17-4 PH ®

STAINLESS STEEL
P R O D U C T D ATA B U L L E T I N

Aerospace Paper
Food Processing Metalworking
Petrochemical Chemical

Applications Potential
17-4 PH® Stainless Steel is the most widely used of all the
precipitation-hardening stainless steels. Its valuable combination of properties
gives designers opportunities to add reliability to their products while simplifying
fabrication and often reducing costs. This valuable alloy is widely used in the
aerospace, chemical, petrochemical, food processing, paper and general
metalworking industries.
UNS S17400 1 7 - 4 P H ® S TA I N L E S S S T E E L
17-4 PH® STAINLESS STEEL

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Product Description ......................................................................... 1
Composition .................................................................................... 1
Available Forms ............................................................................... 1
Specifications................................................................................... 1
Standard Heat Treatments ............................................................... 2
Mechanical Properties ..................................................................... 3
Physical Properties........................................................................... 7
Dimensional Change......................................................................... 8
Corrosion Resistance ....................................................................... 9
Formability ..................................................................................... 13
Weldability ..................................................................................... 16
Heat Treatment .............................................................................. 16
Descaling....................................................................................... 17
17-4 PH® STAINLESS STEEL

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
17-4 PH Stainless Steel is a martensitic precipitation-hardening
stainless steel that provides an outstanding combination of high
strength, good corrosion resistance, good mechanical properties at
temperatures up to 600 °F (316 °C), good toughness in both base
metal and welds, and short-time, low-temperature heat treatments
that minimize warpage and scaling.

COMPOSITION (wt %)
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) 15.00 – 17.50
Nickel (Ni) 3.00 – 5.00
Copper (Cu) 3.00 – 5.00
Niobium* (Nb) 0.15 – 0.45
*ASTM A693 requirements call for Niobium plus Tantalum = 0.15 - 0.45.
AK Steel makes no intentional Ta addition.

AVAILABLE FORMS
AK Steel produces 17-4 PH Stainless Steel sheet and strip in thicknesses
from 0.015 – 0.125 in. (0.38 – 3.18 mm). In these forms, the alloy is
supplied in Condition A, ready for fabrication and subsequent hardening
by the user. Since the material transforms to martensite on cooling to
room temperature, flatness requirements should be considered and
discussed as part of the order.

SPECIFICATIONS
The following specifications are listed without revision indications.
Contact ASTM Headquarters for latest ASTM revision. For AMS revision,
contact AMS Division of SAE.

AMS 5604 Sheet, Strip and Plate

ASTM A693 Plate, Sheet and Strip
(Listed as Grade 630 - UNS S17400)

The values shown in this bulletin were established in U.S. customary

units. The metric equivalents may be approximate.

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17-4 PH® STAINLESS STEEL

STANDARD HEAT TREATMENTS

As supplied from the Mill in Condition A, 17-4 PH Stainless Steel can be heat
treated at a variety of temperatures to develop a wide range of properties. Eight
standard heat treatments have been developed. The following chart outlines
the times and temperatures required.

This alloy exhibits useful mechanical properties in Condition A. Tests conducted

at an exposed marine atmosphere on a 80 ft. (24.4 m) lot, 82 ft. (25 m) from
the waterline, show excellent stress corrosion resistance. Condition A material
has been used successfully in numerous applications. The hardness and tensile
properties fall within the range of those for Conditions H 1100 and H 1150.

However, in critical applications, the alloy is used in the precipitation-

hardened condition, rather than Condition A. Heat treating to the hardened
condition, especially at the higher end of the temperature range, stress
relieves the structure and may provide more reliable resistance to stress
corrosion cracking than in Condition A.

TABLE 1 – STANDARD HEAT TREATMENTS

Condition A Solution Treated at 1900 °F ± 25 °F (1038 °C ± 14 °C) or Air cool
below 90 °F (32 °C).

Heat To Time at Type of

Condition ± 15 °F (8.4 °C) Temperature, hrs. Cooling
H 900 900 °F (482 °C) 1 Air
H 925 925 °F (496 °C) 4 Air
H 1025 1025 °F (551 °C) 4 Air
H 1075 1075 °F (580 °C) 4 Air
H 1100 1100 °F (593 °C) 4 Air
H 1150 1150 °F (621 °C) 4 Air
H 1150 + 1150 1150 °F (621 °C) 4 Air
followed by
1150 °F (621 °C) 4 Air
H 1150-M 1400 °F (760 °C) 2 Air
followed by
1150 °F (621 °C) 4 Air

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17-4 PH® STAINLESS STEEL

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
17-4 PH Stainless Steel provides excellent mechanical properties. For applications requiring high strength and
hardness plus corrosion resistance, this alloy is an outstanding choice. In addition, it is more cost effective than many
high-nickel, non-ferrous alloys.

TABLE 2 – TYPICAL MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

Condition
Property A H 900 H 925 H 1025 H 1075 H 1150 H 1150-M
UTS, ksi. (MPa) 160 (1103) 200 (1379) 190 (1310) 170 (1172) 165 (1138) 150 (1034) 137 (945)
0.2% YS, ksi. (MPa) 115 (793) 185 (1275) 175 (1207) 165 (1138) 160 (1103) 130 (896) 111 (765)
Elongation,
% in 2" (50.8 mm) 5 9 9 10 11 12 17
Rockwell Hardness C 35 45 43 38 37 33 31

TABLE 3 – PROPERTIES ACCEPTABLE FOR MATERIAL SPECIFICATION*

Condition
Property A H 900 H 925 H 1025 H 1075 H 1100 H 1150
UTS, ksi. (MPa) 185 max. 190 min. 170 min. 155 min. 145 min. 140 min. 135 min.
(1276) (1310) (1172) (1069) (1000) (965) (931)
0.2% YS, ksi. (MPa) 160 max. 170 min. 155 min. 145 min. 125 min. 115 min. 105 min.
(1103) (1172) (1069) (1000) (862) (790) (724)
Elongation,
% in 2" (50.8 mm) 3 min. 5 min. 5 min. 5 min. 5 min. 5 min. 8 min.
Rockwell Hardness C 38 max. 40 – 48 38 – 46 35 – 43 31 – 40 31 – 40 28 – 38
*Sheets and strip.

TABLE 4 – PIN BEARING PROPERTIES OF SHEET*

e/D† = 1.5 e/D = 2.0 Tensile Strengths***
Bearing Bearing
Yield Bearing Yield Bearing
Strength** Strength Strength** Strength 0.2% YS UTS
Condition ksi. (MPa) ksi. (MPa) ksi. (MPa) ksi. (MPa) ksi. (MPa) ksi. (MPa)
H 925 273 (1882) 304 (2096) 308 (2124) 401 (2765) 190 (1310) 191 (1317)
H 1025 242 (1669) 270 (1862) 288 (1986) 359 (2475) 172 (1186) 172 (1186)
H 1100 233 (1606) 257 (1772) 262 (1806) 337 (2324) 160 (1103) 160 (1103)
H 1150 203 (1400) 234 (1613) 236 (1627) 313 (2158) 146 (1007) 150 (1034)
A 211 (1455) 226 (1558) 276 (1903) 296 (2041) 158 (1089) 158 (1089)
*Average of duplicate tests on one heat of 0.065 in. (1.65 mm) sheet material.
** Offset equals 2% of pin diameter.
*** Yield equals ultimate tensile strengths due to rounding.
†
e/D = Distance from edge of specimen to edge of hole + hole diameter.

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17-4 PH® STAINLESS STEEL

ELEVATED TEMPERATURE PROPERTIES

Mechanical properties of 17-4 PH Stainless Steel Condition H 1150 after Elevated temperature properties for short-time exposures were
long-time exposure at elevated temperatures are shown in Table 4. When determined for Conditions H 900 and H 1150. Specimens were heated
tested at room temperature after exposure, a slight loss of toughness rapidly by resistance methods and reached exposure temperatures
and gain in strength can be noted. However, H 1150 properties can be within two seconds. Specimens were then held at temperature for the
restored by heat treating at 1150 °F (621 °C) for four hours after original times indicated and tested both at exposure temperature and at room
exposure. By taking advantage of this re-aging treatment, the service temperature. (See Tables 6, 7 and 8).
life of parts exposed at elevated temperature to 750 °F (339 °C) can be
extended indefinitely.

TABLE 5 – EFFECT OF ELEVATED TEMPERATURE EXPOSURE ON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES – CONDITION H 1150

Test Temperatures Prenotched Charpy
W/A, in.•lb./in.2
Room Temperature 600 °F (316 °C) 750 °F (399 °C) (N/mm2)

Exposure Elong Elong Elong

Temperature Time UTS 0.2% % in 2" UTS 0.2% % in 2" UTS 0.2% % in 2" 75 °F -75 °F
°F (°C) hrs. ksi. (MPa) ksi. (MPa) (50.8 mm) ksi. (MPa) ksi. (MPa) (50.8 mm) ksi. (MPa) ksi. (MPa) (50.8 mm) (24 °C) (-60 °C)
600 (316) 1000 151 (1041) 142 (979) 13 123 (848) 118 (814) 6 115 (793) 110 (758) 5 1882 (329) 2062 (361)
7000 157 (1082) 150 (1034) 11 128 (882) 123 (848) 8 120 (827) 117 (807) 5 1956 (342) 1653 (289)
7000* 141 (972) 119 (820) 13 113 (779) 107 (738) 7 107 (738) 103 (710) 6 2168 (379) 2242 (392)
650 (343) 1000 155 (1069) 149 (1027) 13 128 (882) 124 (855) 6 121 (834) 116 (800) 5 1940 (340) 2018 (353)
7000 168 (1159) 162 (1117) 11 138 (952) 135 (931) 7 132 (910) 128 (882) 5 1624 (284) 1597 (279)
7000* 141 (972) 119 (820) 12 115 (793) 108 (745) 7 108 (745) 102 (703) 7 2264 (396) 2398 (420)
700 (371) 100 152 (1048) 144 (993) 13 125 (862) 120 (827) 6 118 (814) 112 (772) 4 1874 (328) 1973 (345)
1000 162 (1117) 155 (1069) 11 134 (924) 130 (896) 7 130 (896) 124 (855) 6 1841 (322) 1801 (315)
7000 179 (1234) 174 (1200) 9 148 (1020) 144 (993) 6 142 (979) 137 (945) 5 1215 (213) 667 (117)
7000* 140 (965) 117 (807) 13 114 (786) 108 (745) 7 108 (745) 103 (710) 6 2153 (377) 2260 (396)
750 (399) 100 154 (1062) 147 (1014) 13 128 (882) 122 (841) 6 121 (834) 115 (793) 4 1807 (316) 1836 (321)
1000 171 (1179) 165 (1138) 11 140 (965) 135 (931) 7 135 (931) 129 (889) 6 1309 (229) 1231 (215)
7000 185 (1276) 178 (1227) 10 149 (1027) 144 (993) 7 144 (993) 138 (952) 8 987 (173) 420 (74)
7000* 140 (965) 117 (807) 13 113 (779) 107 (738) 7 105 (724) 101 (696) 7 2308 (404) 2320 (406)
None None 148 (1021) 134 (924) 13 121 (834) 115 (793) 5 116 (800) 111 (765) 4 2087 (365) 2124 (372)

*Re-aged at 1150 °F (621 °C) for 4 hours after exposure.

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17-4 PH® STAINLESS STEEL

TABLE 6 – EFFECT OF SHORT-TIME ELEVATED TEMPERATURE EXPOSURE ON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES – CONDITION H 900
TESTED AT ROOM TEMPERATURE
Exposure Exposure Time, seconds
Temperature
°F (°C) Property 5 10 30 60 90 300 600
1000 (538) UTS, ksi. (MPa) 213 (1469) 210 (1488) 210 (1488) 210 (1448) 207 (1437) 205 (1414) 201 (1386)
0.2% YS, ksi. (MPa) 197 (1358) 189 (1303) 193 (1331) 194 (1338) 187 (1290) 192 (1324) 188 (1297)
Elong., % in 2" (50.8 mm) 8.0 8.0 7.0 7.0 6.0 5.5 5.0

1100 (593) UTS, ksi. (MPa) 201 (1386) 204 (1407) 197 (1359) 191 (1317) 192 (1324) 176 (1214) 178 (1228)
0.2% YS, ksi. (MPa) 183 (1262) 184 (1269) 178 (1228) 175 (1207) 180 (1241) 170 (1172) 167 (1152)
Elong., % in 2" (50.8 mm) 7.5 8.5 7.0 6.0 5.5 5.0 6.0
1200 (649) UTS, ksi. (MPa) 187 (1290) 187 (1290) 179 (1234) 181 (1248) 165 (1138) 164 (1131) 163 (1124)
0.2% YS, ksi. (MPa) 173 (1193) 176 (1118) 167 (1151) 168 (1159) 163 (1124) 149 (1027) 148 (1020)
Elong., % in 2" (50.8 mm) 8.0 8.0 7.0 8.0 6.5 6.0 6.0
1300 (704) UTS, ksi. (MPa) 172 (1186) 172 (1186) 165 (1138) 162 (1115) 160 (1103) 155 (1069) 154 (1062)
0.2% YS, ksi. (MPa) 146 (1007) 154 (1062) 137 (945) 143 (986) 134 (924) 112 (772) 131 (903)
Elong., % in 2" (50.8 mm) 9.0 8.0 8.0 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.0
1400 (760) UTS, ksi. (MPa) 165 (1138) 164 (1131) 161 (1110) 162 (1115) 159 (1096) 160 (1103) 157 (1082)
0.2% YS, ksi. (MPa) 132 (910) 123 (848) 124 (855) 120 (827) 127 (876) 125 (862) 118 (814)
Elong., % in 2" (50.8 mm) 8.5 8.0 7.0 6.0 6.0 5.0 6.0
1600 (871) UTS, ksi. (MPa) 167( 1152) 165 (1138) 165 (1138) 165 (1138) 161 (1100) 162 (1117)
0.2% YS, ksi. (MPa) 121 (834) 121 (834) 122 (841) 121 (834) 126 (869) 128 (882)
Elong., % in 2" (50.8 mm) 6.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 4.5 4.5
1800 (982) UTS, ksi. (MPa) 161 (1110) 159 (1096) 158 (1089) 157 (1082)
0.2% YS, ksi. (MPa) 119 (820) 119 (820) 114 (786) 118 (814)
Elong., % in 2" (50.8 mm) 6.0 6.0 5.5 6.0
2000 (1093) UTS, ksi. (MPa) 161 (1110) 161 (1110) 158 (1089)
0.2% YS, ksi. (MPa) 127 (876) 116 (800) 109 (752)
Elong., % in 2" (50.8 mm) 6.0 5.0 5.0

Control Sample: UTS – 215. 9 ksi. (1489 MPa)

0.2% YS – 196 ksi. (1352 MPa)
Elong., % in 2" (50.8 mm) – 8.5

TABLE 7 – EFFECT OF SHORT-TIME EXPOSURE AT 1400 °F (760 °C) ON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES – CONDITION H 1150
Test Exposure Time, seconds
Temperature
°F (°C) Property 5 10 30 60 90 300 600
Room UTS, ksi. (MPa) 154 (1062) 151 (1041) 151 (1041) 149 (1027) 150 (1034) 150 (1034) 147 (1014)
Temperature 0.2% YS, ksi. (MPa) 130 (896) 127 (876) 122 (841) 115 (793) 112 (772) 117 (807) 105 (724)
Elong., % in 2" (50.8 mm) 12.0 9.0 9.0 9.0 8.5 8.0 8.0

1400 (760) UTS, ksi. (MPa) 46.0 (317) 43.4 (297) 47.5 (327) 47.5 (327) 46.8 (332) 44.5 (306) 44.3 (305)
0.2% YS, ksi. (MPa) 45.2 (311) 42.6 (293) 46.0 (317) 46.2 (318) 45.3 (312) 43.5 (298) 42.3 (292)
Elong., % in 2" (50.8 mm) 27.0 29.0 21.0 19.0 18.0 23.0 21.0

Control Sample: UTS – 157 ksi. (1082 MPa)

0.2% YS – 143 ksi. (986 MPa)
Elong., % in 2" (50.8 mm) – 12.0

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17-4 PH® STAINLESS STEEL

TABLE 8 – EFFECT OF ELEVATED TEMPERATURE EXPOSURE FOR 30 SECONDS ON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES – CONDITION H 1150
Test Exposure Temperature, °F (°C)
Temperature
°F (°C) Property 1000 (538) 1200 (649) 1400 (760) 1600 (871) 1800 (982) 2000 (1093)
Room UTS, ksi. (MPa) 155 (1069) 154 (1062) 151 (1041) 155 (1069) 155 (1069) 157 (1082)
Temperature 0.2% YS, ksi. (MPa) 141 (972) 136 (938) 122 (841) 117 (807) 108 (745) 113 (779)
Elong., % in 2" (50.8 mm) 10.0 11.0 9.0 7.5 6.0 4.5

Exposure UTS, ksi. (MPa) 128 (882) 76.6 (528) 47.5 (327) 38.0 (262) 26.6 (183) 15.1 (103)
Temperature 0.2% YS, ksi. (MPa) 108 (745) 71.6 (493) 46.0 (317) 37.4 (258) 26.6 (179) 12.7 (87)
Elong., % in 2" (50.8 mm) 6.0 13.0 21.0 26.0 28.0 48.0

Control Sample: UTS – 157 ksi. (1082 MPa)

0.2% YS – 143 ksi. (986 MPa)
Elong., % in 2" (50.8 mm) – 12.0

FIGURE 1 – EFFECT OF 30 SECOND ELEVATED TEMPERATURE EXPOSURE ON ROOM TEMPERATURE PROPERTIES

1500 220

1400
200

1300
Ultimate Tensile Strength (MPa)

Ultimate Tensile Strength (ksi.)

180
1200
H 900

1100 160
H 1150

1000
140

900

120
800

700 100
1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000
Exposure Temperature, (°F)

500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100

Exposure Temperature, (°C)

NOTE: These tests represent instant heating of the entire cross section of the test specimens. Under actual conditions, heating rates would depend on heat source, surface
conditions and thermal conductivity of AK Steel 17-4 PH Stainless Steel (see Physical Properties). Times and temperatures shown in the tables apply only after parts have
reached temperatures.

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17-4 PH® STAINLESS STEEL

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
TABLE 9 – PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Condition
A H 900 H 1075 H 1150
(Magnetic) (Magnetic) (Magnetic) (Magnetic)
Density, lbs./in.3 (g/cm3) 0.28 (7.78) 0.282 (7.80) 0.283 (7.81) 0.284 (7.82)
Electrical Resistivity, µΩ•cm 98 77
Specific Heat, BTU/lbs./°F (kJ/kg/K)
32 - 212 °F (0 - 100 °C) 0.11 (0.46) 0.11 (0.46)
Thermal Conductivity
BTU/hr./ft.2/°F (W/m/K)
300 °F (149 °C) 124 (17.9)
500 °F (260 °C) 135 (19.5)
860 °F (460 °C) 156 (22.5)
900 °F (482 °C) 157 (22.6)
Mean Coefficient of Thermal Expansion
in./in./°F (μm/m/K)
-100 – 70 °F (-73 – 21 °C) – 5.8 x 10-6 (10.4) – 6.1 x 10-6 (11.0)
70 – 200 °F (21 – 93 °C) 6.0 x 10-6 (10.8) 6.0 x 10-6 (10.8) 6.3 x 10-6 (11.3) 6.6 x 10-6 (11.9)
70 – 400 °F (21 – 204 °C) 6.0 x 10-6 (10.8) 6.0 x 10-6 (10.8) 6.5 x 10-6 (11.7) 6.9 x 10-6 (12.4)
70 – 600 °F (21 – 316 °C) 6.2 x 10-6 (11.2) 6.3 x 10-6 (11.3) 6.6 x 10-6 (11.9) 7.1 x 10-6 (12.8)
70 – 800 °F (21 – 427 °C) 6.3 x 10-6 (11.3) 6.5 x 10-6 (11.7) 6.8 x 10-6 (12.2) 7.2 x 10-6 (13.0)
70 – 900 °F (21 – 482 °C) – – – 7.3 x 10-6 (13.1)
Modulus of Elasticity, ksi. (MPa) 28.5 x 106 (197 x 103)
Modulus of Rigidity, in
Torsion, ksi. (MPa) 9.68 x 103 (67 x 103) 11.00 x 103 (76 x 103) 10.10 x 103 (70 x 103)
Poisson's Ratio (all conditions) 0.272

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17-4 PH® STAINLESS STEEL

DIMENSIONAL CHANGE
DIMENSIONAL CHANGE IN HARDENING
As indicated by the density values, 17-4 PH Stainless Steel undergoes
a volume contraction when it is hardened. This produces a predictable
change in dimensions that must be taken into consideration if parts
made of this alloy must be manufactured to close tolerances.

TABLE 10 – CONTRACTION FROM HEAT TREATMENT

Contraction
Condition in./in. (mm/mm)
H 900 0.00045
H 925 0.00051
H 1025 0.00053
H 1100 0.0009
H 1150 0.0022
H 1150-M 1400 ––––>0.00037
1150 ––––>0.00206
. .. 1400 + 1150 ––––>0.00243
*Data represent single tests from one heat.

FIGURE 2 – DIMENSIONAL CHANGE IN HARDENING

HELD AT 1900 °F (1038 °C)

FOR 1/2 HOUR

AC1 = 1160 °F (627 °C)

AC3 = 1300 °F (704 °C)

Dilatation 0.1%

ING HELD AT 900 °F (482 °C)

AT FOR 1 HOUR
HE

G
G

IN
IN

ING OL
OL

AT CO
HE
CO

Mf INITIAL CONDITION – ANNEALED

Ms = 270 °F (132 °C)

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000
Temperature, (°F)

0 200 400 600 800 1000

Temperature, (°C)

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17-4 PH® STAINLESS STEEL

CORROSION RESISTANCE
CORROSION RESISTANCE
17-4 PH Stainless Steel provides excellent corrosion resistance. It
withstands corrosive attack better than any of the standard hardenable
stainless steels and is comparable to Type 304 in most media. This
has been confirmed by actual service in a wide variety of corrosive
conditions in the petrochemical, petroleum, paper, dairy and food
processing industries, and in applications such as boat shafting.
Additional proof of its durability is the replacement of chromium-nickel
stainless steels and high-alloy non-ferrous metals by this alloy for a
broad range of parts requiring excellent resistance to corrosion.

LABORATORY TESTS
Hundreds of laboratory corrosion tests have been conducted on
17-4 PH Stainless Steel to provide data for comparison with other
stainless steels. As chemically pure reagents were used, the data are
useful as a guide to the comparative ranking of this alloy with the
other materials, but are not a measure of their performance under
actual operating conditions. Typical corrosion rates for the material in
a variety of media are listed in Table 11 along with comparable data
for Type 304.

In general, the corrosion resistance of 17-4 PH Stainless Steel is

similar to Type 304 in the media tested, depending on heat-treated
conditions. For specific applications, see the details of Table 11 or
conduct pilot corrosive tests.

ATMOSPHERIC EXPOSURE
In rural and mild industrial atmospheres, 17-4 PH Stainless Steel has
excellent resistance to general corrosion in all heat-treated conditions.
It is equivalent to Type 304 stainless steel in these environments. The
alloy exposed to seacoast atmosphere will gradually develop overall
light rusting and pitting in all heat-treated conditions. It is almost equal
to Type 304 and much better than the standard hardenable stainless
steels in this environment.

SEAWATER EXPOSURE
The combination of high mechanical strength and good corrosion
resistance makes this alloy well suited for many marine applications
such as valve and pump parts. However, in common with other
stainless steels, the material is subject to crevice attack if exposed
to stagnant seawater for any length of time. If equipment exposed to
seawater is not operated continuously, cathodic protection is highly
desirable to prevent such attack.

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17-4 PH® STAINLESS STEEL

TABLE 11 – CORROSION RATES OF AK STEEL 17-4 PH IN VARIOUS CHEMICAL MEDIA

Corrosion Rate, mils per year (a)

Concentration Temp. AK Steel 17-4 PH SS (b) Type 304 (b)

Chemical Medium % °C H 925 H 1025 H 1075 H 1150 Annealed
H2SO4 1 35 Nil Nil Nil Nil 28
2 Nil Nil Nil Nil 57
5 4 7 11 9 240
1 80 1 1 1 1 350
2 8 9 13 17 480
98 35 Nil Nil Nil Nil –
98 80 5 5 7 6 –
HCI 0.5 35 2 2 3 16 33
1 35 174 518 650 240
HNO3 25 Boiling 14 6 7 8 2
50 70 35 47 31 4
65 125 85 107 79 10 (c)
Formic Acid 5 80 3 1 1 2 81
10 2 3 3 5 100
Acetic Acid 33 Boiling 6 6 4 4 300
60 2 2 2 2 250
H3PO4 2.5 Boiling Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil
20 1 1 1 2 2
50 4 4 3 5 7 (c)
70 86 57 60 119 32 (c)
NaOH 30 80 5 5 7 8 Nil
50 3 3 4 5 1
30 Boiling 8 7 11 11 68 (1)
50 480 (1) 450 (1) 560 (1) 560 (1) 80 (1)
Ammonium Hydroxide 10 Boiling Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil
10% HNO3 – 1% HF 35 1500 1500 1500 1500 380
10% HNO3 – 3% HF 4300 4300 4300 4300 840
Cola Soft Drink Syrup Concentrated 35 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil
Salt-Sugar-Vinegar Boiling Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil
(a) Rates were determined by total immersion of 0.625 in. (15.8 mm) diameter x 0.625 in. (15.8 mm) long cylindrical test specimens for five 48-hour periods.
Specimens were electrolytically activated for the last three periods except for the boiling 65 percent nitric acid test and also for Type 304 bar in boiling sodium
hydroxide. For Type 304 bar, passive periods were not averaged. In most cases, where rates of replicates varied, the highest is given. Other exceptions to all of
foregoing are marked.
(b) Numbers in parentheses indicate the number of periods in testing. Nil - indicates rates of less than 1 mil/year.
(c) Rates increase from period to period. Rate is average of 5 periods.

Data Reference: J. J. Halbig & O. B. Ellis, “Observations on Corrosion Resistance of High Strength Stainless Steels for Aircraft,” Corrosion, Vol 14., pp. 389t-395t (1958)

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17-4 PH® STAINLESS STEEL

STRESS CORROSION CRACKING

Stress corrosion cracking, although occurring infrequently, can be a 1. Not Welded (Solution Treated + Aged)
source of failure in stainless steels. It usually takes place in highly
2. Solution Treated + Welded + Aged
stressed parts that are exposed under conditions that permit local
concentration of chlorides. 3. Welded + Solution Treated + Aged

Tests using smooth bent beam specimens stressed up to the 0.2% All specimens in Condition H 900 failed in 68 days or less, regardless of
yield strength of the material and exposed to marine atmosphere on whether welded or not. None of the other specimens failed after more
the 80 ft. (24.4 m) lot, 82 ft. (25 m) from the waterline, show that 17-4 PH than 25 years in test.
Stainless Steel is quite susceptible to stress corrosion cracking when
in Condition H 900. In Condition A, and when hardened at temperatures In addition, welded specimens were made by fusing 2 in. (50.8 mm)
of 1025 °F (552 °C) and higher; the alloy is highly resistant to stress diameter circular weld beads onto one face of 1/4 in. (6.35 mm) thick
corrosion cracking. In addition, many years of service experience in 17-4 PH Stainless Steel plate. After welding and final heat treatment,
marine atmospheres and in high-purity water at high temperatures the surfaces were ground to a smooth finish. The internal stresses
demonstrate the resistance of the alloy to this type of failure. caused by welding are very high and can equal or exceed the yield
strength of the material. These specimens were exposed to quiet
For maximum resistance to chloride stress corrosion cracking, the alloy seawater at Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. The welding and
should be hardened at the highest aging temperature that will yield heat-treating conditions were as follows:
required properties, but not less than 1025 °F (552 °C).
1. Solution Treated + Aged to Conditions H 1025, H 1075, H 1150 + Welded.
Another set of smooth bent beam specimens involving welded 17-4 2. Welded + Solution Treated + Aged to Conditions H 1025, H 1075, H 1150.
PH Stainless Steel in Conditions H 900, H 1025, H 1075 and H 1150
were stressed at 90% of the 0.2% yield strength of the material and 3. Solution Treated + Welded + Aged to Conditions H 1025, H 1075, H 1100.
exposed to a marine atmosphere on the 80-foot lot at Kure Beach, North
Carolina. The samples were divided into three groups: Careful examination showed there was no evidence of stress corrosion
cracking in any of the test specimens after one year in test.

TABLE 12 – STRESS CORROSION CRACKING*

Condition Applied Stress, ksi. (MPa) Time to Failure**

A (Heat 2) 124 (855) – 100% YS 3NF
93 (641) – 75% YS 3NF
H 900 (Heat 2) 187 (1289) – 100% YS 2-21 days, 1-37 days
140 (965) – 75% YS 1-21 days, 1-28 days, 1-35 days
H 925 (Heat 2) 173 (1193) – 100% YS 1-61 months, 1-139 months, 1NF
130 (896) – 75% YS 1-53 months, 1-52 months, 1NF
H 975 (Heat 2) 168 (1158) – 100% YS 3NF
126 (869) – 75% YS 1-78 months, 2 NF
H 1025 (Heat 1) 140 (965) – 90% YS 5NF
116 (800) – 75% YS 5NF
H 1075 (Heat 1) 135 (931) – 90% YS 5NF
113 (779) – 75% YS 5NF
H 1150 (Heat 1) 102 (703) – 90% YS 5NF
85 (586) – 75% YS 5NF
*Smooth bent beam strip specimens were exposed on the 80 ft. (24.4 m) lot, 82 ft. (25 m) from the waterline. Five
replicates of 0.090 in. (2.3 mm) thick strip from Heat 1 were exposed. Samples of 0.062 in. (1.6 mm) thick
strip from Heat 2 were exposed in triplicate in each heat-treated condition.
**NF indicates No Failure as of September 1985.

11
17-4 PH® STAINLESS STEEL

HYDROGEN EMBRITTLEMENT
Hydrogen embrittlement is a potential threat to all high strength
martensitic steels wherever the reduction of hydrogen ions to atomic
hydrogen may occur. Commonplace examples are aqueous corrosion,
cathodic protection to prevent corrosion, galvanic coupling with less
noble metals and electroplating.

When exposed to 18% HCl-1% SeO2 solution and stressed to

100,000 ksi. (690 MPa) in direct tension, 17-4 PH Stainless Steel aged
at temperatures ranging from 900 – 1050 °F (482 – 566 °C) failed
from hydrogen embrittlement within four hours. Aging at temperatures
above 1100 °F (593 °C) conferred immunity to cracking, while at
1100 °F (593 °C) a borderline situation existed, with material
sometimes resistant to cracking and sometimes not.

Despite the susceptibility of 17-4 PH Stainless Steel to hydrogen

embrittlement that is shown by this severe test, only a few isolated
instances of its failure in service by this mechanism have been
recorded. Apparently, under nearly all conditions of use, this alloy
possesses adequate resistance to hydrogen embrittlement. Where this
problem is acute and strength requirements permit, the alloy should be
aged at temperatures of 1100 °F (593 °C) or higher to ensure freedom
from cracking.

SULFIDE STRESS CRACKING

Laboratory tests run in synthetic sour well solution (5% sodium
chloride + 1/2% acetic acid saturated with hydrogen sulfide) in
accordance with NACE Test Method TM-01-77 show that, for best
resistance to this aggressive medium, the alloy should either be in
Condition H 1150-M or aged at 1150 °F (620 °C) for two 4-hour
periods. In either of these heat-treated conditions, 17-4 PH Stainless
Steel is considered by NACE as acceptable for use in sour (sulfide)
service and is included in MR-01-75.

12
17-4 PH® STAINLESS STEEL

FORMABILITY
FORMABILITY OVERAGING FOR COLD FORMING
Because 17-4 PH Stainless Steel in Condition A is hard, forming Aging by various heat treatments can be used to improve formability in
normally should be limited to mild operations. However, formability can certain operations such as stretch forming. This is indicated by the
be greatly improved by heat treating before cold working or by use of percent elongation values reported in Table 2. It should be noted, however,
hot-forming methods. in Table 13, that Olsen cup values (used as a relative comparison of
drawability) did not show any improvement in overaged samples.

TABLE 13 – PROPERTIES AND FORMABILITY OF 17-4 PH STAINLESS STEEL AT ROOM TEMPERATURE*

0.2% YS UTS Elongation Rockwell Olsen Cup Draw
Condition ksi. (MPa) ksi. (MPa) % in 2" (50.8 mm) Hardness C in. (mm)
A 110.0 (758) 156.5 (1078) 6.7 33 0.330 (0.838)
H 900 (1 hour) 181.7 (1248) 200.5 (1380) 10.5 45 0.250 (0.635)
H 1150 (4 hours) 132.8 (916) 144.5 (996) 13.2 33 0.330 (0.838)
Aged at 1300 °F
(704 °C) 2 hours 103.5 (714) 142.7 (983) 9.5 30 0.248 (0.630)
Aged at 1400 °F
(760 °C) 2 hours 117.0 (807) 148.5 (1024) 8.7 32 0.309 (0.785)
H 1150-M 108.5 (748) 131.0 (903) 16.2 28 0.327 (0.830)
*Average of duplicate tests.

The mechanical properties in Table 13 can be used as a guide in selecting after forming, and prior to aging to any of the higher strength conditions
the type of cold forming operation to be used for various conditions. such as H 900 – if the high strength developed by such a heat treatment
In biaxial operations, such as drawing, Condition A may be just as is needed. If extremely high strength is not needed, 17-4 PH Stainless
satisfactory as an overaged condition. However, for stretch forming and Steel still offers attractive properties as formed in Condition H 1150 or
similar operations, test data indicate an overaged condition such as H 1150-M. Yield strength, for example, would be more than twice that
H 1150 or H 1150-M is preferred. obtained in an austenitic grade such as Type 304. However, when severe
forming is done in an overaged condition, it is recommended that the
It should be recognized, also, that when parts are cold formed in an formed part be re-aged to relieve residual stresses and restore toughness.
overaged condition, they must be re-solution treated at 1900 °F (1038 °C)

13
17-4 PH® STAINLESS STEEL

BEND PROPERTIES
Table 14 is a summary of bend test data from tests conducted on flat sheets and strip
ranging in thickness from 0.015 – 0.109 in. (0.38 – 2.7 mm).

TABLE 14 – BEND TEST DATA MINIMUM BEND RADIUS*

90° 135° 189°
Condition L T L T L T
A 3T 4T 3T 5T 6T 9T
H 900 3T 4T 3T 6T 5T 9T
H 925 2T 4T 3T 6T 5T 9T
H 1025 2T 4T 3T 6T 4T 7T
H 1075 2T 4T 3T 4T 4T 7T
H 1150 2T 2T 2T 3T 4T 6T
*Expressed as function of sheet thickness. Minimum radius to make indicated bend with no
fissuring when viewed under 10X magnifying glass.

HOT FORMING
As indicated by the high elongation shown in Table 15, 17-4 PH Stainless Steel can
be formed quite readily by first solution treating (austenitizing) at 1900 °F (1038 °C),
then forming during cooling from this temperature while the steel is still austenitic. The
preferred temperature range for such forming is at 650 – 900 °F (343 – 482 °C), which is
well above the Ms temperature of the steel (Ms approximately 270 °F (132 °C)). Mechanical
properties of hot-formed parts subsequently hardened are not significantly different from
those obtained by standard heat treatments.

TABLE 15 – MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF AK STEEL 17-4 PH

Heated to 1900 °F (1038 °C)
Tests at Temperature During Cool Down
Rockwell Hardness C
Test Elongation Aged
Temperature 0.2% YS UTS % in 2” Cooled at 900 °F
°F (°C) ksi. (MPa) ksi. (MPa) (50.8 mm) to RT (482 °C)
400 (204) 20.2 (139) 143.5 (990) 8.0 35 43
500 (260) 23.0 (159) 125.5 (865) 24.0 37 44
550 (288) 25.7 (177) 122.8 (847) 27.0 37 44
600 (316) 25.1 (173) 122.0 (841) 26.5 37 44
650 (343) 25.6 (176) 108.0 (745) 42.5 37 44
700 (371) 25.7 (177) 101.2 (698) 51.0 37 44
750 (339) 24.9 (171) 87.2 (600) 63.0 37 44
800 (427) 24.6 (649) 94.2 (649) 85.0 37 43
900 (482) 24.1 (166) 63.0 (434) 43.0 35 43

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17-4 PH® STAINLESS STEEL

TABLE 16 – ROOM TEMPERATURE PROPERTIES OF 17-4 PH STAINLESS STEEL

Stretched on Cooling from Solution Treatment Temperature

Hot Forming % Stretch Aging Elongation

Test Temp. in 2" Temperature 0.2% YS UTS % in 2"
°F (°C) (50.8 mm) (4 hrs) °F (°C) ksi. (MPa) ksi. (MPa) (50.8 mm)
500 (260) 9.0 900 (482) 198.0 (1365) 202.2 (1339) 9.0
650 (343) 16.0 900 (482) 168.7 (1152) 190.8 (1314) 9.0
650 (343) 20.0 900 (482) 171.8 (1185) 190.5 (1313) 9.0
650 (343) 33.5 None 133.6 (921) 162.4 (1117) 6.0
650 (343) 35.0 900 (482) 181.4 (1248) 194.6 (1338) 7.5
650 (343) 35.0 1050 (566) 155.0 (1069) 160.0 (1103) 7.5
800 (427) 22.0 900 (482) 166.6 (1146) 178.4 (1232) 11.0
800 (427) 42.0 None 116.0 (800) 155.8 (1073) 7.0
800 (427) 47.5 900 (482) 176.0 (1214) 190.0 (1310) 8.0
Standard H 900 – – 173.8 (1194) 195.0 (1345) 11.0

Olsen cup values for 17-4 PH Stainless Steel are given in Table 15 at room temperature as well as hot forming temperatures. Also included for
comparison are properties for 17-7 PH Stainless Steel in Condition A (a readily formed precipitation-hardening stainless steel developed by AK Steel).
The benefits of hot forming 17-4 PH Stainless Steel are quite apparent.

TABLE 17 – OLSEN CUP DRAW TESTS ON 17-4 PH AND 17-7 PH STAINLESS STEELS AT ROOM AND ELEVATED TEMPERATURES

Depth of Olsen
Thickness Cup Draw
Grade Condition in. (mm) Test Temperature in. (mm)
17-4 PH Aged at 1200 °F (649 °C) 0.030 (0.076) RT 0.240 (6.1)
17-4 PH A 0.030 (0.076) RT 0.260 – 0.290 (6.6 –7.4)
17-4 PH A 0.030 (0.076) Hot* 0.350 – 0.400 (8.9 – 10.0)
17-7 PH A 0.030 (0.076) RT 0.350 – 0.380 (8.9 – 9.6)
*Solution treated at 1900 °F (1038 °C), then transferred hot to Olsen machine for cup test. Strip temperature at start of test approximately 1000 °F (538 °C).

15
17-4 PH® STAINLESS STEEL

WELDABILITY
The precipitation hardening class of stainless steels is generally considered to be weldable by the common
fusion and resistance techniques. Special consideration is required to achieve optimum mechanical properties by
considering the best heat-treated conditions in which to weld and which heat treatments should follow welding.
This particular alloy is the most common member of the class and is generally considered to have the best
weldability. When a weld filler is needed, AWS E/ER 630 is most often specified. 17-4 PH Stainless Steel is well
known in reference literature and more information can be obtained in the following ways:

1. ANSI/AWS A5.9, A5.22, and A5.4 (stainless steel filler metals, welding electrode specifications).

2. “Welding of Stainless Steels and Other Joining Methods,” SSINA (www.ssina.com).

HEAT TREATMENT
For maximum hardness and strength, material in the solution-treated condition is heated for one hour at 900 °F
± 15 °F (482 °C ± 8.4 °C) and air cooled to room temperature. If the material is purchased in the solution-treated
condition (Condition A) and not subsequentlyhot worked, the hardening treatment can be performed without solution
treating before hardening.

Where ductility in the hardened condition is of importance, better toughness can be obtained by raising the
temperature of the hardening heat treatment. Unlike regular hardenable materials that require hardening plus a
tempering or stress relieving treatment, this alloy can be hardened to the final desired properties in one operation.
By varying the heat-treating procedure between 900 – 1150 °F (482 – 621 °C) for one to four hours, a wide range of
properties can be attained.

If the alloy is not sufficiently ductile in any given hardened condition, it can be reheated at a higher hardening temperature
to increase impact strength and elongation. This can be accomplished without a solution treatment prior to final heat
treatment. However, strength will be reduced.

For hot-worked or overaged material, a solution treatment at 1875 – 1925 °F (1024 – 1052 °C) for three minutes for each
0.1 in. (2.5 mm) of thickness, followed by cooling to at least 90 °F (32 °C) must be done prior to hardening. The solution
treatment refines the grain sizeand makes hardened material more uniform.

When fabricating 17-4 PH Stainless Steel, it is important to keep in mind the low temperatures at which the
start of transformation to martensite (Ms) and the completion of the martensite transformation (Mf) occur. These
temperatures are approximately 270 °F (132 °C) and 90 °F (32 °C) respectively.

Because of this characteristic, it is necessary to cool parts in process at least to 90 °F (32 °C) prior to applying
subsequent heat treatments if normal final properties are to be obtained. This practice is essential to assure grain
refinement and to assure good ductility.

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17-4 PH® STAINLESS STEEL

DESCALING
Hardening treatments produce only a light heat tint on surfaces. This tint can be removed
easily by mechanical means such as wet grit blasting or with a short pickle in 10% nitric – 2%
hydrofluoric acid (by volume) at 110 – 140 °F (43 – 60 °C). Where pickling is undesirable, heat
tint may be removed by a light electropolishing operation. The latter two treatments also clean
and passivate the surfaces for maximum corrosion resistance.

Where solution treating is performed, the following pickling method satisfactorily removes
surface scale. The use of molten salts such as sodium hydride or Kolene processes to descale
is limited since these methods partially harden solution-treated material.

Time at
Temperature Temperature
Procedure Acid Bath °F (°C) Minutes Rinse
Step 1 Caustic 160 – 180 (71 – 82) 60 Water
Permanganate
Step 2 10% Nitric Acid + 110 – 140 (43 – 60) 2–3 Hot water, high
2% Hydrofluoric Acid pressure water
or brush scrub

In pickling operations, close control of time and temperature is necessary to obtain uniform
scale removal without over-etching. Scale softening methods may be used on material that has
been solution treated (not pickled) and precipitation hardened.

17
AK Steel Corporation
9227 Centre Pointe Drive
West Chester, OH 45069
844.STEEL99 | 844.783.3599
www.aksteel.com
[email protected]
AK Steel is a leading producer of flat-rolled carbon, stainless and electrical steel
products, and carbon and stainless tubular products, primarily for automotive,
infrastructure and manufacturing, construction and electrical power generation and
distribution markets. Headquartered in West Chester, Ohio (Greater Cincinnati), the
company employs approximately 8,500 men and women at eight steel plants, two
coke plants and two tube manufacturing plants across six states (Indiana, Kentucky,
Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia) and one tube plant in Mexico. Additional
information about AK Steel is available at www.aksteel.com.

The information and data in this document are accurate to the best of our knowledge
and belief, but are intended for general information only. Applications suggested for the
materials are described only to help readers make their own evaluations and decisions,
and are neither guarantees nor to be construed as express or implied warranties of
suitability for these or other applications.

Data referring to material properties are the result of tests performed on specimens
obtained from specific locations of the products in accordance with prescribed
sampling procedures; any warranty thereof is limited to the values obtained at such
locations and by such procedures. There is no warranty with respect to values of the
materials at other locations.

AK and the AK Steel logo are registered trademarks of the AK Steel Corporation.

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