What is the difference between 13-8 and 17-4 stainless steel?
What is the difference between 13-8 and 17-4 stainless steel?
13-8 and 17-4 are two popular precipitation-hardening stainless-steel grades, used for different applications respectively. As we know, both have great strength and the ability to fight against corrosion; however, there are differences between them. Let’s look at key the differences and figure out with which of them you may need to investigate further for your project.
Composition: The Building Blocks
13-8 stainless steel contains chrome of about 13% and nickel of about 8% - hence the name 13-8. On the other hand, 17-4 stainless steel has 17% chromium and 4% nickel. It has been observed that the two types of carbon have different composition which results in the variation of their properties and performance.
Strength and Hardness: A... For Change
When it comes to the strength of the two steels; 13-8 comes out as the stronger of the two. It also has better tensile and yield strength than 17-4 hence suitable for applications which necessitate maximum strength and hardness. This superior strength is due to a higher nickel content; this enhances the heat-treated microstructure and grain size.
Corrosion Resistance: Struggling with Nature’s Forces
In terms of corrosion, 17-4 is slightly better when compared to the 303 stainless steels. The chromium content of the material is higher and thus it has a better resistance to rusting and other types of corrosion especially in moist conditions. However, it must be pointed out that both grades are characterised by very good corrosion properties in comparison with other metals, which means that they can be used in a vast number of applications.
Toughness and Ductility: The Dilemma of Tolerance: Bending Without Breaking
13-8 stainless steel has no match when it comes to the issues of hardness and ductility. It has higher nickel content, which enhances the toughness and the overall characteristic of the material to bend without breaking. This makes 13-8 a perfect material for parts that remind exposed to shock loads or some certain degree of flexibility.
Heat Treatment: How to Achieve Peak Performance
13-8 and 17-4 stainless steel can also be brought through heat treatment to increase their mechanical strength. Still, 13-8 tends to react better when subjected to heat treatment and that is why a greater range of strength characteristics can be set. This flexibility can be of value; particularly if the properties of the material are to be altered to suit a particular application.
Applications: Where They Excel
As stated earlier, 13-8 and 17-4 stainless steel contain different characteristics which make them suitable for different uses in different sectors.
13-8 stainless steel is often used in:
- High strength and high toughness aerospace parts and structures
- Hydraulic and pneumatic systems
- High-performance shafts and gears
- Petrochemical industry equipment
17-4 stainless steel is commonly found in:
- Marine applications since it has high corrosion resistance than other materials.
- Pump shafts and valves
- Surgical and dental instruments
- Food processing equipment
Making the Right Choice
It is up to the needs of the project which one to choose which is the correct choice. If the highest possible strength and toughness are desired, then perhaps 13-8 is the better choice. On the other hand, if you require enhanced corrosion resistance in service, then 17-4 may be a better choice.
At Dynamic Metals Ltd we know that choosing the right material is not always an easy task. If you are not sure of these choices, do not worry because our team of experts is always ready to assist you in making these right decisions that you will need to make to get the right stainless-steel grade for your project.
Final Tips to Keep in Mind….
First, please keep in mind that 13-8 and 17-4 types of stainless steel are just two kinds of materials among countless types of materials available in metallurgical industry. You should not hesitate to try other grades or alloys which might be more suitable for your application.
Finally, no matter if you have decided to go with 13-8, 17-4, or any other grade, we can assure you that stainless steel is the most suitable material that will give your project the desired strength, durability, as well as resistance to corrosion. In both cases, it is all about getting the best match that would suit your specific situation.