A-286 iron-based superalloy (UNS S66286, Grade 660) UNS S66286
Iron-nickel-chromium austenitic superalloy, age hardenable. Limiting composition (wt%, Upmet table): Fe balance, Ni 24.0 to 27.0, Cr 13.5 to 16.0, Mo 1.00 to 1.50, Ti 1.90 to 2.35, V 0.10 to 0.50, Al 0.35 max, B 0.003 to 0.010, C 0.08 max, Mn 2.00 max, Si 1.00 max, P 0.025 max, S 0.025 max. ATI typical analysis (wt%): C 0.04, Mn 0.20, P 0.015, S 0.002, Si 0.20, Cr 14.5, Ni 25.0, Mo 1.25, Ti 2.10, V 0.30, Al 0.15, B 0.006, Fe balance.
Also known as UNS S66286, EN 1.4980, ASTM A453, ASTM A638, ASME SA-638, AMS 5525 · 4 more
A-286 (UNS S66286, also Grade 660 and W.
Evidence level
2 of 5
Lab-measured
- 0Predicted only. No one has made it, or no measurement exists.
- 1Calculated. Only calculated or predicted values from sources.
- 2Lab-measured. Measured properties with their conditions stated.
- 3Space-relevant tests. Measured in conditions relevant to space, such as vacuum or atomic oxygen.
- 4Ground-qualified. Qualified for an application on the ground.
- 5Flown or field-proven. Flight or field results exist.
Hold stress when hot
46 ksi at 649 °C
Strength when cold
168000 psi at -423 °F
Weight
7.92 g/cm3
Stiffness
201 GPa at 24 °C
Aged sheet strength
145 ksi tensile
Recipe, share of the weight
- Fe not statedIron
- Ni 24 to 27%Nickel
- Cr 13.5 to 16%Chromium
- Ti 1.9 to 2.35%Titanium
- Mo 1 to 1.5%Molybdenum
- V 0.1 to 0.5%Vanadium
- Al 0 to 0.35%Aluminium
- B 0.003 to 0.01%Boron
Best for
Non-magnetic, high-strength fasteners, springs and jet engine parts that run from cryogenic temperature to about 700 °C (ATI and Rolled Alloys)
Weakest at
Hot strength above about 650 °C: the 1000 h stress-rupture strength is 46 ksi at 649 °C (Rolled Alloys), and ATI says creep and stress rupture are the limiting design criteria at elevated temperature
Risk at a glance
- People Low. Not classified for the disk form
- If it fails Moderate. Hot cracking in welds
- Corrosion Moderate. In boiling 10% sulfuric acid, A-286 corroded at 29.5 mils per year, against more than 500 mils per year for Type 304.
Quick facts: UNS S66286
| Property | Value | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 7.92 to 7.94 g/cm³ | 2 sourced values across conditions |
| Yield strength | 275 to 720 MPa | 4 sourced values across conditions |
| Tensile strength | 620 to 1,000 MPa | 4 sourced values across conditions |
| Young's modulus | 201 GPa | 1 sourced value |
| Hardness (Brinell) | 250 to 355 HB | 1 sourced value |
| Thermal conductivity | 15.1 to 23.9 W/(m·K) | 2 sourced values across conditions |
| Thermal expansion (CTE) | 17 to 18.6 ppm/K | 2 sourced values across conditions |
| Melting point | 1,370 to 1,430 °C | 1 sourced value |
| Specific heat | 420 J/(kg·K) | 1 sourced value |
| Electrical resistivity | 9.1e-7 Ω·m | 1 sourced value |
What is the density of A-286 iron-based superalloy (UNS S66286)?
A-286 iron-based superalloy (UNS S66286) has a density of 7.92 to 7.94 g/cm³. The range covers 2 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.
What is the thermal conductivity of A-286 iron-based superalloy (UNS S66286)?
A-286 iron-based superalloy (UNS S66286) has a thermal conductivity of 15.1 to 23.9 W/(m·K). The range covers 2 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.
What is the coefficient of thermal expansion of A-286 iron-based superalloy (UNS S66286)?
A-286 iron-based superalloy (UNS S66286) has a coefficient of thermal expansion of 17 to 18.6 ppm/K. The range covers 2 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.
What is the melting point of A-286 iron-based superalloy (UNS S66286)?
A-286 iron-based superalloy (UNS S66286) has a melting point of 1,370 to 1,430 °C. The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.
What is the yield strength of A-286 iron-based superalloy (UNS S66286)?
A-286 iron-based superalloy (UNS S66286) has a yield strength of 275 to 720 MPa. The range covers 4 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.
What are the other names and codes for A-286 iron-based superalloy (UNS S66286)?
A-286 iron-based superalloy (UNS S66286) is also written as UNS S66286, EN 1.4980, ASTM A453, ASTM A638, ASME SA-638, AMS 5525. Each code is printed in the source listed beside it in the designations table.
What is A-286 iron-based superalloy (UNS S66286) used for?
Uses recorded in the sources include Bolts, screws and high-temperature fasteners; Jet engine blades, turbine wheels and afterburner parts; Springs.
Why it exists
A-286 is an iron-nickel-chromium alloy that is age hardened and non-magnetic, and that keeps strength to cryogenic temperatures. ATI gives its density as 7.92 g/cm3 solution treated and a melting range of 1370 to 1430 °C. Rolled Alloys gives a 1000 h stress-rupture strength of 88 ksi at 538 °C and 46 ksi at 649 °C. Smiths Metal Centres, Rolled Alloys and Combined Metals list jet engine parts, fasteners and springs among its uses.
Where it's used
Fasteners and screws
Rolled Alloys lists high temperature fasteners, and Smiths Metal Centres lists screws and Upmet lists bolts among its applications.
Jet engine parts
Smiths Metal Centres lists jet engine blades, afterburner parts and turbine wheels as typical uses.
Springs
Combined Metals and Rolled Alloys both list springs among its applications.
Cryogenic structures
ATI describes non-magnetic use down to -196 °C, and a 1965 NASA-funded test report measured a tensile strength of 168000 psi at -423 °F for solution-treated material.
Recipe
Iron-nickel-chromium austenitic superalloy, age hardenable. Limiting composition (wt%, Upmet table): Fe balance, Ni 24.0 to 27.0, Cr 13.5 to 16.0, Mo 1.00 to 1.50, Ti 1.90 to 2.35, V 0.10 to 0.50, Al 0.35 max, B 0.003 to 0.010, C 0.08 max, Mn 2.00 max, Si 1.00 max, P 0.025 max, S 0.025 max. ATI typical analysis (wt%): C 0.04, Mn 0.20, P 0.015, S 0.002, Si 0.20, Cr 14.5, Ni 25.0, Mo 1.25, Ti 2.10, V 0.30, Al 0.15, B 0.006, Fe balance.
A-286 is an iron-base alloy made to a limiting composition in weight percent, with nickel, chromium, titanium and molybdenum as the main alloying elements. ATI says it can be produced by AOD refining or vacuum induction melting, and that vacuum arc or electroslag remelting may be used to refine it further. Titanium and aluminium give the age hardening.
| Ingredient | Share of the weight | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Iron Fe | not stated | The base metal and the balance of the composition in every limit table read. |
| Nickel Ni | 24 to 27% | Austenite-forming element in the limits; ATI calls the alloy an austenitic alloy. |
| Chromium Cr | 13.5 to 16% | ATI says chromium, nickel and molybdenum give aqueous corrosion resistance comparable to austenitic stainless steels. |
| Titanium Ti | 1.9 to 2.35% | Age-hardening element; ATI says strength develops on aging and needs inert gas welding to avoid losing titanium. |
| Molybdenum Mo | 1 to 1.5% | Listed alloying element in the limits; the sources read give no separate role. |
| Vanadium V | 0.1 to 0.5% | Listed alloying element in the limits; the sources read give no separate role. |
| Aluminium Al | 0 to 0.35% | Maximum limit only; works with titanium in age hardening, per the ATI aging description. |
| Boron B | 0.003 to 0.01% | Listed limiting element; the sources read give no separate role. |
Weight shares are as printed in the sources.
What it can do
Hold stress when hot
46 ksi at 649 °C
measured
Rolled Alloys gives a typical 1000 h stress-rupture strength of 46 ksi at 1200 °F (649 °C) and 88 ksi at 1000 °F (538 °C).
Strength when cold
168000 psi at -423 °F
measured
The 1965 NASA-funded Martin report gives a tensile strength of 168,000 psi at -423 °F for solution-treated material, up from 90,000 psi at room temperature.
Weight
7.92 g/cm3
measured
ATI gives a density of 7.92 g/cm3 solution treated and 7.94 g/cm3 solution treated and aged.
Stiffness
201 GPa at 24 °C
measured
ATI gives a dynamic modulus of elasticity of 201 GPa at 24 °C and 130 GPa at 871 °C.
Aged sheet strength
145 ksi tensile
measured
Rolled Alloys gives a representative tensile strength of 145 ksi at 70 °F for aged AMS 5732 sheet.
How it compares
ATI says the aqueous corrosion resistance of A-286 is comparable to the austenitic stainless steels, and Rolled Alloys says comparable to 316 and 316L. In ATI's typical corrosion-rate table, A-286 corroded less than Type 304 in boiling 10% sulfuric acid and boiling 1% hydrochloric acid, and more than Type 304 in boiling 20% phosphoric acid. The rows below show density, elastic modulus and thermal expansion from the sources read here. The sources cover different heat treatments, so read the rows as examples, not as a ranking.
The same measurements for each material, so you can compare them. Each row names the key condition under the value; the full conditions and methods are in the numbered notes under Technical details.
| Measurement | UNS S66286 |
|---|---|
| Capacity and energy | |
| Charpy V-notch impact energy at -196 °C, aged | 77 J26 |
| Thermal behavior and safety | |
| Melting range | 1370 to 1430 °C3 |
| Specific heat | 420 J/kg-°K4 |
| Thermal conductivity at 150 °C | 15.1 W/m-K8 |
| Thermal conductivity at 600 °C | 23.9 W/m-K9 |
| Physical and electrical | |
| Density, solution treated | 7.92 g/cm³1 |
| Density, solution treated and aged | 7.94 g/cm³2 |
| Electrical resistivity at 25 °C | 91 microhm-cm7 |
| Hardness, solution annealed | 250 to 355 HB23 |
| Other measurements | |
| Magnetic permeability, solution treated | 1.01 -5 |
| Magnetic permeability, solution treated and aged | 1.007 -6 |
| Linear coefficient of thermal expansion, 21 to 316 °CLinear CTE test printed in the ATI datasheet | 17 10^-6/°C10 |
| Linear coefficient of thermal expansion, 21 to 760 °CLinear CTE test printed in the ATI datasheet | 18.6 10^-6/°C11 |
| Modulus of elasticity (dynamic) at 24 °C | 201 GPa12 |
| Modulus of elasticity (dynamic) at 871 °C | 130 GPa13 |
| Yield strength, room temperature, solution treated at 1800 °F | 275 MPa14 |
| Ultimate tensile strength, room temperature, solution treated at 1800 °F | 620 MPa15 |
| Elongation, room temperature, solution treated at 1800 °F | 40 %16 |
| Yield strength, minimum, ASTM A453 Grade 660 Class B | > 85 ksi17 |
| Ultimate tensile strength, minimum, ASTM A453 Grade 660 Class B | > 130 ksi18 |
| Ultimate tensile strength, sheet to AMS 5732, aged, 70 °F | 145 ksi19 |
| Ultimate tensile strength, sheet to AMS 5732, aged, 1400 °F | 64 ksi20 |
| Stress-rupture strength for 1000 h at 538 °C | 88 ksi21 |
| Stress-rupture strength for 1000 h at 649 °C | 46 ksi22 |
| 0.2% proof stress, solution annealed | 720 N/mm224 |
| Tensile strength, solution annealed | 1000 N/mm225 |
| Ultimate tensile strength at -423 °F, solution treated | 1.68×10^5 psi27 |
| Yield strength at 70 °F, solution treated | 46000 psi28 |
Why choose it, and why not
Good for
- Fasteners and springs that need high strength and non-magnetic behaviour: 85 ksi minimum yield strength for Grade 660 Class B (Rolled Alloys).
- Cryogenic structures: 77 J Charpy V-notch impact energy at -196 °C in the aged condition (ATI).
- Jet engine hardware in air to about 704 °C: excellent corrosion resistance in jet engine atmospheres to 1300 °F (ATI).
Watch out for
- Welding: the alloy is susceptible to hot cracking, especially when aged, and needs inert gas methods to protect the titanium (ATI).
- Stress rupture: at 649 °C the 1000 h stress-rupture strength is 46 ksi, so high-stress parts need the stress-rupture data, not the room-temperature strength (Rolled Alloys).
- Chloride cracking: in the boiling 42% magnesium chloride U-bend test, A-286 cracked after 168 hours (ATI).
- The sources disagree on solution-treated strength (275 MPa and 620 MPa from ATI; 720 and 1000 N/mm2 from Smiths Metal Centres). Check the heat-treatment condition before design use.
- No producer safety data sheet for bar or sheet, flight test or spacecraft qualification data were found in this run; the NIST sheet covers the disk form only.
A-286 is an age-hardened iron-nickel-chromium superalloy with a density of 7.92 g/cm3 solution treated, a melting range of 1370 to 1430 °C, and a 1000 h stress-rupture strength of 46 ksi at 649 °C. It stays ductile and non-magnetic to cryogenic temperatures, and it is used for fasteners, springs and jet engine parts. The only safety sheet read is NIST's for the disk form, which is not classified under OSHA, and the sources read here give no spacecraft qualification data.
Technical details
For scientists and researchers. Everything above comes from the record below: every number with its method, its conditions and its source.
Other names and standards
The same grade under other systems, as datasheets and standards print them. Each code was checked against the page it comes from.
| System | Codes |
|---|---|
| UNS | S66286 |
| EN | 1.4980 |
| ASTM | A453 (bolting, Grade 660 Class A and Class B), A638 (forgings, forging stock and bar) |
| ASME | SA-638 (forgings, forging stock and bar) |
| AMS | 5525 (sheet, strip and plate), 5731 (bar, forgings, tubing and rings), 5732 (bar, forgings, tubing and rings), 5858 |
| Trade name | ATI A286 |
Notes
The method, full conditions and any caveat for the numbered rows above.
| # | Measurement | Method | Conditions | Caveat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Density, solution treated | Typical value printed in the ATI datasheet, Physical Properties table | treatment solution treatedunit in source 0.286 lb/in3basis typical value | — |
| 2 | Density, solution treated and aged | Typical value printed in the ATI datasheet, Physical Properties table | treatment solution treated and agedunit in source 0.287 lb/in3basis typical value | — |
| 3 | Melting range | Range printed in the ATI datasheet, Physical Properties table | unit in source 2500-2600 °F | — |
| 4 | Specific heat | Typical value printed in the ATI datasheet, Physical Properties table | temperature not stated in the datasheetunit in source 0.10 Btu/lb-°F | — |
| 5 | Magnetic permeability, solution treated | Typical value printed in the ATI datasheet, Physical Properties table | treatment solution treated | — |
| 6 | Magnetic permeability, solution treated and aged | Typical value printed in the ATI datasheet, Physical Properties table | treatment solution treated and aged | — |
| 7 | Electrical resistivity at 25 °C | Typical value printed in the ATI datasheet, Electrical Resistivity table | temperature 25 °C (77 °F)treatment not stated in the datasheet | — |
| 8 | Thermal conductivity at 150 °C | Typical value printed in the ATI datasheet, Thermal Conductivity table | temperature 150 °C (302 °F)treatment not stated in the datasheetunit in source 8.7 Btu-ft/ft2-h-°F | — |
| 9 | Thermal conductivity at 600 °C | Typical value printed in the ATI datasheet, Thermal Conductivity table | temperature 600 °C (1112 °F)treatment not stated in the datasheetunit in source 13.8 Btu-ft/ft2-h-°F | — |
| 10 | Linear coefficient of thermal expansion, 21 to 316 °C | — | temperature range 21 to 316 °C (70 to 600 °F)treatment solution treated and aged (the datasheet heading for the CTE test)unit in source 9.47 10^-6/°F | — |
| 11 | Linear coefficient of thermal expansion, 21 to 760 °C | — | temperature range 21 to 760 °C (70 to 1400 °F)treatment solution treated and aged (the datasheet heading for the CTE test)unit in source 10.32 10^-6/°F | — |
| 12 | Modulus of elasticity (dynamic) at 24 °C | Dynamic modulus printed in the ATI datasheet, Elastic Modulus table | temperature 24 °C (75 °F)method in source dynamicunit in source 29.1 x 10^6 psi | — |
| 13 | Modulus of elasticity (dynamic) at 871 °C | Dynamic modulus printed in the ATI datasheet, Elastic Modulus table | temperature 871 °C (1600 °F)method in source dynamicunit in source 18.9 x 10^6 psi | — |
| 14 | Yield strength, room temperature, solution treated at 1800 °F | Typical room temperature tensile value printed in the ATI datasheet; the chart on the same page is an image and was not read | treatment solution treated at 1800 °F (982 °C)temperature room temperatureunit in source 40,000 psi | Smith Metal gives 720 N/mm2 for solution annealed material (see its row below). The two sources are not reconciled here. |
| 15 | Ultimate tensile strength, room temperature, solution treated at 1800 °F | Typical room temperature tensile value printed in the ATI datasheet | treatment solution treated at 1800 °F (982 °C)temperature room temperatureunit in source 90,000 psi | Smith Metal gives 1000 N/mm2 for solution annealed material (see its row below). |
| 16 | Elongation, room temperature, solution treated at 1800 °F | Typical room temperature tensile value printed in the ATI datasheet | treatment solution treated at 1800 °F (982 °C)temperature room temperature | — |
| 17 | Yield strength, minimum, ASTM A453 Grade 660 Class B | Specification minimum printed in the Rolled Alloys data sheet | standard ASTM A453 Grade 660 Class Bheat treatment anneal 1800 °F, age 1300 to 1400 °F for 16 hoursproduct bar and sheet to AMS 5732 (as printed in the table) | — |
| 18 | Ultimate tensile strength, minimum, ASTM A453 Grade 660 Class B | Specification minimum printed in the Rolled Alloys data sheet | standard ASTM A453 Grade 660 Class Bheat treatment anneal 1800 °F, age 1300 to 1400 °F for 16 hours | — |
| 19 | Ultimate tensile strength, sheet to AMS 5732, aged, 70 °F | Representative value printed in the Rolled Alloys data sheet | product form sheet, AMS 5732heat treatment 1800 °F solution treat, 1325 °F agetemperature 70 °F (21 °C) | — |
| 20 | Ultimate tensile strength, sheet to AMS 5732, aged, 1400 °F | Representative value printed in the Rolled Alloys data sheet | product form sheet, AMS 5732heat treatment 1800 °F solution treat, 1325 °F agetemperature 1400 °F (760 °C) | — |
| 21 | Stress-rupture strength for 1000 h at 538 °C | Typical stress-rupture value printed in the Rolled Alloys data sheet | temperature 1000 °F (538 °C)duration 1,000 hoursheat treatment AMS 5732, 1800 °F / 1325 °F | — |
| 22 | Stress-rupture strength for 1000 h at 649 °C | Typical stress-rupture value printed in the Rolled Alloys data sheet | temperature 1200 °F (649 °C)duration 1,000 hoursheat treatment AMS 5732, 1800 °F / 1325 °F | — |
| 23 | Hardness, solution annealed | Range printed in the Smiths Metal Centres data sheet | treatment solution annealed | — |
| 24 | 0.2% proof stress, solution annealed | Value printed in the Smiths Metal Centres data sheet under 0.2% Proof Stress | treatment solution annealed | Smith Metal gives 720 N/mm2 for solution annealed material, against 275 MPa for solution treated material in the ATI datasheet. Both are kept here side by side. |
| 25 | Tensile strength, solution annealed | Value printed in the Smiths Metal Centres data sheet | treatment solution annealed | ATI gives 620 MPa tensile for material solution treated at 1800 °F. The Smith value is for a different heat treatment label and is kept side by side. |
| 26 | Charpy V-notch impact energy at -196 °C, aged | Value printed in the ATI datasheet, Charpy V-Notch Impact Energy table | temperature -320 °F (-196 °C)test full size Charpy V-notchtreatment solution treated at 1800 °F and aged at 1325 °F for 16 hoursunit in source 57 ft-lbs | — |
| 27 | Ultimate tensile strength at -423 °F, solution treated | Value stated in the text of the NASA-funded Martin report, section Tension Properties (the Figure 13 chart was not read) | temperature -423 °F (about -253 °C)treatment solution-treated A-286 bar, as the report describes its material | — |
| 28 | Yield strength at 70 °F, solution treated | Value stated in the text of the NASA-funded Martin report, section Tension Properties | temperature 70 °Ftreatment solution treated A-286 | ATI gives 275 MPa (40,000 psi) for solution treated material at room temperature, so the two sources differ and are shown side by side. |
Corrosion and compatibility
What happens when it meets other materials and environments.
| Environment | Concern | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Boiling 10% sulfuric acid | moderate | In boiling 10% sulfuric acid, A-286 corroded at 29.5 mils per year, against more than 500 mils per year for Type 304.1 |
| Boiling 1% hydrochloric acid | moderate | In boiling 1% hydrochloric acid, A-286 corroded at 84.1 mils per year, against 107 mils per year for Type 304.2 |
| Boiling 20% phosphoric acid | moderate | In boiling 20% phosphoric acid, A-286 corroded faster than Type 304, at 12.8 mils per year against 0.2 mils per year.3 |
| Boiling 42% magnesium chloride, U-bend stress test | moderate | In the 42% magnesium chloride U-bend test, A-286 cracked after 168 hours, against 8 hours for Type 304 and 24 hours for Type 316.4 |
| 5% neutral salt spray and jet-engine atmosphere | low | A-286 showed no rusting after 100 hours of 5% neutral salt spray and is excellent in jet-engine atmospheres to 1300 °F (704 °C).5 |
| Air oxidation at high temperature | low | A-286 oxidation resistance is high for continuous service to 1500 °F (816 °C) and intermittent service to 1800 °F (982 °C).6 |
| # | Environment | Details | Test conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boiling 10% sulfuric acid | ATI's typical corrosion-rate table gives 29.5 mils per year (0.75 mm/a) for the Altemp A286 column, tested solution treated, and more than 500 mils per year (over 12 mm/a) for Type 304. | test boiling solution, typical corrosion rate in mils per year (mm/a in brackets)treatment solution treated, per the datasheet footnote |
| 2 | Boiling 1% hydrochloric acid | ATI's typical corrosion-rate table gives 84.1 mils per year (2.14 mm/a) for A-286 and 107 mils per year (2.72 mm/a) for Type 304. | test boiling solution, typical corrosion rate in mils per yeartreatment solution treated, per the datasheet footnote |
| 3 | Boiling 20% phosphoric acid | ATI's typical corrosion-rate table gives 12.8 mils per year (0.33 mm/a) for A-286 and 0.2 mils per year (under 0.01 mm/a) for Type 304, so the austenitic stainless steel does better in this acid. | test boiling solution, typical corrosion rate in mils per yeartreatment solution treated, per the datasheet footnote |
| 4 | Boiling 42% magnesium chloride, U-bend stress test | ATI reports cracks in its U-bend test in boiling 42% magnesium chloride after 168 hours for the Altemp A286 column, after 8 hours for Type 304 and after 24 hours for Type 316. Cracking in chloride solutions is therefore a real limit for this alloy. | test U-bend stressed specimen in 42% magnesium chloridetreatment not stated for the Altemp column |
| 5 | 5% neutral salt spray and jet-engine atmosphere | ATI reports no rusting after 100 hours of 5% neutral salt spray for the Altemp A286 column, and says its corrosion resistance to jet-engine atmospheres is excellent to at least 1300 °F (704 °C). Rolled Alloys says its aqueous corrosion resistance is comparable to 316 and 316L stainless steel. | test 5% neutral salt spray, 100 hoursbasis datasheet statements; no exposure rate given for jet-engine atmospheres |
| 6 | Air oxidation at high temperature | ATI says oxidation resistance is high for continuous service up to 1500 °F (816 °C) and intermittent service up to 1800 °F (982 °C). Rolled Alloys gives the same continuous and intermittent limits, and Upmet says oxidation performance is comparable to Type 310 stainless steel through about 1500 °F (816 °C). | basis qualitative datasheet statements; no oxidation rate giventemperature continuous 816 °C, intermittent 982 °C |
Risks and side effects
Hazards to people, what happens when a cell overheats, and how the material is handled and stored.
For people
The only A-286 safety sheet read is NIST's for the disk form, which is not classified as a hazard under OSHA. No producer sheet for bar or sheet was found. The sources read also name processing hazards.
- Acid pickling
- ATI says the oxide film after heat treatment is removed by pickling in warm sulfuric acid and then nitric-hydrofluoric acid baths, so those acids are part of the handling.
If it fails
The failure routes in the sources are welding cracks, loss of strength at high temperature and rapid work hardening.
- Weld cracking
- ATI says the alloy is susceptible to hot cracking, particularly in the aged condition, and heavy sections are harder to weld.
- Stress rupture
- ATI says creep and stress-rupture strength, not short-time tensile strength, limit the alloy at elevated temperature.
- Work hardening
- Smith Metal says the alloy work hardens rapidly, so intermediate annealing may be needed in deep drawing or intricate forming.
Handling and storage
- Heat treatment order
- Solution treat, then age at 1325 °F (718 °C) for 16 hours and air cool, as ATI describes.
- Machining
- ATI says the soft solution-treated material is gummy, so it is machined after aging or after cold work.
Test details
The original wording and numbers from the sources, for readers who want them.
Failure risks
| Failure | Trigger and consequence |
|---|---|
| Hot cracking in weldsmoderate severity | Welding aged material or heavy sectionsATI says the alloy is susceptible to hot cracking, particularly in the aged condition, and heavy sections are more difficult to weld for the same reason. |
| Loss of titanium in weldsmoderate severity | Welding by methods other than inert gasATI says inert gas methods must be used to prevent loss of titanium, which is important for the strength that develops on aging. |
| Creep and stress rupture at high temperaturemoderate severity | Sustained stress at elevated temperatureATI says creep and stress-rupture properties, rather than short-time tensile properties, are the limiting design criteria for elevated-temperature service. |
| Rapid work hardening during forminglow severity | Cold forming or deep drawing without intermediate annealsSmith Metal says the alloy works harden rapidly and may need intermediate annealing in deep drawing or intricate forming. ATI says intermediate anneals at 1800 °F (982 °C) soften material when the deformation is extensive. |
Handling and storage
- Age at 1325 °F (718 °C) for 16 hours and air cool after solution treatment, which develops the high strength of the alloy (ATI). Solution treat at 1650 °F (899 °C) for finer grain or 1800 °F (982 °C) for better creep strength.
- Form and weld in the solution-treated condition. ATI says the soft solution-treated material is gummy to machine, so it is machined after aging or overaging, or after cold work.
- After heat treatment, loosen the tight oxide film in a reducing, oxidising or fused salt bath, then pickle in warm sulfuric and then nitric-hydrofluoric acid baths (ATI).
- Use the same techniques and equipment as for 18-8 stainless steels when machining (ATI).
Supply and geography
How common the raw materials are and where they come from.
Nickel (about 24 to 27 wt% of A-286)
- Top producers (2025)
- Indonesia 66.7%, Philippines 6.9%, Russia 5.1%
- Recycling
- USGS: nickel recovered from scrap accounted for approximately 60% of apparent consumption in 2025, and most secondary nickel is in the form of nickel content of stainless-steel scrap.
- Substitutes
- USGS: titanium alloys can substitute for nickel or nickel-base alloys in corrosive environments.
Chromium (13.5 to 16.0 wt% of A-286)
- Top producers (2025)
- South Africa 45.1%, Turkey 17.6%, Kazakhstan 13.7%
- Recycling
- USGS: recycled chromium in reported stainless-steel scrap receipts accounted for 21% of apparent consumption in 2025.
- Substitutes
- USGS: chromium has no substitute in stainless steel or in superalloys, the major strategic end use.
Documents
Datasheets, safety data sheets, papers and standards you can open.
Full record
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spore: profile
id: a286
spore_version: 0.2
family: iron-superalloys
name: A-286 iron-based superalloy (UNS S66286, Grade 660)
abbreviation: UNS S66286
role: age-hardenable iron-nickel-chromium superalloy for fasteners, springs and jet engine hardware
category: metals
type: nickel-superalloys
summary: |
A-286 (UNS S66286, also Grade 660 and W. Nr. 1.4980) is an age-hardenable iron-nickel-chromium superalloy. ATI gives its density as 7.92 g/cm3 solution treated and 7.94 g/cm3 solution treated and aged, with a melting range of 1370 to 1430 °C. Rolled Alloys gives a minimum yield strength of 85 ksi and a minimum tensile strength of 130 ksi for ASTM A453 Grade 660 Class B, and a 1000 h stress-rupture strength of 46 ksi at 649 °C.
best_for: Non-magnetic, high-strength fasteners, springs and jet engine parts that run from cryogenic temperature to about 700 °C (ATI and Rolled Alloys)
weakest_at: 'Hot strength above about 650 °C: the 1000 h stress-rupture strength is 46 ksi at 649 °C (Rolled Alloys), and ATI says creep and stress rupture are the limiting design criteria at elevated temperature'
identity:
formula: 'Iron-nickel-chromium austenitic superalloy, age hardenable. Limiting composition (wt%, Upmet table): Fe balance, Ni 24.0 to 27.0, Cr 13.5 to 16.0, Mo 1.00 to 1.50, Ti 1.90 to 2.35, V 0.10 to 0.50, Al 0.35 max, B 0.003 to 0.010, C 0.08 max, Mn 2.00 max, Si 1.00 max, P 0.025 max, S 0.025 max. ATI typical analysis (wt%): C 0.04, Mn 0.20, P 0.015, S 0.002, Si 0.20, Cr 14.5, Ni 25.0, Mo 1.25, Ti 2.10, V 0.30, Al 0.15, B 0.006, Fe balance.'
source: ati-a286
where: Page 2, Composition (Typical) table; limiting ranges from the Upmet A286 Chemical Composition table; UNS S66286 from the ATI title block
designations:
- system: UNS
code: S66286
source: ati-a286
where: Title block, page 1 (ATI A286 Iron-Based Superalloy (UNS S66286))
- system: EN
code: '1.4980'
source: rolled-a286
where: Specifications table, row UNS S66286 and W. Nr./EN 1.4980
- system: ASTM
code: A453
note: bolting, Grade 660 Class A and Class B
source: rolled-a286
where: Specifications table, row ASTM A 453 Grade 660 Class B
- system: ASTM
code: A638
note: forgings, forging stock and bar
source: ati-a286
where: Specifications list, ASTM A638
- system: ASME
code: SA-638
note: forgings, forging stock and bar
source: ati-a286
where: Specifications list, ASME SA-638
- system: AMS
code: '5525'
note: sheet, strip and plate
source: ati-a286
where: Specifications list, AMS 5525
- system: AMS
code: '5731'
note: bar, forgings, tubing and rings
source: ati-a286
where: Specifications list, AMS 5731
- system: AMS
code: '5732'
note: bar, forgings, tubing and rings
source: ati-a286
where: Specifications list, AMS 5732
- system: AMS
code: '5858'
note: sheet, strip and plate, restricted analysis designed for welding
source: ati-a286
where: Specifications list, AMS 5858, and the Welding and Brazing section
- system: Trade name
code: ATI A286
source: ati-a286
where: Title block, page 1
tags:
environments: []
stresses:
- extreme-cold
applications:
- structures
- propulsion-and-tanks
- mechanisms
properties:
- benchmark: density
label: Density, solution treated
value: 7.92
unit: g/cm3
scope: material
conditions:
treatment: solution treated
unit_in_source: 0.286 lb/in3
basis: typical value
method: Typical value printed in the ATI datasheet, Physical Properties table
status: ground
source: ati-a286
where: Page 3, Physical Properties, row Density, Solution Treated
- benchmark: density
label: Density, solution treated and aged
value: 7.94
unit: g/cm3
scope: material
conditions:
treatment: solution treated and aged
unit_in_source: 0.287 lb/in3
basis: typical value
method: Typical value printed in the ATI datasheet, Physical Properties table
status: ground
source: ati-a286
where: Page 3, Physical Properties, row Density, Solution Treated and Aged
- benchmark: melting_point
label: Melting range
value: 1370
value_high: 1430
bound: range
unit: °C
scope: material
conditions:
unit_in_source: 2500-2600 °F
method: Range printed in the ATI datasheet, Physical Properties table
status: ground
source: ati-a286
where: Page 3, Physical Properties, row Melting Range
- benchmark: specific_heat
label: Specific heat
value: 420
unit: J/kg-°K
scope: material
conditions:
temperature: not stated in the datasheet
unit_in_source: 0.10 Btu/lb-°F
method: Typical value printed in the ATI datasheet, Physical Properties table
status: ground
source: ati-a286
where: Page 3, Physical Properties, row Specific Heat
- benchmark: magnetic_permeability
label: Magnetic permeability, solution treated
value: 1.01
unit: '-'
scope: material
conditions:
treatment: solution treated
method: Typical value printed in the ATI datasheet, Physical Properties table
status: ground
source: ati-a286
where: Page 3, Physical Properties, row Magnetic Permeability, Solution Treated
- benchmark: magnetic_permeability
label: Magnetic permeability, solution treated and aged
value: 1.007
unit: '-'
scope: material
conditions:
treatment: solution treated and aged
method: Typical value printed in the ATI datasheet, Physical Properties table
status: ground
source: ati-a286
where: Page 3, Physical Properties, row Magnetic Permeability, Solution Treated and Aged
- benchmark: electrical_resistivity
label: Electrical resistivity at 25 °C
value: 91
unit: microhm-cm
scope: material
conditions:
temperature: 25 °C (77 °F)
treatment: not stated in the datasheet
method: Typical value printed in the ATI datasheet, Electrical Resistivity table
status: ground
source: ati-a286
where: Page 4, Electrical Resistivity table, row 77 °F / 25 °C
- benchmark: thermal_conductivity
label: Thermal conductivity at 150 °C
value: 15.1
unit: W/m-K
scope: material
conditions:
temperature: 150 °C (302 °F)
treatment: not stated in the datasheet
unit_in_source: 8.7 Btu-ft/ft2-h-°F
method: Typical value printed in the ATI datasheet, Thermal Conductivity table
status: ground
source: ati-a286
where: Page 4, Thermal Conductivity table, row 302 °F / 150 °C
- benchmark: thermal_conductivity
label: Thermal conductivity at 600 °C
value: 23.9
unit: W/m-K
scope: material
conditions:
temperature: 600 °C (1112 °F)
treatment: not stated in the datasheet
unit_in_source: 13.8 Btu-ft/ft2-h-°F
method: Typical value printed in the ATI datasheet, Thermal Conductivity table
status: ground
source: ati-a286
where: Page 4, Thermal Conductivity table, row 1112 °F / 600 °C
- benchmark: cte
label: Linear coefficient of thermal expansion, 21 to 316 °C
value: 17
unit: 10^-6/°C
scope: material
conditions:
temperature_range: 21 to 316 °C (70 to 600 °F)
treatment: solution treated and aged (the datasheet heading for the CTE test)
unit_in_source: 9.47 10^-6/°F
method: Linear CTE test printed in the ATI datasheet
status: ground
source: ati-a286
where: Page 4, Linear Coefficient of Thermal Expansion table, row 21-316 °C
- benchmark: cte
label: Linear coefficient of thermal expansion, 21 to 760 °C
value: 18.6
unit: 10^-6/°C
scope: material
conditions:
temperature_range: 21 to 760 °C (70 to 1400 °F)
treatment: solution treated and aged (the datasheet heading for the CTE test)
unit_in_source: 10.32 10^-6/°F
method: Linear CTE test printed in the ATI datasheet
status: ground
source: ati-a286
where: Page 4, Linear Coefficient of Thermal Expansion table, row 21-760 °C
- benchmark: elastic_modulus
label: Modulus of elasticity (dynamic) at 24 °C
value: 201
unit: GPa
scope: material
conditions:
temperature: 24 °C (75 °F)
method_in_source: dynamic
unit_in_source: 29.1 x 10^6 psi
method: Dynamic modulus printed in the ATI datasheet, Elastic Modulus table
status: ground
source: ati-a286
where: Page 4, Elastic Modulus table, row 75 °F / 24 °C
- benchmark: elastic_modulus
label: Modulus of elasticity (dynamic) at 871 °C
value: 130
unit: GPa
scope: material
conditions:
temperature: 871 °C (1600 °F)
method_in_source: dynamic
unit_in_source: 18.9 x 10^6 psi
method: Dynamic modulus printed in the ATI datasheet, Elastic Modulus table
status: ground
source: ati-a286
where: Page 4, Elastic Modulus table, row 1600 °F / 871 °C
- benchmark: yield_strength
label: Yield strength, room temperature, solution treated at 1800 °F
value: 275
unit: MPa
scope: material
conditions:
treatment: solution treated at 1800 °F (982 °C)
temperature: room temperature
unit_in_source: 40,000 psi
method: Typical room temperature tensile value printed in the ATI datasheet; the chart on the same page is an image and was not read
status: ground
note: Smith Metal gives 720 N/mm2 for solution annealed material (see its row below). The two sources are not reconciled here.
source: ati-a286
where: Page 5, Mechanical Properties, typical room temperature tensile properties
- benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
label: Ultimate tensile strength, room temperature, solution treated at 1800 °F
value: 620
unit: MPa
scope: material
conditions:
treatment: solution treated at 1800 °F (982 °C)
temperature: room temperature
unit_in_source: 90,000 psi
method: Typical room temperature tensile value printed in the ATI datasheet
status: ground
note: Smith Metal gives 1000 N/mm2 for solution annealed material (see its row below).
source: ati-a286
where: Page 5, Mechanical Properties, typical room temperature tensile properties
- benchmark: elongation
label: Elongation, room temperature, solution treated at 1800 °F
value: 40
unit: '%'
scope: material
conditions:
treatment: solution treated at 1800 °F (982 °C)
temperature: room temperature
method: Typical room temperature tensile value printed in the ATI datasheet
status: ground
source: ati-a286
where: Page 5, Mechanical Properties, typical room temperature tensile properties
- benchmark: yield_strength
label: Yield strength, minimum, ASTM A453 Grade 660 Class B
value: 85
unit: ksi
bound: lower
scope: material
conditions:
standard: ASTM A453 Grade 660 Class B
heat_treatment: anneal 1800 °F, age 1300 to 1400 °F for 16 hours
product: bar and sheet to AMS 5732 (as printed in the table)
method: Specification minimum printed in the Rolled Alloys data sheet
status: ground
source: rolled-a286
where: Specifications table, row Grade 660 Class B, Yield Strength Min
- benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
label: Ultimate tensile strength, minimum, ASTM A453 Grade 660 Class B
value: 130
unit: ksi
bound: lower
scope: material
conditions:
standard: ASTM A453 Grade 660 Class B
heat_treatment: anneal 1800 °F, age 1300 to 1400 °F for 16 hours
method: Specification minimum printed in the Rolled Alloys data sheet
status: ground
source: rolled-a286
where: Specifications table, row Grade 660 Class B, Tensile Strength Min
- benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
label: Ultimate tensile strength, sheet to AMS 5732, aged, 70 °F
value: 145
unit: ksi
scope: material
conditions:
product_form: sheet, AMS 5732
heat_treatment: 1800 °F solution treat, 1325 °F age
temperature: 70 °F (21 °C)
method: Representative value printed in the Rolled Alloys data sheet
status: ground
source: rolled-a286
where: Mechanical Properties table, row Ultimate Tensile Strength, second 70 column (aged)
- benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
label: Ultimate tensile strength, sheet to AMS 5732, aged, 1400 °F
value: 64
unit: ksi
scope: material
conditions:
product_form: sheet, AMS 5732
heat_treatment: 1800 °F solution treat, 1325 °F age
temperature: 1400 °F (760 °C)
method: Representative value printed in the Rolled Alloys data sheet
status: ground
source: rolled-a286
where: Mechanical Properties table, row Ultimate Tensile Strength, 1400 column
- benchmark: stress_rupture_1000h
label: Stress-rupture strength for 1000 h at 538 °C
value: 88
unit: ksi
scope: material
conditions:
temperature: 1000 °F (538 °C)
duration: 1,000 hours
heat_treatment: AMS 5732, 1800 °F / 1325 °F
method: Typical stress-rupture value printed in the Rolled Alloys data sheet
status: ground
source: rolled-a286
where: Typical Stress-Rupture Strength table, row 1,000 Hours, 1000 column
- benchmark: stress_rupture_1000h
label: Stress-rupture strength for 1000 h at 649 °C
value: 46
unit: ksi
scope: material
conditions:
temperature: 1200 °F (649 °C)
duration: 1,000 hours
heat_treatment: AMS 5732, 1800 °F / 1325 °F
method: Typical stress-rupture value printed in the Rolled Alloys data sheet
status: ground
source: rolled-a286
where: Typical Stress-Rupture Strength table, row 1,000 Hours, 1200 column
- benchmark: hardness_brinell
label: Hardness, solution annealed
value: 250
value_high: 355
bound: range
unit: HB
scope: material
conditions:
treatment: solution annealed
method: Range printed in the Smiths Metal Centres data sheet
status: ground
source: smith-a286
where: Mechanical Properties table, row Solution Annealed, Brinell HB column
- benchmark: yield_strength
label: 0.2% proof stress, solution annealed
value: 720
unit: N/mm2
scope: material
conditions:
treatment: solution annealed
method: Value printed in the Smiths Metal Centres data sheet under 0.2% Proof Stress
status: ground
note: Smith Metal gives 720 N/mm2 for solution annealed material, against 275 MPa for solution treated material in the ATI datasheet. Both are kept here side by side.
source: smith-a286
where: Mechanical Properties table, row Solution Annealed, proof stress column
- benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
label: Tensile strength, solution annealed
value: 1000
unit: N/mm2
scope: material
conditions:
treatment: solution annealed
method: Value printed in the Smiths Metal Centres data sheet
status: ground
note: ATI gives 620 MPa tensile for material solution treated at 1800 °F. The Smith value is for a different heat treatment label and is kept side by side.
source: smith-a286
where: Mechanical Properties table, row Solution Annealed, tensile column
- benchmark: charpy_impact_energy
label: Charpy V-notch impact energy at -196 °C, aged
value: 77
unit: J
scope: material
conditions:
temperature: '-320 °F (-196 °C)'
test: full size Charpy V-notch
treatment: solution treated at 1800 °F and aged at 1325 °F for 16 hours
unit_in_source: 57 ft-lbs
method: Value printed in the ATI datasheet, Charpy V-Notch Impact Energy table
status: ground
source: ati-a286
where: Page 6, Charpy V-Notch Impact Energy table, row -320 °F / -196 °C
- benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
label: Ultimate tensile strength at -423 °F, solution treated
value: 168000
unit: psi
scope: material
conditions:
temperature: '-423 °F (about -253 °C)'
treatment: solution-treated A-286 bar, as the report describes its material
method: Value stated in the text of the NASA-funded Martin report, section Tension Properties (the Figure 13 chart was not read)
status: ground
source: nasa-cr65-70
where: Printed page 84, Section 1 Tension Properties
- benchmark: yield_strength
label: Yield strength at 70 °F, solution treated
value: 46000
unit: psi
scope: material
conditions:
temperature: 70 °F
treatment: solution treated A-286
method: Value stated in the text of the NASA-funded Martin report, section Tension Properties
status: ground
note: ATI gives 275 MPa (40,000 psi) for solution treated material at room temperature, so the two sources differ and are shown side by side.
source: nasa-cr65-70
where: Printed page 84, Section 1 Tension Properties
corrosion:
- environment: Boiling 10% sulfuric acid
headline: In boiling 10% sulfuric acid, A-286 corroded at 29.5 mils per year, against more than 500 mils per year for Type 304.
effect: ATI's typical corrosion-rate table gives 29.5 mils per year (0.75 mm/a) for the Altemp A286 column, tested solution treated, and more than 500 mils per year (over 12 mm/a) for Type 304.
rating: moderate
conditions:
test: boiling solution, typical corrosion rate in mils per year (mm/a in brackets)
treatment: solution treated, per the datasheet footnote
source: ati-a286
where: Page 3, Typical Corrosion Rate table, row 10% Sulfuric Acid
- environment: Boiling 1% hydrochloric acid
headline: In boiling 1% hydrochloric acid, A-286 corroded at 84.1 mils per year, against 107 mils per year for Type 304.
effect: ATI's typical corrosion-rate table gives 84.1 mils per year (2.14 mm/a) for A-286 and 107 mils per year (2.72 mm/a) for Type 304.
rating: moderate
conditions:
test: boiling solution, typical corrosion rate in mils per year
treatment: solution treated, per the datasheet footnote
source: ati-a286
where: Page 3, Typical Corrosion Rate table, row 1% Hydrochloric Acid
- environment: Boiling 20% phosphoric acid
headline: In boiling 20% phosphoric acid, A-286 corroded faster than Type 304, at 12.8 mils per year against 0.2 mils per year.
effect: ATI's typical corrosion-rate table gives 12.8 mils per year (0.33 mm/a) for A-286 and 0.2 mils per year (under 0.01 mm/a) for Type 304, so the austenitic stainless steel does better in this acid.
rating: moderate
conditions:
test: boiling solution, typical corrosion rate in mils per year
treatment: solution treated, per the datasheet footnote
source: ati-a286
where: Page 3, Typical Corrosion Rate table, row 20% Phosphoric Acid
- environment: Boiling 42% magnesium chloride, U-bend stress test
headline: In the 42% magnesium chloride U-bend test, A-286 cracked after 168 hours, against 8 hours for Type 304 and 24 hours for Type 316.
effect: ATI reports cracks in its U-bend test in boiling 42% magnesium chloride after 168 hours for the Altemp A286 column, after 8 hours for Type 304 and after 24 hours for Type 316. Cracking in chloride solutions is therefore a real limit for this alloy.
rating: moderate
conditions:
test: U-bend stressed specimen in 42% magnesium chloride
treatment: not stated for the Altemp column
source: ati-a286
where: Page 2, Typical Performance table, row U-Bend Test in 42% Magnesium Chloride
- environment: 5% neutral salt spray and jet-engine atmosphere
headline: A-286 showed no rusting after 100 hours of 5% neutral salt spray and is excellent in jet-engine atmospheres to 1300 °F (704 °C).
effect: ATI reports no rusting after 100 hours of 5% neutral salt spray for the Altemp A286 column, and says its corrosion resistance to jet-engine atmospheres is excellent to at least 1300 °F (704 °C). Rolled Alloys says its aqueous corrosion resistance is comparable to 316 and 316L stainless steel.
rating: low
conditions:
test: 5% neutral salt spray, 100 hours
basis: datasheet statements; no exposure rate given for jet-engine atmospheres
source: ati-a286
where: Page 2, Typical Performance table, row 5% Neutral Salt Spray; Corrosion and Oxidation Resistance paragraph
- environment: Air oxidation at high temperature
headline: A-286 oxidation resistance is high for continuous service to 1500 °F (816 °C) and intermittent service to 1800 °F (982 °C).
effect: ATI says oxidation resistance is high for continuous service up to 1500 °F (816 °C) and intermittent service up to 1800 °F (982 °C). Rolled Alloys gives the same continuous and intermittent limits, and Upmet says oxidation performance is comparable to Type 310 stainless steel through about 1500 °F (816 °C).
rating: low
conditions:
basis: qualitative datasheet statements; no oxidation rate given
temperature: continuous 816 °C, intermittent 982 °C
source: ati-a286
where: Page 2, Corrosion and Oxidation Resistance paragraph
risks:
hazards:
- text: 'NIST safety data sheet for SRM 1230, High-Temperature Alloy A286 (disk form), dated 12 July 2016: the disk is not classified as a physical or health hazard under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200, has no hazard pictograms, hazard statements or signal word, and needs no safety data sheet because it is an article under the exemption in 1910.1200(c). The sheet covers the disk form only; no producer safety data sheet for A-286 bar, sheet or forgings was found.'
ghs: []
source: nist-srm1230-sds
where: Page 1, Product Identifier and Exemption 1910.1200 (c)
failure_risks:
- mode: Hot cracking in welds
trigger: Welding aged material or heavy sections
consequence: ATI says the alloy is susceptible to hot cracking, particularly in the aged condition, and heavy sections are more difficult to weld for the same reason.
severity: moderate
source: ati-a286
where: Page 8, Welding and Brazing
- mode: Loss of titanium in welds
trigger: Welding by methods other than inert gas
consequence: ATI says inert gas methods must be used to prevent loss of titanium, which is important for the strength that develops on aging.
severity: moderate
source: ati-a286
where: Page 8, Welding and Brazing
- mode: Creep and stress rupture at high temperature
trigger: Sustained stress at elevated temperature
consequence: ATI says creep and stress-rupture properties, rather than short-time tensile properties, are the limiting design criteria for elevated-temperature service.
severity: moderate
source: ati-a286
where: Page 7, Creep and Stress Rupture Properties
- mode: Rapid work hardening during forming
trigger: Cold forming or deep drawing without intermediate anneals
consequence: Smith Metal says the alloy works harden rapidly and may need intermediate annealing in deep drawing or intricate forming. ATI says intermediate anneals at 1800 °F (982 °C) soften material when the deformation is extensive.
severity: low
source: ati-a286
where: Page 7, Formability; Smiths Metal Centres data sheet, Formability
side_effects: []
handling:
- text: Age at 1325 °F (718 °C) for 16 hours and air cool after solution treatment, which develops the high strength of the alloy (ATI). Solution treat at 1650 °F (899 °C) for finer grain or 1800 °F (982 °C) for better creep strength.
source: ati-a286
where: Page 8, Heat Treatment
- text: Form and weld in the solution-treated condition. ATI says the soft solution-treated material is gummy to machine, so it is machined after aging or overaging, or after cold work.
source: ati-a286
where: Page 8, Welding and Brazing; Page 9, Machining
- text: After heat treatment, loosen the tight oxide film in a reducing, oxidising or fused salt bath, then pickle in warm sulfuric and then nitric-hydrofluoric acid baths (ATI).
source: ati-a286
where: Page 9, Descaling and Pickling
- text: Use the same techniques and equipment as for 18-8 stainless steels when machining (ATI).
source: ati-a286
where: Page 9, Machining
mitigations: []
uses:
- application: structures
device: Bolts, screws and high-temperature fasteners
example: Rolled Alloys lists high temperature fasteners as an application, Smiths Metal Centres lists screws, and Upmet lists bolts and fasteners.
source: rolled-a286
where: Features and Applications table, Applications list (jet engine components, high temperature fasteners, springs); see also the Smiths and Upmet application lists
- application: propulsion-and-tanks
device: Jet engine blades, turbine wheels and afterburner parts
example: Smiths Metal Centres lists aerospace, gas turbines, jet engine blades, afterburner parts, exhaust parts and turbine wheels as typical applications.
source: smith-a286
where: Typical Applications list on page 1
- application: mechanisms
device: Springs
example: Combined Metals lists springs and non-magnetic cryogenic equipment as applications for Incoloy A-286 strip, and Rolled Alloys lists springs.
source: combmet-a286
where: Description, Applications include list
- application: structures
device: Non-magnetic cryogenic structural parts
example: ATI says the alloy keeps high strength and ductility for low-temperature use down to -320 °F (-196 °C) and is non-magnetic. A 1965 NASA-funded Martin report found its solution-treated tensile strength rises from 90,000 psi at room temperature to 168,000 psi at -423 °F.
source: nasa-cr65-70
where: Printed page 84, Section 1 Tension Properties; ATI Introduction paragraph
supply:
- subject: Nickel (about 24 to 27 wt% of A-286)
producers:
- country: Indonesia
share_percent: 66.7
year: 2025
- country: Philippines
share_percent: 6.9
year: 2025
- country: Russia
share_percent: 5.1
year: 2025
critical_lists: []
recycling: 'USGS: nickel recovered from scrap accounted for approximately 60% of apparent consumption in 2025, and most secondary nickel is in the form of nickel content of stainless-steel scrap.'
substitutes:
- 'USGS: titanium alloys can substitute for nickel or nickel-base alloys in corrosive environments.'
source: usgs-mcs2026-nickel
where: World Mine Production and Reserves table, 2025e column (world total 3,900,000 t; shares calculated by Space Mushroom from Indonesia 2,600,000 t, Philippines 270,000 t and Russia 200,000 t). Recycling and Substitutes paragraphs.
- subject: Chromium (13.5 to 16.0 wt% of A-286)
producers:
- country: South Africa
share_percent: 45.1
year: 2025
- country: Turkey
share_percent: 17.6
year: 2025
- country: Kazakhstan
share_percent: 13.7
year: 2025
critical_lists: []
recycling: 'USGS: recycled chromium in reported stainless-steel scrap receipts accounted for 21% of apparent consumption in 2025.'
substitutes:
- 'USGS: chromium has no substitute in stainless steel or in superalloys, the major strategic end use.'
source: usgs-mcs2026-chromium
where: World Mine Production and Reserves table, 2025e column (world total 51,000 t, rounded; shares calculated by Space Mushroom from South Africa 23,000 t, Turkey 9,000 t and Kazakhstan 7,000 t). Recycling and Substitutes paragraphs.
documents:
- title: ATI A286 Iron-Based Superalloy (UNS S66286) Technical Data Sheet, version 1 (4/17/2012)
type: datasheet
url: https://www.atimaterials.com/Products/Documents/datasheets/nickel-cobalt/nickel-based/ati_286_ludlum_version_tds_en_v1.pdf
year: 2012
- title: Rolled Alloys A-286 Alloy data sheet, Bulletin No. 1286
type: datasheet
url: https://www.rolledalloys.com/wp-content/uploads/A-286_Data-sheet-rolled-alloys.pdf
year: 2011
- title: United Performance Metals, Alloy A286 datasheet (AMS 5525, 5731, 5732, 5737, 5858)
type: datasheet
url: https://www.upmet.com/sites/default/files/products/datasheet/a286-datasheet.pdf
year: 2026
- title: Smiths Metal Centres, A-286 technical datasheet
type: datasheet
url: https://www.smithmetal.com/pdf/stainless/ph/a-286.pdf
year: 2023
- title: Elgiloy Specialty Metals (Combined Metals), Incoloy alloy A-286 strip products datasheet (rev 8/26/2020)
type: datasheet
url: https://www.combmet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Strip-A286-Nickel-Alloy.pdf
year: 2020
- title: Martin Company, Determination of Low-Temperature Fatigue Properties of Structural Metal Alloys, report CR-65-70 for NASA George C. Marshall Space Flight Center (October 1965)
type: report
url: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19660001322/downloads/19660001322.pdf
year: 1965
- title: Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Nickel (U.S. Geological Survey)
type: report
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-nickel.pdf
year: 2026
- title: Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Chromium (U.S. Geological Survey)
type: report
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-chromium.pdf
year: 2026
- title: NIST Safety Data Sheet, Standard Reference Material 1230, High-Temperature Alloy A286 (disk form), dated 12 July 2016
type: sds
url: https://tsapps.nist.gov/srmext/MSDS/1230-MSDS.pdf
year: 2016
gaps:
- The only A-286 safety data sheet found is NIST's for the SRM 1230 disk form, which is not classified as a hazard under OSHA (see risks.hazards). No producer sheet for bar, sheet or forgings, and no PubChem or GHS record for the alloy, was found in this run, so the classification may not carry over to other forms.
- No AISI number was found for A-286 in any source read in this run, so none is listed. The EN name (the X5NiCrTiMoVB25-15-2 style name) was printed only on a supplier marketing page that was not fetched as a datasheet, so it is left out.
- Stress-rupture data beyond 1000 h and the ATI creep and tensile charts were images and were not read. Only the printed table values are used.
- Hardness (hardness_brinell), charpy_impact_energy, stress_rupture_1000h and magnetic_permeability are not in the canonical property list, so they use short names as allowed by the brief.
- 'The sources disagree on solution-treated strength: ATI gives 275 MPa (40,000 psi) yield and 620 MPa (90,000 psi) tensile, the NASA 1965 report gives 46,000 psi yield and 90,000 psi tensile at room temperature, and Smith Metal gives 720 N/mm2 proof stress and 1000 N/mm2 tensile for solution annealed material. All are kept side by side and none is reconciled.'
- The ATI corrosion table prints the 316 result for 10% sulfuric acid as 636 mils per year with 5.74 mm/a, which repeats the 1% hydrochloric acid mm/a value. The 316 figure is therefore not used.
- The Smith Metal elongation figure is printed with an N/mm2 header, so it is not used. The Upmet and Combined Metals datasheets give no melting range.
- The USGS summaries read do not print a critical-mineral list status for nickel or chromium in the text read, so no critical_lists entry is given.
- No A-286 atomic oxygen, outgassing, radiation or flight-test data were found in any source read in this run. The cryogenic tensile value is from a 1965 solution-treated test, not from a spacecraft qualification.
- The 1965 NASA report and the datasheets describe typical values for specific forms, not design allowables.
sources:
ati-a286:
title: ATI A286 Iron-Based Superalloy (UNS S66286) Technical Data Sheet, version 1 (4/17/2012)
url: https://www.atimaterials.com/Products/Documents/datasheets/nickel-cobalt/nickel-based/ati_286_ludlum_version_tds_en_v1.pdf
year: 2012
kind: datasheet
license: Manufacturer datasheet, typical data for information (cited, not reproduced)
rolled-a286:
title: Rolled Alloys A-286 Alloy data sheet, Bulletin No. 1286
url: https://www.rolledalloys.com/wp-content/uploads/A-286_Data-sheet-rolled-alloys.pdf
year: 2011
kind: datasheet
license: Distributor datasheet, typical data (cited, not reproduced)
upmet-a286:
title: United Performance Metals, Alloy A286 datasheet (AMS 5525, 5731, 5732, 5737, 5858)
url: https://www.upmet.com/sites/default/files/products/datasheet/a286-datasheet.pdf
year: 2026
kind: datasheet
license: Distributor datasheet, technical data for information only (cited, not reproduced)
smith-a286:
title: Smiths Metal Centres, A-286 technical datasheet
url: https://www.smithmetal.com/pdf/stainless/ph/a-286.pdf
year: 2023
kind: datasheet
license: Distributor datasheet, approximate testing (cited, not reproduced)
combmet-a286:
title: Elgiloy Specialty Metals (Combined Metals), Incoloy alloy A-286 strip products datasheet, UNS S66286, W. Nr 1.4980 (rev 8/26/2020)
url: https://www.combmet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Strip-A286-Nickel-Alloy.pdf
year: 2020
kind: datasheet
license: Distributor datasheet, typical values (cited, not reproduced)
nasa-cr65-70:
title: Martin Company, Determination of Low-Temperature Fatigue Properties of Structural Metal Alloys, report CR-65-70 (October 1965), prepared for NASA George C. Marshall Space Flight Center
url: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19660001322/downloads/19660001322.pdf
year: 1965
kind: report
license: public domain (NASA)
usgs-mcs2026-nickel:
title: 'Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Nickel (U.S. Geological Survey)'
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-nickel.pdf
year: 2026
kind: report
license: public domain (USGS)
usgs-mcs2026-chromium:
title: 'Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Chromium (U.S. Geological Survey)'
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-chromium.pdf
year: 2026
kind: report
license: public domain (USGS)
nist-srm1230-sds:
title: NIST Safety Data Sheet, Standard Reference Material 1230, High-Temperature Alloy A286 (disk form), dated 12 July 2016
url: https://tsapps.nist.gov/srmext/MSDS/1230-MSDS.pdf
year: 2016
kind: datasheet
license: U.S. government document (NIST), linked not reproduced
license: CC-BY-4.0
updated: '2026-11-01'
review:
status: draft
method: assistant
checked_values: 28
unreachable: 0
caveats: 4
note: 'Values were read by an AI assistant on 2026-11-01 from the pages and PDFs named in each entry (PDFs extracted with pdftotext). The ATI tensile, creep and CTE charts are images and were not read. Caveats: the datasheets disagree on solution-treated strength; the NASA report is from 1965 and covers solution-treated material; the Smith Metal elongation unit is printed wrongly; a NIST safety sheet for the A286 disk form was found and classifies it as not hazardous under OSHA; no producer sheet for bar, sheet or forgings was found.'
story:
recipe:
line: A-286 is an iron-base alloy made to a limiting composition in weight percent, with nickel, chromium, titanium and molybdenum as the main alloying elements. ATI says it can be produced by AOD refining or vacuum induction melting, and that vacuum arc or electroslag remelting may be used to refine it further. Titanium and aluminium give the age hardening.
parts:
- name: Iron
symbol: Fe
role: The base metal and the balance of the composition in every limit table read.
- name: Nickel
symbol: Ni
share_percent: 24
share_high: 27
role: Austenite-forming element in the limits; ATI calls the alloy an austenitic alloy.
- name: Chromium
symbol: Cr
share_percent: 13.5
share_high: 16
role: ATI says chromium, nickel and molybdenum give aqueous corrosion resistance comparable to austenitic stainless steels.
- name: Titanium
symbol: Ti
share_percent: 1.9
share_high: 2.35
role: Age-hardening element; ATI says strength develops on aging and needs inert gas welding to avoid losing titanium.
- name: Molybdenum
symbol: Mo
share_percent: 1
share_high: 1.5
role: Listed alloying element in the limits; the sources read give no separate role.
- name: Vanadium
symbol: V
share_percent: 0.1
share_high: 0.5
role: Listed alloying element in the limits; the sources read give no separate role.
- name: Aluminium
symbol: Al
share_percent: 0
share_high: 0.35
role: Maximum limit only; works with titanium in age hardening, per the ATI aging description.
- name: Boron
symbol: B
share_percent: 0.003
share_high: 0.01
role: Listed limiting element; the sources read give no separate role.
risk_groups:
- title: For people
lead: The only A-286 safety sheet read is NIST's for the disk form, which is not classified as a hazard under OSHA. No producer sheet for bar or sheet was found. The sources read also name processing hazards.
level: 1
verdict: Not classified for the disk form
points:
- label: Acid pickling
line: ATI says the oxide film after heat treatment is removed by pickling in warm sulfuric acid and then nitric-hydrofluoric acid baths, so those acids are part of the handling.
- title: If it fails
lead: The failure routes in the sources are welding cracks, loss of strength at high temperature and rapid work hardening.
points:
- label: Weld cracking
line: ATI says the alloy is susceptible to hot cracking, particularly in the aged condition, and heavy sections are harder to weld.
- label: Stress rupture
line: ATI says creep and stress-rupture strength, not short-time tensile strength, limit the alloy at elevated temperature.
- label: Work hardening
line: Smith Metal says the alloy work hardens rapidly, so intermediate annealing may be needed in deep drawing or intricate forming.
- title: Handling and storage
points:
- label: Heat treatment order
line: Solution treat, then age at 1325 °F (718 °C) for 16 hours and air cool, as ATI describes.
- label: Machining
line: ATI says the soft solution-treated material is gummy, so it is machined after aging or after cold work.
why: A-286 is an iron-nickel-chromium alloy that is age hardened and non-magnetic, and that keeps strength to cryogenic temperatures. ATI gives its density as 7.92 g/cm3 solution treated and a melting range of 1370 to 1430 °C. Rolled Alloys gives a 1000 h stress-rupture strength of 88 ksi at 538 °C and 46 ksi at 649 °C. Smiths Metal Centres, Rolled Alloys and Combined Metals list jet engine parts, fasteners and springs among its uses.
uses:
- where: Fasteners and screws
line: Rolled Alloys lists high temperature fasteners, and Smiths Metal Centres lists screws and Upmet lists bolts among its applications.
- where: Jet engine parts
line: Smiths Metal Centres lists jet engine blades, afterburner parts and turbine wheels as typical uses.
- where: Springs
line: Combined Metals and Rolled Alloys both list springs among its applications.
- where: Cryogenic structures
line: ATI describes non-magnetic use down to -196 °C, and a 1965 NASA-funded test report measured a tensile strength of 168000 psi at -423 °F for solution-treated material.
can_do:
- label: Hold stress when hot
value: 46 ksi at 649 °C
benchmark: stress_rupture_1000h
line: Rolled Alloys gives a typical 1000 h stress-rupture strength of 46 ksi at 1200 °F (649 °C) and 88 ksi at 1000 °F (538 °C).
- label: Strength when cold
value: 168000 psi at -423 °F
benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
line: The 1965 NASA-funded Martin report gives a tensile strength of 168,000 psi at -423 °F for solution-treated material, up from 90,000 psi at room temperature.
- label: Weight
value: 7.92 g/cm3
benchmark: density
line: ATI gives a density of 7.92 g/cm3 solution treated and 7.94 g/cm3 solution treated and aged.
- label: Stiffness
value: 201 GPa at 24 °C
benchmark: elastic_modulus
line: ATI gives a dynamic modulus of elasticity of 201 GPa at 24 °C and 130 GPa at 871 °C.
- label: Aged sheet strength
value: 145 ksi tensile
benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
line: Rolled Alloys gives a representative tensile strength of 145 ksi at 70 °F for aged AMS 5732 sheet.
compare: ATI says the aqueous corrosion resistance of A-286 is comparable to the austenitic stainless steels, and Rolled Alloys says comparable to 316 and 316L. In ATI's typical corrosion-rate table, A-286 corroded less than Type 304 in boiling 10% sulfuric acid and boiling 1% hydrochloric acid, and more than Type 304 in boiling 20% phosphoric acid. The rows below show density, elastic modulus and thermal expansion from the sources read here. The sources cover different heat treatments, so read the rows as examples, not as a ranking.
compare_rows:
- label: Density
benchmark: density
- label: Elastic modulus
benchmark: elastic_modulus
- label: Thermal expansion
benchmark: cte
handling:
- Solution treat, then age at 1325 °F (718 °C) for 16 hours and air cool.
- Form and machine in the solution-treated condition, or after aging, because the soft material is gummy to machine.
- Weld by inert gas methods to protect the titanium, and weld in the solution-treated condition where possible.
- Pickle after heat treatment in sulfuric and nitric-hydrofluoric acid baths, as ATI describes.
good_for:
- 'Fasteners and springs that need high strength and non-magnetic behaviour: 85 ksi minimum yield strength for Grade 660 Class B (Rolled Alloys).'
- 'Cryogenic structures: 77 J Charpy V-notch impact energy at -196 °C in the aged condition (ATI).'
- 'Jet engine hardware in air to about 704 °C: excellent corrosion resistance in jet engine atmospheres to 1300 °F (ATI).'
watch_out:
- 'Welding: the alloy is susceptible to hot cracking, especially when aged, and needs inert gas methods to protect the titanium (ATI).'
- 'Stress rupture: at 649 °C the 1000 h stress-rupture strength is 46 ksi, so high-stress parts need the stress-rupture data, not the room-temperature strength (Rolled Alloys).'
- 'Chloride cracking: in the boiling 42% magnesium chloride U-bend test, A-286 cracked after 168 hours (ATI).'
- The sources disagree on solution-treated strength (275 MPa and 620 MPa from ATI; 720 and 1000 N/mm2 from Smiths Metal Centres). Check the heat-treatment condition before design use.
- No producer safety data sheet for bar or sheet, flight test or spacecraft qualification data were found in this run; the NIST sheet covers the disk form only.
verdict: A-286 is an age-hardened iron-nickel-chromium superalloy with a density of 7.92 g/cm3 solution treated, a melting range of 1370 to 1430 °C, and a 1000 h stress-rupture strength of 46 ksi at 649 °C. It stays ductile and non-magnetic to cryogenic temperatures, and it is used for fasteners, springs and jet engine parts. The only safety sheet read is NIST's for the disk form, which is not classified under OSHA, and the sources read here give no spacecraft qualification data.
References
Every number above carries a reference number. Click one to see the source and where in it the value comes from.
Updated