17-4PH Stainless Steel Powder: High-Strength Precipitation-Hardening Alloy for Demanding Applications
Overview:
17-4PH stainless steel powder is a precipitation-hardening martensitic alloy offering exceptional strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance. It is widely used in aerospace, energy, medical, and marine industries due to its excellent mechanical properties and ease of fabrication. The spherical powder form ensures superior flowability, making it ideal for additive manufacturing and powder metallurgy.
What is 17-4PH Stainless Steel Powder?
17-4PH is a chromium-nickel-copper stainless steel alloy that achieves high strength and hardness through precipitation-hardening heat treatments. Its balanced composition provides excellent corrosion resistance and toughness, making it suitable for applications in harsh environments.
Composition:
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Chromium (Cr) | 15.0-17.5 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 3.0-5.0 |
| Copper (Cu) | 3.0-5.0 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤1.00 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤1.00 |
| Carbon (C) | ≤0.07 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤0.04 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤0.03 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
Features:
High Strength and Hardness: Exceptional mechanical properties after heat treatment.
Corrosion Resistance: Excellent performance in marine and chemical environments.
Spherical Powder Form: Ensures superior flowability and uniformity for precision manufacturing.
Applications:
| Industry | Application |
|---|---|
| Aerospace | Turbine blades, fasteners, and structural components |
| Medical | Surgical instruments and dental implants |
| Marine | Propellers and corrosion-resistant components |
| Energy | Valve components and pump shafts |
Specifications:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Particle Size | Customizable for specific applications |
| Density | ~7.8 g/cm³ |
| Tensile Strength | ~1170-1310 MPa (after heat treatment) |
| Yield Strength | ~1030-1180 MPa (after heat treatment) |
| Hardness | ~38-44 HRC (depending on treatment) |
Advantages:
Versatility: Suitable for diverse applications across multiple industries.
Durability: High resistance to corrosion, wear, and mechanical stress.
Efficiency: Spherical powder form ensures minimal waste and high precision.
Limitations:
Cost: Higher material and processing costs compared to standard steels.
Heat Treatment Sensitivity: Requires precise control for optimal properties.
FAQs:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What industries commonly use 17-4PH stainless steel powder? | Aerospace, medical, marine, and energy sectors. |
| How does 17-4PH achieve its strength? | Through precipitation-hardening heat treatments. |
| Why is the spherical powder form advantageous? | It ensures better flowability, precision, and reduced waste in manufacturing. |