Description
Alloy Geek 15-5PH/17-4PH Precipitation-Hardening Stainless Steel Standard
15-5PH/17-4PH refers to a type of stainless steel alloy that is certified to meet the specifications and requirements of both the 15-5PH and 17-4PH stainless steel grades. Both 15-5PH and 17-4PH are precipitation-hardening stainless steel alloys known for their high strength, corrosion resistance, and the ability to be heat treated to achieve specific mechanical properties. The "PH" in their names stands for "precipitation hardening," indicating their heat-treatable nature.
15-5PH/17-4PH Chemical Composition:
- Chromium (Cr): 15.0 - 15.5%
- Nickel (Ni): 3.5 - 5.0%
- Copper (Cu): 3.0 - 4.5%
- Manganese (Mn): 1.0% max
- Silicon (Si): 1.0% max
- Phosphorus (P): 0.040% max
- Sulfur (S): 0.030% max
- Carbon (C): 0.07% max
17-4PH (Alloy 17-4, UNS S17400): 17-4PH is another precipitation-hardening stainless steel with high strength, good corrosion resistance, and the ability to be heat treated to achieve various mechanical properties. It contains chromium, nickel, copper, and other elements. It's used in applications ranging from aerospace to medical devices.
The "dual certified" term means that the alloy meets the specifications of both 15-5PH and 17-4PH. This can be beneficial when a specific application requires the properties of either alloy and the manufacturer offers a product that is certified to both standards. It provides flexibility in selecting the alloy that best suits the application's requirements.
When considering the use of a 15-5PH/17-4PH dual certified alloy for a specific project, consulting with materials experts or manufacturers is recommended. They can provide you with detailed information about its composition, mechanical properties, heat treatment options, and its suitability for your intended application, especially in terms of strength, corrosion resistance, heat treatability, and compatibility with the specific conditions of your application.
Reference Material (RM): A reference material, or RM, is a material with a known composition or property that is used for informational purposes to look at analytical instruments, methods, or procedures. It serves as a point of comparison to ensure the accuracy and reliability of measurements. Reference materials can vary in terms of their level of characterization and traceability. Some reference materials may have well-defined properties, but they might not have undergone the rigorous testing and certification process that certified reference materials (CRMs) undergo. Reference Material chemical compositions are for information purposes.
Certified Reference Material (CRM): A certified reference material, or CRM, is a type of reference material that has been thoroughly analyzed and characterized using multiple validated methods to determine its composition or properties. The results of these analyses are then used to establish certified values, along with associated uncertainties. CRMs are produced and certified by accredited organizations or laboratories following internationally recognized standards, such as ISO Guide 34 (ISO 17034). The certification process includes interlaboratory comparison and statistical analysis to ensure accuracy and traceability.
In summary, the main difference between a reference material and a certified reference material lies in the level of characterization, validation, and certification. CRMs have undergone a more comprehensive and rigorous testing process, resulting in certified values and uncertainties that can be confidently used for instrument calibration, quality control, and research. Reference materials, on the other hand, can provide a point of comparison but do not have the same level of certification and traceability as CRMs. When accuracy and traceability are critical, certified reference materials are preferred.