The ExOne Company has announced the availability of 17-4PH stainless steel (also known as SAE Type 630 or UNS S17400) as a printable material at its North Huntingdon production service center (PSC). After printing, 17-4PH parts are heat treated, according to Condition H900 to increase hardness.17-4PH is a chromium-nickel-copper precipitation hardening stainless steel used for applications requiring high strength and a moderate level of corrosion resistance. Compared with other stainless steel alloys, it is also preferred for its weldability.
Its properties are commonly desired for a wide range of applications in a variety of industries including aerospace, automotive, defense, and medical equipment. Manufacturers who supply components using 17-4PH can now benefit from the advantages of additive manufacturing using ExOne’s binder jetting technology. Binder jetting creates complex parts using freedom of design that cannot be produced using traditional manufacturing methods. The availability of 17-4PH complements the PSC’s other currently printable stainless steel alloys, which includes 420 stainless steel infiltrated with bronze, 316 stainless steel infiltrated with bronze, and 316 stainless steel highly sintered.