What is 1.4980 Stainless Steel?

1.4980 stainless steel, commonly known as A-286 or UNS S66286, is an iron-base superalloy that combines high strength, excellent creep resistance, and good oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures up to 700°C. Through a precipitation-hardening heat treatment, it achieves exceptional mechanical properties while maintaining good fabricability and weldability. This makes it the material of choice for aerospace, gas turbine, and high-temperature fastener applications where conventional stainless steels lack the required strength at elevated temperatures.

 

This high-temperature precipitation-hardening alloy is standardized under key international systems.

Standard	Equivalent Grade
EN (Europe)	1.4980
ASTM/AISI (USA)	A-286, UNS S66286
Common Name	A-286, Alloy 286

Its composition includes titanium and aluminum for age-hardening, along with nickel and chromium for high-temperature stability.

Element	C	Si	Mn	P	S	Cr	Ni	Mo	Ti	Al	V	B
Content (%)	≤ 0.08	≤ 1.0	≤ 2.0	≤ 0.025	≤ 0.025	13.5 - 16.0	24.0 - 27.0	1.0 - 1.5	1.9 - 2.3	≤ 0.35	0.10 - 0.50	0.003 - 0.010

It offers high strength and good ductility, especially after aging.

Condition	Yield Strength (Rp0.2)	Tensile Strength (Rm)	Elongation (A)	Hardness (HRC)
Solution Treated	~ 690 MPa	~ 1035 MPa	~ 20%	~ 30 HRC
Aged	~ 965 MPa	~ 1240 MPa	~ 15%	~ 38 HRC

 

Key Characteristics and Applications of 1.4980 / A-286

Excellent High-Temperature Strength: Maintains high tensile and creep strength up to 700°C (1290°F), significantly outperforming standard stainless steels at elevated temperatures.

Good Oxidation and Corrosion Resistance: Resists scaling and oxidation in air up to about 815°C, with moderate corrosion resistance in various environments.

Precipitation Hardening: Can be solution treated and aged to achieve a combination of high strength and good ductility.

Good Fabricability: Can be formed, machined, and welded in the solution-treated condition before final aging.

 

Primary Applications:

Aerospace: Turbine blades, afterburner components, fasteners, casings, and jet engine parts.

Gas Turbines: Bolts, studs, shafts, and high-temperature structural components.

Automotive: Turbocharger components and high-performance exhaust systems.

Nuclear: Reactor components and high-temperature fasteners.

Industrial: High-stress fasteners and components for high-temperature service.

 

What is the difference between A-286 (1.4980) and 17-4PH (1.4542)?
A-286 is an austenitic superalloy designed primarily for high-temperature strength and creep resistance, while 17-4PH is a martensitic precipitation-hardening stainless steel focused on high room-temperature strength and moderate corrosion resistance. A-286 retains its strength and oxidation resistance at temperatures up to 700°C, whereas 17-4PH is generally limited to lower temperatures (around 300°C). A-286 also offers superior creep resistance for long-term high-temperature service. At room temperature, 17-4PH can achieve higher strength (up to 1310 MPa vs. 1240 MPa for A-286). A-286 is non-magnetic, while 17-4PH is magnetic.

 

What is the typical heat treatment for A-286?
The standard heat treatment for A-286 involves:

Solution Treatment: Heat to 980°C ± 15°C, hold for 1 hour, then rapid cool (oil or water quench) to achieve a soft, workable structure

Aging: Heat to 720°C ± 10°C, hold for 16 hours, then air cool to room temperature

This aging treatment precipitates the gamma prime phase (Ni₃(Al,Ti)), which provides the high-temperature strength

Care must be taken to avoid over-aging or exposure to temperatures that could cause detrimental phase formation

For maximum stress rupture properties, a double aging treatment may be employed

 

What are the welding considerations for A-286?
A-286 can be welded using common methods including TIG and MIG, but requires careful control. Key considerations include:

Welding should be performed in the solution-treated condition

Matching filler metals (A-286 type) are recommended

Low heat input techniques help prevent cracking and maintain properties

Post-weld aging treatment is required to restore strength

For critical applications, welding procedures should be qualified

Resistance welding may be used for thin sections

 

Looking for a Reliable Supplier of 1.4980 / A-286 Stainless Steel?
GNEE Steel supplies high-performance A-286 (1.4980) superalloy in bar, wire, forging, and fastener forms for demanding aerospace and high-temperature applications. We provide full material certification (EN 10204 3.1) and processing support including cutting, machining, and heat treatment services. If you have any requirements, please feel free to contact us.