What Is Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel?
A precipitation hardening (PH) stainless is a type of steel known for its high strength and excellent corrosion resistance. These types of grades are made stronger through a process called precipitation hardening which involves heat treating the steel at high temperatures to enhance its toughness and durability.
Key PH Grades
Two popular precipitation hardening grades we stock are 17/4PH and FV520B. 17/4PH is extremely strong and resistant to corrosion, making it perfect for use in aerospace, chemical, and food processing applications. FV520B is known for its impressive combination of strength, toughness and high resistance to cracking even under extreme stress, which is ideal for use in oil, gas and nuclear energy production.
PH Steel Advantages
The primary advantage of using precipitation hardening stainless steel is its ability to achieve a high strength-to-weight ratio. This characteristic is crucial for industries where durable materials are necessary, but weight is a constraint. Additional benefits include:
- Enhanced Durability: Both 17/4PH and FV520B provide excellent fatigue and wear resistance.
- Corrosion Resistance: These materials are less prone to oxidation and deterioration in harsh environments.
- Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of manufacturing processes and applications.
Technical Insights: How These Steels Are Used
PH stainless steels are ideal for situations where both high strength and corrosion resistance are required. They include specific elements like copper, aluminium, and titanium to achieve these properties.
Here’s how they are applied across different industries:
- Aerospace: 17/4PH is commonly used for aerospace parts required to withstand high stress without breaking.
- Oil and Gas: FV520B is used in offshore oil rigs, where it needs to withstand harsh sea conditions.
- Nuclear Energy: FV520B is also used in nuclear power plants as it tolerates high temperatures and radiation without degrading.
Welding and Fabrication
When welding PH stainless steels, it’s important to use the right techniques to avoid damaging the steel’s structure. Using a method like TIG welding, which uses a tungsten electrode and an inert gas, helps make clean, strong welds. After welding, a special heat treatment might be necessary to ensure that the steel retains or returns to its desired strength and properties.
Why Choose Our PH Stainless Steel?
Our selection of precipitation hardening stainless’ is carefully chosen to offer high performance for demanding applications. We stock various different heat-treated conditions in both 17/4PH and FV520B. With a commitment to quality and fast service, we’re here to help you find the right steel for your project. Our sales team can provide you with all the technical advice you need.
Need advice or ready to order? Contact our sales team today by phone or email to discuss our precipitation hardening stainless grades.