Alloy 15-5 PH / XM-12 / UNS S15500 – Properties, Applications and Technical Data
Alloy 15-5 PH is a precipitation hardening martensitic stainless steel. The material is also known as XM-12 and UNS S15500. It is developed to offer high strength, good toughness and improved structural uniformity compared to 17-4 PH. The alloy is used in demanding applications where the combination of mechanical performance and corrosion resistance is crucial.
Properties of Alloy 15-5 PH
Alloy 15-5 PH achieves its mechanical properties through controlled heat treatment, also known as age hardening. The modified chemical composition provides improved microstructure, better transverse toughness and more consistent properties over larger dimensions.
Type: Precipitation hardening martensitic stainless steel
Alloy: Fe-Cr-Ni-Cu-Nb
Structure: Martensitic structure after heat treatment
Alternative designations: XM-12, UNS S15500
Standards: ASTM A564, ASTM A705, AMS 5659
European designation: 1.4545
Advantages
- High strength in multiple heat treatment conditions
- Improved toughness compared to 17-4 PH
- Good corrosion resistance in industrial environments
- Good dimensional stability when heat treated
- Good machinability in solution treated condition
Limitations
- Lower corrosion resistance than austenitic stainless steels
- Not intended for strongly acidic or highly chloride-containing environments
- Requires correct heat treatment to achieve specified properties
Typical areas of application
Aerospace industry
Structural components, shafts and highly stressed parts.
Offshore and Marine
Components with requirements for combined strength and corrosion resistance.
Energy and Process Industry
Valves, pumps, couplings and highly stressed machine parts.
Tools and Mechanical Systems
Shafts, bolts and precision components.
Corrosion Resistance
Alloy 15-5 PH offers good general corrosion resistance in moderately aggressive environments. The material has better resistance to stress corrosion cracking than some other martensitic grades, but is not intended for highly aggressive chloride environments.
Environments where Alloy 15-5 PH performs well
- Moderately corrosive industrial environments
- Applications with high mechanical loads
- Structural components in aerospace and energy systems
Environments to avoid
- Strongly acidic environments
- Environments with high chloride loads
Technical data in H900 condition
| Yield strength 0.2% |
~1070–1170 MPa |
| Tensile strength |
~1170–1310 MPa |
| Elongation at break |
~10–15% |
| Density |
~7.8 g/cm³ |
| Modulus of elasticity |
~200 GPa |
| Recommended maximum temperature |
≤315°C |
| Weldability |
Good. Post-weld heat treatment is recommended. |
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Our strengths
- Certified according to ISO 9001 and AS9120
- Materials for aerospace, defense and medical technology (ISO 13485, ISO 5832)
- Complies with AD 2000, PED as well as ASTM and ASME standards
- Full traceability according to EN 10204 3.1
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