17-4PH vs 316L: 58% composition overlap. Moderate differences, generally not direct substitutes.
17-4PH vs 316L
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.
316L
1.4404
Low-carbon austenitic stainless steel with molybdenum addition. Superior corrosion resistance to 304, especially against chlorides and pitting. Standard choice for chemical processing, marine, medical implants, and pharmaceutical equipment.
| 17-4PH | 316L | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 1.4542 | 1.4404 |
| Category | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Standard | EN 10088-3 | EN 10088-2 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | 17-4PH | 316L | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0–0.07% | 0–0.03% | 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 | 316L | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | ≥ 1310 | 520–680 | MPa |
| yield_strength | ≥ 1170 | ≥ 220 | MPa |
| elongation | ≥ 10 | ≥ 40 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
17-4PH and 316L have moderate differences (58% 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 316L?
17-4PH and 316L have a 58% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace 17-4PH with 316L?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (58% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between 17-4PH and 316L?
The main differences are in the following elements: Cr, Ni. 17-4PH is a Stainless Steel grade, while 316L is a Stainless Steel grade.
Related Comparisons
View full data for each material:
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.