15-5PH / 1.4545 stainless steel

15-5PH (EN 1.4545) is a precipitation-hardening stainless steel developed to deliver high strength after aging combined with good corrosion resistance and improved toughness and transverse mechanical properties compared to 17-4PH. This combination makes it particularly suitable for precision components where consistent performance in different directions of the material (longitudinal and transverse) is important.

The grade is typically supplied in a solution-treated condition and then aged (precipitation hardened) to achieve the required balance between strength, hardness and toughness. Because different aging conditions can produce significantly different property levels, the required condition should be specified during enquiry and ordering. The delivered condition, chemical composition and mechanical test results are confirmed on the EN 10204 / 3.1 inspection certificate.

Internationally, 15-5PH is also designated as UNS S15500 and is known as X5CrNiCu15-5. Steelinox B.V. supplies 1.4545 / 15-5PH primarily as round bar in a broad diameter range, with additional processing such as precision grinding available on request.

Chemical composition

ElementTypical range (wt. %)
C≤ 0.07
Si≤ 1.00
Mn≤ 1.00
P≤ 0.04
S≤ 0.03
Cr14.0 – 15.5
Ni3.5 – 5.5
Cu2.5 – 4.5
Nb0.15 – 0.45
FeBalance

Exact melt composition is confirmed on the EN 10204 / 3.1 certificate for the supplied batch.

Mechanical properties

PropertyTypical value (aged condition)
Tensile strength (Rm)per standard / see EN 10204 3.1 certificate (condition-dependent)
Yield strength (Rp0.2)per standard / see EN 10204 3.1 certificate (condition-dependent)
Elongation (A5)per standard / see EN 10204 3.1 certificate
Hardnessper standard / see EN 10204 3.1 certificate
Impact toughnessper standard / see EN 10204 3.1 certificate (if specified)

Exact values are stated on the material certificate EN 10204 / 3.1. Properties depend strongly on the selected aging condition.

Forms

15-5PH / 1.4545 (UNS S15500 / X5CrNiCu15-5) is primarily supplied in round bar. It is often selected for precision components where consistent mechanical properties, good machinability and reliable precipitation hardening response are required.

Dimensions

Round bar: 5 mm – 220 mm

Selected sizes (availability dependent): 103 mm, 123 mm, 168 mm, 183 mm

Other sizes and conditions are available on request, depending on stock and production route.

Centerless ground shafts

Centerless grinding available on request. Provide diameter, tolerance, straightness and surface finish requirements for precision shafts or components.

Applications

15-5PH is frequently selected for parts that combine high strength requirements with corrosion resistance and the need for consistent properties across the component section. Typical application areas include:

  • Aerospace structures and hardware: fittings, brackets, hinge parts and structural elements where reliable transverse properties and traceability are important.
  • Precision shafts and pins: turned and ground components requiring dimensional stability, repeatable properties and defined condition.
  • Valves and pump components: stems, shafts, wear sleeves and mechanical parts exposed to industrial environments.
  • High-strength fasteners: bolts, studs and machine elements where corrosion resistance and strength are required without using carbon steel.
  • Industrial tooling and fixtures: parts requiring good machinability and stable performance after aging heat treatment.
  • General engineering: high-load components in machinery where strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance are relevant.
  • 17-4PH / 1.4542 (widely used PH stainless steel; strong condition-dependence)
  • 13-8MO / 1.4534 (high-strength PH stainless steel, selected for demanding strength/toughness requirements)

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FAQ – 15-5PH / 1.4545

What is the advantage of 15-5PH over 17-4PH?

15-5PH is often chosen when improved toughness and more uniform (especially transverse) properties are required. This can be beneficial for aerospace and safety-critical parts where consistent performance across section directions matters. Strength levels can be comparable depending on condition, but 15-5PH is frequently selected for enhanced property uniformity.

How are mechanical properties adjusted?

Mechanical properties are adjusted through precipitation hardening (aging) after solution treatment. Different aging temperatures and times produce different balances of strength, hardness and toughness. For this reason, enquiries and purchase orders should include the required condition and any testing requirements. The delivered condition and test results are stated on the EN 10204 / 3.1 certificate.

Is 15-5PH corrosion resistant?

15-5PH provides good corrosion resistance in many industrial and atmospheric environments, comparable to other martensitic precipitation-hardening stainless steels. Performance depends on surface condition, chloride exposure and heat treatment. It is not typically selected for highly aggressive chemical media; in those cases, higher alloyed austenitic stainless steels or nickel alloys should be considered.

In which forms do you supply 1.4545 / 15-5PH?

Steelinox B.V. primarily supplies 1.4545 / 15-5PH (UNS S15500 / X5CrNiCu15-5) in round bar. Typical availability includes diameters from 5 mm to 220 mm, with specific sizes such as 103 mm, 123 mm, 168 mm and 183 mm available depending on stock. Other dimensions can be supplied on request.

Can you supply centerless ground material?

Yes. Centerless ground bar and shafts are available on request for tight diameter tolerances and improved surface finish. This is commonly required for precision shafts, rotating parts and sliding fits. Provide your diameter, tolerance class, straightness and surface finish requirements when requesting a quote.

What should be specified when requesting a quote?

To ensure the correct supply route, we recommend specifying product form (round bar), diameter and length, required condition (solution treated and/or aged), tolerance class, surface condition (e.g., turned, peeled, ground) and any additional inspection or testing requirements. Certification is available to EN 10204 / 3.1.

Which documents are supplied with the material?

Deliveries can be supplied with an EN 10204 / 3.1 inspection certificate. This certificate confirms chemical composition, mechanical test results (where applicable) and the delivered condition according to the relevant standard, ensuring traceability for demanding applications.

Documents & requests

Certificates: EN 10204 / 3.1

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