There are many different types of stainless steel, each with their own special characteristics that allow them to perform better in certain situations than others. Precipitation-hardening stainless metals are known for their strength and high resistance to corrosion. Considered to have the best weldability of the precipitation steels, 17-4 PH is the most widely used stainless steel grade in its class.
Composition
Composed primarily of chromium, nickel, and copper, the versatility of 17-4 stainless steel made it popular for use in the food processing, paper, chemical, and petrochemical industries, among others. Available in a variety of forms, 17-4 stainless steel owes its versatility to its ability to develop a wide range of properties depending on the temperature at which it is treated. Available in strip and sheet metal, the strength of 17-4 stainless steel is very close to that of bars and wires.
Ratings
When it comes to resisting corrosive attack, 17-4 PH is superior among standard hardenable stainless steels and comparable in most situations to grade 304, the most widely used stainless steel in the world. Due to cost efficiency, an increasing number of parts requiring high corrosion resistance are now made from 17-4 PH stainless steel instead of high-alloy non-ferrous metals and chrome-nickel steels.
Additionally, 17-4 PH stainless steel exhibits good mechanical properties up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit and solid hardness when used as a base metal or welded into forms.
15-5
Another precipitation hardening metal is 15-5 stainless steel, which is available in sheet and strip form. This iron-free steel has many of the same positive attributes as its counterpart, 17-4 PH stainless steel, including easy weldability and high corrosion resistance when hardened. However, the reduced ferrite content at 15-5 ph gives this metal more toughness than PH 17-4 stainless steel.
301
Another metal known for its strength and high corrosion resistance is Type 301 steel, a modified version of 302 stainless steel. Grade 301 is part of the austenitic family of stainless steels. Known for their strength, workability, and weldability, austenitic steels are composed primarily of chromium and nickel, making these metals highly resistant to oxidation and corrosion. In particular, 301 stainless steel is known for its ductility when strengthened by cold working, which also causes it to become slightly magnetic. The wide cold workability range of 301 is due in part to its low chromium and nickel content compared to other austenitic steels. The strength, corrosion resistance, and easy formability of grade 301 stainless steel have made it popular for making a variety of items, including aircraft parts and tableware.
Looking for strength…
While all stainless steels are known for their ability to resist rust, some are more resistant than others. If you’re looking for a steel that provides strength, consider grades 17-4 PH, 15-5 ph, or 301 for your next project. Contact your local stainless steel sheet and plate supplier for more information.