15-5 PH stainless steel 15-5 PH (UNS S15500, AMS 5659)
Fe balance, 14.00 to 15.50 Cr, 3.50 to 5.50 Ni, 2.50 to 4.50 Cu, 0.15 to 0.45 Nb plus Ta, max 0.07 C, max 1.00 Mn, max 1.00 Si, max 0.040 P, max 0.030 S (wt%)
Also known as UNS S15500, EN 1.4545, AMS 5659, ASTM A564, PH15-5
15-5 PH is a precipitation-hardening stainless steel (UNS S15500) with 14.00 to 15.50 percent chromium, 3.50 to 5.50 percent nickel and 2.50 to 4.50 percent copper.
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.
Recipe, share of the weight
- Fe balanceIron
- Cr 14 to 15.5%Chromium
- Ni 3.5 to 5.5%Nickel
- Cu 2.5 to 4.5%Copper
- Nb+Ta 0.15 to 0.45%Niobium plus tantalum
- C 0 to 0.07%Carbon
Best for
Fittings, shafts, gears and valve parts that need high strength from one aging step and moderate corrosion resistance
Weakest at
Ductility at the highest strength (elongation of 6 % at H900), and no chloride, stress-corrosion or sour-service data in the sources read
Risk at a glance
- People None found. Nickel is the hazard in the record
- If it fails Moderate. Loss of strength at a higher aging temperature
- Corrosion Low. Corrosion resistance is comparable to Types 302 and 304 in many environments.
Quick facts: 15-5 PH (UNS S15500, AMS 5659)
| Property | Value | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 7.8 g/cm³ | 1 sourced value |
| Yield strength | 724 to 1,172 MPa | 4 sourced values across conditions |
| Tensile strength | 931 to 1,310 MPa | 4 sourced values across conditions |
| Young's modulus | 200 GPa | 1 sourced value |
| Hardness (Brinell) | 388 Bhn | 1 sourced value |
| Thermal conductivity | 17.8 W/(m·K) | 1 sourced value |
| Thermal expansion (CTE) | 10.8 ppm/K | 1 sourced value |
| Melting point | 1,404 to 1,440 °C | 1 sourced value |
What is the density of 15-5 PH stainless steel?
15-5 PH stainless steel has a density of 7.8 g/cm³. The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.
What is the thermal conductivity of 15-5 PH stainless steel?
15-5 PH stainless steel has a thermal conductivity of 17.8 W/(m·K). The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.
What is the coefficient of thermal expansion of 15-5 PH stainless steel?
15-5 PH stainless steel has a coefficient of thermal expansion of 10.8 ppm/K. The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.
What is the melting point of 15-5 PH stainless steel?
15-5 PH stainless steel has a melting point of 1,404 to 1,440 °C. The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.
What is the yield strength of 15-5 PH stainless steel?
15-5 PH stainless steel has a yield strength of 724 to 1,172 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 15-5 PH stainless steel?
15-5 PH stainless steel is also written as UNS S15500, EN 1.4545, AMS 5659, ASTM A564, PH15-5. Each code is printed in the source listed beside it in the designations table.
What is 15-5 PH stainless steel used for?
Uses recorded in the sources include Aerospace structural components; Valves, gears and shafts.
Why it exists
15-5 PH is chosen when a stainless steel must reach high strength from a single low-temperature heat treatment, with corrosion resistance close to Types 302 and 304 in many environments. The SSA table gives a yield strength of 170,000 psi at H900 and 105,000 psi at H1150, and the choice of aging condition is the main design decision.
Where it's used
Aerospace structural components
The SSA product page lists aerospace structural components among the typical applications of 15-5 PH, and Titanium.com says the alloy meets requirements for aerospace and nuclear applications.
Valves, gears and shafts
The SSA page lists valves, gears and shafts among the typical applications. The Bibus page also lists valves, gears and pumps, and fasteners.
Recipe
Fe balance, 14.00 to 15.50 Cr, 3.50 to 5.50 Ni, 2.50 to 4.50 Cu, 0.15 to 0.45 Nb plus Ta, max 0.07 C, max 1.00 Mn, max 1.00 Si, max 0.040 P, max 0.030 S (wt%)
15-5 PH is an iron-based precipitation-hardening stainless steel, UNS S15500 (AMS 5659), made to the composition limits in the identity record with iron as the balance. Its strength is set by a low-temperature aging step to condition H900, H1025 or H1150 (SSA, Titanium.com).
| Ingredient | Share of the weight | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Iron Fe | balance | Matrix of the alloy. |
| Chromium Cr | 14 to 15.5% | Gives the passive film that resists general corrosion. |
| Nickel Ni | 3.5 to 5.5% | Part of the chromium-nickel-copper alloy that responds to aging. |
| Copper Cu | 2.5 to 4.5% | Forms the copper-rich phase that gives the strength on aging. |
| Niobium plus tantalum Nb+Ta | 0.15 to 0.45% | Alloying addition printed as Columbium plus Tantalum (SSA). |
| Carbon C | 0 to 0.07% | Kept low, maximum 0.07 percent. |
Weight shares are as printed in the sources.
What it can do
Strength
yield strength of 170,000 psi and tensile strength of 190,000 psi at H900 (SSA). At H1025 the same table gives 145,000 psi and 155,000 psi.
Minimum strength
1000 MPa yield and 1070 MPa tensile at H1025, as printed as minimum values on the Bibus page.
Hardness and ductility
Brinell hardness of 388 Bhn at H900, and elongation of 6 % at H900 rising to 11 % at H1150 (SSA).
Stiffness
elastic modulus of 29000 ksi, printed without a temper on the Titanium.com page.
How it compares
Bibus says that in many corrosive environments the corrosion resistance of 15-5 PH is better than that of 410 stainless steel and comparable to that of Types 302 and 304. Titanium.com calls its corrosion resistance excellent but gives no test conditions. The SSA table gives separate strength rows for each aging condition, so the strength depends on which condition is ordered.
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. Other materials are shown beside it; each was measured under its own conditions, so open its page before comparing closely. Compare every grade in the family.
| Measurement | 15-5 PH (UNS S15500, AMS 5659) | 17-4 PH (UNS S17400, Type 630) | 17-7 PH (UNS S17700, EN 1.4568, Type 631) | 15-7 PH |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal behavior and safety | ||||
| melting point | 1404 to 1440 °C2 | 1404 °C | 1404 to 1440 °C | no data |
| Thermal conductivity | 17.8 W/m-°C3 | 17.9 W/m.K | 16.9 W/(m·K) | 16.2 W/m-K |
| Physical and electrical | ||||
| Density | 7.8 g/cm³1 | 7.75 g/cm³ | 7.81 g/cm³ | 7.8 g/cm³ |
| brinell hardness | 388 Bhn12 | no data | no data | no data |
| Other measurements | ||||
| Thermal expansion (CTE) | 10.8 μm/m-°C4 | 11.3 10-6/°C | 17.3 µm/(m·°C) | 14.4 10^-6/C |
| yield strength | > 1000 MPa5 | 1262 MPa | 310 MPa | 380 MPa |
| ultimate tensile strength | > 1070 MPa6 | 1365 MPa | 827 MPa | 860 MPa |
| elongation | > 11 %7 | 15 % | 35 % | 30 % |
| yield strength | 1.7×10^5 psi8 | 1262 MPa | 310 MPa | 380 MPa |
| ultimate tensile strength | 1.9×10^5 psi9 | 1365 MPa | 827 MPa | 860 MPa |
| elongation | 6 %10 | 15 % | 35 % | 30 % |
| reduction of area | 15 %11 | no data | no data | no data |
| yield strength | 1.45×10^5 psi13 | 1262 MPa | 310 MPa | 380 MPa |
| ultimate tensile strength | 1.55×10^5 psi14 | 1365 MPa | 827 MPa | 860 MPa |
| elongation | 8 %15 | 15 % | 35 % | 30 % |
| yield strength | 1.05×10^5 psi16 | 1262 MPa | 310 MPa | 380 MPa |
| ultimate tensile strength | 1.35×10^5 psi17 | 1365 MPa | 827 MPa | 860 MPa |
| elongation | 11 %18 | 15 % | 35 % | 30 % |
| elastic modulus | 29000 ksi19 | 196 GPa | 200 GPa | 28 10^6 psi |
Why choose it, and why not
Good for
- Fittings, shafts, gears and valve parts that need high strength from a single low-temperature heat treatment (SSA).
- Structural components that the SSA page lists as typical aerospace use.
Watch out for
- Strength falls as the aging temperature rises: 170,000 psi yield at H900 against 105,000 psi at H1150 (SSA).
- The sources read give no chloride, sea-water or stress-corrosion data, so check the data for the chosen condition in the environment.
- Nickel, one of the alloying elements, is classified Danger in PubChem's elemental summary (CID 935).
15-5 PH is the strong stainless choice when a low-temperature aging step can set the strength. The aging condition sets the trade: H900 gives the most strength and H1150 gives the most elongation.
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 | S15500 |
| EN | 1.4545 |
| AMS | 5659 |
| ASTM | A564 (type XM-12) |
| Trade name | PH15-5 |
Notes
The method, full conditions and any caveat for the numbered rows above.
| # | Measurement | Method | Conditions | Caveat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Density | Value printed on the Bibus product page as Density 7.8 g/cm³ | condition not stated on the page (physical constants list) | — |
| 2 | melting point | Range printed on the Bibus product page as Melting point 1404 - 1440 °C | basis melting range as printed | — |
| 3 | Thermal conductivity | Value printed on the Bibus product page as Thermal conductivity at 150° | temperature 150 (printed as 150° on the page)condition not stated | — |
| 4 | Thermal expansion (CTE) | Value printed on the Bibus product page as Coefficient of expansion at 21-93 °C | temperature range 21 to 93 °C (printed as 21-93 °C) | — |
| 5 | yield strength | Row printed under the Bibus heading for condition H1025 (Yield strength min. 1000 MPa) | condition H1025 (AMS 5659)basis row printed as min.; the table heading says typical | — |
| 6 | ultimate tensile strength | Row printed under the Bibus heading for condition H1025 (Tensile strength min. 1070 MPa) | condition H1025 (AMS 5659)basis row printed as min.; the table heading says typical | — |
| 7 | elongation | Row printed under the Bibus heading for condition H1025 (Elongation min. 11 %) | condition H1025 (AMS 5659)basis row printed as min.; the table heading says typical | — |
| 8 | yield strength | Value printed in the AMS 5659 mechanical properties table on the SSA page | condition H900basis row printed as yield 0.2% offset; the page does not say minimum or typical | — |
| 9 | ultimate tensile strength | Value printed in the AMS 5659 mechanical properties table on the SSA page | condition H900basis row printed as tensile; the page does not say minimum or typical | — |
| 10 | elongation | Value printed in the AMS 5659 mechanical properties table on the SSA page | condition H900gauge in 2 inch (as printed) | — |
| 11 | reduction of area | Value printed in the AMS 5659 mechanical properties table on the SSA page (name not in the canonical list) | condition H900 | — |
| 12 | brinell hardness | Value printed in the AMS 5659 mechanical properties table on the SSA page (name not in the canonical list) | condition H900 | — |
| 13 | yield strength | Value printed in the AMS 5659 mechanical properties table on the SSA page | condition H1025basis row printed as yield 0.2% offset; the page does not say minimum or typical | — |
| 14 | ultimate tensile strength | Value printed in the AMS 5659 mechanical properties table on the SSA page | condition H1025basis row printed as tensile; the page does not say minimum or typical | — |
| 15 | elongation | Value printed in the AMS 5659 mechanical properties table on the SSA page | condition H1025gauge in 2 inch (as printed) | — |
| 16 | yield strength | Value printed in the AMS 5659 mechanical properties table on the SSA page | condition H1150basis row printed as yield 0.2% offset; the page does not say minimum or typical | — |
| 17 | ultimate tensile strength | Value printed in the AMS 5659 mechanical properties table on the SSA page | condition H1150basis row printed as tensile; the page does not say minimum or typical | — |
| 18 | elongation | Value printed in the AMS 5659 mechanical properties table on the SSA page | condition H1150gauge in 2 inch (as printed) | — |
| 19 | elastic modulus | Value read from the Modulus of Elasticity line of the Titanium.com mechanical properties table; the page gives no temper, and the pairing with its header was read from table layout | condition not stated on the page | — |
Corrosion and compatibility
What happens when it meets other materials and environments.
| Environment | Concern | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosive environments in general (no test conditions given) | low | Corrosion resistance is comparable to Types 302 and 304 in many environments.1 |
| General corrosion (no test conditions given) | low | The Titanium.com page calls its corrosion resistance excellent.2 |
| # | Environment | Details | Test conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Corrosive environments in general (no test conditions given) | The Bibus page says that in many corrosive environments its resistance is better than that of 410 stainless steel and comparable to that of 302 and 304 stainless steels. The page gives no test conditions. | basis manufacturer-style product statement; no test conditions printed |
| 2 | General corrosion (no test conditions given) | The stockist page says the alloy exhibits excellent corrosion resistance. The page gives no chloride, sea-water or stress-corrosion test data. | basis product statement only; no test conditions printed |
Risks and side effects
Hazards to people, what happens when a cell overheats, and how the material is handled and stored.
For people
The hazard entry is for elemental nickel. No safety data sheet for the alloy was opened in this run.
- Nickel
- PubChem's GHS summary for elemental nickel (CID 935) gives the signal word Danger with H317, H351 and H372.
- Workshop
- Check the supplier safety data sheet before cutting, grinding or welding this alloy.
In service
The strongest condition is the least ductile.
- Aging
- On the SSA table, yield strength is 170,000 psi at H900 and 105,000 psi at H1150, while elongation rises from 6 % to 11 %.
- Corrosion
- Bibus says its corrosion resistance is comparable to Types 302 and 304 in many corrosive environments. The sources read give no chloride or stress-corrosion data.
Handling and fabrication
- Welding
- The SSA page says the alloy is readily weldable.
- Machining
- The SSA page says it can be machined in any of the several thermal conditions available to this grade.
Test details
The original wording and numbers from the sources, for readers who want them.
Failure risks
| Failure | Trigger and consequence |
|---|---|
| Loss of strength at a higher aging temperaturemoderate severity | Aging to H1150 instead of H900Yield strength falls from 170,000 psi at H900 to 105,000 psi at H1150 on the SSA table, and elongation rises from 6 % to 11 %. |
Handling and storage
- The SSA page says the alloy is readily weldable, and that it can be machined in any of the several thermal conditions available to this grade.
Mitigations
- Choose the aging condition for the load: the SSA table prints separate H900, H1025 and H1150 rows, so the condition sets both strength and elongation.
Supply and geography
How common the raw materials are and where they come from.
Chromium
- Top producers (2025)
- South Africa 45.1%, Turkey 17.6%, Kazakhstan 13.7%, India 5.9%
- Recycling
- USGS: in 2025 recycled chromium, contained in reported stainless-steel scrap receipts, accounted for 21% of apparent consumption.
- Substitutes
- USGS: chromium has no substitute in stainless steel, the leading end use.
Nickel
- Top producers (2025)
- Indonesia 66.7%, Philippines 6.9%, Russia 5.1%, Canada 3.6%
- Recycling
- USGS: in 2025 nickel recovered from scrap accounted for approximately 60% of apparent consumption.
Niobium (columbium)
- Top producers (2025)
- Brazil 92.9%, Canada 5.4%
- Recycling
- USGS: niobium was recycled when niobium-bearing steels and superalloys were recycled.
- Substitutes
- USGS: substitutes for niobium carry a performance loss or higher cost, as the chapter states.
Copper
- Top producers (2025)
- Chile 23%, Congo (Kinshasa) 13.9%, Peru 11.7%, China 7.8%
Documents
Datasheets, safety data sheets, papers and standards you can open.
| Document | Type | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel 15-5PH alloy page (Titanium.com) | datasheet | |
| 15-5PH | 1.4545 product page (Bibus Metals) | datasheet | |
| 15-5 PH (AMS 5659) product page (SSA) | datasheet | |
| Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Chromium | report | 2026 |
| Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Nickel | report | 2026 |
| Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Niobium (Columbium) | report | 2026 |
| Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Copper | report | 2026 |
| PubChem: Nickel (CID 935), GHS classification summary | database |
Full record
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spore: profile
id: stainless-15-5ph
spore_version: 0.2
family: stainless-precipitation-hardening
name: 15-5 PH stainless steel
abbreviation: 15-5 PH (UNS S15500, AMS 5659)
role: precipitation-hardening structural alloy
category: metals
type: steels-and-stainless
summary: |
15-5 PH is a precipitation-hardening stainless steel (UNS S15500) with 14.00 to 15.50 percent chromium, 3.50 to 5.50 percent nickel and 2.50 to 4.50 percent copper. Its strength is set by a low-temperature aging step to condition H900, H1025 or H1150. On the SSA AMS 5659 table, yield strength is 170,000 psi at H900 and 105,000 psi at H1150, while elongation rises from 6 % to 11 %. Titanium.com calls its corrosion resistance excellent; Bibus says it is comparable to Types 302 and 304 in many corrosive environments.
best_for: Fittings, shafts, gears and valve parts that need high strength from one aging step and moderate corrosion resistance
weakest_at: Ductility at the highest strength (elongation of 6 % at H900), and no chloride, stress-corrosion or sour-service data in the sources read
identity:
formula: Fe balance, 14.00 to 15.50 Cr, 3.50 to 5.50 Ni, 2.50 to 4.50 Cu, 0.15 to 0.45 Nb plus Ta, max 0.07 C, max 1.00 Mn, max 1.00 Si, max 0.040 P, max 0.030 S (wt%)
source: ssa-corp
where: Chemical Composition table on the SSA AMS 5659 page
designations:
- system: UNS
code: S15500
source: ssa-corp
where: 'Designations list: UNS S15500'
- system: AMS
code: '5659'
source: ssa-corp
where: 'Designations list: AMS 5659'
- system: EN
code: '1.4545'
source: bibus-155
where: 'Page title and product line: 15-5PH | 1.4545'
- system: ASTM
code: A564
note: type XM-12
source: titanium-com
where: 'Designations list: ASTM A564 TYPE XM-12'
- system: Trade name
code: PH15-5
source: ssa-corp
where: 'Designations list: trade names PH15-5, XM-12, 15Cr-5Ni, SAE 15-5'
tags:
environments: []
stresses: []
applications:
- structures
- mechanisms
properties:
- benchmark: density
value: 7.8
unit: g/cm3
scope: material
conditions:
condition: not stated on the page (physical constants list)
method: Value printed on the Bibus product page as Density 7.8 g/cm³
status: ground
source: bibus-155
where: Physical constants and thermal properties list, Density
- benchmark: melting_point
value: 1404
value_high: 1440
bound: range
unit: °C
scope: material
conditions:
basis: melting range as printed
method: Range printed on the Bibus product page as Melting point 1404 - 1440 °C
status: ground
source: bibus-155
where: Physical constants and thermal properties list, Melting point
- benchmark: thermal_conductivity
value: 17.8
unit: W/m-°C
scope: material
conditions:
temperature: 150 (printed as 150° on the page)
condition: not stated
method: Value printed on the Bibus product page as Thermal conductivity at 150°
status: ground
source: bibus-155
where: Physical constants and thermal properties list, Thermal conductivity at 150°
- benchmark: cte
value: 10.8
unit: μm/m-°C
scope: material
conditions:
temperature_range: 21 to 93 °C (printed as 21-93 °C)
method: Value printed on the Bibus product page as Coefficient of expansion at 21-93 °C
status: ground
source: bibus-155
where: Physical constants and thermal properties list, Coefficient of expansion
- benchmark: yield_strength
value: 1000
bound: lower
unit: MPa
scope: material
conditions:
condition: H1025 (AMS 5659)
basis: row printed as min.; the table heading says typical
method: Row printed under the Bibus heading for condition H1025 (Yield strength min. 1000 MPa)
status: ground
source: bibus-155
where: Mechanical properties table, condition H1025, Yield strength
- benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
value: 1070
bound: lower
unit: MPa
scope: material
conditions:
condition: H1025 (AMS 5659)
basis: row printed as min.; the table heading says typical
method: Row printed under the Bibus heading for condition H1025 (Tensile strength min. 1070 MPa)
status: ground
source: bibus-155
where: Mechanical properties table, condition H1025, Tensile strength
- benchmark: elongation
value: 11
bound: lower
unit: '%'
scope: material
conditions:
condition: H1025 (AMS 5659)
basis: row printed as min.; the table heading says typical
method: Row printed under the Bibus heading for condition H1025 (Elongation min. 11 %)
status: ground
source: bibus-155
where: Mechanical properties table, condition H1025, Elongation
- benchmark: yield_strength
value: 170000
unit: psi
scope: material
conditions:
condition: H900
basis: row printed as yield 0.2% offset; the page does not say minimum or typical
method: Value printed in the AMS 5659 mechanical properties table on the SSA page
status: ground
source: ssa-corp
where: AMS 5659 mechanical properties table, H900 row, Yield 0.2% offset
- benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
value: 190000
unit: psi
scope: material
conditions:
condition: H900
basis: row printed as tensile; the page does not say minimum or typical
method: Value printed in the AMS 5659 mechanical properties table on the SSA page
status: ground
source: ssa-corp
where: AMS 5659 mechanical properties table, H900 row, Tensile
- benchmark: elongation
value: 6
unit: '%'
scope: material
conditions:
condition: H900
gauge: in 2 inch (as printed)
method: Value printed in the AMS 5659 mechanical properties table on the SSA page
status: ground
source: ssa-corp
where: AMS 5659 mechanical properties table, H900 row, Elongation
- benchmark: reduction_of_area
value: 15
unit: '%'
scope: material
conditions:
condition: H900
method: Value printed in the AMS 5659 mechanical properties table on the SSA page (name not in the canonical list)
status: ground
source: ssa-corp
where: AMS 5659 mechanical properties table, H900 row, Reduction of Area
- benchmark: brinell_hardness
value: 388
unit: Bhn
scope: material
conditions:
condition: H900
method: Value printed in the AMS 5659 mechanical properties table on the SSA page (name not in the canonical list)
status: ground
source: ssa-corp
where: AMS 5659 mechanical properties table, H900 row, Brinell Hardness
- benchmark: yield_strength
value: 145000
unit: psi
scope: material
conditions:
condition: H1025
basis: row printed as yield 0.2% offset; the page does not say minimum or typical
method: Value printed in the AMS 5659 mechanical properties table on the SSA page
status: ground
source: ssa-corp
where: AMS 5659 mechanical properties table, H1025 row, Yield 0.2% offset
- benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
value: 155000
unit: psi
scope: material
conditions:
condition: H1025
basis: row printed as tensile; the page does not say minimum or typical
method: Value printed in the AMS 5659 mechanical properties table on the SSA page
status: ground
source: ssa-corp
where: AMS 5659 mechanical properties table, H1025 row, Tensile
- benchmark: elongation
value: 8
unit: '%'
scope: material
conditions:
condition: H1025
gauge: in 2 inch (as printed)
method: Value printed in the AMS 5659 mechanical properties table on the SSA page
status: ground
source: ssa-corp
where: AMS 5659 mechanical properties table, H1025 row, Elongation
- benchmark: yield_strength
value: 105000
unit: psi
scope: material
conditions:
condition: H1150
basis: row printed as yield 0.2% offset; the page does not say minimum or typical
method: Value printed in the AMS 5659 mechanical properties table on the SSA page
status: ground
source: ssa-corp
where: AMS 5659 mechanical properties table, H1150 row, Yield 0.2% offset
- benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
value: 135000
unit: psi
scope: material
conditions:
condition: H1150
basis: row printed as tensile; the page does not say minimum or typical
method: Value printed in the AMS 5659 mechanical properties table on the SSA page
status: ground
source: ssa-corp
where: AMS 5659 mechanical properties table, H1150 row, Tensile
- benchmark: elongation
value: 11
unit: '%'
scope: material
conditions:
condition: H1150
gauge: in 2 inch (as printed)
method: Value printed in the AMS 5659 mechanical properties table on the SSA page
status: ground
source: ssa-corp
where: AMS 5659 mechanical properties table, H1150 row, Elongation
- benchmark: elastic_modulus
value: 29000
unit: ksi
scope: material
conditions:
condition: not stated on the page
method: Value read from the Modulus of Elasticity line of the Titanium.com mechanical properties table; the page gives no temper, and the pairing with its header was read from table layout
status: ground
source: titanium-com
where: Mechanical properties table (Table 3), Modulus of Elasticity (E)
corrosion:
- environment: Corrosive environments in general (no test conditions given)
headline: Corrosion resistance is comparable to Types 302 and 304 in many environments.
effect: The Bibus page says that in many corrosive environments its resistance is better than that of 410 stainless steel and comparable to that of 302 and 304 stainless steels. The page gives no test conditions.
rating: low
conditions:
basis: manufacturer-style product statement; no test conditions printed
source: bibus-155
where: Corrosion statement on the product page
- environment: General corrosion (no test conditions given)
headline: The Titanium.com page calls its corrosion resistance excellent.
effect: The stockist page says the alloy exhibits excellent corrosion resistance. The page gives no chloride, sea-water or stress-corrosion test data.
rating: low
conditions:
basis: product statement only; no test conditions printed
source: titanium-com
where: Product description, corrosion statement
risks:
hazards:
- text: PubChem's GHS summary for elemental nickel (CID 935), one of the alloying elements, gives the signal word Danger with H317 (may cause an allergic skin reaction), H351 (suspected of causing cancer) and H372 (causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure). It describes the metal, not the finished alloy.
ghs: []
source: pubchem-ni
where: Safety and Hazards, GHS Classification (CID 935)
failure_risks:
- mode: Loss of strength at a higher aging temperature
trigger: Aging to H1150 instead of H900
consequence: Yield strength falls from 170,000 psi at H900 to 105,000 psi at H1150 on the SSA table, and elongation rises from 6 % to 11 %.
severity: moderate
source: ssa-corp
where: AMS 5659 mechanical properties table, H900 and H1150 rows
side_effects: []
handling:
- text: The SSA page says the alloy is readily weldable, and that it can be machined in any of the several thermal conditions available to this grade.
source: ssa-corp
where: Welding and machinability statements
mitigations:
- text: 'Choose the aging condition for the load: the SSA table prints separate H900, H1025 and H1150 rows, so the condition sets both strength and elongation.'
source: ssa-corp
where: AMS 5659 mechanical properties table
uses:
- application: structures
device: Aerospace structural components
example: The SSA product page lists aerospace structural components among the typical applications of 15-5 PH.
source: ssa-corp
where: Typical applications list on the product page
- application: mechanisms
device: Valves, gears and shafts
example: The SSA product page lists valves, gears and shafts among the typical applications, and the Bibus page lists valves, gears and pumps.
source: ssa-corp
where: Typical applications list on the product page; Bibus applications list
supply:
- subject: Chromium
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
- country: India
share_percent: 5.9
year: 2025
recycling: 'USGS: in 2025 recycled chromium, contained in reported stainless-steel scrap receipts, accounted for 21% of apparent consumption.'
substitutes:
- 'USGS: chromium has no substitute in stainless steel, the leading end use.'
source: usgs-cr
where: World Mine Production and Reserves table, 2025e (shares calculated by Space Mushroom against the printed world total of 51,000); Recycling; Substitutes
- subject: Nickel
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
- country: Canada
share_percent: 3.6
year: 2025
recycling: 'USGS: in 2025 nickel recovered from scrap accounted for approximately 60% of apparent consumption.'
substitutes: []
source: usgs-ni
where: World Mine Production and Reserves table, 2025e (nickel content; shares calculated by Space Mushroom against the printed world total of 3,900,000); Recycling
- subject: Niobium (columbium)
producers:
- country: Brazil
share_percent: 92.9
year: 2025
- country: Canada
share_percent: 5.4
year: 2025
recycling: 'USGS: niobium was recycled when niobium-bearing steels and superalloys were recycled.'
substitutes:
- 'USGS: substitutes for niobium carry a performance loss or higher cost, as the chapter states.'
source: usgs-nb
where: World Mine Production and Reserves table, 2025e (niobium content; shares calculated by Space Mushroom against the printed world total of 112,000); Recycling; Substitutes
- subject: Copper
producers:
- country: Chile
share_percent: 23
year: 2025
- country: Congo (Kinshasa)
share_percent: 13.9
year: 2025
- country: Peru
share_percent: 11.7
year: 2025
- country: China
share_percent: 7.8
year: 2025
substitutes: []
source: usgs-cu
where: World Mine and Refinery Production table, mine production 2025e (shares calculated by Space Mushroom against the printed world total of 23,000)
media: []
documents:
- title: Stainless Steel 15-5PH alloy page (Titanium.com)
type: datasheet
url: https://titanium.com/alloys/stainless-steel/stainless-steel-15-5ph/
- title: 15-5PH | 1.4545 product page (Bibus Metals)
type: datasheet
url: https://sd-metals.bibus.com/de-en/materials/itm/15-5PH-1-4545/
- title: 15-5 PH (AMS 5659) product page (SSA)
type: datasheet
url: https://ssa-corp.com/he/15-5-ph-AMS-5659.php
- title: Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Chromium
type: report
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-chromium.pdf
year: 2026
- title: Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Nickel
type: report
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-nickel.pdf
year: 2026
- title: Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Niobium (Columbium)
type: report
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-niobium.pdf
year: 2026
- title: Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Copper
type: report
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-copper.pdf
year: 2026
- title: 'PubChem: Nickel (CID 935), GHS classification summary'
type: database
url: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/935
gaps:
- No Carpenter, ATI or Allegheny datasheet for 15-5 PH could be opened in this run. Every property comes from stockist or distributor pages (Titanium.com, Bibus Metals, SSA).
- The stockist pages disagree on basis. Bibus prints its H1025 rows as minimum under a typical heading; SSA does not say minimum or typical; Titanium.com gives minimum and maximum across conditions, so those ranges are not recorded because they mix tempers.
- No stress-corrosion, pitting, chloride, sea-water or sour-service data for 15-5 PH were found in the sources read here, so no such rating is given.
- Hazard data rest on PubChem's elemental nickel summary. No safety data sheet for the alloy was opened, and no chromium or copper hazard record was read.
- 'Titanium.com prints density as 0.282 with no unit and gives melting point as 2560 °F. Neither is recorded: the first has no unit, and the Bibus range 1404 to 1440 °C is recorded instead.'
- 'Two property names are not in the canonical list and are used as written: reduction_of_area and brinell_hardness.'
- Critical-mineral list status for chromium, nickel, niobium and copper was not checked in this run, so the supply entries carry no critical_lists field.
- No space, flight or vacuum source was found for 15-5 PH in this run. Its structures and mechanisms tags rest on the stockist application lists only.
- The EN name X5CrNiCuNb15-5 is not printed on any source read, so it is not listed. A DIN 1.4545 code appears on the SSA page and is not recorded separately because it is the same number as the EN 1.4545 entry.
- No Wikipedia article for 15-5PH was found.
sources:
titanium-com:
title: Stainless Steel 15-5PH alloy page (Titanium.com)
id: Stainless Steel 15-5PH, product page
url: https://titanium.com/alloys/stainless-steel/stainless-steel-15-5ph/
kind: datasheet
license: cited, not reproduced
bibus-155:
title: 15-5PH | 1.4545 product page (Bibus Metals)
id: 15-5PH | 1.4545; condition H1025; AMS 5659
url: https://sd-metals.bibus.com/de-en/materials/itm/15-5PH-1-4545/
kind: datasheet
license: cited, not reproduced
ssa-corp:
title: 15-5 PH (AMS 5659) product page (SSA)
id: 15-5 PH, AMS 5659 mechanical properties table
url: https://ssa-corp.com/he/15-5-ph-AMS-5659.php
kind: datasheet
license: cited, not reproduced
usgs-cr:
title: Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Chromium
id: USGS MCS 2026, February 2026
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-chromium.pdf
year: 2026
kind: report
license: public domain (USGS)
usgs-ni:
title: Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Nickel
id: USGS MCS 2026, February 2026
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-nickel.pdf
year: 2026
kind: report
license: public domain (USGS)
usgs-nb:
title: Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Niobium (Columbium)
id: USGS MCS 2026, February 2026
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-niobium.pdf
year: 2026
kind: report
license: public domain (USGS)
usgs-cu:
title: Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Copper
id: USGS MCS 2026, February 2026
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-copper.pdf
year: 2026
kind: report
license: public domain (USGS)
pubchem-ni:
title: PubChem compound record, Nickel (CID 935), GHS classification
id: CID 935
url: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/935
kind: database
license: public domain (NCBI)
license: CC-BY-4.0
updated: '2026-11-01'
review:
status: draft
method: assistant
checked_values: 19
caveats: 3
note: Written by an AI assistant on 2026-11-01 from pages fetched in this run only. Stockist pages are the value sources; no manufacturer datasheet was opened. Heat-treat conditions are kept with each value, and minimum, typical and range bases are kept as printed.
story:
recipe:
line: 15-5 PH is an iron-based precipitation-hardening stainless steel, UNS S15500 (AMS 5659), made to the composition limits in the identity record with iron as the balance. Its strength is set by a low-temperature aging step to condition H900, H1025 or H1150 (SSA, Titanium.com).
parts:
- name: Iron
symbol: Fe
share_note: balance
role: Matrix of the alloy.
- name: Chromium
symbol: Cr
share_percent: 14
share_high: 15.5
role: Gives the passive film that resists general corrosion.
- name: Nickel
symbol: Ni
share_percent: 3.5
share_high: 5.5
role: Part of the chromium-nickel-copper alloy that responds to aging.
- name: Copper
symbol: Cu
share_percent: 2.5
share_high: 4.5
role: Forms the copper-rich phase that gives the strength on aging.
- name: Niobium plus tantalum
symbol: Nb+Ta
share_percent: 0.15
share_high: 0.45
role: Alloying addition printed as Columbium plus Tantalum (SSA).
- name: Carbon
symbol: C
share_percent: 0
share_high: 0.07
limit: maximum
role: Kept low, maximum 0.07 percent.
risk_groups:
- title: For people
level: 0
verdict: Nickel is the hazard in the record
lead: The hazard entry is for elemental nickel. No safety data sheet for the alloy was opened in this run.
points:
- label: Nickel
line: PubChem's GHS summary for elemental nickel (CID 935) gives the signal word Danger with H317, H351 and H372.
- label: Workshop
line: Check the supplier safety data sheet before cutting, grinding or welding this alloy.
- title: In service
level: 1
verdict: Aging condition sets the strength
lead: The strongest condition is the least ductile.
points:
- label: Aging
line: On the SSA table, yield strength is 170,000 psi at H900 and 105,000 psi at H1150, while elongation rises from 6 % to 11 %.
- label: Corrosion
line: Bibus says its corrosion resistance is comparable to Types 302 and 304 in many corrosive environments. The sources read give no chloride or stress-corrosion data.
- title: Handling and fabrication
points:
- label: Welding
line: The SSA page says the alloy is readily weldable.
- label: Machining
line: The SSA page says it can be machined in any of the several thermal conditions available to this grade.
why: 15-5 PH is chosen when a stainless steel must reach high strength from a single low-temperature heat treatment, with corrosion resistance close to Types 302 and 304 in many environments. The SSA table gives a yield strength of 170,000 psi at H900 and 105,000 psi at H1150, and the choice of aging condition is the main design decision.
uses:
- where: Aerospace structural components
line: The SSA product page lists aerospace structural components among the typical applications of 15-5 PH, and Titanium.com says the alloy meets requirements for aerospace and nuclear applications.
- where: Valves, gears and shafts
line: The SSA page lists valves, gears and shafts among the typical applications. The Bibus page also lists valves, gears and pumps, and fasteners.
can_do:
- label: Strength
line: yield strength of 170,000 psi and tensile strength of 190,000 psi at H900 (SSA). At H1025 the same table gives 145,000 psi and 155,000 psi.
- label: Minimum strength
line: 1000 MPa yield and 1070 MPa tensile at H1025, as printed as minimum values on the Bibus page.
- label: Hardness and ductility
line: Brinell hardness of 388 Bhn at H900, and elongation of 6 % at H900 rising to 11 % at H1150 (SSA).
- label: Stiffness
line: elastic modulus of 29000 ksi, printed without a temper on the Titanium.com page.
compare: Bibus says that in many corrosive environments the corrosion resistance of 15-5 PH is better than that of 410 stainless steel and comparable to that of Types 302 and 304. Titanium.com calls its corrosion resistance excellent but gives no test conditions. The SSA table gives separate strength rows for each aging condition, so the strength depends on which condition is ordered.
compare_rows:
- label: Yield strength at H900
benchmark: yield_strength
- label: Elastic modulus
benchmark: elastic_modulus
- label: Melting range
benchmark: melting_point
handling:
- Age to a specified condition (H900, H1025 or H1150) for the strength you need; the SSA table prints each row.
- The alloy is readily weldable, according to the SSA page.
- It can be machined in any of the several thermal conditions available to this grade (SSA).
- 'Use a supplier safety data sheet for the alloy: the hazard entry here is for elemental nickel only.'
good_for:
- Fittings, shafts, gears and valve parts that need high strength from a single low-temperature heat treatment (SSA).
- Structural components that the SSA page lists as typical aerospace use.
watch_out:
- 'Strength falls as the aging temperature rises: 170,000 psi yield at H900 against 105,000 psi at H1150 (SSA).'
- The sources read give no chloride, sea-water or stress-corrosion data, so check the data for the chosen condition in the environment.
- Nickel, one of the alloying elements, is classified Danger in PubChem's elemental summary (CID 935).
verdict: '15-5 PH is the strong stainless choice when a low-temperature aging step can set the strength. The aging condition sets the trade: H900 gives the most strength and H1150 gives the most elongation.'
References
Every number above carries a reference number. Click one to see the source and where in it the value comes from.
| # | Source | Type | Year | Used for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel 15-5PH alloy page (Titanium.com) | datasheet | 2 values | ||
| 15-5PH | 1.4545 product page (Bibus Metals) | datasheet | 8 values | ||
| 15-5 PH (AMS 5659) product page (SSA) | datasheet | 17 values | ||
| Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Chromium | report | 2026 | 1 value | |
| Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Nickel | report | 2026 | 1 value | |
| Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Niobium (Columbium) | report | 2026 | 1 value | |
| Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Copper | report | 2026 | 1 value | |
| PubChem compound record, Nickel (CID 935), GHS classification | database | 1 value |
Updated