Stainless Steel 3D Printing
Stainless steel is a corrosion resistant metal with high hardness and strength
Stainless steel is a corrosion resistance metal with high hardness making it a versatile material option. We offer two grades of stainless steel through our 3D printing service:
Stainless Steel 17-4 PH
Select 17-4 PH for its significantly higher tensile strength and yield strength, but recognize that it has far less elongation at break than 316L. Final parts built 17-4 PH receive vacuum solution heat treatment as well as H900 aging.
Primary Benefits
- Heat treated for full hardness and strength
- Corrosion resistance
Stainless Steel 316L
Choose 316L when stainless steel flexibility is needed; 316L is a more malleable material compared to 17-4 PH. Final parts built in 316L receive stress relief application.
Primary Benefits
- Acid and corrosion resistance
- High ductility
Compare Stainless Steel Properties
| Materials | Resolution | Condition | UTS | Yield Stress | Elongation | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel (17-4 PH) |
20 μm | Solution & Aged (H900) | 199 ksi | 178 ksi | 10% | 42 HRC |
| 30 μm | Solution & Aged (H900) | 198 ksi | 179 ksi | 13% | 42 HRC | |
| Stainless Steel (316L) |
20 μm | Stress Relieved | 89 ksi | 73 ksi | 55% | 94 HRB |
| 30 μm | Stress Relieved | 92 ksi | 72 ksi | 58% | 94 HRB |
| Materials | Resolution | Condition | UTS | Yield Stress | Elongation | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel (17-4 PH) |
20 μm | Solution & Aged (H900) | 1372 MPa | 1227 MPa | 10% | 42 HRC |
| 30 μm | Solution & Aged (H900) | 1365 MPa | 1234 MPa | 13% | 42 HRC | |
| Stainless Steel (316L) |
20 μm | Stress Relieved | 614 Mpa | 503 MPa | 55% | 94 HRB |
| 30 μm | Stress Relieved | 634 MPa | 496 MPa | 58% | 94 HRB |
Applications for 3D-Printed Stainless Steel
Stainless steel's corrosion resistance and hardness makes it well suited for components used in the aerospace, medical, and automotive industries. Examples include:
- Surgical instrumentation
- Fuel injectors
- Engine components
- Manufacturing aids
