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Martensitic and precipitation-hardening stainless steels

High-strength stainless grades whose properties are set by hardening and tempering or by ageing.

Martensitic stainless steels combine moderate corrosion resistance with high strength and hardness; the low-carbon nickel-martensitic grade CA6NM adds toughness and weldability. Precipitation-hardening grades such as CB7Cu-1 (the cast 17-4 PH type) reach high strength through a simple ageing treatment with little distortion.

Grades in this family

GradeTypeUNSEN designationStandardTensile strength Rm, min. (MPa)Yield strength Rp0.2, min. (MPa)
CA1512 % Cr martensitic stainless steel, cast 410 typeJ91150≈ 1.4008 (GX7CrNiMo12-1)ASTM A743/A743M, A217/A217M620450
CA40Martensitic stainless steel, higher carbon, cast 420 typeJ91153—ASTM A743/A743M690485
CA6NM13Cr-4Ni low-carbon martensitic stainless steelJ91540≈ 1.4317 (GX4CrNi13-4)ASTM A743/A743M, A487/A487M755550
GX4CrNi13-4 (1.4317)13Cr-4Ni low-carbon martensitic stainless steel—1.4317 (GX4CrNi13-4)EN 10283760550
CB7Cu-1Precipitation-hardening stainless steel, cast 17-4 PH typeJ92180≈ 1.4525 (GX5CrNiCu16-4)ASTM A747/A747M11701000

Minimum values (or ranges) for separately cast test bars as specified in

Casting and processing considerations

Properties depend entirely on correct heat treatment, so the required condition must be stated on the drawing or order. Martensitic grades are crack-sensitive during cooling and welding; preheating and controlled tempering are standard practice. For precipitation-hardening grades, homogenisation before solution treatment is often specified for heavier sections.

Reference data compiled from the cited standards for orientation. Always work from the current edition of the governing specification; values are not a guaranteed LOSTWAX TR delivery specification.