17-4 PH Steel contains 4% copper and may be hardened by a single low-temperature precipitation hardening heat treatment, producing excellent mechanical properties at a high strength level. 17-4 PH provides this high strength in combination with good mechanical properties at temperatures of up to 600°F (316°C). It exhibits good toughness in both base metal and welds and has an excellent combination of anti-galling and stress corrosion properties. Short-time, low-temperature heat treatments minimize distortion and scaling in 17-4 PH. This alloy is widely used in the aerospace, chemical, petrochemical, food processing, paper, and general metalworking industries. It is suitable for intricate parts requiring machining and welding and where freedom from distortion is a requirement.