Metals & alloys · Ferrous alloys
15-5 PH stainless steel
A martensitic precipitation-hardening stainless steel with improved transverse toughness and forgeability relative to many 17-4 PH products.
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01
Overview
- Material class
- Metals & alloys
- Category
- Ferrous alloys
- Family
- Precipitation-Hardening Stainless Steel
- Product forms
- Sheet/plate, Bar/rod
Composition
| Constituent | Min | Max | Typical | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cr | 14 | 15.5 | 14.8 | |
| Ni | 3.5 | 5.5 | 4.5 | |
| Cu | 2.5 | 4.5 | 3.5 | |
| Nb+Ta | 0.15 | 0.45 | 0.3 | |
| C | 0.07 | 0.03 | ||
| Fe | Balance |
02
Properties and conditions
Engineering properties
| Property | Value | Unit | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 7.8 | g/cm³ | Representative; verify product form and condition |
| Elastic modulus | 197 | GPa | Representative; verify product form and condition |
| Yield strength | 900–1200 | MPa | H900–H1150 range |
| Tensile strength | 1000–1310 | MPa | condition dependent |
| Elongation | 6–16 | % | Representative; verify product form and condition |
| Hardness | 31–44 | HRC | Representative; verify product form and condition |
Conditions
Condition A / solution treated
Solution-treated precursor condition.
H1025
Intermediate ageing condition.
H1150
Overaged condition with reduced strength and improved toughness.
H900
Peak-strength precipitation-hardened condition.
03
Processing and use
Processing
- Solution treatment followed by precipitation ageing sets strength and toughness.
- Final machining allowance should consider ageing distortion.
Applications
- Aircraft fittings
- Valves
- Shafts
- Fasteners
Selection considerations
- Condition selection is as important as grade designation.
- Chloride SCC and pitting limits remain below highly alloyed stainless grades.
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04
Standards and related materials
Standards and designations
| System | Designation | Note |
|---|---|---|
| UNS | S15500 | |
| AMS | 5659 / 5862 | product dependent |
| ASTM | A564 |
05
Sources and context
Sources
- ATI 15-5 precipitation hardening stainless dataExisting reference
- NASA materials selection resourcesApplication reference
- U.S. Department of Energy critical materials programStrategic reference
Confirm the applicable specification, product form and condition before using values for design or procurement.
Supply and sustainability
Common aerospace stainless product but less universally stocked than 17-4 PH.
High scrap value and long service life; nickel and niobium recovery benefits segregated recycling.
Strategic context
Aerospace-grade corrosion-resistant strength with tunable ageing conditions.
Critical inputs: Nickel, Niobium
Basis: EU Critical Raw Materials Act (2024); USGS 2025 Critical Minerals List