17-4PH Stainless Steel

metal

martensitic precipitation-hardening stainless steel

UNS S174001.4542 (EN)AMS 5622630 SSAISI 63017-4 PHX5CrNiCuNb17-4 (EN)SUS 630 (JIS)

17-4PH Stainless Steel 3D printed component

Density

7.78 g/cm³

YS (LPBF + H900 (XY))

1100–1240 MPa

UTS (LPBF + H900 (XY))

1210–1340 MPa

Elongation (LPBF + H900 (XY))

7.0–14.0 %

Elastic modulus

197 GPa

Thermal conductivity

17.0–19.5 W/m·K

Composition — UNS S17400 / AMS 5622 / ASTM A693

Element	Min %	Max %	Notes
Cr	15.00	17.500	Primary corrosion resistance element; forms passive Cr₂O₃ film
Ni	3.00	5.000	Stabilises martensite on cooling; austenite-former
Cu	3.00	5.000	Primary precipitation-hardening element — Cu-rich precipitates form during aging
Nb	0.15	0.450	Nb+Ta: stabilises composition during AM solidification; limits grain growth
Fe	bal.		balance

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Mechanical & thermal properties — 3 conditions

Property	LPBF + H900 (XY)	LPBF + H1025 (XY)	LPBF + H900 (Z — build direction)
Elastic modulus	197 GPa	197 GPa	—
Yield strength (0.2%)	1100–1240 MPa	965–1060 MPa	1020–1180 MPa
Ultimate tensile strength	1210–1340 MPa	1000–1130 MPa	1170–1310 MPa
Elongation at break	7.0–14.0 %	10.0–17.0 %	6.0–12.0 %
Hardness (HV)	380–460 HV10	330–380 HV10	—
Density	7.78 g/cm³	7.78 g/cm³	—
Thermal conductivity	17.0–19.5 W/m·K	—	—
CTE	10.2–11.5 µm/m·K	—	—

Values shown as min–max where a spread is reported, otherwise as typical ± unit. Ranges reflect inter-source variation, not single-sample scatter. All values are for AM-processed specimens unless noted.

Engineering considerations

Phase control: always solution treat (Condition A, 1038°C/0.5h/AC) before aging regardless of as-built microstructure. Skipping Condition A when using N₂-atomised powder results in retained austenite and unpredictable properties below spec.
Powder selection: specify Ar-atomised powder when as-built martensitic structure is needed. N₂-atomised powder may be acceptable for binder jetting (fully sintered, phase resets), but must be Condition A treated before aging.
Anisotropy: Z-direction yield strength ~5% lower than XY per AMS 7008. Orient primary load paths in XY plane for peak performance. AMS 7008 minimum XY: 1100 MPa; Z: 1034 MPa (H900).
Aging sequence for tight tolerances: rough machine in as-built or Condition A state → age → finish machine. Aging distortion is minimal (<0.05% linear) but finish machining after aging avoids residual stress redistribution.
H900 vs H1025 selection: H900 maximises strength (1150 MPa YS) at the cost of ductility (10% El) and notch toughness. H1025 (1000 MPa YS, 13% El) preferred for parts with threads, holes, or impact loading.
Corrosion: passivation in HNO₃ or citric acid after all machining operations. 17-4PH is susceptible to crevice corrosion and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in H900 condition in warm salt water — use H1025 or higher for marine-adjacent environments.
Binder jetting note: sintering at ~1260–1300°C, ~15–17% linear shrinkage is typical. Final density ≥97.5% achievable; requires Condition A + age cycle identical to LPBF to achieve equivalent properties. Dimensional tolerances: ±0.3–0.5% after sintering.
Magnetic properties: fully martensitic 17-4PH is strongly ferromagnetic (µr ~80–90). Retained austenite after LPBF with N₂ powder reduces magnetism — check lot-to-lot consistency for magnetically-sensitive assembly requirements.

Advantages

Wide strength-toughness range adjustable through aging temperature (H900–H1150) without requenching
Good corrosion resistance — superior to 316L in oxidising environments, comparable in Cl⁻-containing environments
Near-zero dimensional change during aging: machine in soft state, then age to final hardness
High hardness (H900: ~40 HRC) without brittle martensite — Cu-rich precipitate mechanism unlike carbon steels
Good machinability in all aged conditions — better than austenitic SS due to martensitic structure
Qualified for aerospace per AMS 7008 and AMS 5622; extensive flight heritage

Limitations

As-built LPBF phase constitution depends on powder lot and atomisation gas — requires consistent powder sourcing
Lower corrosion resistance than 316L in reducing/chloride environments (no Mo content)
Strength markedly lower than maraging steels or tool steels — not suitable for tooling inserts
Magnetic: not suitable where non-magnetic material is required (MRI-adjacent, sensitive electronics)
H900 condition is notch-sensitive — careful design around stress concentrations and threaded features
Binder jetting 17-4PH requires careful sintering cycle control — 15–17% linear shrinkage; higher dimensional uncertainty than LPBF

Standards & certifications

AMS-7008established

LPBF 17-4PH (UNS S17400) for aerospace — powder composition, heat treatment cycles, and minimum mechanical property requirements for H900 and H1025 conditions

aerospacedefence

ASTM-A693established

Precipitation-hardening stainless steel plate, sheet, and strip including 17-4PH — composition, mechanical property grades

industrialoil-gasfood-processing

ASTM-E8established

Uniaxial tensile testing method for mechanical property acceptance testing of AM specimens

aerospacemedicalindustrial

ASTM-E92established

Vickers hardness testing method for hardness verification at H900/H1025/H1150 condition

aerospaceindustrial

17-4PH Stainless Steel

Composition — UNS S17400 / AMS 5622 / ASTM A693

Mechanical & thermal properties — 3 conditions

Engineering considerations

Advantages

Limitations

Typical applications

Industries

Standards & certifications

Compatible AM processes (2)

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