17-4 PH Material Data Sheet
Overview
17-4 PH is a type of precipitation-hardening stainless steel that is widely used in various industries due to its excellent mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and weldability.
Composition
The chemical composition of 17-4 PH stainless steel is as follows:
- Carbon (C): 0.07 max
- Manganese (Mn): 1.00 max
- Phosphorus (P): 0.040 max
- Sulfur (S): 0.030 max
- Silicon (Si): 1.00 max
- Chromium (Cr): 15.50 - 17.50
- Nickel (Ni): 3.50 - 5.50
- Copper (Cu): 3.00 - 5.00
- Niobium (Nb): 0.15 - 0.45
Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of 17-4 PH stainless steel are as follows:
- Tensile Strength: 950 - 1200 MPa (138000 - 174000 psi)
- Yield Strength: 800 - 1000 MPa (116000 - 145000 psi)
- Elongation at Break: 10 - 15%
- Hardness: Rockwell C (HRC): 36 - 42
- Density: 7.8 g/cm³ (0.28 lb/in³)
Physical Properties
The physical properties of 17-4 PH stainless steel are as follows:
- Melting Point: 1370°C (2500°F)
- Specific Heat Capacity: 0.50 J/g°C (0.12 BTU/lb°F)
- Electrical Resistivity: 75.6 Ω·cm (12.5 Ω·in)
- Thermal Conductivity: 16.2 W/m°C (9.1 BTU/ft·hr°F)
Corrosion Resistance
17-4 PH stainless steel exhibits excellent corrosion resistance in various environments, including:
- Chloride-containing environments: Resistant to pitting and crevice corrosion
- Acidic environments: Resistant to corrosion in sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and phosphoric acid
- Aqueous environments: Resistant to corrosion in freshwater, seawater, and saltwater
Applications
17-4 PH stainless steel is widely used in various industries, including:
- Aerospace: Used in aircraft and missile components
- Chemical processing: Used in equipment and piping for handling corrosive chemicals
- Marine hardware: Used in boat fittings, propellers, and other marine components
- Food processing: Used in equipment and utensils for handling food and beverages
Heat Treatment
17-4 PH stainless steel can be heat-treated to achieve different levels of strength and corrosion resistance. The most common heat treatment processes include:
- Solution annealing: 1065°C (1950°F) for 1 hour, followed by rapid cooling
- Aging: 480°C (900°F) for 4 hours, followed by air cooling
Conclusion
17-4 PH stainless steel is a versatile and high-performance material that offers excellent mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and weldability. Its wide range of applications makes it a popular choice for various industries.
