Stainless Steel 15-5 PH
AISI/SAE 15-5 PH · UNS S15500 · ASTM XM-12, A564 Type XM-12 · EN 1.4545, X5CrNiCu15-5 · GB 05Cr15Ni5Cu4Nb
15-5 PH (UNS S15500) is a martensitic, copper-precipitation-hardening stainless steel — essentially a re-balanced, ferrite-free version of 17-4 PH produced to give better transverse ductility and toughness in heavy sections.
Values for the Condition A condition
15-5 PH tempers and conditions
15-5 PH is supplied in 12 conditions, soft to hard. Condition A is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 12 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Double overaged 760 °C + 621 °C | Maximum toughness/ductility variant for cryogenic and high-impact service; lowest strength of the aged conditions. | 585 | 790 | 22 | 26 HRC | 2.4 % IACS |
Double aged 621 °C + 621 °C | Double 1150 age for improved toughness and SCC/H2S resistance at moderate strength (oil & gas practice). | 690 | 860 | 20 | 29 HRC | 2.4 % IACS |
low-temperature stress relief of AM or machined parts | Sub-critical thermal cycle to reduce residual stress and distortion before removal from the build plate or final machining. | 780 | 1,000 | 15 | 31 HRC | 2.2 % IACS |
Condition ADefault solution annealed (~1040 °C, air cooled) | Standard mill-supplied condition: soft-martensitic, machinable and formable, then age-hardened by the user. | 795 | 1,030 | 14 | 33 HRC | — |
Overaged 621 °C (1150 °F) for 4 h, maximum toughness | Best toughness, ductility and SCC resistance of the single-age conditions; choose for subsea and impact-loaded parts. | 800 | 965 | 18 | 32 HRC | 21 W/m·K |
laser powder-bed fusion, as-built | As-built L-PBF condition with retained austenite and residual stress; normally heat treated before use. | 800 | 1,050 | 14 | 32 HRC | 2.1 % IACS |
Aged 593 °C (1100 °F) for 4 h | Softer age used when notch toughness and dimensional stability matter more than strength. | 900 | 1,000 | 16 | 34 HRC | 2.3 % IACS |
Hot isostatic pressed | Closes internal porosity in AM or cast parts, raising ductility, fatigue life and inspection yield. | 950 | 1,100 | 17 | 35 HRC | 2.2 % IACS |
Aged 579 °C (1075 °F) for 4 h | Moderate strength with good ductility and improved chloride SCC resistance. | 1,000 | 1,070 | 15 | 36 HRC | — |
Aged 552 °C (1025 °F) for 4 h | Balanced strength/toughness age widely used for aerospace and oilfield components. | 1,070 | 1,140 | 14 | 39 HRC | — |
Aged 496 °C (925 °F) for 4 h | Small strength give-back from H900 for slightly better toughness and SCC resistance. | 1,160 | 1,240 | 13 | 42 HRC | 2.2 % IACS |
Aged 482 °C (900 °F) for 1 h, peak hardness | Choose for maximum strength and hardness — aerospace fittings, shafts, valve parts; least tough and most SCC-sensitive age. | 1,275 | 1,380 | 12 | 44 HRC | 18 W/m·K |
What is 15-5 PH?
15-5 PH (UNS S15500) is a martensitic, copper-precipitation-hardening stainless steel — essentially a re-balanced, ferrite-free version of 17-4 PH produced to give better transverse ductility and toughness in heavy sections. It is supplied solution annealed (Condition A) and hardened by a single low-temperature age (H900…H1150), reaching 930–1400 MPa tensile strength with corrosion resistance close to type 304 in mild environments. Main limits are loss of strength above ~300 °C, susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement and stress-corrosion cracking in the peak-aged H900 condition, and only moderate resistance to chlorides/pitting compared with austenitic or duplex grades. 15-5 PH has a density of 7.8 g/cm³ (0.282 lb/in³), heavier than 50% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,400°C (2,552 °F). 15-5 PH has a yield strength of 795 MPa (115 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,030 MPa (149 ksi) — stronger than 96% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 14% and the elastic modulus is 196 GPa (28.4 Msi).
What is 15-5 PH used for?
- Aerospace valve bodies
- Gears and shafts
- Landing gear and structural fittings
- Aerospace fasteners
- Injection mould inserts
- Pump and compressor components
- Fuel system fittings
Advantages
- High strength — 795 MPa (115 ksi), better than 96% of stainless steel grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 80/100, better than 89% of stainless steel grades
Limitations
- Limited ductility — 14%, worse than 91% of stainless steel grades
- Limited service temperature — 300°C (572 °F), worse than 90% of stainless steel grades
- High embodied carbon — 5.5 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 77% of stainless steel grades
15-5 PH properties
Typical room-temperature values for 15-5 PH-Condition A; bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
15-5 PH has a density of 7.8 g/cm³ (0.282 lb/in³), heavier than 50% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,400°C (2,552 °F).
Mechanical16
15-5 PH has a yield strength of 795 MPa (115 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,030 MPa (149 ksi) — stronger than 96% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 14% and the elastic modulus is 196 GPa (28.4 Msi).
Thermal6
15-5 PH is rated for continuous service to 300°C (572 °F). It conducts heat at 17.9 W/m·K (10.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 73% of stainless steel grades. Thermal expansion is 10.8 µm/m·K (6 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
15-5 PH conducts electricity at 2.2 % IACS, worse than 61% of stainless steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (57/100), worse than 66% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 15-5 PH takes about 55 MJ of energy and emits 5.5 kg of CO₂ — more than 50% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 35%.
Manufacturability7
15-5 PH's machinability is fair (42/100, better than 79% of stainless steel grades); weldability very good (70/100); formability fair (45/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the stainless steel family
Yield strength against density for every stainless steel grade FabDigit runs. 15-5 PH is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with 15-5 PH
Is 15-5 PH easy to machine?
Machine in Condition A or H1150 with rigid setups, sharp positive-rake carbide, heavy feeds and flood coolant; avoid dwelling — the alloy work-hardens, and H900 material cuts at roughly 30 % of AISI 1212.
Can 15-5 PH be welded?
Readily GTAW/GMAW/EB welded without preheat using 15-5 PH or 17-4 PH filler; re-solution treat and age (or at minimum re-age) after welding to restore properties in the HAZ.
Can 15-5 PH be formed, bent or molded?
Cold form only in Condition A and expect high springback and forces; hot work at 1150–1200 °C and never finish below ~925 °C, followed by full solution treatment.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit's quote engine applies to 15-5 PH. Design inside these and the part quotes instantly; outside them it routes to an engineer.
CNC machining
| Machinability | Fair42 / 100 |
|---|---|
| ISO material group | M.3 |
| Cutting speed (rough / finish) | 120 / 140 m/min |
| Minimum wall | 0.8 mm |
| Minimum internal radius | 1.5 mm |
| Drill depth limit | 4× diameter |
| Best surface (machined / polished) | Ra 1.6 / — |
| Hardenable after machining | No |
Sheet metal
| Formability | Fair45 / 100 |
|---|---|
| Weldability | Better70 / 100 |
3D printing
| Technologies | DMLS |
|---|---|
| Layer height | 20 – 60 µmdefault 30 µm |
| Minimum wall / feature | 0.5 / 0.3 mm |
| Build envelope | 250 × 250 × 325 mm |
| Supports | Yes |
| Anisotropy | Mild |
| Mandatory post-processing | heat treatment |
15-5 PH chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| CASTM A564 Type XM-12 | ≤ 0.07 | 0.04 |
| Mn | ≤ 1 | 0.5 |
| Si | ≤ 1 | 0.4 |
| P | ≤ 0.04 | |
| S | ≤ 0.03 | |
| Cr | 14 – 15.5 | 15 |
| Ni | 3.5 – 5.5 | 4.5 |
| Cu | 2.5 – 4.5 | 3.5 |
| Nb+Tacolumbium + tantalum, precipitation stabiliser | 0.15 – 0.45 | 0.3 |
| Fe | balance |
What surface finishes work on 15-5 PH?
Takes a fine mechanical polish thanks to low inclusion content; passivate per AMS 2700/ASTM A967 after machining, and avoid electroplating in H900 unless baked for hydrogen embrittlement relief.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on stainless steel parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Plating
Organic Coating
CVD Coating
Black / Phosphate
Thermal Spray
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Stainless Steel 15-5 PH in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- S15500
- AISI / SAE
- 15-5PH
- ASTM
- XM-12A564 Type XM-12
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- 1.4545X5CrNiCu15-5
- GB (China)
- 05Cr15Ni5Cu4Nb
- Also called
- 0Cr15Ni5Cu4Nb
How much does 15-5 PH cost?
15-5 PH is a specialty-cost stainless steel ($$$$$), pricier than about 58% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
15-5 PH — frequently asked
What is 15-5 PH used for?
15-5 PH is typically used for aerospace valve bodies, gears and shafts, landing gear and structural fittings, aerospace fasteners, injection mould inserts and pump and compressor components. In short: versatile high-strength PH.
What is the yield strength of 15-5 PH?
15-5 PH has a typical yield strength of 795 MPa (115 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,030 MPa (149 ksi) — stronger than 96% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 12 listed tempers.
Is 15-5 PH easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (42/100, better than 79% of stainless steel grades). Machine in Condition A or H1150 with rigid setups, sharp positive-rake carbide, heavy feeds and flood coolant; avoid dwelling — the alloy work-hardens, and H900 material cuts at roughly 30 % of AISI 1212.
Can 15-5 PH be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (70/100). Readily GTAW/GMAW/EB welded without preheat using 15-5 PH or 17-4 PH filler; re-solution treat and age (or at minimum re-age) after welding to restore properties in the HAZ.
What surface finishes work on 15-5 PH?
Takes a fine mechanical polish thanks to low inclusion content; passivate per AMS 2700/ASTM A967 after machining, and avoid electroplating in H900 unless baked for hydrogen embrittlement relief.
Can 15-5 PH be formed, bent or molded?
Cold form only in Condition A and expect high springback and forces; hot work at 1150–1200 °C and never finish below ~925 °C, followed by full solution treatment.
What is the maximum service temperature of 15-5 PH?
15-5 PH is rated for continuous use to about 300°C (572 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between 15-5 PH Condition A and 15-5 PH-H900?
Condition A is the default condition — standard mill-supplied condition: soft-martensitic, machinable and formable, then age-hardened by the user. H900: choose for maximum strength and hardness — aerospace fittings, shafts, valve parts; least tough and most SCC-sensitive age. Yield strength is 795 MPa in Condition A versus 1,275 MPa in H900.
How much does 15-5 PH cost?
15-5 PH is a specialty-cost stainless steel ($$$$$), pricier than about 58% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Can FabDigit make parts in 15-5 PH?
Yes — 15-5 PH is available for CNC machining, sheet metal and 3D printing with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- ASTM A564/A564M — Hot-Rolled and Cold-Finished Age-Hardening Stainless Steel Bars and Shapes (Type XM-12) — ASTM International (2019)
- ASTM A693 — Precipitation-Hardening Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet and Strip — ASTM International (2016)
- AMS 5659 — Steel, Corrosion-Resistant, Bars, Wire, Forgings 15Cr-4.5Ni-3.5Cu — SAE International (2018)
- EN 10088-3 / 1.4545 X5CrNiCu15-5 — CEN (2014)
- 15-5 PH Stainless Steel Product Data Bulletin — AK Steel / Cleveland-Cliffs (2015)
- Custom 15-5 PH Alloy Technical Datasheet — Carpenter Technology (2020)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 1: Properties and Selection — Irons, Steels and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- MMPDS-17 (Metallic Materials Properties Development and Standardization) — Battelle/FAA (2022)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.