Stainless Steel A286 is a precipitation-hardenable super-alloy based on iron. The material finds use in applications requiring high strength, paired with corrosion resistance up to 1300 °F (700 °C). Besides, the alloy has other favorable properties, including excellent fabrication characteristics, low-temperature non-magnetic strength [down to -320 °F (-196 °C)], and ductility.
Thanks to its unique properties, Stainless Steel finds use in various aircraft components, including jet engine components, fasteners, and springs. Moreover, the material is used in industrial gas turbines, aqueous solutions with moderate corrosion properties, and non-magnetic cryogenic parts. Other applications include high-temperature afterburner parts, tanks, piping, pumps, heat exchangers, and superchargers in the automotive industry.
Meanwhile, despite the fact that A286 is harder than similar nickel or cobalt-based stainless steel, it can be easily machined and formed by cold-drawing. Furthermore, depending on the application, A286 can be solution annealed or age-hardened, while additional cold-working elevates the creep strength substantially.
