17-4 Stainless Steel
17-4 Stainless Steel is martensitic precipitation-hardening steel that provides an outstanding combination of high strength, good corrosion resistance and good mechanical properties at temperatures up to 600 °F.

17-4 stainless steel, is a common and exceptionally durable type of steel used in a diverse variety of industries and applications.
17-4 takes it’s name from the 17% Chromium and 4% Nickle composition. It also contains 3% Copper. This composition makes 17-4 it’s a great choice for applications requiring high strength and hardness in combination with moderate corrossion resistance.
Applications include; architectural panelling and moldings, kitchen equipment, food industry equipment, the pulp and paper industry and even as nuclear waste casks. Contact us for the best prices on bar and wire.
17-4 Stainless Steel Properties and Specifications
17-4 Stainless steel is a Chromium-nickel grade of Stainless Steel. It is hardened by a single low-temperature precipitation-hardening treatment which provides the stainless steel with excellent mechanical properties at a high strength level. It should not be used in the solution treated condition.
17-4 stainless steel is available in:
- Bar
- Wire
Type 17-4 is covered by the following specifications:
- AMS 5643
- ASTM A 564 Type 630
- Low carbon Content of 304 and 304L is more conducive to welding than type 302.
- Applications include architectural moldings and trim and kitchen equipment.
- Alloys are widely used for welded components of processing equipment for textiles.
- 17-4 stainless steel has a machinability rating of 48% in the annealed condition (Condition A), with surface cutting speed of 80 feet per minute.
- In the overaged condition (H 1150-M), the machinability rating is 76% with surface cutting speed of 125 feet per minute.
- Forge the stainless steel between 2050 and 2150° F.
- Do not forge below 1850° F.
- Forgings are air-cooled to 90° F or lower.
- Large or intricate forgings should be equalized at some temperature between 1900° F and the forging temperature before air-cooling.
17-4 Stainless Steel Composition & Properties
Properties
Type 17-4%
Carbon
.07 max
Manganese
1.00 max
Phosphorus
.04 max
Sulfur
.03 max
Silicon
1.00 max
Chromium
15.50 – 17.50
Nickel
3.0 – 5.0
Copper
3.0 – 5.0
Columbium Plus Tantalulm
.15 – .45
Mechanical Properties
Properties
Annealed
H900
H1150
Tensile Strength, psi
150,000
200,000
154,000
Yield Strength, psi
110,000
185,000
125,000
Elongation in 2?
10%
14%
19%
Reduction of area
40%
50%
60%
Rockwell C Hardness
34
44
33