EN 1.4542 stainless steel, also called X5CrNiCuNb16-4, is a precipitation-hardening stainless steel valued for its combination of mechanical strength and corrosion resistance. This European grade corresponds to the alloy commonly known as 17-4 PH (UNS S17400 or Type 630). Manufacturers specify 1.4542 steel for machined shafts, fittings, valve components, and other precision parts where the selected material condition and finished dimensions matter.
Mozaic Precision Metals supplies and processes 1.4542 stainless steel round bar, including precision centerless grinding, bar straightening, polishing, and custom length preparation.
What Is EN 1.4542 Stainless Steel?
1.4542 is the European material number for 17-4 PH stainless steel. The grade name X5CrNiCuNb16-4 identifies the chromium-nickel-copper precipitation-hardening alloy within the European designation system.
Related alloy designations and purchasing specifications include:
- EN 1.4542 / X5CrNiCuNb16-4 — European steel designation
- 17-4 PH / Type 630 — common alloy names
- UNS S17400 — Unified Numbering System designation
- ASTM A564/A564M — an applicable bar and shape specification when ordered to its requirements
- AMS 5643 — a specification used for qualifying aerospace 17-4 PH products
These names describe related material, but specification, product form, delivery condition, testing, and certification requirements are not automatically interchangeable. Confirm the exact standard and revision on the purchase order.
1.4542 Stainless Steel Properties
The useful properties of 1.4542 stainless steel depend on its heat-treatment condition and the applicable material specification. The alloy is selected when engineers need an appropriate balance of strength, corrosion resistance, machinability, and dimensional requirements.
- Precipitation-hardening response: Strength and hardness can be adjusted through the specified heat treatment condition.
- Corrosion resistance: Suitable for many industrial environments, subject to exposure and design requirements.
- Machining potential: Bars can be turned, milled, ground, and finished using processes chosen for the supplied condition.
- Precision bar finishing: Controlled outside diameter, surface roughness, and straightness can support shafting and CNC machining applications.
Material properties should be verified using the mill certification and the applicable condition-specific requirements rather than assuming a single hardness or strength value for all 1.4542 stock.
Common Applications for 1.4542 Steel
Manufacturers use 1.4542 steel in components where material condition and finished-bar quality influence performance. Common examples include:
- Aerospace and industrial mechanical components
- Precision-machined fittings, pins, and couplings
- Pump shafts and rotating equipment parts
- Valve stems and fluid-handling components
- Selected medical instrument components, where an appropriate specification is required
For long-bar machining and shaft applications, purchasers may also specify outside-diameter tolerance, straightness, surface finish, and inspection requirements.
1.4542 Heat Treatment Conditions
1.4542 / 17-4 PH can be supplied in solution-treated Condition A or in specified precipitation-hardened conditions. Common designations include:
- Condition A — solution-treated material prior to aging
- H900 — selected for higher strength and hardness
- H1025 — a different balance of strength and toughness
- H1150 — often selected where greater toughness is important
H925, H1075, and H1100 are additional conditions. They are not equivalent to each other or to a European P-designation without checking the applicable standard and required mechanical properties.
For detailed treatment conditions and comparisons, use our linked 17-4 heat-treatment guide. This 1.4542 page focuses on the European grade designation and bar purchasing requirements.
1.4542 Stainless Steel Round Bar and Processing
Mozaic Precision Metals focuses on round-bar supply and value-added processing for manufacturers seeking material prepared to their specifications. Request available grades, delivery conditions, dimensions, and documentation when quoting.
- Round bar for machining and shaft applications
- Precision ground bar with customer-specified finished diameters
- Centerless ground bar for consistent outside-diameter finishing
- Flat bar, plate, and sheet may require separate sourcing and availability confirmation
Our bar-processing services include centerless grinding, straightening, polishing, saw cutting, and protective packaging. Outside-diameter tolerances as tight as ±0.0001 inch may be achievable for suitable projects; actual capability depends on diameter, length, starting stock, material condition, and inspection requirements.
Equivalent Material Designations and Specifications
Search terms such as 1.4542 steel, EN 1.4542, and stainless steel 1.4542 generally refer to the same base alloy family as:
- 17-4 PH stainless steel
- Type 630
- UNS S17400
- X5CrNiCuNb16-4
For European long products, a purchaser may reference EN 10088-3 and a specific delivery condition. North American orders may use an applicable ASTM or AMS specification. Always confirm the precise standard, condition, certification, and product form instead of relying on an alloy-name comparison alone.
Request a Quote for 1.4542 Stainless Steel
Need EN 1.4542 stainless steel round bar or precision ground 17-4 PH stock? Mozaic Precision Metals can review the material and processing requirements for your project.
For an accurate quotation, please provide the material designation and specification, required condition, bar diameter and tolerance, length, quantity, straightness or surface-finish requirements, and material documentation needs.
Contact Mozaic Precision Metals for pricing, sourcing options, and processing availability.