13-8 PH is a martensitic precipitation-hardening stainless steel. This alloy is double melted in a Vacuum Induction Furnace (VIM) followed by Consumable Electrode Vacuum Melt (CEVM or VAR); or in some cases, 2nd melt is by Electroslag Remelting (ESR) as specified by consumer. It exhibits excellent strength, high hardness, superior toughness, and good corrosion resistance. Good transverse toughness properties are achieved by tight chemical composition control, low carbon content, and vacuum melting. 13-8 PH steel provides a wide range of properties through a single precipitation hardening heat treatment. It is weldable; inert gas shielding with Helium is preferred. Corrosion resistance is similar to 304 Stainless, with greatest resistance in the fully hardened conditions.