304 Stainless Steel vs 630 / 17-4PH: 56% composition overlap. Moderate differences, generally not direct substitutes.
304 Stainless Steel vs 630 / 17-4PH
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
304 Stainless Steel
1.4301
The most widely used austenitic stainless steel. Excellent corrosion resistance, good formability and weldability. Standard choice for food processing, chemical, and architectural applications.
630 / 17-4PH
1.4542
Precipitation-hardening martensitic stainless steel — the highest-strength stainless in common use. Solution anneal at 1040°C then age at 480-620°C for UTS >1300 MPa. Corrosion resistance similar to 304. Cu+Nb precipitation hardening. Trade names include 17-4PH, SUS630. Used for aerospace structural parts, turbine blades, valve components, nuclear waste casks, medical instruments, and oil/gas equipment.
| 304 Stainless Steel | 630 / 17-4PH | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 1.4301 | 1.4542 |
| Category | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Standard | EN 10088-2 | EN 10088-3 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | 304 Stainless Steel | 630 / 17-4PH | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0–0.07% | 0–0.07% | OK |
| Si | 0–1% | 0–0.7% | OK |
| Mn | 0–2% | 0–1.5% | OK |
| P | 0–0.045% | 0–0.04% | OK |
Mechanical properties
| Property | 304 Stainless Steel | 630 / 17-4PH | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 520–720 | ≥ 1310 | MPa |
| yield_strength | ≥ 210 | ≥ 1170 | MPa |
| elongation | ≥ 45 | ≥ 10 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
304 Stainless Steel and 630 / 17-4PH have moderate differences (56% overlap). They are generally not direct substitutes. Consider the specific requirements of your application.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 304 Stainless Steel the same as 630 / 17-4PH?
304 Stainless Steel and 630 / 17-4PH have a 56% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace 304 Stainless Steel with 630 / 17-4PH?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (56% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between 304 Stainless Steel and 630 / 17-4PH?
The main differences are in the following elements: Cr, Ni. 304 Stainless Steel is a Stainless Steel grade, while 630 / 17-4PH is a Stainless Steel grade.
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Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.
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