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17-4 PH Stainless Steel Forgings

As a high-strength weldable alloy, 17-4 stainless steel provides the hardness and machinability needed for demanding applications, including mechanical components, biomedical tools, and structural components. Great Lakes Forge offers a full range of custom forging capabilities for 17-4 PH stainless steel. We can provide custom forgings up to 4,000 lbs., from 3.5" to 18" in diameter/thickness, and up to 120" in length. With the industry's fastest turnaround times, our forging services are ideal for high or low-volume production, as well as prototyping.

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17-4 PH Stainless Steel Alloy: Properties & Characteristics

17-4 precipitation-hardening stainless steel features high strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and good mechanical properties, making it ideal for a wide range of applications. Characteristics of 17-4 PH stainless steel include:

  • High strength
  • High hardness
  • High fatigue strength
  • Good galling and stress corrosion resistance
  • Exceptional oxidation resistance at temperatures up to 1,100°F (593°C)
  • Excellent corrosion resistance (comparable to chromium-nickel grades)

Forged 17-4 PH Stainless Steel Shapes

To meet the needs of your unique project, we can create a wide range of forged shapes, including standard shapes like blocks, bars, rounds, and other custom geometries to meet your unique specifications. 17-4 stainless steel shapes we forge include:

Forged 17-4 Stainless Steel Applications and Industries

17-4 steel forgings serve a variety of industries that require high strength, corrosion resistance, and thermal resistance. From medical devices to waterjet cutting equipment, this high-performance material is used in some of the most demanding industrial sectors, including:

  • Aerospace Components
  • Petrochemical Industries
  • Paper Industries
  • Food Processing
  • Metalworking
  • Waterjet Cutting Equipment

Composition of Alloy 17-4 PH Stainless Steel Forgings

Element % Content
Carbon 0.07 (max.)
Chromium 14.00 to 15.50
Columbium + Tantalum 0.15 to 0.45
Copper 2.50 to 4.50
Manganese 1.00 (max.)
Nickel 3.50 to 5.50
Phosphorous 0.040 (max.)
Silicon 1.00 (max.)
Sulfur 0.015 (max.)
Iron balance

Stainless Steel Grade 17-4 PH Hardness

Tempered 17-4 stainless steel can reach Brinell scale hardness of up to 388, and Rockwell hardness of up to C40.

Alloy 17-4 Stainless Steel Heat Treatment

17-4 PH stainless steel is often hardened by heating solution-treated material to temperatures from 900°F to 1,150°F (482°C to 621°C) for one to four hours. The material must then be air cooled to below 90°F (32°C) to allow for complete transformation to martensite.

17-4 Stainless Steel Machinability

17-4 PH stainless steel is readily machined in both solution-treated (condition A) and in the precipitation hardened condition. For annealed 17-4 stainless steel, surface cutting speed averages 80 ft/min, similar to 13-8 stainless steel.

Your Trusted 17-4 Stainless Steel Forging Expert

Start your 17-4 Steel forging project today with Great Lakes Forge. We have the ability and capacity to exceed your 17-4 PH stainless steel forging needs.

Request a quote today on the custom 17-4 stainless steel forgings you need. Or, contact Great Lakes Forge for more information.