Defence and aerospace applications demand materials that can withstand extreme stress, high temperatures, corrosion, and fatigue. Materials used must meet stringent international standards for strength, durability, and performance.
Standard: BS 970-1955: EN24 / BS 970-1991: 817M40
Application: Widely used in the defence and aerospace industries for parts that require high tensile strength, toughness, and shock resistance.
Element | Content |
---|---|
Carbon (C) | 0.36 – 0.44% |
Silicon (Si) | 0.10 – 0.35% |
Manganese (Mn) | 0.45 – 0.70% |
Chromium (Cr) | 0.90 – 1.40% |
Nickel (Ni) | 1.30 – 1.80% |
Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.20 – 0.35% |
Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.035% |
Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.040% |
Standard: BS 970 (EN25)
Category: Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum Alloy Steel
Overview: EN25 is a high-strength alloy steel with excellent fatigue resistance, toughness, and hardenability. It is widely used in defence and aerospace industries for critical components exposed to high stress and impact.
Element | Content |
---|---|
Carbon (C) | 0.35 – 0.45% |
Silicon (Si) | 0.10 – 0.35% |
Manganese (Mn) | 0.45 – 0.70% |
Nickel (Ni) | 2.75 – 3.50% |
Chromium (Cr) | 1.00 – 1.40% |
Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.20 – 0.35% |
Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.035% |
Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.035% |
Standard: BS 970 (EN26)
Category: High tensile nickel-chromium-molybdenum steel
Overview: EN26 is a very high-strength alloy steel offering outstanding toughness and fatigue resistance. It's suitable for components under high stress and dynamic loads in aerospace and defence applications.
Element | Content |
---|---|
Carbon (C) | 0.40 – 0.45% |
Silicon (Si) | 0.10 – 0.35% |
Manganese (Mn) | 0.45 – 0.70% |
Nickel (Ni) | 2.75 – 3.50% |
Chromium (Cr) | 1.00 – 1.40% |
Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.45 – 0.65% |
Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.035% |
Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.035% |
Standard: BS 970 (EN30B)
Category: Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum Alloy Steel
Overview: EN30B is a high-grade alloy steel offering excellent wear resistance, high core strength, and good impact properties, making it suitable for heavy-duty defence and aerospace applications.
Element | Content |
---|---|
Carbon (C) | 0.36 – 0.42% |
Silicon (Si) | 0.10 – 0.35% |
Manganese (Mn) | 0.45 – 0.70% |
Nickel (Ni) | 3.00 – 3.75% |
Chromium (Cr) | 1.00 – 1.40% |
Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.45 – 0.65% |
Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.035% |
Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.035% |
Standard: BS 970 (EN36 / EN36A)
Overview: EN36 is a low-carbon steel alloyed with nickel and chromium, primarily used in case hardening processes to provide a tough core with a very hard surface. It's ideal for heavy-duty components in aerospace and defence that need wear resistance and shock tolerance.
Element | Content |
---|---|
Carbon (C) | 0.10 – 0.16% |
Silicon (Si) | 0.10 – 0.35% |
Manganese (Mn) | 0.40 – 0.70% |
Nickel (Ni) | 3.00 – 3.75% |
Chromium (Cr) | 0.60 – 1.10% |
Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.035% |
Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.035% |
Standard: BS 970 (EN47)
Overview: EN47 is a silicon-manganese alloyed spring steel known for its high fatigue strength, shock resistance, and durability. It is extensively used in the manufacture of heavy-duty springs in defence, aerospace, and railway applications.
Element | Content |
---|---|
Carbon (C) | 0.45 – 0.55% |
Silicon (Si) | 1.50 – 2.00% |
Manganese (Mn) | 0.50 – 0.90% |
Chromium (Cr) | ≤ 0.35% |
Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.05% |
Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.05% |
Standard: BS 970 (EN52)
Overview: EN52 is a high-silicon, chromium-based steel grade specially developed for high-temperature environments like internal combustion engine valves. It offers excellent resistance to heat, corrosion, and wear, making it ideal for aerospace, defence, and automotive valve applications.
Element | Content |
---|---|
Carbon (C) | 0.50 – 0.60% |
Silicon (Si) | 2.00 – 2.50% |
Manganese (Mn) | 0.50 – 0.80% |
Chromium (Cr) | 8.00 – 9.50% |
Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.05% |
Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.05% |
Standard: BS 970 (EN41B)
Overview: EN41B is a chromium-aluminium-molybdenum alloy steel designed for nitriding, offering outstanding surface hardness, wear resistance, and fatigue strength. It is widely used in aerospace and defence components that demand enhanced surface durability.
Element | Content |
---|---|
Carbon (C) | 0.35 – 0.45% |
Silicon (Si) | 0.10 – 0.35% |
Manganese (Mn) | 0.40 – 0.70% |
Chromium (Cr) | 1.00 – 1.40% |
Aluminium (Al) | 0.90 – 1.30% |
Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.15 – 0.25% |
Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.035% |
Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.035% |
Standard: BS 970: 1955 (EN19), BS 970-3: 1991 (709M40)
EN19 is a high tensile alloy steel with good ductility and shock resistance. It offers high fatigue strength, excellent wear resistance, and good machinability. It is widely used in aerospace and defence for critical mechanical parts subjected to dynamic loading.
Element | Content |
---|---|
Carbon (C) | 0.36 – 0.44% |
Silicon (Si) | 0.10 – 0.35% |
Manganese (Mn) | 0.60 – 0.90% |
Chromium (Cr) | 0.90 – 1.50% |
Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.15 – 0.35% |
Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.035% |
Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.035% |
Standard: DIN EN 10083 / Werkstoff 1.6580
30CrNiMo8 is a low-alloy steel known for high strength, toughness, and fatigue resistance. It performs excellently in dynamic, high-stress environments, making it ideal for aerospace and defence applications such as landing gear, rotor shafts, and high-load components.
Element | Content |
---|---|
Carbon (C) | 0.26 – 0.34% |
Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.40% |
Manganese (Mn) | 0.50 – 0.80% |
Chromium (Cr) | 1.80 – 2.20% |
Nickel (Ni) | 1.80 – 2.20% |
Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.30 – 0.50% |
Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.025% |
Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.035% |
Standard: EN 10083-3 / Werkstoff 1.6582
34CrNiMo6 is a high-strength, low-alloy steel known for its excellent toughness, fatigue strength, and good hardenability. It is widely used in defence and aerospace industries for components that undergo high dynamic stress and impact, such as rotor shafts, landing gear parts, crankshafts, and high-performance bolts.
SAE 9310 is a low-alloy, carburizing steel known for its outstanding core toughness, high case hardness, and excellent fatigue strength. It is widely used in aerospace, defence, and high-performance automotive applications where components are subjected to heavy wear and stress. Common parts made from 9310 include gears, shafts, pinions, and bearing races that require a hard surface and a strong, ductile core.
15CDV6 is a low-alloy, high-strength steel with good weldability and excellent mechanical properties after heat treatment. It is widely used in aerospace, motorsport, and defence applications for manufacturing lightweight yet high-strength components such as suspension arms, roll cages, and structural tubing. It offers good toughness and fatigue resistance, making it suitable for dynamic and impact-loaded applications.
15CrMoV5-7 is a chromium-molybdenum-vanadium alloy steel designed for use in high-temperature pressure vessels and steam systems. It offers excellent heat resistance, creep strength, and toughness at elevated temperatures. Commonly used in power plants, boilers, and petrochemical industries, it performs reliably in applications where long-term stability under high stress and heat is critical.
21CrMoV5-7 is a chromium-molybdenum-vanadium alloy steel used in high-temperature applications such as pressure vessels, steam piping, and power generation components. It offers excellent creep resistance, high-temperature strength, and toughness. This steel grade is especially suitable for environments where sustained mechanical stress and elevated temperatures are present over long operating periods, such as in thermal power plants and refineries.
X22CrMoV12-1 is a high-performance martensitic stainless steel alloyed with chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium. It exhibits excellent resistance to heat and oxidation, high creep strength, and good corrosion resistance in steam and turbine environments. This grade is widely used in the construction of power plant components such as steam turbine blades, high-pressure boiler tubes, and rotors that operate at elevated temperatures and under high mechanical loads.
1.4923 (X22CrMoV12-1) is a martensitic stainless steel that combines high strength with good corrosion and oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures. It is widely used in the energy and power industries for parts like steam turbine blades, pressure vessels, and boiler tubes. Its chemical composition includes chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium, providing excellent creep resistance and structural stability.
17-4 PH (Precipitation Hardening) stainless steel, also known as UNS S17400 or Type 630, is a martensitic stainless steel known for:
It is widely used in aerospace, defense, and high-performance engineering components such as aircraft parts, missile components, and reactor parts.
Specification | Details |
---|---|
UNS Number | S17400 |
ASTM Standards | A564 (bars), A705 (forgings), A693 (sheets/plates) |
AMS Specifications | AMS 5643 (bars & forgings), AMS 5604 (sheet & strip) |
Typical Composition | Cr: 15–17.5%, Ni: 3–5%, Cu: 3–5%, Nb/Ta: 0.15–0.45%, Fe: Balance |
Heat Treatment | H900, H1025, H1150 (varies mechanical properties) |
15-5 PH (Precipitation Hardening) stainless steel is a martensitic, chromium-nickel-copper steel that offers:
It is widely used in aerospace, defense, petrochemical, and other high-performance industries requiring strength and corrosion resistance.
Specification | Details |
---|---|
UNS Number | S15500 |
ASTM Standards | A564 (bars), A705 (forgings), A693 (plates) |
AMS Specifications | AMS 5659 (bars & forgings), AMS 5862 (plates) |
Typical Composition | Cr: 14–15.5%, Ni: 3.5–5.5%, Cu: 2.5–4.5%, Nb: 0.15–0.45%, Fe: Balance |
Heat Treatment | H900 to H1150, providing varying strength and ductility |
X4CrNiMo15-5-1 is the European designation (EN 1.4545) for the precipitation-hardening stainless steel known internationally as 15-5 PH. This martensitic steel is known for:
Commonly used in aerospace, defense, marine, and chemical industries for high-strength, corrosion-resistant components.
Specification | Details |
---|---|
EN Number | 1.4545 |
UNS Equivalent | S15500 (15-5 PH) |
Standard | EN 10088-3 (stainless steels for general purposes) |
Chemical Composition | Cr: 14–15.5%, Ni: 3.5–5.5%, Cu: 2.5–4.5%, Mo: 0.2–0.6%, Nb: 0.15–0.45%, Fe: Balance |
Heat Treatment | Solution treated and aged (e.g. H900 to H1150) |
F6NM is a modified martensitic stainless steel (EN 1.4313 / X3CrNiMo13-4) with added nickel and molybdenum to improve toughness and corrosion resistance. It is commonly used in:
It combines moderate corrosion resistance with good mechanical strength and weldability after proper heat treatment.
Specification | Details |
---|---|
EN Number | 1.4313 |
UNS Equivalent | S41500 (similar) |
Steel Name | X3CrNiMo13-4 |
Standards | EN 10088-3, ASTM A182 (forgings), ASTM A743 (castings) |
Chemical Composition | Cr: 12–14%, Ni: 3.5–4.5%, Mo: 0.3–0.7%, C: ≤0.03%, Fe: Balance |
Heat Treatment | Solution annealed and tempered (typically around 620–670°C) |
AISI 415 is a martensitic stainless steel that contains added nickel to enhance its toughness over AISI 410. It offers:
It is commonly used in aerospace and defense applications like structural parts, shafts, fasteners, and components requiring strength and moderate corrosion resistance.
Specification | Details |
---|---|
AISI/SAE | 415 |
UNS Number | S41500 |
Standards | ASTM A276 (bars), ASTM A182 (forgings), ASTM A479 (engineering applications) |
Chemical Composition | Cr: 11.5–13.5%, Ni: 1.5–2.5%, Mn: ≤1.0%, C: 0.05–0.15%, Fe: Balance |
Heat Treatment | Quenched and tempered to enhance strength and toughness |
1.4313 stainless steel, also known as X3CrNiMo13-4, is a low-carbon, martensitic stainless steel offering a good balance of strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance. It is especially valued in:
Its weldability and mechanical performance make it a common choice for demanding environments with moderate corrosion exposure.
Specification | Details |
---|---|
EN Number | 1.4313 |
Steel Name | X3CrNiMo13-4 |
Standards | EN 10088-3, ASTM A182, ASTM A743 |
Chemical Composition | Cr: 12.5–14.5%, Ni: 3.5–4.5%, Mo: 0.3–0.7%, C: ≤0.03%, Mn: ≤1%, Si: ≤0.5%, Fe: Balance |
Heat Treatment | Solution annealed and tempered (around 620–670°C for desired properties) |
AISI 422 is a hardenable martensitic stainless steel known for its high strength, excellent oxidation resistance, and good scaling resistance at elevated temperatures. It is primarily used in:
This grade retains strength and toughness at elevated temperatures up to 649°C (1200°F), making it suitable for demanding aerospace environments.
Specification | Details |
---|---|
AISI/SAE | 422 |
UNS Number | S42200 |
Standards | ASTM A565 (forgings), AMS 5655, AMS 5622 |
Chemical Composition | Cr: 11.0–13.0%, Ni: 0.5–1.0%, Mo: 0.75–1.25%, W: 0.75–1.25%, V: 0.20–0.35%, C: 0.20–0.25%, Fe: Balance |
Heat Treatment | Austenitized, quenched, and tempered for high strength and heat resistance |
B4B is a **low-carbon boron-alloyed steel**, enhanced for hardenability and strength through heat treatment. It is commonly used in:
Its low carbon content offers good weldability, while boron addition significantly improves hardenability after quenching.
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Steel Grade | B4B (EN 10027) |
Steel Type | Low-carbon boron steel |
Typical Applications | Defense, structural, automotive, agricultural tools |
Chemical Composition | C: ≤ 0.08%, Mn: 0.30–0.60%, Si: ≤ 0.30%, B: ~0.001–0.005%, Fe: Balance |
Standards | EN 10083-3, EN 10263-4 (hot forging), ISO 683 |
Heat Treatment | Can be quenched and tempered for high hardness and strength |
AISI 616 HT is a **high-temperature martensitic stainless steel**, often used in turbine engine parts, aerospace fasteners, and components requiring strength, creep resistance, and corrosion resistance at elevated temperatures. It features:
It is typically used in a heat-treated (HT) condition to achieve the best mechanical properties for service in extreme environments.
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Grade | AISI 616 HT |
UNS | Custom grades; varies by manufacturer (related to S17400 or similar) |
Typical Standards | AMS 5931, proprietary specs (aerospace-specific) |
Chemical Composition | Cr: ~14–16%, Ni: ~4–6%, Mo: ~1–2%, C: ≤ 0.03%, Cu/Nb/B: as needed for hardenability, Fe: Balance |
Heat Treatment | Solution annealed, air cooled, followed by aging or precipitation hardening |
AISI 615 HT is a **high-temperature resistant martensitic stainless steel** often used in aerospace turbine engine parts, fasteners, and critical structural applications. Its properties make it well-suited for:
The "HT" designation refers to its heat-treated condition, which enhances mechanical and thermal performance.
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Grade | AISI 615 HT |
Type | High-strength martensitic stainless steel (heat treated) |
Typical Applications | Turbine engines, aerospace fasteners, exhaust systems |
Chemical Composition | Cr: ~14–15%, Ni: ~3–5%, Mo: ~1–2%, C: ≤ 0.05%, B/Nb/V additions (as required), Fe: Balance |
Standards | AMS 5930 (or similar), Aerospace-specific proprietary specs |
Heat Treatment | Solution annealed and aged (precipitation hardened) for optimal high-temperature strength |
AISI 418 is a **hardenable martensitic stainless steel** known for its high mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and good performance at elevated temperatures. It is commonly used in:
Its combination of strength, toughness, and oxidation resistance makes it ideal for thermal and mechanical stress environments.
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Grade | AISI 418 |
UNS | S41800 |
Type | Martensitic stainless steel |
Typical Standards | ASTM A565, AMS 5616 |
Chemical Composition | Cr: 12.0–14.0%, Ni: 2.5–3.5%, Mo: ~1.0%, V: ~0.3%, C: 0.15–0.25%, Fe: Balance |
Heat Treatment | Quenched and tempered to achieve high strength and toughness |
EN57 is a **ferritic stainless steel** characterized by good corrosion resistance, magnetic properties, and excellent cold-forming capabilities. Though not typically used in high-stress aerospace parts, it finds utility in:
It is suitable for moderately corrosive environments and valued for its ease of fabrication and affordability.
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Steel Grade | EN57 (similar to AISI 430) |
Type | Ferritic stainless steel |
Chemical Composition | Cr: 16.0–18.0%, C: ≤ 0.12%, Ni: ≤ 0.5%, Fe: Balance |
UNS Equivalent | S43000 |
Standards | BS 970, EN 10088-2, ASTM A240 |
Applications | Low-load defense parts, kitchenware, decorative trim, panels |
AISI 431 is a **martensitic stainless steel** offering a combination of **high strength**, **good toughness**, and **moderate corrosion resistance**. It is commonly used in aerospace and defense industries for components requiring:
It can be hardened through heat treatment and has better corrosion resistance than other martensitic grades like AISI 410.
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Grade | AISI 431 |
UNS | S43100 |
Type | Martensitic stainless steel |
Chemical Composition | Cr: 15.0–17.0%, Ni: 1.25–2.50%, C: ≤ 0.20%, Mn, Si, P, S: trace, Fe: Balance |
Standards | ASTM A276, A314, A479, AMS 5628 |
Heat Treatment | Hardened by quenching and tempering to achieve high strength |
1.4057 (X17CrNi16-2) is a **hardenable martensitic stainless steel** that offers a combination of **high mechanical strength** and **moderate corrosion resistance**. It is similar to AISI 431 and is commonly used in:
Thanks to its chromium and nickel content, it has improved corrosion resistance over lower-grade martensitic steels.
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Steel Grade | 1.4057 / X17CrNi16-2 |
Type | Martensitic stainless steel (hardenable) |
Equivalent | AISI 431, UNS S43100 |
Chemical Composition | Cr: 15.5–17.5%, Ni: 1.5–2.5%, C: ≤ 0.17%, Mn, Si: ≤ 1%, Fe: Balance |
Standards | EN 10088-3, DIN 17440, ASTM A276 |
Heat Treatment | Quenched and tempered to achieve high tensile strength and wear resistance |
EN40B is a high-strength, low-alloy steel primarily used in the defense and aerospace sectors for components that require a balance between strength and weight. This material is widely favored for its excellent mechanical properties, making it suitable for parts that will be subjected to high stress and extreme conditions.
EN40B steel contains the following primary elements:
EN40B steel is engineered to deliver optimal strength while maintaining a good level of toughness. Below are the typical mechanical properties:
Property | Value |
---|---|
Tensile Strength | 750-1000 MPa |
Yield Strength | 450-800 MPa |
Elongation | 10-15% |
Hardness (Brinell) | 200-250 HB |
Impact Toughness | ≥ 40 J at -20°C |
EN40B responds very well to heat treatment, making it versatile in different manufacturing processes:
These heat treatments allow the material to be tailored for specific applications, balancing hardness and toughness according to the needs of the component.
EN40B is widely used in various high-performance applications, especially in industries where reliability and strength are paramount. Some notable uses in defense and aerospace include:
For applications in defense and aerospace, EN40B steel must adhere to stringent standards to ensure reliability and performance under demanding conditions. Some of the relevant standards include:
EN40B steel is a versatile and reliable material for defense and aerospace industries due to its excellent mechanical properties, especially in high-stress applications. Its ability to withstand harsh environments while maintaining strength and toughness makes it a go-to choice for various critical components. However, for each specific application, it is recommended to consult with engineers and materials scientists to ensure optimal selection and performance of the material.