Question 1

What is AMS 5659 and what does it cover?

Accepted Answer

AMS 5659 is the SAE International aerospace material specification for 15-5 PH stainless steel (UNS S15500) in long product forms: bars, wire, forgings, rings, and extrusions, supplied in Condition A (solution heat treated). The customer applies the final precipitation-hardening aging cycle (H900 through H1150) after machining or forming.

Question 2

What is Condition A and is it the final service condition?

Accepted Answer

Condition A is the as-delivered, solution heat treated condition at approximately 1,900°F (1,038°C) followed by air or oil quench. In this state the material has a martensitic microstructure, maximum 38 HRC hardness, and is ready for machining. It is not the final service condition for most applications - the customer typically machines, then ages to H900, H925, H1025, H1075, H1100, or H1150 to develop final mechanical properties.

Question 3

What product forms and sizes of AMS 5659 are available?

Accepted Answer

AMS 5659 15-5 PH is available as round bar (0.125" to 14.00" diameter), flat bar, hex bar, wire (coiled or straight), forgings (per customer drawing), rings (rolled or forged), and extrusions. Custom cut-to-size and saw cutting services are available in-house. Submit your specific requirements via the RFQ form for a competitive quote.

Question 4

What certifications and documentation are provided?

Accepted Answer

Every AMS 5659 order includes full mill certifications: heat number, lot number, chemical composition certifications, mechanical test reports, and melt-practice identification (typically EAF-AOD-VAR or VIM-VAR) traceable to the originating mill heat. Complete chain-of-custody documentation is provided from mill to your door.

Question 5

What is the difference between AMS 5659 and AMS 5862?

Accepted Answer

AMS 5659 covers 15-5 PH in long products (bars, wire, forgings, rings, extrusions). AMS 5862 covers UNS S15500 in flat-rolled forms (sheet, strip, plate). Both share the same chemistry and are supplied in Condition A. The choice between them is driven entirely by the product form on the engineering drawing.

Question 6

Which aging condition should I specify?

Accepted Answer

H900 yields the highest strength (190 ksi tensile minimum) and is used for structural fittings, fasteners, and aerospace components where peak strength and hardness are required. H1025 offers a balance of strength, ductility, and toughness and is widely used for landing gear and actuator components. H1150 yields the lowest strength but the highest toughness and corrosion resistance, used for marine and chemical service. Always follow the aging condition called out on the engineering drawing.

Question 7

Is custom processing available?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bar saw cutting, ultrasonic inspection, test witnessing, and heat-treatment coordination with qualified AS9100 heat treaters are available to support your program requirements. Contact the team via the RFQ form to discuss your specific processing needs.

AMS 5659 15-5 PH Stainless Steel Bar, Wire & Forgings Stock