What is 1.4542 stainless steel?
1.4542 stainless steel is a precipitation-hardening stainless steel with a yield strength of 515 to 1415 MPa. Its tensile strength ranges from 860 to 1520 MPa. Elongation is 1% to 25%. Cold working before aging treatment can achieve higher strength, and it can be processed into various practical product forms, including plates, coils, tubes, bars, and wires.
1.4548 stainless steel equivalent
1.4548 stainless steel, also known as 17-4PH (AISI 630, UNS S17400), is a precipitation-hardenable martensitic stainless steel prized for its high strength, excellent hardness (up to ~43 HRC), good corrosion resistance, and good toughness, combining high mechanical properties with easy age-hardening after machining, making it ideal for demanding aerospace, chemical, and petrochemical applications.
1.4542 vs 1.4548 stainless steel: Key Differences
1.4542 (X5CrNiCuNb16-4) and 1.4548 are virtually the same precipitation-hardening stainless steels, often used interchangeably, representing the 17-4 PH grade (AISI 630/UNS S17400); the subtle difference is 1.4548 is specified for higher purity via remelting, but they share identical core properties like high strength, wear resistance, and good corrosion resistance for marine/chemical uses, differing mainly in their specific standards/manufacturing.
1.4542 vs 1.4548 stainless steel chemical composition
| Property | 1.4542 (AISI 630) | 1.4548 (AISI 630) |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | ||
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.07% | ≤ 0.07% |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.50–2.50% | 1.50–2.50% |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.00% | ≤ 1.00% |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.04% | ≤ 0.04% |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.03% | ≤ 0.03% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 15.00–17.00% | 15.00–17.00% |
| Nickel (Ni) | 4.00–5.00% | 3.50–5.00% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.00–3.00% | 2.00–3.00% |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.50–1.50% | 0.50–1.50% |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.10% | ≤ 0.10% |
1.4542 vs 1.4548 stainless steel mechanical properties
| Mechanical Properties | 1.4542 (AISI 630) | 1.4548 (AISI 630) |
| Yield Strength (Rp0.2) | 500–700 MPa | 500–700 MPa |
| Tensile Strength (Rm) | 850–1000 MPa | 850–1000 MPa |
| Elongation (A5) | ≥ 10% | ≥ 10% |
| Hardness (Brinell) | 269–321 HB | 269–321 HB |
| Modulus of Elasticity (E) | 193 GPa | 193 GPa |
| Poisson's Ratio | 0.30 | 0.30 |
| Applications | Aerospace, high-performance valves, shafts | Aerospace, high-performance valves, shafts |
What are the main applications of 1.4542 (AISI 630)?
1.4542 is commonly used in aerospace, high-performance valves, shafts, and other applications requiring good corrosion resistance and high strength. It is often used in the manufacture of components that need to withstand mechanical stress at high temperatures.
Can 1.4542 and 1.4548 stainless steel be welded?
Both 1.4542 and 1.4548 can be welded, but choosing the appropriate welding method is crucial. Due to its lower nickel content, 1.4548 generally has better weldability, while 1.4542 may require preheating and post-weld heat treatment in high-strength applications to avoid cracking.
Are 1.4542 and 1.4548 stainless steel magnetic?
Both 1.4542 and 1.4548 are austenitic stainless steels and are generally non-magnetic in the annealed state. However, depending on the degree of cold working, they may become slightly magnetic after cold working.
What heat treatments can be performed on 1.4542 and 1.4548 stainless steel?
Both 1.4542 and 1.4548 can undergo solution annealing and precipitation hardening (age hardening) treatments to improve their mechanical properties. Standard heat treatment involves heating the steel to approximately 1020–1060°C, followed by rapid cooling. Afterward, the material is aged at a temperature of approximately 480–500°C for 4–8 hours to achieve the desired hardness and strength.
Our 17-4PH stainless steel is available in a variety of shapes and sizes, including plates, bars, tubes, wires, and flanges. Common processing methods include forging, rolling, machining, and welding. Due to its excellent mechanical properties and heat treatment flexibility, it conforms to various international standards and certifications, including ASTM A564, AMS 5604, etc. Our 17-4PH steel is not limited to the forms listed below and custom orders are welcome. Please feel free to inquire!
