Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel
Combining the Best of Austenitic and Martensitic Stainless Steels for Superior Strength and Corrosion Resistance
Available in strip and wire
Manufacturers no longer need to compromise when looking for material properties to satisfy conflicting manufacturing and end use requirements. Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steels offer the optimum combination of properties commonly found in the Austenitic and Martensitic Stainless Steel grades. Like Martensitic alloys, these grades can be strengthened through heat treatment, but have the added advantage of superior corrosion resistance that is most similar to that seen in Austenitic grades.
Available Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel Grades
What are the benefits of using Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel Alloys?
High work hardening rates
Very high strengths and hardness
Excellent corrosion resistance and offers superior when corrosion resistance compared to martensitics
Resistance to stress corrosion cracking
Retains strength at elevated temperatures
Age-hardening capabilities for customisable mechanical properties
Low distortion during heat treatment
High fatigue strength
Enhanced toughness compared to conventional martensitic stainless steels
Good weldability and formability
What are the disadvantages of using Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel Alloys?
Limited availability in certain forms and sizes
Reduced formability and weldability compared to austenitic stainless steels
Reduced corrosion resistance in certain environments compared to austenitic stainless steels
Susceptibility to intergranular corrosion if not properly heat-treated
Possible distortion during heat treatment if not properly controlled
Lower impact toughness at low temperatures
Precipitation Hardened Stainless Steel Alloys: Unleash the Power of Strength and Corrosion Resistance
Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel alloys, also known as Aged Hardened Alloys, are part of the larger Stainless Steel family and offer manufacturers an optimal combination of properties found in Austenitic and Martensitic grades. These alloys provide exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and formability, making them ideal for a wide range of applications.
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Key Features and Benefits
- Exceptional Strength: With higher carbon content compared to Ferritic Stainless Steel, Precipitation Hardening Alloys can be hardened using air, oil, or water cooling, resulting in strength properties three to four times higher than Austenitic Stainless Steel grades such as 304 (alloy 1.4301) and 316 (alloys 1.4401 and 1.4436).
- Superior Corrosion Resistance: The addition of alloying elements such as aluminium, titanium, niobium, and molybdenum enhances the corrosion resistance of these alloys, making them suitable for use in harsh environments.
- High Work Hardening Rates: The unique composition of Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel alloys allows for high work hardening rates, resulting in very high strengths and superior fatigue properties.
- Good Formability: These alloys offer excellent formability, allowing manufacturers to create complex shapes and components with ease.
- Minimal Distortion: Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel alloys experience minimal distortion during heat treatment, ensuring consistent quality across various applications.
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Subdivisions and Common Grades
Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel alloys are divided into three categories: low carbon martensitic, semi-austenitic, and austenitic. The most common grade, 17/4PH (alloy 1.4542), falls into the Martensitic category, while 17-7PH (alloy 1.4568), an austenitic-martensitic type alloy, is ideal for aerospace applications, spring manufacturing, and surgical instruments.
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Knight Group’s Expertise in Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel Alloys
At Knight Group, we pride ourselves on our in-depth knowledge and experience with Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel alloys. Our team of experts is dedicated to helping you select the right alloy for your specific application, ensuring optimal performance and longevity. Trust Knight Group to be your partner in sourcing and utilising these advanced materials for your manufacturing needs.
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Take the Next Step: Harness the Power of Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel Alloys
Discover how Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel alloys can revolutionise your manufacturing process with their unbeatable combination of strength, corrosion resistance, and formability. Contact the Knight Group today to learn more about our range of alloys and how we can help you unlock their full potential.
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| PRECIPITATION HARDENING STAINLESS STEEL CHEMICAL COMPOSITION | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| European Designation EN 10088-2 2014 | Former BS Standard (Wire Only) | American Designation (ASTM) | TYPICAL CHEMICAL COMPOSITION % | ||||||||||||
| Number | Name | BS 1554 1990 nearest fit | AISI nearest fit | UNS nearest fit | C | Si | Mn | P | S | Cr | Mo | Ni | N | Cu | Other |
| 1.4542 | X5CrNiCuNb16-4 | - | - | 17-4PH | 0.07 | 0.7 | 1.5 | 0.04 | 0.015 | 15.0 - 17.0 | 0.6 | 3.0 - 5.0 | - | 3.0 - 5.0 | Nb: 5 x C - 0.45 |
| 1.4568 | X7 Cr Ni Al 17-7 | 301S81 | 631 | 17-7PH AMS5678 | 0.09 | 0.7 | 1.0 | 0.04 | 0.015 | 16.0 - 18.0 | - | 6.5 - 7.8 | Strip: - Wire: 0.015 | - | Al: 0.7 - 1.5 |
| PRECIPITATION HARDENING STAINLESS STEEL STRIP MECHANICAL PROPERTIES ANNEALED STAINLESS STEEL | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| European Designation EN 10088-2 2014 | Former BS Standard (Wire Only) | American Designation (ASTM) | Proof Strength 0.2% Min (N/mm2) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Elong. % Min. (50mm Gauge Length) | Hardness Max (VPN) | Surface Finish | ||
| Number | Name | BS 1554 1990 nearest fit | AISI nearest fit | UNS nearest fit | |||||
| 1.4542 | X5CrNiCuNb16-4 | - | - | 17-4PH | 700 - 1150 | 900 - 1270 | 3 - 6 | 380 | 2R |
| 1.4568 | X7 Cr Ni Al 17-7 | 301S81 | 631 | 17-7PH AMS5678 | Available on request | max. 850 | Available on request | 268 | 2R |
| Mechanical Properties - Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel (17/7 PH/ 1.4568 / X7 Cr Ni Al 17-7 / 301S81) | ||
| Tensile Strength in the Cold Drawn and Post Heat Treatment Condition | ||
| Nominal Diameter (mm) | Min Tensile Strength Cold drawn (Condition C). (N/mm²) | Expected Min Tensile for Precipitation Hardened (N/mm²) |
| less than 0.20 | 1975 | 2275 |
| 0.20 – 0.30 | 1950 | 2250 |
| 0.30 – 0.40 | 1925 | 2225 |
| 0.40 – 0.50 | 1900 | 2200 |
| 0.50 – 0.65 | 1850 | 2150 |
| 0.65 – 0.80 | 1825 | 2125 |
| 0.80 – 1.00 | 1800 | 2100 |
| 1.00 – 1.25 | 1750 | 2050 |
| 1.25 – 1.50 | 1700 | 2000 |
| 1.50 – 1.75 | 1650 | 1950 |
| 1.75 – 2.00 | 1600 | 1900 |
| 2.00 – 2.50 | 1550 | 1850 |
| 2.50 – 3.00 | 1500 | 1800 |
| 3.00 – 3.50 | 1450 | 1750 |
| 3.50 – 4.25 | 1400 | 1700 |
| 4.25 – 5.00 | 1350 | 1650 |
| 5.00 – 6.00 | 1300 | 1550 |
| 6.00 – 7.00 | 1250 | 1500 |
| 7.00 – 8.50 | 1250 | 1500 |
| 8.50 – 10.00 | 1250 | 1500 |
| Note : The maximum tensile strength shall be the minimum value plus 15%. | ||
| MATERIAL FEATURES AND APPLICATIONS OF PRECIPITATION HARDENING STAINLESS STEEL | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| European Designation EN 10088-2 2014 | Former BS Standard (Wire Only) | American Designation (ASTM) | Key Features | Key Markets | Applications | ||
| Number | Name | BS 1554 1990 nearest fit | AISI nearest fit | UNS nearest fit | |||
| 1.4542 | X5CrNiCuNb16-4 | - | - | 17-4PH | 17-4PH (1.4542) is the most commonly used Precipitation Hardening grade of Stainless Steel. This alloy offers good mechanical properties at temperatures up to 316°C (600°F), with a good combination of corrosion resistance and high strength. Its corrosion resistance is very similar to the Austenitic Stainless Steel grade 304. (1.4301), however it is significantly more resistant to stress corrosion cracking. It is susceptible to crevice corrosion in stagnant sea water. | Aerospace, Marine, Sport & Leisure, Mechanical, Pulp & Paper Industry, Chemical Processing, Petrochemical, Food processing | pump components, mechanical parts, golf clubs, seals, surgical parts, aerospace components, petrochemical parts |
| 1.4568 | X7 Cr Ni Al 17-7 | 301S81 | 631 | 17-7PH AMS5678 | 17-7 PH (1.4568) is a Stainless Steel alloy which is considered austenitic in the annealed condition, but martensitic in the hardened condition. This alloy offers a combination of high strength and hardness, excellent fatigue properties and minimum distortion upon heat treatment. It has good strength and formability and is comparable to Austenitic Grade 301 (1.4310) . Corrosion resistance is generally higher than the Martensitic Stainless Steels and 17-4PH, but is lower than 304 (1.4301). This grade can be heat treated after forming to further enhance the mechanical properties. | Aerospace, Medical, Springs & Pressings | bellows, honeycomb, high temperature fasteners, springs, diaphragms, strain gauges, clips, washers, surgical parts and blades |
All data is provided for informational purposes only. In no event will the Knight Group and its subsidiaries, be liable for in respect of any action taken by any third party arising from using the information taken from our online or printed sources. Chemical and Mechanical Properties should not be construed as maximum or minimum values for specifications, nor should information be used to assess suitability for a particular use or application. The information and data provided is deemed to be accurate to the best of our knowledge and may be revised anytime without notice and assume no duty to update