17-4 PH 630 1.4542 Processing

Hot Forming
17-4 PH can be easily hot worked using most of the common processes. It is suggested that material be solution treated at 1900 F(1038°C) then formed during cooling while the material is still austenitic. Post-work solution treatment is required prior to final hardening.Hot forming should be carried out in a temperature range of 1742-2192°F (950-1200°C). A full heat treatment including solution annealing, cooling lower than 76°F (25°C) and aging at the required temperature must be made after hot forming (function of the requested mechanical properties).

Cold Forming
Despite its high initial yield strength, 17-4 can be cold worked successfully by most common methods.Cold forming can be performed only to a limited extent and only on plates in the fully softened condition. Stress corrosion resistance is improved by re-aging at the precipitation hardening temperature after cold working.

The following processes may be performed: rolling, bending, hydroforming, etc. (fully softened conditions).17-4PH Condition has machining characteristics similar to stainless steel grades 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.

Cutting
Thermal cutting (plasma, thermal sawing, etc.). Due to the HAZ, the grade requires a suited cutting process. After cutting, grinding is necessary to eliminate the oxide formed layer.

Mechanical cutting (shearing, stamping, cold sawing, etc).