Precipitation Hardening

17-4 PH Stainless Steel CNC Machining

Combines high strength of martensitic stainless with corrosion resistance of austenitic grades. The premium choice for aerospace, medical, and high-performance applications.

View Properties

Specifications

Designation:UNS S17400 / ASTM A564
Type:Martensitic PH Stainless
Density:7.75 g/cm³
Condition H900:1310 MPa Yield
Australian Std:AS 2837 Grade 630

Why Choose 17-4 PH?

Exceptional Strength

Yield strength up to 1310 MPa (H900 condition). Significantly stronger than 300-series stainless while maintaining corrosion resistance.

Corrosion Resistant

Better corrosion resistance than 400-series martensitic stainless. Comparable to 304 in many environments.

Heat Treatable

Precipitation hardening at low temperatures (480-620°C) minimizes distortion. No quenching required.

Good Machinability

Machines better than most stainless steels in solution-treated (Condition A) state before final hardening.

Technical Properties

Chemical Composition (%)

Chromium (Cr)15.0 - 17.5
Nickel (Ni)3.0 - 5.0
Copper (Cu)3.0 - 5.0
Niobium (Nb)0.15 - 0.45
Carbon (C)≤ 0.07

Mechanical Properties (H900)

Tensile Strength1380 MPa
Yield Strength1310 MPa
Elongation10%
Hardness40-45 HRC
Elastic Modulus197 GPa

Heat Treatment Conditions

H900 (480°C): Highest strength | H1025 (550°C): Balanced properties | H1150 (620°C): Maximum toughness

Applications

Aerospace

  • • Aircraft fittings
  • • Turbine blades
  • • Valve components
  • • Fasteners

Medical

  • • Surgical instruments
  • • Orthopedic implants
  • • Medical devices
  • • Dental equipment

Industrial

  • • High-pressure valves
  • • Pump shafts
  • • Nuclear reactor parts
  • • Offshore equipment

CNC Machining 17-4 PH

Machining Strategy

Machine in Condition A (solution-treated) before final heat treatment for best results. Harder conditions require slower speeds and carbide tooling.

Parameters (Condition A)

Turning (Carbide)50-80 m/min
Milling (Carbide)40-70 m/min
Drilling15-25 m/min

Best Practices

  • ✓ Machine before final heat treatment when possible
  • ✓ Carbide tools with coatings essential
  • ✓ Heavy coolant application
  • ✓ Rigid setup to prevent deflection

Expert 17-4 PH Machining

High-strength stainless steel machining for aerospace, medical, and critical applications.