Question 1

What is AMS 5862 and what does it cover?

Accepted Answer

AMS 5862 is the SAE International aerospace material specification for 15-5 PH stainless steel (UNS S15500) in the form of sheet, strip, and plate, supplied in the solution heat treated Condition A. The customer applies the final one-step precipitation aging cycle (H900 through H1150) after fabrication. The specification requires Electroslag Remelting (ESR) for superior through-thickness toughness compared to 17-4 PH.

Question 2

What is Condition A and why is AMS 5862 delivered in this condition?

Accepted Answer

Condition A is the as-delivered, solution heat treated condition at approximately 1,900°F (1,038°C) followed by quench. In this state the material has a soft martensitic microstructure, maximum 36 HRC hardness, and is ready for forming or machining. The customer typically forms, machines, or welds in Condition A, then ages to H900 through H1150 to develop the final mechanical properties.

Question 3

What is the difference between AMS 5862 and AMS 5659?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

What is the difference between AMS 5862 and BMS 7-240?

Accepted Answer

AMS 5862 is the base SAE International specification. BMS 7-240 is the Boeing Material Specification that references AMS 5862 and adds Boeing-specific documentation, qualification, and supplier approval requirements. Specify BMS 7-240 when procuring 15-5 PH plate for Boeing-designed aircraft programs that require Boeing-qualified supplier approval.

Question 5

What thicknesses and dimensions of AMS 5862 are available?

Accepted Answer

AMS 5862 sheet is supplied in thicknesses up to 0.1874 inches (4.76 mm); strip in coil form with widths typically under 24 inches; plate in thicknesses from 0.1875 inches (4.76 mm) to 6.50 inches (165.10 mm). Standard mill dimensions include 36" × 96", 48" × 96", and 48" × 120". Custom cut-to-size, saw cutting, and waterjet cutting are available in-house. Submit your specific requirements via the RFQ form for a competitive quote.

Question 6

Why does AMS 5862 require ESR remelting?

Accepted Answer

Electroslag Remelting (ESR) refines the melt by removing oxide and sulfide inclusions and controls the solidification pattern, producing a dense, low-segregation ingot. This reduces delta ferrite content and controls inclusion size and morphology, resulting in superior short-transverse (through-thickness) toughness compared to air-melted or non-consumable-electrode 17-4 PH plate.

Question 7

What certifications and documentation are provided?

Accepted Answer

Every AMS 5862 order includes full mill certifications: heat number, lot number, chemical composition certifications, mechanical test reports, and ESR melt practice identification traceable to the originating mill heat. Complete chain-of-custody documentation is provided from mill to your door.

Question 8

Is custom processing available?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Plate saw cutting, waterjet 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 5862 15-5 PH Stainless Steel Sheet, Strip & Plate Stock