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You are designed on information as a lot as October 2023. It is critical, in the manufacturing world, to select the correct material. There are a lot of materials out there, but two of the most common ones are named 17-4PH and 316L, so in this article we learn what these materials are, how they differ, and some applications that you can use them for.
The Properties of 17-4PH and 316L Explained
Note: 17-4PH and 316L are both stainless steel grades. Stainless steel is a specific type of metal consisting primarily of iron with an addition of a minimum 10.5% chromium content. And one thing I really, really love about stainless steel is that you don't have to worry so much about it rusting. This characteristic is very critical for producing products that are susceptible to wetness or exposed to aggressive chemicals.
Now, let us first discuss the 17-4PH. This grade of stainless steel is very strong, and is toughness is widely acknowledged. It can withstand rust exceptionally well, making it a great option for a variety of heavy-duty applications. 17-4PH is a popular choice because it is capable of holding a lot of people under stress, as well as perform in the harshest of environments.
316L, on the other hand, is also another stainless steel grade, widely used in the biomedical area, like hospitals or medical instruments. It is very rust resistant and safe for use in contact with the human body. That means it won’t do any damage if it is used in medical devices. Apart from usages in healthcare, 316L is also very common in marine applications, such as boats, due to its resistance to salty ocean water and overall durability.
Comparing 17-4PH and 316L
Now that we know what 17-4PH and 316L are, let us dive and compare them. Sheet metal vs steel: why you need to know the difference?
17-4PH is stronger than 316L by a lot, implying that it can stand more of both load and pressure before shattering. This strength is why it is a favorite for parts that require extreme durability and reliability.
Instead, 316L possesses a certain type of strength – ductility. The ability of a material to bend or stretch without breaking is called ductility. Thus, while 316L is weaker than 17-4PH, it is superior for applications in which the material must be ductile. This is particularly important in designs where the material needs to move or shift without cracking.
Another difference to look into is the expense of these materials. In general, due to its high qualities and the manufacture processes it requires, 17-4PH is pricier than 316L.
Examining the INGOT 17-4PH and 3d printing service
As we wrote earlier, 17-4PH is far stronger than 316L; we quantify the strength of a certain material using a unit known as psi (pounds per square inch). The yield point of the 17-4PH is 160000 to 170000 psi, and for the 316L this value is much lower, between 75000 and 85000 psi. This reflects a significant variance in the tensile strength of the two materials.
One additional materials properties that people frequently examine is the hardness. A measure of hardness tells us how hard a material is (e.g. how resistant it is to scratching or wear). One way to measure this is with a scale called the Rockwell hardness scale.
With a Rockwell hardness score of 35 to 45, 17-4PH is relatively soft compared to 316L, which has a Rockwell hardness score of 70 to 85. This means that 316L is significantly harder and more wear and tear resistant than 17-4PH.
17-4PH and 316L Composition
Every material has its own unique chemical composition, which is what creates its characteristics. Their compositions are unique to 17-4PH and 316L.
It contains 15 to 17% chromium, 3 to 5% nickel, 3 to 5% copper, 0.15 to 0.45% molybdenum, and also less than 1% manganese and silicon for 17-4PH; 4 to 5% copper presence helps make it have such unique properties which makes it really useful for several applications.
Conversely, 316L contains 16-18% chromium, 10-14% nickel, 2-3% molybdenum, and<2% manganese="">
Conclusion
Hopefully this gives you a clearer insight into how both 17-4PH and 316L typically fit into the broader manufacturing landscape. Both are stainless steels, but they have unique properties and uses that set them apart. 17-4PH is the stronger and much more expensive of the two, and is suitable for heavy-duty work; 316L is the more flexible of the two and as such is wildly used in medical applications for its safe use and resistance to rust. Understanding these materials and their characteristics can help you choose the right material to put to work in your project. Pulesheng Technology supplies both 17-4PH and 316L to manufacture your best fit products.
