Materials

15-5PH - 1.4545 - AMS 5659 - LAT 1-9037 - UNS S15500

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
  • Heating 1030/1050°C
  • Oil quench (water und air)
  • Ageing H900 (482°C)

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

FAQ - Grade 1.4545 (15-5PH)

  • What is material grade 1.4545?

    Grade 1.4545, also known as 15-5 PH or X5CrNiCu15-5, is a martensitic precipitation-hardening stainless steel. It combines high strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and good toughness. It is primarily used in the aerospace, defense, and energy industries.

  • What is the difference between 1.4545 and 1.4548?

    Both grades are martensitic precipitation-hardening stainless steels. The key difference is that 1.4545 (15-5 PH), manufactured in accordance with AMS 5659, has a ferrite content of less than 2%, which provides better transverse toughness compared to 1.4548 (17-4 PH). For this reason, 1.4545 is the preferred choice for critical aerospace applications.

  • What heat treatment conditions are available for 1.4545?

    The material is first solution annealed (Condition A) and then age hardened (precipitation hardened) to achieve the desired mechanical properties. The most common aging conditions are H900, H1025, and H1150, depending on the required balance of strength and toughness. A slight amount of dimensional shrinkage should be expected during the aging process.

  • Which standards apply to material grade 1.4545?

    The most important specification for the aerospace industry is AMS 5659, which requires either VAR (Vacuum Arc Remelting, Type 1) or ESR (Electroslag Remelting, Type 2) processing. Other applicable standards include ASTM A564 and LAT 1-9037.

    Equivalent designations include:

    • W.Nr. 1.4545
    • UNS S15500
    • XM-12

  • What is the difference between VAR Type 1 and ESR Type 2 for 1.4545?

    Both are remelting processes used to improve the cleanliness and homogeneity of the material.

    • VAR (Vacuum Arc Remelting) and
    • ESR (Electroslag Remelting)

    both reduce sulfur and phosphorus content while refining the microstructure. Both processes are approved under AMS 5659 and meet the stringent requirements of the aerospace industry.

  • In what product forms is 1.4545 available from STAINLESS Früchtl?

    STAINLESS Früchtl supplies 1.4545 stainless steel as round bars and forged blocks, available either in the solution-annealed condition (Condition A) or pre-aged to H1025.

    All products are supplied with a manufacturer’s material test certificate, ensuring full traceability.