17-4 stainless is an age-hardening martensitic stainless combining high strength with the corrosion resistance of stainless steel. Hardening is achieved by a short-time, simple low-temperature treatment. Unlike conventional martensitic stainless steels, such as type 410, 17-4 is quite weldable. The strength, corrosion resistance and simplified fabrication can make 17-4 stainless a cost-effective replacement for high strength carbon steels as well as other stainless grades.
The following table shows the chemical composition of grade 17-4 stainless steel.
Element |
Content (%) |
Iron, Fe |
73 |
Chromium, Cr |
15.0 - 17.5 |
Nickel, Ni |
3.0 - 5.0 |
Copper, Cu |
3.0 - 5.0 |
Manganese, Mn |
1.0 |
Silicon, Si |
1.0 |
Tantalum, Ta |
0.45 |
Niobium, Nb (Columbium, Cb) |
0.45 |
Nb + Ta |
0.15 - 0.45 |
Carbon, C |
0.070 |
Phosphorous, P |
0.040 |
Sulfur, S |
0.030 |
Property |
Imperial |
Metric |
Melting Range |
2560-2625 °F |
1404-1440 °C |
Specific Heat |
0.11 Btu/lb.-°F |
460 Joules/gg-K |
Specific Density |
0.282 lb/in3 |
7.8 g/cm3 |
Electrical Resistivity |
38.6 µΩ in |
98 µΩ cm |
Linear Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (70 °F to 200 °F) (21 °C to 93 °C) |
6 [in/in/°F·106] |
10.8 [μm/m·°C] |
Linear Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (70 °F to 400 °F) (21 °C to 204 °C) |
6 [in/in/°F·106] |
10.8 [μm/m·°C] |
Linear Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (70 °F to 600 °F) (27 °C to 316 °C) |
6.2 [in/in/°F·106] |
11.2 [μm/m·°C] |
Linear Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (70 °F to 800 °F) (21 °C to 427 °C) |
6.3 [in/in/°F·106] |
11.2 [μm/m·°C] |
Thermal Conductivity (@ 300 °F) (@ 149 °C) |
124 Btu/(hr/ft²/in/°F) |
17.9 [W/m-K] |
Thermal Conductivity (@ 500 °F) (@ 260 °C) |
135 Btu/(hr/ft²/in/°F) |
19.5 [W/m-K] |
Thermal Conductivity (@ 860 °F) (@ 460 °C) |
156 Btu/(hr/ft²/in/°F) |
22.5 [W/m-K] |
Thermal Conductivity (@ 900 °F) (@ 482 °C) |
157 Btu/(hr/ft²/in/°F) |
22.6 [W/m-K] |
Poisson’s Ratio (H900 Condition) |
0.272 |
0.272 |
Modulus of Elasticity (H900 Condition) |
28 x 106 ksi |
197 x 103 MPa |
Modulus of Rigidity in Torsion |
9.68 x 103 ksi |
67 x 103 MPa |
Property |
Imperial |
Metric |
Ultimate Tensile Strength |
23,300 psi |
160 MPa |
Yield Strength (0.02%) |
16,680 psi |
115 MPa |
Elongation (% in 2’’) |
5% |
5% |
Rockwell Hardness C |
35 |
35 |
Stainless Steel 17-4PH is available in the solution annealed condition at 1900 °F (1038 °C) and then air-cooled to 90 °F (32 °C).
However, additional heat treatments can produce various hardness and toughness levels. The most common treatments are listed in the table below.
Condition |
Temperature [± 15 °F (± 8.4 °C)] |
Cooling Method and Duration |
H 900 |
900 °F (482 °C) |
Air cooling for 1 hour |
H 925 |
925 °F (496 °C) |
Air cooling for 4 hours |
H 1025 |
1025 °F (551 °C) |
Air cooling for 4 hours |
H 1075 |
1075 °F (580 °C) |
Air cooling for 4 hours |
H 1100 |
1100 °F (593 °C) |
Air cooling for 4 hours |
H 1150 |
1150 °F (621 °C) |
Air cooling for 4 hours |
H 1150 + 1150 |
1150 °F (621 °C) |
Air cooling for 4 hours |
H 1150-M |
1400 °F (760 °C) |
Air cooling for 2 hours |