Introduction
17-7PH (S17700) stainless steel is a precipitation-hardened stainless steel that is used for a variety of applications. It has high strength and corrosion resistance, as well as being lightweight. The name 17-7PH is derived from the composition of the material, which is composed of 17% chromium and 7% nickel, with the remainder being iron. It also contains small amounts of aluminum (Al) and phosphorus (P) which are used to increase its strength and improve its corrosion resistance.
Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of 17-7PH stainless steel is as follows:
• 17% chromium
• 7% nickel
• 1.5% aluminum
• 0.5% phosphorus
• 0.2% silicon
• 0.5% manganese
• 0.2% copper
• Balance iron
Physical Properties
17-7PH stainless steel has a number of physical properties that make it suitable for numerous applications. These include:
• High strength – The high chromium and nickel content of this steel provide it with a strength of up to 925 MPa.
• High corrosion resistance – The addition of Al and P to the alloy increases its resistance to corrosion.
• High hardness – The hardness of 17-7PH is usually around 39 HRC.
• Low thermal expansion – Due to its low thermal expansion coefficient, this steel is well-suited to applications where precise measurements and materials resistance to changes in temperature need to be considered.
• Good ductility – Despite its hardness, 17-7PH stainless steel also has good ductility at low temperatures.
• Low cost – Compared to other grades of stainless steel, 17-7PH is a relatively inexpensive material.
Applications
17-7PH stainless steel is used for a variety of applications where high strength, corrosion resistance and low thermal expansion are important. These include:
• Aerospace components – High strength, low thermal expansion and corrosion resistance make 17-7PH suitable for components in the aerospace industry.
• Medical implants – The combination of high strength and corrosion resistance make it suitable for medical implants, such as replacement bones and joints.
• Food and pharmaceutical processing – The high corrosion resistance of 17-7PH make it suitable for equipment used in food and pharmaceutical processing.
• Oil and gas – The corrosion resistance and low thermal expansion of 17-7PH make it suitable for use in oil and gas applications.
• Watchmaking – The combination of low thermal expansion, hardness and corrosion resistance make 17-7PH suitable for use in watch parts and components.
Conclusion
17-7PH is a precipitation-hardened stainless steel that is composed of 17% chromium and 7% nickel. It has a high strength and corrosion resistance and a low thermal expansion coefficient, making it suitable for a variety of applications. Some common applications include aerospace components, medical implants, food and pharmaceutical processing and oil and gas components. The low cost of 17-7PH makes it an attractive option for many industries.