PRECISION IN MATERIAL. CLARITY IN SUPPLY.

PRECIPITATION HARDENING

1.4596 Stainless Steel

1.4596 is a precipitation-hardening stainless steel for components requiring high mechanical strength. Its very low-carbon chromium-nickel-molybdenum composition combines corrosion resistance with load-carrying capability. Uses include specialised fasteners and heavily loaded mechanical components.

Calculate weight with this grade
Grade / Alloy
1.4596
EN / W.Nr.
1.4596X1CrNiMoAlTi12-10-2
AISI / SAE
—
UNS
S10120
Family
Precipitation hardening

Chemical composition

Chemical composition

Composition limits

Composition limits within the EN 10088-3 long-product scope.

1.4596 — chemical composition, % by mass
ElementContent (% by mass)
CCarbon≤ 0.015
SiSilicon≤ 0.1
MnManganese≤ 0.1
PPhosphorus≤ 0.01
SSulfur≤ 0.005
NNitrogen≤ 0.02
CrChromium11.5–12.5
MoMolybdenum1.85–2.15
NiNickel9.2–10.2
AlAluminium0.8–1.1
TiTitanium0.28–0.4

Values describe the grade, not the analysis of a specific batch. The applicable product specification and material certificate determine acceptance. A dash does not mean zero.

High-strength PH stainless

1.4596 is a PH stainless steel used in high-strength connections and mechanical components. Its very low-carbon chromium-nickel-molybdenum composition, including aluminium and titanium, can develop high mechanical properties. These characteristics are valuable where compact parts carry demanding loads. Stainless behaviour also contributes in mechanical parts exposed to moisture or environmental conditions.

1.4596 — heat-treatment conditions

1.4596 offers different high-strength levels according to ageing condition. The reference cycles at 510 °C and 540 °C show two property balances within the same grade. The lower-temperature example gives higher strength; the 540 °C example gives higher impact energy.

Temperatures are nominal. Holding time starts after the material reaches the specified temperature. The table explains the conditions; furnace tolerances, section size and acceptance requirements follow the applicable product specification.

ConditionTemperature (°C)Time at temperatureCooling
Solution treated840Per product specificationAir, oil or water
510 °C age5104 hPer product specification
540 °C age5404 hPer product specification

1.4596 — mechanical properties by condition

These typical values belong to one published producer implementation of 1.4596. They are not common acceptance limits for every product form and section.

MPa and N/mm² are equivalent units. Typical values are neither batch test results nor guaranteed acceptance limits; stated minima and maxima apply only within the product scope described.

ConditionTensile Rm (MPa)Yield Rp0.2 (MPa)Elongation (%)Charpy KV (J)
510 °C / 4 h157014901035
540 °C / 4 h1440137010.560

Mechanical duty in the component

High strength helps a connection withstand force without permanent deformation. In applications of 1.4596, this relates to carrying substantial loads within a small section. Toughness and elongation complete the description of behaviour under load. Its mechanical character is therefore better explained by the combined strength and deformation characteristics than by a single hardness value.

Specialised connections and machine parts

Specialised fasteners and heavily loaded mechanical components are among its uses. The material family also appears in motorsport, where light and compact parts are important. These applications demand high load capacity relative to component size. Stainless behaviour is useful when environmental protection is needed alongside the mechanical function.

Differences from 1.4530 and 13-8 PH

1.4596 belongs to a low-carbon PH family related to 1.4530. It is nevertheless a separate alloy identified by S10120, with nickel, molybdenum and other alloying levels affecting its properties. 13-8 PH has a different composition again. The role of 1.4596 is best explained through its use in high-strength connections and compact mechanical components.

Typical application areas

High-strength connections and mechanical components.

Product and cutting options

Relevant product forms for this material are listed below. Availability varies with grade and dimensions.