While many corrosion resistant alloys can undergo intergranular fracture because of environmentally assisted cracking, especially from hydrogen effects, it is not widely observed that some can experience intergranular fracture in an inert environment. This paper is a summary of the
intergranular fracture of Alloy 17-4PH (UNS S17400). The study includes the analysis of the field failures and the results from laboratory tests are reported for the UNS S17400. The results indicate that it is not necessary for an environmental exposure to have occurred to cause the intergranular cracking of this stainless steel. The quality control plan in place was insufficient to identify material that could experience intergranular fracture. Subsequent to this study, an improvement in the quality control of the product was recommended as well as a suitable alternative material.