Alloy A286 Chemical Composition, Mechanical Properties & Heat Treatment
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Table of Contents
- What Is Alloy A286?
- Alloy A286 Chemical Composition
- Role of Major Alloying Elements
- Alloy A286 Mechanical Properties
- How Precipitation Hardening Works
- Alloy A286 Heat Treatment
- Physical and High-Temperature Properties
- Applicable Standards and Designations
- Alloy A286 Round Bar and Product Forms
- Where A286 Is Used
- What to Check Before Buying A286
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Source Alloy A286 from Manan Steel & Metals?
- Conclusion
What Is Alloy A286?
Alloy A286 is an iron-nickel-chromium-based, austenitic precipitation-hardening alloy developed for applications requiring a combination of high strength, corrosion resistance, good ductility and elevated-temperature performance.
The material is commonly identified by several designations depending on the market, specification or product form:
| Designation | Identification |
|---|---|
| Alloy A286 | Common commercial designation |
| Alloy 286 | Alternate commercial name |
| Alloy 660 | AISI designation |
| AISI 660 | Steel designation |
| UNS S66286 | UNS designation |
| 1.4980 | Common Werkstoff number |
| X6NiCrTiMoVB25-15-2 | EN designation |
| BÖHLER T200 | Manufacturer grade designation |
A286 is particularly interesting because its strength can be increased through precipitation hardening, also known as age hardening. This makes it suitable for demanding components where ordinary austenitic materials may not provide sufficient mechanical strength.
According to Carpenter Technology, A-286 is designed for applications requiring high strength and corrosion resistance at temperatures up to approximately 704°C (1300°F).
Alloy A286 Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of A286 is central to its performance. Nickel, chromium, molybdenum, titanium, aluminum, vanadium and boron work together to provide the alloy’s corrosion resistance, strength and precipitation-hardening capability.
A representative composition according to current manufacturer data is:
| Element | Typical / Specified Content |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | Max. 0.08% |
| Silicon (Si) | Max. 1.00% |
| Manganese (Mn) | Max. 2.00% |
| Phosphorus (P) | Max. 0.030% |
| Sulfur (S) | Max. 0.030% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 13.50–16.00% |
| Nickel (Ni) | 24.00–27.00% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 1.00–1.50% |
| Titanium (Ti) | 1.90–2.30% |
| Vanadium (V) | 0.10–0.50% |
| Boron (B) | 0.003–0.010% |
| Aluminum (Al) | Max. 0.35% |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
The exact chemistry must always be checked against the applicable product specification and the material test certificate supplied for the particular heat or batch.
Role of Major Alloying Elements
Nickel
Nickel is present at a relatively high level and contributes to the alloy’s austenitic structure, corrosion resistance and high-temperature characteristics.
Chromium
Chromium supports corrosion and oxidation resistance, making A286 suitable for demanding industrial environments.
Molybdenum
Molybdenum contributes to mechanical strength and high-temperature creep resistance. This is particularly important in power-generation and high-temperature engineering applications.
Titanium and Aluminum
Titanium and aluminum play an important role in precipitation hardening. During appropriate aging treatment, strengthening phases form within the alloy’s microstructure.
Vanadium
Vanadium contributes to the alloy’s overall strengthening system and high-temperature performance.
Boron
Boron is present in a very small quantity but can be important to the material’s high-temperature mechanical behavior.
Alloy A286 Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of A286 depend on the product form, heat-treatment condition, applicable specification and testing requirements.
Therefore, a single tensile-strength number should not be treated as universal for every A286 round bar or component.
For example, voestalpine publishes specification-dependent values for 1.4980/A286, including a yield strength of at least 585 MPa and tensile strength of at least 895 MPa for one listed A453/A638 condition. Another listed DIN condition specifies a yield strength of at least 600 MPa and tensile strength of 900–1150 MPa.
| Property | A286 Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Alloy structure | Austenitic |
| Strengthening mechanism | Precipitation / age hardening |
| Corrosion resistance | Good |
| High-temperature strength | Excellent for its application class |
| Creep resistance | Good at elevated temperatures |
| Ductility | Good, depending on condition |
| Weldability | Possible with appropriate procedures |
| Low-temperature performance | Good ductility in suitable conditions |
| High-temperature capability | Application-dependent; commonly used around 704°C for strength applications |
This is why buyers should specify the required condition and applicable standard, rather than simply ordering “A286 material.”
How Precipitation Hardening Works in A286
One of the most important characteristics of A286 is its ability to achieve higher strength through precipitation hardening.
The basic concept involves controlled heat treatment followed by aging.
During aging, fine strengthening phases form within the metal’s microstructure. These precipitates restrict the movement of dislocations, which increases resistance to plastic deformation.
In practical terms:
Solution treatment → controlled cooling → aging → precipitation → increased strength
The exact treatment depends on the required product condition and applicable specification.
This process allows A286 to provide considerably higher strength than would be expected from its solution-treated condition alone.
Alloy A286 Heat Treatment
Heat treatment is one of the most important considerations when purchasing A286.
The objective is not simply to heat the material, but to establish the required metallurgical condition for the intended application.
A typical A286 processing route involves:
1. Solution Treatment
The material is heated to an appropriate solution-treatment temperature so that the alloying elements are placed into a suitable solid solution.
2. Cooling
Controlled cooling is then performed according to the relevant specification.
3. Aging / Precipitation Hardening
The material is subsequently aged at a controlled temperature for a specified period.
This promotes the formation of strengthening precipitates and increases mechanical strength.
Why Heat Treatment Matters
Two A286 products with identical chemical composition can have significantly different mechanical properties if they have been supplied in different heat-treatment conditions.
For this reason, procurement specifications should identify:
- Material designation
- Product form
- Applicable standard
- Heat-treatment condition
- Mechanical-property requirements
- Chemical composition
- Testing requirements
- Dimensional requirements
- Material Test Certificate requirements
For production applications, the exact heat-treatment cycle should be selected from the applicable material specification rather than copied from a generic online table.
Physical and High-Temperature Properties
A286 is designed for demanding temperature environments.
Current voestalpine data for 1.4980 lists:
| Physical Property | Published Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 7.95 g/cm³ |
| Thermal conductivity at 20°C | 13 W/(m·K) |
| Electrical resistivity | 0.91 Ω·mm²/m |
| Coefficient of thermal expansion | 16.5 × 10⁻⁶ m/(m·K) |
The same source identifies A286 as a material offering high-temperature strength and good creep resistance, with applications extending into aerospace, power generation, oil and gas, chemical processing and other engineering sectors.
For elevated-temperature service, however, the actual allowable temperature depends on stress, exposure time, environment, product condition and design requirements.
Applicable Standards and Designations
A286 is available under several international designations and specifications.
| Standard / Designation | Relevance |
|---|---|
| UNS S66286 | UNS material designation |
| 1.4980 | Werkstoff number |
| AISI 660 | AISI designation |
| X6NiCrTiMoVB25-15-2 | EN designation |
| ASTM A453 | High-temperature bolting-related specification |
| ASTM A638 | High-temperature service material specification |
| AMS 5731 | Aerospace material specification |
| AMS 5732 | Aerospace material specification |
| VdTÜV WB 435/3 | Technical material specification |
| ASME Code Case 1592 | Pressure-vessel-related application reference |
Not every standard applies to every product form.
For example, ASTM A453 Grade 660 is relevant to specified high-temperature bolting products, while AMS specifications may apply to particular aerospace product forms. Therefore, the standard should be matched to the actual component being purchased.
Manufacturer references identify A286 as UNS S66286 / 1.4980 and list ASTM A453, ASTM A638 and AMS specifications among applicable references.
Alloy A286 Round Bar and Product Forms
A286 is available in several forms depending on application and manufacturing requirements.
Common forms include:
- A286 Round Bar
- A286 Rod
- A286 Flat Bar
- A286 Wire
- A286 Forgings
- A286 Forging Stock
- A286 Fastener Material
- Special engineering components
For buyers looking for A286 round bar, important specifications include:
- Diameter
- Length
- UNS designation
- Werkstoff number
- Applicable ASTM / AMS standard
- Heat-treatment condition
- Mechanical properties
- Chemical composition
- Surface condition
- Straightness
- Testing requirements
- MTC availability
Carpenter Technology lists A-286 in product forms including bars, rounds, flats, shapes, billets, strip and wire.
Where Is A286 Used?
The combination of strength, corrosion resistance and high-temperature capability makes A286 useful across several engineering sectors.
Aerospace
A286 can be used for aerospace hardware and components where elevated-temperature strength and corrosion resistance are required.
Power Generation
The material is used for components associated with gas and steam power-generation systems.
Fasteners
A286 is widely associated with high-temperature bolts, nuts and other fastening components.
Turbine Components
Applications include turbine and compressor-related components such as shafts and other highly loaded parts.
Oil & Gas
A286 can be used for selected valves, components and equipment requiring a combination of strength and corrosion resistance.
Chemical Processing
Its corrosion resistance and mechanical performance make it relevant to selected chemical-processing equipment.
voestalpine identifies applications including gas turbines, power generation, aerospace, mechanical engineering, piping and valve technology, oil and gas, automotive engineering and chemical-related applications.
What to Check Before Buying A286
When sourcing A286, don’t evaluate the material only by its trade name.
A professional purchase specification should confirm:
1. Correct material identification
Confirm A286 / UNS S66286 and the applicable material designation.
2. Product form
Specify whether you need round bar, wire, forging, fastener material or another form.
3. Standard
Confirm the applicable ASTM, AMS, EN or other specification.
4. Heat-treatment condition
The required mechanical properties can depend strongly on heat treatment.
5. Chemical composition
Request chemistry corresponding to the applicable specification.
6. Mechanical test results
Verify tensile strength, yield strength, elongation and other required properties.
7. Material Test Certificate
For critical industrial applications, request an MTC showing the actual heat/batch results.
8. Dimensions
Confirm diameter, length, tolerance and surface condition before placing the order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alloy A286 the same as UNS S66286?
Yes. UNS S66286 is the UNS designation commonly associated with A286 / Alloy 286.
What is the Werkstoff number of A286?
1.4980 is a commonly referenced Werkstoff number for A286, although A286-related material variants can appear under additional material numbers depending on the specification and product condition.
Is A286 precipitation hardenable?
Yes. A286 is designed to achieve increased strength through precipitation or age hardening.
What is AISI 660?
AISI 660 is another designation commonly associated with A286.
What is the main advantage of A286?
Its major advantage is the combination of high strength, corrosion resistance, ductility and elevated-temperature performance, with the ability to increase strength through controlled heat treatment.
Is A286 suitable for high-temperature applications?
Yes. A286 is specifically used in demanding high-temperature applications. Published manufacturer information describes applications requiring strength at temperatures around 704°C, while oxidation resistance can extend to higher temperatures under appropriate conditions. Actual service limits depend on design and environment.
Is ASTM A453 applicable to all A286 products?
No. ASTM A453 applies to specific high-temperature bolting products and grades. The correct specification must be selected according to the product form and application.
Why Source Alloy A286 from Manan Steel & Metals?
Manan Steel & Metals supplies Alloy A286 Round Bar for industrial and engineering requirements.
Our A286 material can be discussed against requirements such as:
- UNS S66286
- A286 / Alloy 286
- 1.4980
- AISI 660
- Required diameter and length
- Applicable specification
- Heat-treatment condition
- MTC requirements
- Industrial application
For product information, visit the Alloy A286 Round Bar page at Manan Steel & Metals.
You can also explore our industrial round bar products and the Manan Steel & Metals website.
For technical or commercial requirements, contact:
Manan Steel & Metals
Shop No. 2, Hira Building, 97 Khetwadi Main Road,
Girgaon, Mumbai – 400004, Maharashtra, India
Phone: 7977369869
Email: manansteel@gmail.com
Website: https://www.manansteel.com/
Conclusion
Alloy A286 is a technically important precipitation-hardening material identified by designations including UNS S66286, 1.4980, AISI 660 and Alloy 286.
Its performance comes from a carefully balanced chemical composition containing nickel, chromium, molybdenum, titanium, aluminum, vanadium and other controlled additions. More importantly, its mechanical properties can be enhanced through appropriate precipitation-hardening treatment.
For buyers, the most important point is that A286 should be specified by material designation, product form, applicable standard, heat-treatment condition and required mechanical properties rather than by the trade name alone.
For A286 round bar and industrial material requirements, contact Manan Steel & Metals for specification-based sourcing and commercial enquiry.