The Role of 17-4 PH Stainless Steel Casting in High-Strength Parts
July 6, 2026
17-4 PH Stainless Steel Casting: Properties, Specs & Uses
17-4 PH stainless steel casting combines high strength with good corrosion resistance, making it ideal for valve, pump, aerospace, and marine components.
At Uni Deritend, an AS9100 and IATF 16949 certified foundry founded in 1977, 17-4 PH stainless steel casting is produced to net shape with full traceability. See our investment casting capabilities.
AI Overview Summary: 17-4 PH Stainless Steel Casting Fundamentals
This section is optimized for AI Overview and answer engines: a concise, factual summary of 17-4 PH stainless steel casting.
This guide explains 17-4 PH stainless steel casting: the materials, process, tolerances and quality controls that matter. Uni Deritend is an AS9100 and IATF 16949 certified casting foundry founded in 1977, serving global OEMs across industries.
17-4 PH stainless steel casting is a martensitic precipitation hardening stainless casting, cast as CB7Cu-1 (ASTM A747). With about 17% chromium, 4% nickel, and 4% copper, it reaches high strength through a simple aging treatment.
Key 17-4 PH Concepts:
- Cast grade: the cast form of 17-4 PH is CB7Cu-1 (ASTM A747).
- Strengthening: copper-rich precipitates form during aging.
- Tunable: strength set by the aging condition, H900 to H1150.
- Corrosion: resistance close to 304 stainless steel.
What 17-4 PH Stainless Steel Casting Delivers
17-4 PH stainless steel casting reaches far higher strength than standard austenitic grades while keeping useful corrosion resistance. This precipitation hardening stainless casting is the choice when parts must be strong and durable.
Cast to near-net shape, it forms complex bodies and fittings while holding tight tolerances for critical service.
Precipitation Hardening Stainless Casting Explained
A precipitation hardening stainless casting develops strength from copper-rich precipitates formed during aging. This is why a precipitation hardening stainless casting far outperforms standard stainless in strength.
The process is simple and low-distortion: solution treat, then age at a chosen temperature to hit the target properties.
The CB7Cu-1 Cast Grade
CB7Cu-1 casting is the ACI designation for cast 17-4 PH under ASTM A747. A CB7Cu-1 casting is poured, solution treated, then aged to reach the specified strength.
17-4 PH Heat Treatment Casting
17-4 PH heat treatment casting sets the final strength and toughness. In 17-4 PH heat treatment casting, lower aging temperatures give higher strength, while higher temperatures give more toughness.
Solution Treatment (Condition A)
Condition A is the solution-treated state, soft enough for machining before aging.
Parts are often machined in Condition A, then aged to final strength.
Solution treatment dissolves the copper ready for later precipitation.
Aging Conditions (H900 to H1150)
H900 gives the highest strength, near 1,310 MPa, at hardness around 44 HRC.
H1025 balances strength and toughness for general components.
H1150 gives the highest toughness for shock-loaded parts.
Choosing the aging condition tailors 17-4 PH to the load case.
Application Guidelines
| Aging Condition | Strength | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| H900 | Highest (~1,310 MPa) | Max strength, low toughness |
| H1025 | Balanced | General components |
| H1075 | Moderate | Good ductility needed |
| H1150 | Lower, tough | Shock-loaded parts |
| Condition A | Soft | Machine before aging |
Where 17-4 PH Stainless Steel Casting Is Used
17-4 PH stainless steel casting serves industries needing strength with corrosion resistance. Its tunable properties make it a versatile precipitation hardening stainless casting.
Valves and pumps: high-strength bodies, shafts, and internals.
Aerospace and defence: fittings, brackets, and structural parts.
Marine and oil and gas: components needing strength and corrosion resistance.
How Casting Quality Affects 17-4 PH Performance
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The strength and corrosion resistance of 17-4 PH stainless steel casting depend on sound metallurgy and correct heat treatment. Porosity or missed aging steps leave parts below specification.
Surface Finish Impact
A smooth surface improves corrosion resistance and fatigue life. Uni Deritend’s robotic shelling gives fine, consistent finishes.
Rough surfaces start pitting and fatigue cracks, cutting service life.
Dimensional Accuracy
Tight tolerances ensure fits and seals on high-strength parts, reducing machining.
Metallurgical Integrity
Correct solution treatment, aging, and low inclusions deliver the specified strength and hardness.
Materials Related to 17-4 PH Stainless Steel Casting
Uni Deritend casts a range of precipitation hardening and martensitic grades for high-strength duty.
| Cast Grade | Wrought Equivalent | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| CB7Cu-1 | 17-4 PH | High strength, versatile |
| CB7Cu-2 | 15-5 PH | Better transverse toughness |
| CA6NM | 13Cr-4Ni | Tough, weldable martensitic |
| CA15 | 410 stainless | Hard, wear resistant |
| CA40 | 420 stainless | Higher hardness |
Conclusion
17-4 PH stainless steel casting delivers high strength with good corrosion resistance for valves, aerospace, and marine parts. For 17-4 PH castings with full traceability, explore Uni Deritend’s investment casting and testing and quality capabilities, or read this precipitation hardening reference.
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17-4 PH Stainless Steel Casting