17-4 PH 630 1.4542 Machining

17-4PH Condition has machining characteristics similar to stainless steel sgrades 302, 304 and 410. The high hardness and strength in Condition H900 is the most difficult to machine and the material should be machined at 60% of the rate which is used for Condition A.

Alloy 17-4 PH can be machined in both solution treated and precipitation hardened conditions. Machining condition may vary according to the hardness of the material. High speed steel tools or preferably carbide tools with standard lubrification are normally used. If very stringent tolerances are required, it is necessary to take into account the dimensional changes during heat treatment.

17-4PH Condition is suitable for limited cold forming, H1100, H1150 and overaged conditions are more suitable when severe cold forming is required.

Long, gummy chips characterize this alloys machinability. It can be machined in the annealed condition, however condition H1150M will yield best results. Post machining solution treatment of parts will be required prior to final hardening if machining in this condition.