| Model Number: | 17-4PH |
Description:
Our 17-4PH powder metal feedstock is a premium precipitation hardening martensitic stainless steel material specifically formulated for Metal Injection Molding (MIM) and binder jetting additive manufacturing. The gas atomized spherical powder is precisely blended with an advanced binder system to deliver exceptional flowability, high solids loading, and consistent green strength. With a nominal composition of 15.5-17.5% chromium, 3.0-5.0% nickel, and 3.0-5.0% copper plus niobium, this alloy achieves outstanding mechanical properties through a simple heat treatment cycle (solution annealing plus aging). Sintered components achieve ≥98% theoretical density (≥7.60 g/cm³) with a shrinkage ratio of approximately 1.165. In the solution annealed and aged condition (H900), the material delivers ultimate tensile strength ≥1200 MPa, yield strength ≥1100 MPa, elongation ≥8%, and hardness up to 400 HV (42 HRC), meeting ASTM A564, AMS 5604, and MPIF Standard 35 requirements.
Parameter Table
| Parameter | Unit | Value (As Sintered) | Value (H900 Aged) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition (wt%) | |||
| Carbon (C) | % | ≤0.07 | ≤0.07 |
| Chromium (Cr) | % | 15.0 – 17.5 | 15.0 – 17.5 |
| Nickel (Ni) | % | 3.0 – 5.0 | 3.0 – 5.0 |
| Copper (Cu) | % | 3.0 – 5.0 | 3.0 – 5.0 |
| Niobium + Tantalum (Nb+Ta) | % | 0.15 – 0.45 | 0.15 – 0.45 |
| Manganese (Mn) | % | ≤1.00 | ≤1.00 |
| Silicon (Si) | % | ≤1.00 | ≤1.00 |
| Iron (Fe) | % | Balance | Balance |
| Particle Size Distribution (Powder) | |||
| D10 | μm | 3.0 – 4.0 | – |
| D50 | μm | 8.0 – 10.0 | – |
| D90 | μm | 18.0 – 22.0 | – |
| Physical Properties | |||
| Sintered Density | g/cm³ | ≥7.60 | ≥7.60 |
| Shrinkage Ratio | – | 1.165 ± 0.005 | 1.165 ± 0.005 |
| Solids Loading of Feedstock | vol% | 55 – 58 | 55 – 58 |
| Melt Flow Index (190°C / 21.6kg) | g/10min | 1200 – 1800 | – |
| Mechanical Properties | |||
| Ultimate Tensile Strength | MPa | ≥900 | ≥1200 |
| Yield Strength (0.2% offset) | MPa | ≥675 | ≥1100 |
| Elongation | % | ≥5 | ≥8 |
| Hardness | HV | ≥285 | ≥400 |
| Hardness (Rockwell C) | HRC | ~28 – 30 | ~36 – 42 |
| Thermal Processing | |||
| Sintering Temperature | °C | 1325 – 1380 | – |
| Solution Annealing | °C | – | 1040 ± 15 |
| Aging Temperature (H900) | °C | – | 480 ± 10 |
Categorized Applications & Advantages
1. Metal Injection Molding (MIM) – High Volume Complex Parts
Enables production of intricate, thin walled, and tight tolerance components such as surgical instruments, dental brackets, orthopedic shavers, firearm parts, and electronic connectors
Excellent green strength and consistent shrinkage behavior minimize warpage and defects, delivering near net shape parts with minimal secondary machining
High solids loading feedstock (55-58 vol%) reduces sintering shrinkage variation and improves dimensional repeatability across batches
2. Aerospace & Defense Components
Heat treated 17-4PH provides high strength-to-weight ratio (UTS ≥1200 MPa) for structural parts including aircraft fittings, landing gear brackets, actuator housings, and missile guidance system components
Maintains mechanical integrity up to 315°C with good fracture toughness, meeting AMS 5604 and AMS 5643 specifications
3. Medical & Surgical Devices
Combines high hardness (42 HRC) with corrosion resistance comparable to 304 stainless steel, suitable for reusable surgical instruments, endoscopic tools, dental forceps, and orthopedic hardware
Complies with ISO 10993-5 biocompatibility and ASTM F899 standards, allowing use in tissue contact applications
4. Oil & Gas Downhole Equipment
Provides excellent resistance to hydrogen sulfide and chloride induced stress corrosion cracking in sour service environments (NACE MR0175 compliant) for valve bodies, pump shafts, subsea connectors, and wellhead components
Achieves high yield strength (≥1100 MPa) for high pressure applications while maintaining ductility (≥8% elongation)
5. Chemical & Food Processing Machinery
Resists corrosion in mild acids, alkalis, and food products while delivering superior wear resistance for pump impellers, mixing blades, valve seats, and spray nozzles
Niobium stabilization enhances weldability and post weld performance when proper aging is applied
6. Automotive & High Performance Mechanical Systems
Delivers high fatigue strength and dimensional stability for transmission components, turbocharger parts, gear shift levers, and actuation mechanisms
Enables lightweighting through high strength thin wall designs without sacrificing durability
Advantages Overview
Precipitation Hardening Flexibility: Simple single step aging (H900 through H1150) allows tailoring of hardness from 30 HRC to 42 HRC and strength from 900 MPa to 1200+ MPa to match application requirements
Exceptional Strength After Heat Treatment: Aged UTS ≥1200 MPa is nearly double that of standard 316L (≥500 MPa) and equivalent to wrought 17-4PH, enabling thinner cross sections and reduced component weight
Good Corrosion Resistance: Performs comparably to Type 304 in most atmospheric, fresh water, and mild chemical environments, with superior protection against pitting compared to 400 series martensitic grades
Superior Processability: Spherical powder morphology with tight D50 (8-10μm) and optimized binder system delivers stable injection pressure, broad processing window, and excellent mold release for high MIM productivity
Wide Industry Acceptance: Meets ASTM A564 Type 630, AMS 5604, AMS 5643, UNS S17400, MPIF Standard 35, and NACE MR0175, ensuring seamless qualification across aerospace, medical, oil & gas, and industrial sectors