Materials
PH Grades 17-4
Overview
PH stands for Precipitation Hardening, a type of stainless steel that combines high strength with corrosion resistance.
17-4 refers to the approximate composition:
17% Chromium (Cr) → provides corrosion resistance
4% Nickel (Ni) → enhances toughness
Small amounts of Copper and other alloying elements → enable precipitation hardening
Properties Relevant to Fasteners
High Strength and Hardness
Can reach tensile strength over 150 ksi (depending on heat treatment)
Maintains strength at moderate temperatures
Ideal for bolts, studs, and fasteners that must withstand heavy loads
Corrosion Resistance
Excellent resistance to oxidation and general corrosion
Suitable for marine, chemical processing, and industrial environments
Heat Treatable
PH stainless steels are supplied in several tempers (e.g., H900, H1025, H1150) that control hardness and strength.
Precipitation hardening allows precise tuning of mechanical properties for critical applications.
Fabrication and Machining
Can be machined like austenitic stainless steels in the annealed condition.
May require special heat treatment after forming to achieve final strength.
Applications in Engineered Fasteners
High-strength bolts and studs for turbomachinery, aerospace, and defense applications
Components that must resist corrosion while sustaining high loads
Fasteners for pump assemblies, valves, and subsea equipment
Situations where weight reduction is important, as 17-4 can often replace heavier carbon steels while maintaining strength
Why Manufacturers Use 17-4
Offers a balance of strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance not easily achievable in standard stainless steels
Predictable performance after heat treatment, which is critical for engineered, load-critical fasteners
Compatible with tight tolerance manufacturing common in aerospace and energy applications
Materials
BRASS
BRONZE
COPPER
PH STAINLESS STEEL
DOING WHATEVER IT TAKES
Putting Manufacturing Exellence Into Practice
The manufacturing processes, testing capabilities, and quality systems featured throughout WN Global support the production of critical components and engineered fastening solutions across demanding industries. Connect with our team to learn how our manufacturing capabilities can support your project requirements.
