17-4PH vs 304 / X5CrNi18-10: 56% composition overlap. Moderate differences, generally not direct substitutes.
17-4PH vs 304 / X5CrNi18-10
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
17-4PH
1.4542
The most widely used precipitation-hardening stainless steel. Combines high strength (up to 1310 MPa UTS) with corrosion resistance comparable to 304. Delivered solution-annealed and hardened by simple low-temperature aging. Used in aerospace, medical, oil & gas, and nuclear applications.
304 / X5CrNi18-10
1.4301
The world's most widely used stainless steel — the original 18/8 austenitic. Good corrosion resistance in atmospheric, organic, and inorganic environments. Excellent formability and weldability. Not recommended for chloride-rich or marine environments (use 316L). Used in food processing, kitchen equipment, architecture, tanks, and general engineering.
| 17-4PH | 304 / X5CrNi18-10 | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 1.4542 | 1.4301 |
| Category | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Standard | EN 10088-3 | EN 10088-2 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | 17-4PH | 304 / X5CrNi18-10 | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0–0.07% | 0–0.07% | OK |
| Si | 0–0.7% | 0–1% | OK |
| Mn | 0–1.5% | 0–2% | OK |
| P | 0–0.04% | 0–0.045% | OK |
Mechanical properties
| Property | 17-4PH | 304 / X5CrNi18-10 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | ≥ 1310 | 500–700 | MPa |
| yield_strength | ≥ 1170 | ≥ 190 | MPa |
| elongation | ≥ 10 | ≥ 45 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
17-4PH and 304 / X5CrNi18-10 have moderate differences (56% overlap). They are generally not direct substitutes. Consider the specific requirements of your application.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 17-4PH the same as 304 / X5CrNi18-10?
17-4PH and 304 / X5CrNi18-10 have a 56% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace 17-4PH with 304 / X5CrNi18-10?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (56% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between 17-4PH and 304 / X5CrNi18-10?
The main differences are in the following elements: Cr, Ni. 17-4PH is a Stainless Steel grade, while 304 / X5CrNi18-10 is a Stainless Steel grade.
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Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.
All data is for reference only. Equivalents indicate similarity, not identity. Always verify against the applicable specification for safety-critical applications. materialref.com accepts no liability for decisions based on this data.