Brinell430 HB
Hardness, Rockwell C45 HRC
Hardness, Vickers445 HV

Thermal6

17-4 PH-CH900 is rated for continuous service to 300°C (572 °F). It conducts heat at 18 W/m·K (10.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 73% of stainless steel grades. Thermal expansion is 10.8 µm/m·K (6 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity18 W/m·K10.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)10.8 µm/m·K6 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion270 J/g116 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)300°C572 °F
Min Service Temperature-73°C-99 °F

Electrical3

17-4 PH-CH900 conducts electricity at 2.2 % IACS, worse than 61% of stainless steel grades.

Electrical Conductivity2.2 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity7.8×10⁻⁷ Ω·m30.7 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responseferromagnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is fair (52/100), worse than 76% of stainless steel grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.15 V
Corrosion ResistanceFair52/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryGood in atmosphere, fresh water, mild acids and many organics; clearly better than 410/420 but inferior to 316 in chloride media — risk of pitting/crevice attack in seawater and of SCC in H900 condition (use H1150/H1150D for sour or chloride service).

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of 17-4 PH-CH900 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%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)55 MJ/kg23,646 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)5.2 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water200 L/kg24 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content50%

Manufacturability8

17-4 PH-CH900's machinability is poor (28/100, worse than 79% of stainless steel grades); weldability fair (40/100); formability not recommended (12/100).

MachinabilityPoor28/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)28%
WeldabilityFair40/100
Formability (cold)Not recommended12/100
CastabilityGood65/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityFair45/100
PolishabilityVery good75/100
Anodizing Responsen/a — stainless steel is not anodized; passivate per ASTM A967 or hard-chrome/PVD coat instead

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with 17-4 PH-CH900

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.

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.

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.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
CASTM A564 Type 630≤ 0.070.04
Mn≤ 10.5
Si≤ 10.5
P≤ 0.040.02
S≤ 0.030.01
Cr15 – 17.516
Ni3 – 54.2
Cu3 – 53.8
Nb+TaCb+Ta stabilizer, drives NbC/Cu precipitation0.15 – 0.450.3
Febalance—

17-4 PH-CH900 — frequently asked

What is 17-4 PH-CH900 used for?

17-4 PH-CH900 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-CH900?

17-4 PH-CH900 has a typical yield strength of 1,350 MPa (196 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,450 MPa (210 ksi) — stronger than 99% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 17 listed tempers.

Is 17-4 PH-CH900 easy to machine?

Not especially — machinability is rated poor (28/100, worse than 79% 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-CH900 be welded?

With care — weldability is rated fair (40/100). 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-CH900?

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-CH900 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-CH900?

17-4 PH-CH900 is rated for continuous use to about 300°C (572 °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.

Can FabDigit make parts in 17-4 PH-CH900?

Yes — 17-4 PH-CH900 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

  1. ASTM A564/A564M — Age-Hardening Stainless Bars and Shapes (Type 630) — ASTM (2019)
  2. AMS 5643 — Steel, Corrosion and Heat-Resistant, Bars, Wire, Forgings (17-4 PH) — SAE International (2020)
  3. EN 10088-3 / X5CrNiCuNb16-4 (1.4542) — CEN (2014)
  4. GB/T 1220 (05Cr17Ni4Cu4Nb) — SAC (2007)
  5. 17-4 PH Stainless Steel Product Data Bulletin — AK Steel / Cleveland-Cliffs (2016)
  6. ATI 17-4 Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel Technical Data Sheet — ATI (2016)
  7. ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
  8. 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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.