17-4PH Stainless Steel - 1.4542 / AISI 630 / UNS S17400
Description
Alloy 1.4542 (17-4PH / AISI 630 / UNS S17400) is a precipitation-hardening martensitic stainless steel which combines a hardness of about 43 HRC with good corrosion resistance.
This grade has a hardening peak at 480°C which allows easy ageing after machining on an initially solution treated condition. The grade is remelted to improve the cleanliness and homogeneity of the material.
Stainless has a number of sources in stock, as well as different formats or states of the product to suit your processing needs.
This product can also be custom made or cut into slugs by our service centres.
Main applications
Due to its good resistance to corrosion, its good hardness in the treated state (48HRC) and its toughness, the grade is used in particular in the manufacture of instruments for the medical sector (drills, etc.), in general mechanics, in the food industry and in the automotive sector.
Metallurgy
The manufacturing processes associated with the transformation processes make it possible to obtain a homogeneous microstructure. In the treated state, the microstructure consists of martensite and nanometric intermetallic precipitates (Ni3Cu) which germinate during ageing.
Machinability
Forgeability
Alloy 1.4542 (17-4PH) can be hot forged in the 900–1250 °C range. Solution annealing is required after forging to achieve maximum hardness.
Weldability
The grade can be welded using most processes. Welding should preferably be carried out before ageing to avoid embrittlement of the heat-affected zone.
Typical heat treatments
| Step | Temperature | Duration | Cooling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solution annealing (Condition A) | 1030–1050 °C | – | Oil quench |
| Ageing H900 | 480 °C | 4 h | Air |
A volume shrinkage of up to approximately 0.07% should be expected during ageing. Allow for it when machining before heat treatment.
Mechanical properties
| Condition | Hardness | Tensile strength Rm |
|---|---|---|
| Solution annealed (Condition A or AT) | < 360 HBW | < 1200 MPa (< 174 ksi) |
| Pre-treated H900 | > 40 HRC | > 1310 MPa (> 190 ksi) |
Physical properties (at 20 °C)
| Density | 7.8 g/cm³ |
| Thermal expansion (20–200 °C) | 10.8 × 10⁻⁶ /°C |
| Young’s modulus | 197 GPa |
| Thermal conductivity | 17 W/m·K |
| Magnetism | Ferromagnetic |
Corrosion resistance
The grade has very good corrosion resistance but must be passivated. The microstructure contains little or no chromium carbides, which makes it less susceptible to intergranular corrosion.
Standard Sizes
Round or flat bars annealed (Condition A or AT) or pre-treated. Surface ground or peeled depending on diameter
Flat bars made to measure in the annealed condition (consult us)
Other format : sheets
Stainless has a wide range of stainless steels from the world's leading producers.
Available formats: Strips, tubes, bars, wires, flat bars, forged blocks, powders
Other formats are available from stock or on order. Contact us.
Austenitic stainless steels
316 – 1.4401
304L- 1.4307
1.4435
A286 – 1.4980
Nitronic®50 – 1.3964
Nitronic®60
Martensitic steels with structural hardening (type PH)
17-7PH – 1.4568
Remelted austenitic stainless steels for prostheses and implants
M30NW® – 1.4472
316LVM – 1.4441
Biodur® 108