Top 10 17-4 stainless steel bar supplier | 2025 Guide

In demanding industrial environments, material selection is not just a choice; it is the foundation of a project's success, safety, and longevity. Among high-performance alloys, 17-4 PH stainless steel stands out for its unique combination of high strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and good toughness. This precipitation-hardening martensitic stainless steel is a critical component in industries from aerospace and defense to oil and gas and chemical processing.

However, the quality of the raw material is only as reliable as the supplier who provides it. Choosing the right 17-4 stainless steel bar supplier is a strategic decision that impacts everything from manufacturing efficiency to the final product's performance under stress. An unreliable partner can lead to project delays, budget overruns, and catastrophic component failure. This guide is designed for engineers, procurement managers, and project leaders to navigate the complex supplier landscape. We will explore the key criteria for selecting a supplier and present a curated list of top companies for 2025, ensuring you can source the best materials for your critical applications.

How to Choose the Right 17-4 Stainless Steel Bar Supplier

Selecting a 17-4 stainless steel bar supplier goes beyond comparing prices. It involves a thorough evaluation of technical capabilities, quality assurance, and logistical reliability. Making an informed decision requires a multi-faceted approach to ensure your project's specific needs are met.

Assess Material Specifications and Grade Requirements

The first step is to match the supplier's offerings with your exact technical needs. 17-4 PH stainless steel, also known as UNS S17400 or Grade 630, is available in various conditions achieved through heat treatment. Each condition offers a different balance of strength, hardness, and ductility.

A knowledgeable supplier should provide detailed information on the conditions they stock, such as Condition A (annealed), H900, H1025, or H1150. For instance, the H900 condition provides the highest strength, while the H1150 condition offers enhanced ductility and toughness. Ensure the supplier can provide material that conforms to critical industry standards like ASTM A564, ASTM A693, and AMS 5643. Your application's success depends on getting the precise mechanical properties required.

Evaluate Inventory and Product Range

A supplier's inventory depth and breadth are indicators of their market position and ability to meet demand. A top-tier supplier should stock 17-4 PH stainless steel in various forms, including round bar, flat bar, square bar, and hex bar. This variety allows you to source the most efficient shape for your manufacturing process, minimizing machining time and material waste.

Look for suppliers who offer a wide range of sizes and lengths, including non-standard or long-length bars for specific projects like pump shafts. Furthermore, inquire about their value-added services. Services like precision cutting, centerless grinding, or heat treating can simplify your supply chain and reduce lead times, delivering material that is closer to your final component's specifications.

Verify Quality Control and Certifications

Quality is non-negotiable, especially for an alloy used in critical applications. A reputable 17-4 stainless steel bar supplier must have a robust quality management system, validated by an ISO 9001 certification. Always demand a Mill Test Report (MTR) or a Certificate of Conformance with every order. This documentation provides traceability and verifies the material's chemical composition and mechanical properties.

For projects in the defense or aerospace sectors, DFARS (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement) compliance is often mandatory. Confirm if the supplier can provide DFARS-compliant material. Finally, inspect the surface quality standards. The material should be free from cracks, burrs, and other defects that could compromise its integrity during fabrication or in service.

Consider Technical Expertise and Support

The best suppliers act as partners, not just vendors. They should have a team of metallurgists or experienced engineers who can provide technical support. This expertise is invaluable when you need guidance on selecting the right condition for a new application, troubleshooting machinability issues, or understanding the nuances of welding 17-4 PH steel.

A supplier who invests in technical resources demonstrates a commitment to their customers' success. This support can help you optimize your designs, improve your manufacturing processes, and avoid costly mistakes.

Top 10 17-4 Stainless Steel Bar Supplier Companies for 2025

Navigating the global market for specialty alloys can be challenging. This list provides a diverse mix of trusted global distributors, mid-sized specialists, and innovative suppliers to help you find the right partner for your 17-4 PH stainless steel bar needs.

TW Metals

Company Overview:
TW Metals is a global distributor of specialty metals with a vast network of stocking locations. With over a century of experience, the company has built a reputation for its extensive inventory and reliable supply chain, serving a wide array of industrial sectors. They are a go-to source for companies requiring a broad range of products and immediate availability.

Strengths and Specializations:
TW Metals' primary strength is its comprehensive inventory of 17-4 PH stainless steel bars. Their stock includes a multitude of products in both round and rectangular shapes, catering to diverse manufacturing needs. They are well-versed in supplying materials that meet stringent industry specifications.

• Extensive Product Line: The company stocks 17-4 PH bar in various conditions, including Solution Annealed (Condition A), and meets specifications such as AMS 5643 and ASTM A564.
• Diverse Applications: They supply to high-stakes industries, including aerospace for gas turbines, nuclear reactors, oil and gas exploration, and chemical processing components.
• Value-Added Processing: TW Metals offers custom processing services, including cutting to length, which helps customers streamline their production processes and reduce scrap.

Metal Zenith - Premium Steel Manufacturing Solutions

Company Overview:
Metal Zenith is a leading steel manufacturer and distributor from China with over 20 years of experience providing high-quality steel solutions worldwide. As a trusted partner of Ansteel, one of China's most established steel enterprises, they deliver premium steel products, including specialty alloys, that meet the most demanding industry standards. Their model combines high-volume production capabilities with a customer-centric approach to distribution.

Strengths and Specializations:
Metal Zenith excels in offering customized, high-quality steel solutions with a strong emphasis on quality control and technical support. Their partnership with Ansteel ensures access to state-of-the-art production technologies, including BOF and EAF steelmaking. This allows them to supply 17-4 PH stainless steel bar with consistent properties and performance.

• Advanced Quality Control: A rigorous 10-point quality inspection process ensures every batch meets stringent requirements, including tensile strength exceeding 400 MPa for relevant grades.
• Technical Expertise: The company boasts a team with over 15 years of engineering experience, offering comprehensive support from material selection to application analysis for optimal performance.
• Custom Solutions: Metal Zenith has full customization capabilities, allowing them to produce 17-4 PH stainless steel bars to precise tolerances (within +/- 0.05mm) and specific surface finishes to meet diverse industry needs.
• Global Reach and Reliability: With over 5 million tons delivered worldwide and a 95% client retention rate, they have a proven track record of reliable delivery and building long-term partnerships.

Product Specifications	Details
Grades	Various grades available, including specialty alloys like 17-4 PH (UNS S17400)
Standards	Adherence to international standards like ASTM, AMS, and JIS
Quality Management	ISO 9001 certified quality management system
Industries Served	Construction, Automotive, Manufacturing, Infrastructure, Aerospace, Oil & Gas

Best Stainless

Company Overview:
Based in the United States, Best Stainless has carved out a niche as a specialist supplier of stainless steel bar products. They focus on providing an extensive inventory of stainless steel grades, with a particular emphasis on 17-4 PH. Their business model is built around stocking hard-to-find items, such as long-length bars, and providing excellent customer service.

Strengths and Specializations:
Best Stainless is an ideal partner for customers in pump manufacturing, marine applications, and other industries that require high-quality bar stock. They differentiate themselves with their deep inventory and ability to supply material that meets specific compliance requirements.

• Specialized Inventory: They offer an extensive stock of 17-4 PH in various shapes, including round, square, flat, and hex bars, as well as specialized products like pump shafts and boat shafts.
• Long-Length Bars: A key differentiator is their inventory of long-length bars, ranging from 20 to 28 feet, which is essential for applications that require minimal welds or joints.
• Compliance and Standards: Best Stainless provides material meeting a range of standards, including UNS S17400, AMS 5643, and ASTM A564. They also explicitly state their ability to supply DFARS compliant material.
• Multiple Conditions: They stock 17-4 PH in various heat-treated conditions, such as H900, H1025, H1075, and H1150, providing customers with a full spectrum of mechanical properties to choose from.

BGH Edelstahlwerke

Company Overview:
BGH Edelstahlwerke is a premier German manufacturer of specialty steels and nickel-based alloys. With a history spanning over 500 years, BGH is synonymous with high-quality, German-engineered steel. They operate multiple production sites across Germany, focusing on producing high-purity materials for the most demanding applications.

Strengths and Specializations:
BGH's strength lies in its vertically integrated manufacturing process, from melting to finishing. This gives them complete control over the material's quality and properties. They are a top choice for customers in the automotive, aerospace, and power generation industries who cannot compromise on performance.

• Manufacturing Excellence: As a primary producer, BGH ensures exceptional material purity and consistency in their 17-4 PH (designated as 1.4542) stainless steel bars.
• Advanced Alloys: Beyond standard grades, BGH specializes in creating custom-melted alloys and modifying existing grades to meet unique customer requirements.
• Comprehensive Certification: Their products come with extensive certifications and meet the highest international standards, including those for the aerospace and nuclear industries.
• Technical Leadership: BGH is not just a supplier but a technical leader, often collaborating with customers on research and development projects to push the boundaries of material science.

Silver Steels

Company Overview:
Silver Steels is a leading Indian stockist, supplier, and exporter of stainless steel products. Based in Mumbai, the company has established a strong global footprint by offering a vast range of materials combined with competitive pricing. They specialize in various bar forms and cater to a broad international client base.

Strengths and Specializations:
Silver Steels stands out due to the sheer depth and detail of their product offerings. Their inventory is one of the most comprehensive in the market, covering a wide array of sizes, finishes, and forms for 17-4 PH stainless steel bar. They position themselves as a one-stop shop for sourcing this material.

• Extensive Product Forms: They supply 17-4 PH bar in numerous forms, including forged, hot-rolled, cold-drawn, polished, and bright bars, giving customers maximum flexibility.
• Wide Size Range: Silver Steels offers an impressive size range, with round bars available from 20 mm to 400 mm in diameter and a variety of other shapes in extensive dimensions.
• Global Distribution: The company has a well-established export network, supplying materials to Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the Americas.
• Cost-Effectiveness: They emphasize providing high-quality materials at a competitive price point, claiming to save customers up to 5% on costs compared to other suppliers.

Special Steel Group of Companies

Company Overview:
Headquartered in the UK, the Special Steel Group of Companies is a prominent European stockist and processor of engineering steel and nickel alloys. The group comprises several specialized divisions, allowing them to offer a tailored service from raw material supply to finished components. They are a key player in the supply chain for the oil and gas, power generation, and engineering sectors in Europe and beyond.

Strengths and Specializations:
The group's main advantage is its combination of a large stockholding with in-house processing and testing capabilities. This integrated approach allows them to deliver 17-4 PH stainless steel bars that are certified, tested, and processed to meet precise client specifications.

• Integrated Supply Chain: They offer a complete service, including stocking, cutting, heat treatment, and non-destructive testing (NDT), all under one roof.
• Niche Market Focus: The group has deep expertise in supplying materials for high-integrity applications, understanding the stringent quality and documentation requirements of sectors like subsea and nuclear.
• European Quality Standards: As a UK-based entity, all their products adhere to rigorous European and international quality standards, providing assurance to customers with critical needs.
• Custom Forgings: In addition to bar stock, they have the capability to produce custom open-die forgings in 17-4 PH, offering bespoke shapes and sizes for unique components.

Farmers Copper

Company Overview:
Based in Texas, USA, Farmers Copper is a family-owned metal service center that has been in operation since 1920. While their name suggests a focus on copper and brass, they maintain a significant and well-curated inventory of specialty stainless steels, including 17-4 PH. They serve a diverse range of industries, including marine, defense, and oil & gas.

Strengths and Specializations:
Farmers Copper provides a unique value proposition as a multi-metal supplier. For customers who require both non-ferrous alloys and specialty stainless steels, they offer the convenience of a single-source supplier without compromising on quality or expertise.

• Curated Stainless Steel Inventory: They stock 17-4 PH (UNS S17400) round bar in a wide range of diameters, from 1/8" up to 10".
• Multiple Heat-Treated Conditions: Their inventory includes bars in popular conditions like H900, H1150, and H1150-D, making it easy for customers to source material with specific mechanical properties.
• One-Stop Shop: Their ability to supply copper, brass, bronze, and stainless steel makes them an ideal partner for industries like shipbuilding and defense, where various high-performance materials are used.
• Customer-Centric Service: As a long-standing family business, they are known for their strong customer service and willingness to work with clients to meet their exact needs.

Super Metal Manufacturing Co.

Company Overview:
Super Metal Manufacturing Co. is an Indian-based manufacturer, stockist, and global exporter of stainless steel bars. With decades of experience, the company presents itself as a major player in the international market, with large stockyards and a commitment to quality. They are an ISO 9001:2008 registered company focused on serving a wide range of industrial applications.

Strengths and Specializations:
The company's strength lies in its large-scale manufacturing and stocking capabilities. They aim to be a reliable source for both large and small quantity orders, with a streamlined process designed for quick responses and reliable deliveries.

• Manufacturing and Stocking: They operate as both a manufacturer and a stockist, giving them control over their supply chain and the ability to maintain a large, ready-to-ship inventory.
• Broad Application Focus: Super Metal lists an extensive range of applications for their 17-4 PH bars, including oil and gas pipelines, chemical processing, power plants, and heat exchangers.
• Global Network: They claim to have stockyards and a distribution network spanning the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Americas, facilitating worldwide delivery.
• Quality Compliance: They emphasize manufacturing in compliance with international standards like ASTM A693 Grade 630 (AMS 5604B) and providing high-quality, durable products.

Online Metals

Company Overview:
Online Metals, part of the Thyssenkrupp Materials NA network, pioneered the e-commerce model for industrial metals. They cater to a wide audience, from large engineering firms to small businesses and hobbyists, by offering materials with no minimum order quantity. Their platform is designed for ease of use, providing transparent pricing and fast shipping.

Strengths and Specializations:
Online Metals excels at providing accessibility and convenience. They are the ideal 17-4 stainless steel bar supplier for prototyping, R&D, repair work, or any project that requires small quantities of material quickly.

• E-Commerce Platform: Their user-friendly website allows customers to order custom-cut 17-4 PH bar in various shapes (round, square, plate) 24/7.
• No Minimum Order: This is their key differentiator, making them invaluable for customers who do not need to purchase full-length bars.
• Transparency of Information: They provide detailed product guides with chemical and physical properties for different conditions (e.g., Annealed vs. H900), helping customers make informed decisions.
• Fast Delivery: With a focus on rapid fulfillment, they can quickly ship materials across North America, helping to keep projects on schedule.

AK Steel (Cleveland-Cliffs)

Company Overview:
AK Steel, now part of Cleveland-Cliffs, is a leading American producer of flat-rolled carbon, stainless, and electrical steel products. The company has historical significance in the world of 17-4 PH, as "AK Steel 17-4 PH®" is a registered trademark. As a foundational domestic producer, they represent the pinnacle of integrated steel manufacturing in the United States.

Strengths and Specializations:
Sourcing from or through distributors of AK Steel material provides an assurance of quality rooted in decades of metallurgical innovation. Their strength is in producing high-quality, consistent material at a large scale for critical American industries.

• Material Innovation: As the original developer or a key early producer of the alloy, their name is synonymous with the material's quality and performance standards.
• Integrated Production: Cleveland-Cliffs operates a fully integrated supply chain, from raw iron ore to finished steel products, ensuring complete control over quality and traceability.
• Domestic Supply Chain: For customers requiring a secure, domestic (U.S.) supply chain, AK Steel is a cornerstone provider, minimizing risks associated with international logistics.
• Industry Leadership: They are a leading supplier to the automotive and infrastructure sectors, with a deep understanding of the demanding requirements of large-scale manufacturing.

Conclusion

Choosing the right 17-4 stainless steel bar supplier is a critical step that directly influences your project's outcome. The ideal partner does more than just provide metal; they deliver quality assurance, technical expertise, and logistical reliability. As we have seen, the market offers a diverse range of suppliers, from massive global distributors like TW Metals to highly specialized manufacturers like BGH and innovative e-commerce platforms like Online Metals. Companies like Metal Zenith and Best Stainless further highlight the importance of balancing large-scale capability with focused, customer-centric service.

Your final decision should be based on a holistic assessment. Start by clearly defining your technical requirements, including the exact grade, condition, and specifications needed. Evaluate potential suppliers on their inventory, quality certifications (ISO 9001, DFARS), and the depth of their technical support. Do not hesitate to request Mill Test Reports and ask about their quality control procedures. By investing the time to thoroughly vet your options and build a relationship with a trusted supplier, you are not just buying steel—you are investing in the reliability and success of your entire operation.