15-5PH - 1.4545
Description
Alloy 1.4545 or 15-5PH is a structurally hardened martensitic stainless steel that combines a hardness of around 43 HRC, good toughness (higher than alloy 1.4548) and very good corrosion resistance. This grade has a hardening peak at 480°C, making it easy to carry out ageing after machining on a condition initially in solution (condition A). The grade is also available in a pre-treated condition. This aerospace-grade alloy is produced by VAR (Type 1) or ESR (Type 2) remelting to limit sulphur and phosphorus content and optimise the microstructure.
STAINLESS has several sources in stock, as well as different product formats and conditions to meet your processing requirements. This product can also be made to measure or cut into billets by our service centres.
Main applications
Thanks to its good corrosion resistance, good hardness in the treated condition (43HRC) and resilience, the grade is used in particular in the manufacture of aeronautical components (structural elements, fasteners, etc.) and in applications in the defence and energy sectors.
Metallurgy
The manufacturing process includes VAR (Type 1) or ESR (Type 2) remelting, which increases the cleanliness and homogeneity of the product. The hot transformation process produces a controlled microstructure and macrostructure. In the heat-treated state, the microstructure consists of martensite and nanometric intermetallic precipitates (Ni3Cu) that germinate during ageing. AMS 5659 also guarantees less than 2% ferrite, which improves cross-direction toughness compared with 17-4PH.
Machinability
Forgeability
The grade can be hot forged in the 1010/1180°C temperature range. Resolving will be necessary to achieve maximum hardness.
Weldability
The grade can be welded using most processes. Welding should preferably be carried out before ageing to avoid embrittling the heat-affected zone.
Typical heat treatments
| For a target hardness ≥ 40 HRC |
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A volume shrinkage of up to around 0.07% is to be expected during ageing.
Corrosion resistance
The grade is highly resistant to corrosion and is one of the best martensitic stainless steels. The microstructure contains little or no chromium carbides, making it highly insensitive to intergranular corrosion.
Standard Sizes
Round bars or forged blocks annealed (Condition A) or pre-treated (H1025) – Surface hardened or ground depending on diameter
Other formats: contact us