This guide covers standard specification for precipitation-hardening stainless steel plate, sheet, and strip. The mechanical properties of these steels shall be developed by suitable low-temperature heat treatments or precipitation hardening. The steel shall conform to the required chemical composition for carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, chromium, nickel, aluminum, molybdenum, titanium, copper, and other elements. Material of types other than Type UNS S46910 shall be furnished in solution-annealed condition while Type UNS S46910 shall be furnished in cold-worked condition. The steel shall conform to the required mechanical properties such as tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, and hardness. Samples cut from the solution-annealed plate, sheet, or strip shall withstand cold bending without cracking on the outside of the bent portion. Samples cut from the solution-annealed plate, sheet, or strip shall conform to the specified mechanical properties when precipitation hardened.

1.1 This specification covers precipitation-hardening stainless steel plate, sheet, and strip. The mechanical properties of these steels are developed by suitable low-temperature heat treatments generally referred to as precipitation hardening.

1.2 These steels are used for parts requiring corrosion resistance and high strength at room temperature or at temperatures up to 600°F (315°C). Some of these steels are particularly suitable for moderate to severe drawing and forming in the solution-treated condition. Others are capable of mild forming only. They are suitable for machining in the solution-annealed condition, after which they may be hardened to the mechanical properties specified in this standard without danger of cracking or distortion.

1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard.