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Related Specifications
- 15-5
- UNS S15500
- AMS 5659
- EN 1.4545
Properties
Chemical Composition
AMS 5659
| Chemical Element | % Present |
|---|---|
Carbon (C) | 0.00 - 0.07 |
Chromium (Cr) | 14.00 - 15.50 |
Manganese (Mn) | 0.00 - 1.00 |
Silicon (Si) | 0.00 - 1.00 |
Phosphorous (P) | 0.00 - 0.03 |
Sulphur (S) | 0.00 - 0.02 |
Nickel (Ni) | 3.50 - 5.50 |
Copper (Cu) | 2.50 - 4.50 |
Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.00 - 0.50 |
Niobium (Columbium) (Nb) | 0.00 - 0.45 |
Iron (Fe) | Balance |
Mechanical Properties
AMS 5659
| Mechanical Property | Value |
|---|---|
Proof Stress | 700-1170 MPa |
Tensile Strength | 930-1310 MPa |
Elongation A50 mm | 10-16 % |
Hardness Brinell | 277-444 HB |
General Physical Properties
| Physical Property | Value |
|---|---|
Density | 7.75 g/cm³ |
Applications
- Aircraft components
- Cylinders
- Engine parts
- Fittings
- Gears
- Hallow shafts
- Marine gas turbine compressor sections
- Paper mill equipment
- Shafts
- Valves
Characteristics
- High strength
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- Good mechanical properties
- Superior toughness than 17-4
Additional Information
Fabrication
This grade has good forming characteristics.
Weldability
Excellent. Readily weldable by all commercial processes.
Corrosion Resistance
Superior to straight chromium grades like 410, approaching corrosion resistance of the chromium nickel grades. In many corrosive media it is equal to such grades as 302 (and even 304).
Corrosion resisting properties will be affected by surface finish and aging heat treatment. Heat treatment increases the resistance to stress corrosion cracking.
Heat Treatment
The key to the properties of precipitation hardening stainless steels lies in heat treatment.
After solution treatment or annealing of precipitation hardening stainless steels, a single low temperature “age hardening” stage is employed to achieve the required properties. As this treatment is carried out at a low temperature, no distortion occurs and there is only superficial discolouration. During the hardening process a slight decrease in size takes place. This shrinking is approximately 0.05% for condition H900 and 0.10% for H1150.
Typical mechanical properties achieved for 15-5 after solution treating and age hardening are given in the table on the attached page.
Precipitation Hardening Steels
Precipitation hardening stainless steels are chromium and nickel containing steels that provide an optimum combination of the properties of martensitic and austenitic grades. Like martensitic grades, they are known for their ability to gain high strength through heat treatment and they also have the corrosion resistance of austenitic stainless steel.
The high tensile strengths of precipitation hardening stainless steels come after a heat treatment process that leads to precipitation hardening of a martensitic or austenitic matrix. Hardening is achieved through the addition of one or more of the elements Copper, Aluminium, Titanium, Niobium, and Molybdenum.
The most well known precipitation hardening steel is 17-4. The name comes from the additions 17% chromium and 4% nickel. It also contains 4% copper and 0.3% niobium. 17-4 is also known as stainless steel grade 630.
The advantage of precipitation hardening steels is that they can be supplied in a “solution treated” condition, which is readily machinable. After machining or another fabrication method, a single, low temperature heat treatment can be applied to increase the strength of the steel. This is known as ageing or age-hardening. As it is carried out at low temperature, the component undergoes no distortion.
Characterisation
Precipitation hardening steels are characterised into one of three groups based on their final microstructures after heat treatment. The three types are: martensitic (e.g. 17-4), semi-austenitic (e.g. 17-7) and austenitic (e.g. A-286).
Martensitic Alloys
Martensitic precipitation hardening stainless steels have a predominantly austenitic structure at annealing temperatures of around 1040 to 1065°C. Upon cooling to room temperature, they undergo a transformation that changes the austenite to martensite.
Semi-austenitic Alloys
Unlike martensitic precipitation hardening steels, annealed semi-austenitic precipitation hardening steels are soft enough to be cold worked. Semi-austenitc steels retain their austenitic structure at room temperature but will form martensite at very low temperatures.
Austenitic Alloys
Austenitic precipitation hardening steels retain their austenitic structure after annealing and hardening by ageing. At the annealing temperature of 1095 to 1120°C the precipitation hardening phase is soluble. It remains in solution during rapid cooling. When reheated to 650 to 760°C, precipitation occurs. This increases the hardness and strength of the material. Hardness remains lower than that for martensitic or semi-austenitic precipitation hardening steels. Austenitic alloys remain nonmagnetic.
Strength
Yield strengths for precipitation-hardening stainless steels are 515 to 1415 MPa. Tensile strengths range from 860 to 1520 MPa. Elongations are 1 to 25%. Cold working before ageing can be used to facilitate even higher strengths.
Machinability
The forming characteristics are good.
Average cutting speed – annealed, 80ft/min with a machinability rates of 50% of B-1112 rated at 100%. H1150, 125ft/min. Similar to 17-4.
