Stainless steel strips are popular choices for manufacturing welded tubes and pipes.
However, there exists a subsets of stainless steel products which were made with two different grades of stainless steel, namely 17-4PH and 316L.
These two grades are similar as they are both used in manufacturing stainless steel welded pipes and tubes. But there are differences between these two types of products, especially from their chemical composition point of view.
Let’s keep reading.
What is 17-4PH Stainless Steel Strip?
17-4 PH stainless steel strip, also called 630 precipitation hardening stainless steel strip.
17-4PH alloy is a precipitation, hardening, martensitic stainless steel composed of copper, niobium/columb.
After heat treatment, the mechanical properties of the strip product are more perfect, and can reach a compressive strength of up to 1100-1300 Mpa (160-190 ksi).
Grade 17-4 PH stainless steel strip cannot be used at temperatures higher than 300°C (572°F) or very low temperatures.
It has good corrosion resistance to the atmosphere and diluted acids or salts.
Its corrosion resistance is the same as 304 stainless steel strip and 430 stainless steel strip.
What is 316L Stainless Steel Strip?
316L stainless steel strip is a low carbon version of 316 stainless steel, with a minimum of 16% chromium and 8% nickel. It is similar to 316 in appearance and properties, but has slightly lower corrosion resistance in acidic or saltwater environments.
316L has excellent weldability and formability. It is often used in the construction industry as a cost effective alternative to 316 due to it’s lower price point, while maintaining most of the same characteristics.
Differences Between 17-4PH Stainless Steel Strips and 316L Stainless Steel Strips
Chemical Composition
The chemical components of grade 316L stainless steel strip is summarized in the following table:
| Grade | Standard | C | Si | Mn | P | S | Cr | Ni | Mo |
| 316L | ASTM A240 | ≤0.03 | ≤1.00 | ≤2.00 | ≤0.045 | ≤0.030 | 16.00-18.00 | 10.00-14.00 | 2.00-3.00 |
The chemical components of grade 17-4PH stainless steel strip is summarized in the following table:
| C | Si | Mn | P | S | Cr | Ni | Cu | Nb |
| 0.07 max | 1.00 max | 1.00 max | 0.040 max | 0.030 max | 15.00~17.50 | 3.0~5.0 | 3.0~5.0 | 0.15~0.45 |
Mechanical Properties
17-4PH Stainless Steel Strip Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of grade 17-4PH stainless steel strip is summarized in the following table:
| Property | A | H 900 | H 925 | H 1025 | H 1075 | H 1150 | H 1150-M |
| UTS | 1103 | 1448 | 1379 | 1276 | 1207 | 1103 | 1034 |
| 0.2% YS | 1000 | 1379 | 1345 | 1172 | 1148 | 1034 | 896 |
| Elongation % in 50mm | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 11 | 12 |
| Hardness (rockwell) | C35 | C45 | C43 | C38 | C37 | C35 | C33 |
316L Stainless Steel Strip Mechanical Properties
| Grade | Yield Strength 0.2% offset (KSI) | Tensile Strength (KSI) | % Elongation (2″ Gauge length) |
| 316L | 25 min. | 70 min. | 40 min. |
Applications
What Is 17-4PH Stainless Steel Strip Used For?
17-4PH is a martensitic precipitation hardening stainless steel.
It has high strength, high hardness, good welding performance and corrosion resistance.
It has been widely used in following industries:
- Oil field equipment
- Chemical process equipment
- Fittings and pump shafts
- Gears
- Paper mill equipment
- Aircraft parts
- Flanges and valves
- Other Precision Parts
What Is 316L Stainless Steel Strip Used For?
- Chemical and petrochemical industry
- Food processing
- Pharmaceutical equipment
- Medical devices
- Potable water
- Wastewater treatment
- Marine applications
