Stainless 17-4 (PH)

Annealing Procedure

1900 F (1038 C), hold for 1/2 hour, rapid cool.

Applications

Commonly used in both aircraft and gas turbines, nuclear reactor, paper mill, oil field, and chemical process components.

Cold Workability

Despite its high initial yield strength, 17-4 can be cold worked successfully by most common methods.

Forgeability

Soak for 1 hour at 2150 F (1177 C) prior to forging. Do not work below 1850 F (1010 C). Post-work solution treatment is required prior to final hardening.

Formability

This alloy is capable of being only mildly formed. If forming is required, do so in the overaged condition for best results.

Hardening Procedure

This alloy has good ductility and may be readily formed by all conventional methods. Because the alloy is stronger than regular steel it requires more powerful equipment to accomplish forming. Heavy-duty lubricants should be used during cold forming.

Heat Treatability

CONDITION A--Soak at 1900 F (1038 C) for 30 minutes and cool below 60 F (16 C) for complete martensite transformation. CONDITION H 950- Treat Condition A material at 900 F(482 C) for 1 hour, air cool.. CONDITION H925, H1025, H1075, H1100, H1150- Soak solution treated material for 4 hours at specified temperature, air cool, CONDITION H1150M- Soak solution treated material at 1400 F (760 C) for 2 hours, air cool, then re-heat to 1150 F (620 C) for 4 hours and air cool.

Hot Workability

17-4 PH can be easily hot worked using most of the common processes. It is suggested that material be solution treated at 1900 F(1038 C) then formed during cooling while the material is still austenitic. Post-work solution treatment is required prior to final hardening.

Machinability

Long, gummy chips characterize this alloys machinability. It can be machined in the annealed condition, however condition H1150M will yield best results. Post machining solution treatment of parts will be required prior to final hardening if machining in this condition.

Principle Design Features

One of the most widely used precipitation hardening grades in the business. While soft and ductile in the solution annealed condition, it is capable of high properties with a single precipitation or aging treatment. Characterized by good corrosion resistance, high harness, toughness and strength.

Weldability

Successfully welded by common fusion and resistance methods, this alloy should not be joined by oxyacetylene welding. AWS E/ER630 filler metal is recommended if required.