What is the current pricing for UNS S17400 stainless steel?
UNS S17400 pricing varies based on product form, quantity, specification requirements, and current market conditions. At Aero-Vac Alloys & Forge, Inc., we offer competitive pricing on all forms including sheet, strip, plate, bars, wire, forgings, tubing, and rings. Request a custom quote through our website or call 877-237-6822 to speak with a specialist who can provide accurate pricing based on your specific requirements, delivery timeline, and quantity needs.
What is UNS S17400 and what are its key specifications?
UNS S17400, commonly known as 17-4 PH stainless steel, is a precipitation hardening martensitic stainless steel containing approximately 16-17% chromium, 3-5% nickel, 3-5% copper, and 0.15-0.45% columbium (niobium). This grade combines excellent corrosion resistance with high strength and hardness achieved through heat treatment. It meets various specifications including AMS 5604, AMS 5622, AMS 5643, and MIL-DTL-24527, making it ideal for aerospace, defense, and industrial applications where both strength and corrosion resistance are critical.
What is precipitation hardening and why is it important for UNS S17400?
Precipitation hardening is a heat treatment process that significantly increases the strength and hardness of UNS S17400 stainless steel. The material is first solution heat treated, then aged at elevated temperatures (typically 900-1150°F) to precipitate fine copper-rich particles and intermetallic compounds. This process achieves tensile strengths up to 190 ksi and yields superior mechanical properties while maintaining good corrosion resistance. The ability to machine in the solution-treated condition and then harden through aging makes 17-4 PH particularly valuable for complex components.
What are the differences between AMS 5604, AMS 5622, and AMS 5643?
AMS 5604 covers UNS S17400 sheet, strip, and plate in the solution heat treated, precipitation hardenable condition. AMS 5622 specifies bars, wire, forgings, tubing, and rings produced via consumable electrode melting (vacuum or electroslag remelting) for enhanced cleanliness and aerospace applications. AMS 5643 also covers bars, wire, forgings, tubing, and rings but allows for air-melted material. The choice depends on application requirements, with aerospace and critical defense applications typically requiring the higher purity of AMS 5622.
What industries commonly use UNS S17400 stainless steel?
UNS S17400 is extensively used in aerospace for aircraft structural components, landing gear, fasteners, and turbine parts. The defense industry relies on it for military hardware, weapon systems, and naval applications. Chemical processing plants use it for pumps, valves, and vessels requiring corrosion resistance and strength. The oil and gas sector employs it in offshore platforms, wellhead equipment, and subsea components. Additional applications include nuclear power components, paper mill equipment, food processing machinery, and high-performance automotive parts.
How does UNS S17400 compare to other stainless steel grades in corrosion resistance?
UNS S17400 offers corrosion resistance comparable to 304 stainless steel in many environments, including atmospheric conditions, fresh water, and mild chemical exposures. However, it surpasses austenitic grades in strength and hardness after precipitation hardening. While not as corrosion-resistant as high-alloy grades like 316 or super duplex stainless steels in highly corrosive environments, 17-4 PH provides an excellent balance of corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, and cost-effectiveness for moderate corrosive applications where high strength is essential.
What mechanical properties can be achieved with UNS S17400?
UNS S17400 achieves impressive mechanical properties through precipitation hardening: tensile strength of 170-190 ksi (1170-1310 MPa), yield strength of 155-175 ksi (1070-1210 MPa), and hardness of 38-44 HRC in Condition H900. In the more ductile H1025 condition, it provides tensile strength of 145-175 ksi with improved toughness. The material maintains good ductility with elongation values of 10-16% depending on heat treatment condition. These properties make it ideal for structural components requiring high strength-to-weight ratios and reliable performance under stress.
Do you offer custom fabrication and machining services for UNS S17400?
Yes, Aero-Vac Alloys & Forge, Inc. provides comprehensive custom services for UNS S17400 including precision machining, forging, heat treating, and fabrication to your exact specifications. Our ISO 9001 and AS 9100 certified facilities are equipped with advanced CNC machining centers, heat treatment furnaces, and quality control equipment. We can supply material in the solution-treated condition for easier machining, then provide precipitation hardening to achieve final properties. Our experienced technical team works closely with customers to optimize designs, select appropriate heat treatment conditions, and ensure full compliance with specification requirements and traceability documentation.
