17-4 Ph Used In Mental Injection Molding

MIM 17-4 PH refers to a type of stainless steel powder used in metal injection molding (MIM) processes. It contains 17% chromium and 4% nickel, along with other elements like copper and molybdenum, which give it high strength, corrosion resistance and toughness. This material is commonly used in aerospace, medical, and defense industries due to its excellent properties. MIM 17-4 PH can be formed into complex shapes with tight tolerances using the MIM process, making it a popular choice for high-performance components such as gears, bearings, and surgical instruments.

17-4 Ph Chemical Properties

Chemical Properties

Element	Percent by Weight
Iron	BaL.
Nickel	3.00-5.00
Silicon	1.00
Carbon	0.07
Chromium	15.50-17.50
Niobium	0.15-0.45
Manganese	1.00
Copper	3.00-5.00
Sulfur	0.03

Note:Measured in % of weight

Typically, compared to wrought 17-4 PH stainless steel, MIM 17-4 PH stainless steel exhibits a decrease of 10-25% in its mechanical properties. This decrease can be attributed to several main factors. The first factor is the presence of defects in the sintering process such as retained pores and grains as well as residual carbon impurities. In addition, elemental loss via evaporation of Cr, Cu, and Ni can occur. Impurities such as O, C, and N can also be included.
The carbon and nitrogen elements present in the material stabilize the face-centered cubic austenite phase, which slows down the sintering process. Conversely, the body-centered cubic delta ferrite phase increases the sintering rate. Cooling after sintering results in the formation of martensite, leading to high hardness and strength due to precipitation reactions in stainless steel 17-4PH. However, the retention of delta-ferrite reduces strength.
Oxygen plays an important role in MIM products as stainless steel powders have a high initial surface area with oxide coating. The oxygen levels can vary depending on the powder manufacturing process used. The presence of oxides can remove chromium from its corrosion inhibition effect. As a result, high oxygen levels in MIM 17-4 PH parts can result in low mechanical properties and poor corrosion resistance.

	Sintered	Heat treated
Density [% of theoretical]	≥ 98	≥ 98
Yield strength Rpo.2 [MPa]	650 – 750	≥ 950
UTS Rm [MPa]	800 – 950	≥ 1100
Elongation [%]	≥ 6	≥ 4
Hardness [HRC]	≥ 27 HRC	≥ 38 HRC

Advantage of 17-4 Ph Material

• High strength: 17-4 PH stainless steel is known for its high strength, and when used in MIM parts, it can achieve strength levels comparable to wrought materials.
• Corrosion resistance: 17-4 PH stainless steel has good corrosion resistance, making it suitable for harsh environments and applications where exposure to corrosive substances is a concern.
• Good ductility: MIM-produced 17-4 PH stainless steel parts have good ductility, allowing them to withstand deformation without fracturing or breaking.
• Design flexibility: 17-4 PH stainless steel can be shaped into complex geometries, which allows for the production of intricate parts with precise features.
• Excellent surface finish: Parts produced using MIM in 17-4 PH stainless steel have a smooth surface finish, requiring little to no secondary finishing operations.

17-4 Ph Application

17-4 PH stainless steel can be used to produce a wide range of components for various industries due to its unique combination of high strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance.

• • •  Shafts: 17-4 PH stainless steel is commonly used for manufacturing shafts used in aerospace, defense, and industrial applications due to its high strength and wear resistance.
    • Valves: Valve components such as stems, balls, and seats can be produced using 17-4 PH stainless steel due to its corrosion resistance properties.
    • Bearings: 17-4 PH stainless steel offers excellent wear resistance, making it a popular choice for producing bearings and bushings.
    • Gears: High-strength gears used in power transmission systems can be made from 17-4 PH stainless steel.
    • Medical implants: Orthopedic and dental implants such as bone screws, plates, and dental prosthetics are produced using 17-4 PH stainless steel due to its biocompatibility and corrosion resistance.
    • Housings: Electronic components and devices that require high-strength and durability, such as housings for computers and other electronic devices, can be made using 17-4 PH stainless steel.

FAQs about 17-4 PH in Metal Injection Molding (MIM)