17-4PH vs X20Cr13: 53% composition overlap. Moderate differences, generally not direct substitutes.
17-4PH vs X20Cr13
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.
X20Cr13
1.4021
Basic martensitic stainless steel — 0.16-0.25% C + 12-14% Cr. Hardenable to HRC 48-52. THE workhorse martensitic stainless: cheap, available, and adequate corrosion resistance for mild environments. AISI 420 equivalent. Used for cutlery, surgical instruments, shafts, valve spindles, bolts, and turbine blades. Better corrosion resistance than X12Cr13 (1.4006/410) due to higher C and slight Cr advantage.
| 17-4PH | X20Cr13 | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 1.4542 | 1.4021 |
| Category | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Standard | EN 10088-3 | EN 10088-3 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | 17-4PH | X20Cr13 | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0–0.07% | 0.16–0.25% | No overlap |
| Si | 0–0.7% | 0–1% | OK |
| Mn | 0–1.5% | 0–1.5% | OK |
| P | 0–0.04% | 0–0.04% | OK |
Mechanical properties
| Property | 17-4PH | X20Cr13 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | ≥ 1310 | 700–850 | MPa |
| yield_strength | ≥ 1170 | ≥ 500 | MPa |
| elongation | ≥ 10 | ≥ 12 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
17-4PH and X20Cr13 have moderate differences (53% 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 X20Cr13?
17-4PH and X20Cr13 have a 53% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace 17-4PH with X20Cr13?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (53% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between 17-4PH and X20Cr13?
The main differences are in the following elements: C, Cr. 17-4PH is a Stainless Steel grade, while X20Cr13 is a Stainless Steel grade.
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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.