15-5 PH, UNS S15500, is a nearly ferrite free version of 17-4 PH. Adjusting the chemistry to suppress delta ferrite produces a more uniform martensitic structure, which shows up as better transverse toughness and more consistent properties in heavy sections and forgings.
It hardens by the same copper precipitation mechanism and uses the same H900 through H1150 aging conditions, so design data and processing practice transfer directly from 17-4.
We stock 15-5 PH as bar, plate and forgings in Condition A and aged conditions, and we can age to the condition your drawing calls out.
Sizes and stock
- Round bar: up to 15" DIA
- Flat bar: up to 12" THK
- Sheet / plate: up to 4" THK
- Forgings: available by request
- Also available in tube, wire, coil and custom shapes
Processing capabilities
- Condition and precipitation hardening (H900 through H1150) to your call-out
- Shearing, waterjet, laser and saw cut blanks
- Centerless grinding, turning and polishing
- Penetrant dye and ultrasonic inspection, chemical assay and physical testing
Supplied in any temper or aged condition to your call-out. Stock is not held in aged tempers; we heat treat to order.
Specifications
Material is released to the applicable specification with mill test reports and, on request, independent lab verification.
Why engineers specify 15-5 PH
- Better transverse toughness than 17-4 PH in heavy sections
- Uniform martensitic structure with low delta ferrite
- Same simple aging cycle and condition system as 17-4
- Good corrosion resistance with high strength
Nominal chemistry
Percent by weight, nominal composition per the governing specification. The mill test report for your heat is the controlling document.
Typical mechanical properties
| Condition | Tensile strength | Yield strength | Elongation | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| H900 | 190 ksi min | 170 ksi min | 10% min | 40 HRC min |
| H1025 | 155 ksi min | 145 ksi min | 12% min | 35 HRC min |
| H1150 | 135 ksi min | 105 ksi min | 16% min | 28 HRC min |
Typical published values for reference only, not for design. Properties vary with section size, product form and processing. Order to the specification and condition your drawing requires.
Typical applications
- Airframe structural hardware
- Forged fittings and actuators
- Shafts and valve components
- Offshore and process equipment
Fabrication notes
Machining
Austenitic grades work harden quickly, so use positive rake tooling, rigid setups, generous feed and flood coolant rather than light dwelling cuts. Martensitic and precipitation hardening grades machine most easily in the annealed or solution treated condition and are aged after rough machining.
Welding
Weldable by GTAW, GMAW, resistance and electron beam methods with matching or over alloyed filler. Stabilized and low carbon grades resist sensitization in the weld zone. Precipitation hardening grades are normally welded in the solution treated condition and aged afterward.
Forming
Sheet and strip form well in the annealed condition; cold worked tempers trade formability for strength. Allow for springback and, where specified, an intermediate anneal between draws.
15-5 PH compared with similar grades
17-4 PH
Similar strength, more widely stocked, lower transverse toughness in heavy sections.
13-8 PH
Higher toughness and stress corrosion resistance for critical hardware.
Designations and cross reference
- Material family
- Stainless Steel
- Werkstoff (W.Nr)
- 1.4545
- EN designation
- X5CrNiCu15-5
- Series
- Precipitation Hardening
Working from an obsolete, foreign or superseded designation? Send it over and we will cross reference it to a current grade and specification.
Quality, testing and traceability
Supplied with mill test reports and heat traceability, with penetrant dye, ultrasonic, chemical assay, hardness, corrosion and mechanical testing available on request.
We are AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 registered. If our stock does not already carry the inspection your specification requires, we can quote the material with that work performed. More on our quality system
Available forms
15-5 PH frequently asked questions
What is 15-5 PH?
15-5 PH, UNS S15500, is a nearly ferrite free version of 17-4 PH. Adjusting the chemistry to suppress delta ferrite produces a more uniform martensitic structure, which shows up as better transverse toughness and more consistent properties in heavy sections and forgings.
What forms is 15-5 PH available in?
We supply 15-5 PH in bar, sheet, plate, forging, tube, wire, coil. Custom sizes are converted from billet, and we can provide saw cut, waterjet or near net blanks so material arrives closer to your finished part.
What is the UNS or equivalent designation for 15-5 PH?
15-5 PH is designated Werkstoff 1.4545, EN X5CrNiCu15-5. If your drawing calls out an obsolete or foreign designation we can cross reference it and confirm the equivalent before you order.
What specifications can 15-5 PH be supplied to?
Commonly ordered specifications include AMS 5862, AMS 5659, ASTM A564, ASTM A693. Material is released to the specification and condition on your purchase order, with mill test reports supplied as standard.
What conditions can 15-5 PH be ordered in?
We can supply H900, H1025, H1150. If our stock is not already in the condition you need, we can quote it with the heat treatment performed before shipment.
Can you cut 15-5 PH to size?
Yes. Saw cutting, waterjet, laser and shearing are available, along with trepanning, gun drilling, lathe turning and CNC machining, so you can order blanks or rough machined pieces rather than full lengths.
Do you provide test reports and additional testing on 15-5 PH?
Every order ships with mill test reports and heat traceability. If your print calls for ultrasonic inspection, penetrant dye, magnetic particle, chemical assay, micrography, hardness or mechanical testing and our stock does not already carry it, we can quote the material with that work performed.
Can 15-5 PH be supplied to DFARS domestic melt requirements?
Tell us at quote stage if the order is DFARS or domestic melt restricted and we will confirm availability against that requirement before you commit.
What do you need to quote 15-5 PH?
Grade, form, dimensions, quantity, specification and condition, plus any testing or certification requirements and the date you need it. Send a drawing if you have one. Quotes are typically ready within 24 hours.
How does 15-5 PH compare with 17-4 PH?
Similar strength, more widely stocked, lower transverse toughness in heavy sections.