The 17-4 stainless steel grade is an age-hardening martensitic alloy that combines high corrosion resistance and strength. Unlike conventional martensitic steels, it weldable by all standard methods, and achieves hardening with simple low-temperature treatment over a short period of time.

Alloy 17-4 is a chromium-copper precipitation hardening stainless steel that is used for applications requiring high strength and a moderate level of corrosion resistance. It is one of the most widely used precipitation hardening grades, as it has high strength hardness up to about 572°F while demonstrating good corrosion resistance in all heat treated conditions. Alloy 17-4 has adequate resistance to atmospheric corrosion or in diluted acid salts where its corrosion resistance is equivalent to Alloy 304 or 430. Alloy 17-4 can be heat treated to a variety of temperatures to develop a wide range of properties. Its mechanical properties can be optimized with heat treatment where very high yield strength up to 180 ksi can be achieved. Alloy 17-4 should not be used at temperatures above 572°F or at very low temperatures.