AMS 5853 - A286 (UNS S66286) Bars & Wire (Cold Worked + Work Strengthened)
What is AMS 5853?
AMS 5853 is the SAE International aerospace material specification for A286 (UNS S66286), an austenitic precipitation-hardenable iron-nickel-chromium superalloy with additions of molybdenum, titanium, aluminum, boron, and vanadium, supplied in the forms of bars and wire in the cold worked and work-strengthened condition.
AMS 5853 is the only SAE AMS specification for A286 in the cold worked condition: bars and wire are cold reduced by 15 to 17% after solution heat treatment, producing a work-strengthened microstructure with significantly higher as-delivered strength than any A286 solution heat treated specification.
The nominal composition is 26Ni-15Cr-1.25Mo-2.15Ti-0.20V-0.20Al-0.05C-0.006B (Fe balance).
AMS 5853 requires consumable electrode melting – the same melt practice requirement as AMS 5726 and AMS 5895 – ensuring precise chemistry control, inclusion cleanliness, and titanium homogeneity essential for consistent cold-work response and downstream precipitation aging.
In the cold worked and work-strengthened condition per AMS 5853, A286 achieves a minimum tensile strength of 160 ksi (1103 MPa) – 30 ksi higher than the 130 ksi minimum of the solution heat treated family.
AMS 5853 bars and wire are the standard high-strength procuring form for A286 aerospace fasteners, engine bolts, and stud hardware where maximum as-delivered strength is required without customer precipitation aging.
AMS 5853 Available Forms and Stocked Sizes
A286 round bar per AMS 5853 in the cold worked and work-strengthened condition; stocked in diameters from 0.1025″ (2.60 mm) to 14.000″ (355.6 mm) in standard mill lengths; saw-cut to customer-specified length available.
A286 flat bar, hex bar, and shaped bar per AMS 5853 in the cold worked condition; flat bar widths and thicknesses available in standard cold-worked sections; hexagon across-flats in standard fastener wrench sizes; verify specific cross-sections with FJM.
A286 wire per AMS 5853 in the cold worked and work-strengthened condition; available in coil or straightened-and-cut lengths for fastener wire and cold-heading applications; typical diameter range from approximately 0.050″ (1.27 mm) to 0.500″ (12.70 mm) – verify specific diameter and coil size availability to order.
Fighter Jet Metals supplies A286 per AMS 5853 in round bar and wire forms in the cold worked and work-strengthened condition.
All material is supplied with full certified mill test reports (CMTR) documenting consumable electrode melt practice, cold reduction percentage, chemical analysis, and mechanical test certifications traceable to the originating mill heat.
Applications of AMS 5853
Aerospace & Gas Turbine Applications
- High-strength aerospace fasteners and bolts manufactured from AMS 5853 cold-worked round bar – 160 ksi minimum tensile in the as-delivered condition eliminates the need for customer precipitation aging before installation in moderate-temperature fastener applications
- Engine case bolts, turbine wheel studs, compressor fasteners, and structural bolts for jet engine assembly fabricated from AMS 5853 cold-worked bar where maximum as-delivered strength is specified by the OEM drawing
- A286 wire per AMS 5853 in the cold-worked and work-strengthened condition for aerospace fastener wire manufacturing – starting material for cold-formed, cold-headed bolt and stud production at high-strength cold-worked strength levels
- Precision-machined aerospace fasteners, threaded studs, and tension bolts requiring 160 ksi minimum tensile without a customer heat treatment step – AMS 5853 is the preferred procuring specification when as-delivered cold-worked strength is the OEM design requirement
- Lock wire, safety wire, and high-strength aerospace wire applications requiring A286 in the work-strengthened condition for maximum strength in the delivered wire form
- Aerospace structural fasteners for airframe, nacelle, and engine build-up where non-magnetic A286 in the high-strength cold-worked condition is required per OEM drawing call-out
Defense Applications
- Military aircraft engine fasteners, bolts, and structural hardware requiring AMS 5853 traceability – full AS9100D-traceable supply with consumable electrode melt documentation on CMTR for military engine and airframe programs
- Defense aerospace fastener wire per AMS 5853 for cold-heading, cold-forming, and precision fastener manufacturing in military aircraft engine and structural fastener programs
- High-strength A286 bar stock per AMS 5853 for precision machined engine hardware on fighter aircraft, attack aircraft, and military rotorcraft programs requiring 160 ksi minimum tensile without additional heat treatment
Industrial and Energy Applications
- Industrial gas turbine (IGT) fastener hardware at moderate service temperatures where AMS 5853’s 160 ksi cold-worked strength is specified and service temperatures remain below cold-work recovery range
- Non-magnetic, high-strength A286 bar per AMS 5853 for subsea and offshore hardware applications requiring corrosion resistance, non-magnetic behavior, and maximum as-delivered strength in a bar or wire form
- Precision machined components requiring the combined attributes of A286 – non-magnetic, corrosion resistant, high-strength – in the cold-worked condition for applications where precipitation aging cannot be performed at the customer’s facility
Chemical Composition - AMS 5853
The following chemical composition limits apply to A286 (UNS S66286) per AMS 5853:
| Element | Symbol | Minimum % | Maximum % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | Fe | - | Balance |
| Nickel | Ni | 24.0 | 27.0 |
| Chromium | Cr | 13.5 | 16.0 |
| Boron | B | 0.003 | 0.010 |
| Molybdenum | Mo | 1.00 | 1.50 |
| Vanadium | V | 0.10 | 0.50 |
| Titanium | Ti | 1.90 | 2.35 |
| Aluminum | Al | - | 0.35 |
| Phosphorus | P | - | 0.030 |
| Carbon | C | - | 0.08 |
| Manganese | Mn | - | 2.00 |
| Silicon | Si | - | 1.00 |
| Copper | Cu | - | 0.50 |
| Sulfur | S | - | 0.020 |
Nickel (24.0–27.0%) stabilizes the austenitic face-centered cubic crystal structure, which is retained through the 15–17% cold reduction and remains stable at operating temperatures.
The high nickel content and cold-worked austenitic structure give AMS 5853 A286 bars and wire their non-magnetic behavior, which is maintained even after severe cold work – important for fastener applications where non-magnetic properties are required.
Chromium (13.5–16.0%) provides oxidation resistance and corrosion resistance in service; the 15% nominal chromium level is sufficient for most aerospace applications up to AMS 5853’s recommended service temperature range.
Molybdenum (1.00–1.50%) contributes solid-solution strengthening and complements the work hardening of the cold-worked microstructure.
Titanium (1.90–2.35%) serves two roles in AMS 5853: first, as a solid-solution strengthener in the cold-worked condition; second, as the primary precipitation hardening element if the customer subsequently ages the material – after aging, titanium reacts with nickel and iron to form coherent gamma-prime (γ’) precipitates that further increase strength above the 160 ksi cold-worked minimum.
The tight titanium specification window (0.45%) is the reason AMS 5853 mandates consumable electrode melting – titanium segregation in non-consumable-electrode material produces inconsistent cold-work strengthening response and unpredictable post-aging properties.
Vanadium (0.10–0.50%) improves notch sensitivity and fatigue resistance, critical for high-strength fasteners and bolts fabricated from AMS 5853 cold-worked bars and wire.
Boron (0.003–0.010%) and Aluminum (max 0.35%) strengthen grain boundaries and improve stress rupture and creep resistance, providing thermal stability when AMS 5853 material is aged or used at elevated temperatures.
Iron (balance) keeps the density of AMS 5853 A286 at 0.286 lb/in³ (7.92 g/cm³) – substantially lower than nickel-base superalloys – a key weight advantage for fastener applications.
Mechanical Properties - AMS 5853
Minimum mechanical properties for A286 per AMS 5853 in the cold worked and work-strengthened condition:
| Property | Imperial | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (min) | 160,000 psi (160 ksi) | 1103 MPa |
| Yield Strength, 0.2% offset (min) | 145,000 psi (145 ksi) | 1000 MPa |
| Elongation in 2 in. or 4D (min) | 10% | 10% |
| Reduction in Area (min) | 30% | 30% |
Elevated Temperature Properties - AMS 5853
The following elevated temperature properties are for A286 (UNS S66286) in the precipitation aged condition.
When AMS 5853 cold-worked material is subsequently precipitation aged by the customer, it achieves elevated temperature properties equivalent to or slightly above aged material starting from the solution heat treated condition.
These are representative typical values from published literature (Carpenter Technology / Special Metals Technical Data) for aged A286:
| Temperature | Tensile Strength (typical) | Yield Strength (typical) | Elongation (typical) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Room Temp (70°F / 21°C) | 145 ksi (1000 MPa) | 100 ksi (690 MPa) | 22% |
| 400°F (204°C) | 140 ksi (965 MPa) | 98 ksi (676 MPa) | 20% |
| 800°F (427°C) | 135 ksi (931 MPa) | 97 ksi (669 MPa) | 18% |
| 1000°F (538°C) | 130 ksi (896 MPa) | 93 ksi (641 MPa) | 17% |
| 1200°F (649°C) | 110 ksi (758 MPa) | 84 ksi (579 MPa) | 16% |
| 1300°F (704°C) | 82 ksi (565 MPa) | 64 ksi (441 MPa) | 18% |
Physical Properties - AMS 5853
| Property | Value (Imperial) | Value (Metric) |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 0.286 lb/in³ | 7.92 g/cm³ |
| Solidus Temperature | ~2500°F | ~1371°C |
| Liquidus Temperature | ~2540°F | ~1393°C |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 29.1 × 10⁶ psi | 201 GPa |
| Thermal Conductivity | 6.8 BTU/(hr·ft·°F) | 11.8 W/(m·K) |
| Thermal Conductivity (1200°F) | 9.2 BTU/(hr·ft·°F) | 15.9 W/(m·K) |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 9.2 × 10⁻⁶ /°F | 16.6 × 10⁻⁶ /°C |
| Specific Heat | 0.110 BTU/(lb·°F) | 460 J/(kg·K) |
| Cold Reduction Amount | 15–17% | 15–17% |
| Melt Practice | Consumable electrode (VIM + VAR or VIM + ESR) | - |
| As-Delivered Condition | Cold Worked + Work Strengthened | - |
| Magnetic Permeability | Non-magnetic (austenitic) | - |
AMS 5853 vs AMS 5726 vs AMS 5895 - Which Specification Do You Need?
All three are SAE AMS specifications for A286 (UNS S66286) in the solution heat treated condition, but they differ fundamentally in product form coverage, melt practice requirements, and SHT temperature:
| Feature | AMS 5853 | AMS 5726 | AMS 5895 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alloy | A286 (UNS S66286) | A286 (UNS S66286) | A286 (UNS S66286) |
| Product Forms | Bars, Wire | Bars, Forgings | Bars, Wire, Forgings, Tubing, Rings |
| Condition | Cold Worked + Work Strengthened | Solution Heat Treated | Solution Heat Treated |
| Condition | Cold Worked + Work Strengthened | Solution Heat Treated | Solution Heat Treated |
| Tensile Strength (min, bar SHT) | 160 ksi (1103 MPa) - as-delivered cold-worked | 130 ksi (896 MPa) | 130 ksi (896 MPa) |
| Weldability | Poor - cold-worked HAZ loses strength | Good in SHT condition | Good in SHT condition |
| SHT Temperature | N/A - cold-worked condition | 1800°F (980°C) / 1 hr min | 1750°F (954°C) - explicitly stated |
| Customer Aging Required | No - 160 ksi delivered cold-worked | Yes - customer ages to 140–145 ksi | Yes - customer ages to service strength |
| Tubing Coverage | No | No | Yes |
| Rings Coverage | No | No | Yes |
| Forgings Covered | No | Yes | Yes |
| Melt Practice | Consumable electrode required | Consumable electrode required | Consumable electrode required (VIM + VAR) |
| Key Characteristic | Only A286 cold-worked specification — highest as-delivered strength (160 ksi) without customer aging; consumable electrode melt required; bars and wire only; not weldable in as-delivered condition | Standard consumable electrode SHT specification for bars and forgings -customer machines, forms, and ages to service strength | Broadest A286 product form coverage overall including rings - but consumable electrode melt (VIM+VAR) required and documented on CMTR; SHT at 1750°F (954°C) |
| Typical Application | Aerospace fasteners and bolts requiring maximum as-delivered strength in bar/wire form; programs where customer precipitation aging is not available or not specified | Engine bolts, turbine fasteners, structural forgings in SHT condition for subsequent customer aging; when forging forms are needed | High-temperature fasteners, rotating engine hardware, and forged rings requiring consumable electrode melt traceability across the full A286 product form range |
Specify AMS 5853 when the OEM engineering drawing calls for AMS 5853 or when A286 in bars or wire is required with 160 ksi minimum tensile in the as-delivered condition without customer precipitation aging.
Specify AMS 5726 when consumable electrode SHT bars or forgings are needed with the customer performing precipitation aging, or when forging forms are required.
Specify AMS 5895 when consumable electrode melt is required across the full A286 product form range including rings, or when SHT with 1750°F (954°C) solution temperature is specified.
Never substitute AMS 5853 for an SHT specification (or vice versa) without written OEM engineering approval – the as-delivered properties, thermal stability, and weldability are fundamentally different between the cold-worked and SHT conditions.
Approved Mill Producers
Fighter Jet Metals sources A286 per AMS 5853 bars and wire from AS9100D-certified mill producers.
All material is supplied with full certified mill test reports (CMTR), heat/lot numbers, chemical analysis reports (spectrographic), cold reduction documentation (15–17% verified), and mechanical test certifications traceable to the originating mill heat and consumable electrode melt practice (VIM+VAR or VIM+ESR confirmed on CMTR).
AMS 5853 Machining Guidelines
A286 per AMS 5853 is supplied in the cold worked and work-strengthened condition, which presents more challenging machining conditions than the solution heat treated condition (AMS 5726, AMS 5731, AMS 5737).
The cold-worked condition has higher hardness, lower ductility, and greater tendency to work-harden under machining compared to SHT material.
For applications where extensive machining is required (complex fastener heads, deep holes, multiple cross-drilled features), consider the procurement sequence carefully – many manufacturers prefer to procure in the SHT condition (AMS 5726 or AMS 5737), machine all features, and then cold-work or age to final strength.
Key machining considerations for AMS 5853 bars and wire in the cold worked + work-strengthened condition:
- Work hardening rate: The cold-worked microstructure of AMS 5853 work-hardens even more rapidly under machining than SHT condition – any rubbing, dwelling, or insufficient feed rate immediately produces a hard work-hardened skin that accelerates tool wear; continuous positive cutting action is essential
- Turning and boring: Positive-rake sharp carbide tooling required (C3 or C4 carbide grade, PVD TiAlN coated); cutting speeds 75–150 SFM with rigid setup; high-pressure flood coolant at all times; interrupt feeds only for tool changes, never mid-pass
- Thread machining: Thread rolling is strongly preferred over thread cutting for AMS 5853 fastener manufacturing – the cold-worked material thread-rolls with very high surface quality and the cold-worked strength is maintained or enhanced by the additional cold work of thread rolling; cutting threads in cold-worked A286 requires sharp carbide threading inserts and single-point threading with careful depth control
- Drilling: Solid carbide drills required for diameters above 0.1875″; cobalt HSS acceptable only for small diameters in thin sections; peck drilling with high-pressure flood coolant; retract frequently to clear chips – long stringy chips are more prevalent in cold-worked condition than SHT
- Milling: Climbing (down) milling mandatory in cold-worked condition; sharp positive-rake carbide endmills; full chip load on every pass to prevent rubbing work-hardening on the cut surface
- Grinding: Finish grinding (centerless or cylindrical) is common for AMS 5853 bar stock to achieve tight OD tolerances and final surface finish for fastener blanks; use appropriate grinding wheel bond and fluid for A286 to prevent heat damage to the cold-worked surface layer
- Coolant: High-pressure flood coolant required at all times; sulfurized or chlorinated cutting oils for difficult features; never dry machine AMS 5853 cold-worked A286
- Surface integrity: The cold-worked surface layer is load-bearing in fastener applications – avoid aggressive interrupted cuts, excessive depth of cut on finishing passes, or grinding burns that introduce tensile residual stress in the surface layer
- Wire processing considerations (AMS 5853 wire): AMS 5853 wire in the cold-worked condition is the starting material for cold-heading, cold-forming, and thread-rolling fastener manufacturing without further heat treatment at the customer’s facility. Verify the wire’s mechanical properties and surface condition on the CMTR before cold-heading – the 15–17% cold reduction increases the risk of head cracking if the wire is over-cold-worked in the heading operation; proper annealing between cold operations may be required for complex head geometries.
Weldability of AMS 5853
A286 per AMS 5853 is supplied in the cold worked and work-strengthened condition.
Welding AMS 5853 cold-worked A286 in the as-delivered condition is not recommended and should be avoided for structural applications.
This is a fundamental difference from the solution heat treated A286 specifications (AMS 5726, AMS 5731, AMS 5737) where welding in the SHT condition is standard practice:
- Heat-affected zone strength loss: In the heat-affected zone (HAZ) adjacent to the weld, the thermal cycle from welding recovers the cold-worked microstructure – the work-strengthened strength (160 ksi min) is completely destroyed in the HAZ, creating a strength discontinuity at the weld that defeats the purpose of the AMS 5853 cold-worked procurement condition
- Weld pool and fusion zone: The weld pool itself solidifies as cast A286, which does not possess the work-strengthened mechanical properties of the base metal – the fusion zone will be significantly weaker than the surrounding cold-worked AMS 5853 base metal
- Recommended alternative for fabricated assemblies: If the design requires welding and high post-weld strength, procure in the solution heat treated condition (AMS 5726 for bars and forgings, AMS 5737 for bars/wire/forgings/tubing) → machine and form all features → weld in the SHT condition → precipitation age to full strength (1325°F / 718°C / 16 hours / air cool) → finish inspect
- If re-solution treatment is possible: AMS 5853 cold-worked bars or structures that require welding can be re-solution heat treated before welding (converting the material to the SHT condition), then welded per AMS 5726/AMS 5731 weld procedures, and subsequently aged to service strength – but this eliminates the AMS 5853 cold-worked condition and requires new mechanical test certification after re-heat treatment
- Limited low-heat applications: Electron beam welding (EBW) with extremely narrow heat input can be applied in some cases with careful engineering evaluation; AMS weld procedure qualification is required; do not assume weldability based on A286 SHT weld data
- Practical guidance: AMS 5853 is designed for machined fastener and bolt applications, not for fabricated or welded assemblies. If your design calls for welded A286 hardware, specify one of the SHT condition specifications (AMS 5726, AMS 5731, AMS 5732, AMS 5737) and apply post-weld precipitation aging.
Melt Practice - AMS 5853
To produce A286 per AMS 5853, consumable electrode melting is required.
This is the same melt practice requirement as AMS 5726 and AMS 5895 – distinguishing these three specifications from the non-consumable-electrode A286 SHT specifications (AMS 5731, AMS 5732, AMS 5734, AMS 5737).
The standard melt practice begins with a primary melt by Vacuum Induction Melting (VIM), which establishes precise chemistry control in a vacuum environment, removing dissolved oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen and precisely controlling titanium, boron, and vanadium additions.
The primary VIM electrode is then remelted as a consumable electrode – by Vacuum Arc Remelting (VAR) or Electroslag Remelting (ESR) – to produce the final ingot.
This double-melt process eliminates macro-segregation, controls inclusion content, and produces a homogeneous ingot with uniform titanium distribution from center to surface.
AMS 5853 Cross-Reference Specifications
SHEET & PLATE
A286 flat-rolled specifications covering sheet, strip, and plate product forms – the flat-product counterparts to AMS 5853 bars and wire.
Bars, Wire, Forgings & Tubing - Solution Heat Treated
A286 bar, wire, forging, and tubing specifications in the solution heat treated condition – the precursor condition from which AMS 5853 cold-worked material is produced, and the sibling specifications covering A286 in the non-cold-worked condition.
GE SPECIFICATIONS
GE Aviation quality and material procurement specifications covering A286 product forms used in GE-designed aircraft engine programs.
ROLLS ROYCE SPECIFICATIONS
Rolls-Royce material quality specifications for A286 product forms used in Rolls-Royce turbine and aircraft engine hardware.
PRATT & WHITNEY SPECIFICATIONS
Pratt & Whitney material procurement specification for A286 bars covering aircraft engine applications.
SAFRAN SPECIFICATIONS
Safran / CFM International material specification for A286 covering Safran-designed aerospace engine component programs.
Trade Names and Equivalent Designations
A286 per AMS 5853 is known by the following trade names and equivalent designations across different standards systems:
| Designation | System | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| A-286 / A286 | Common name | Widely used commercial designation; the hyphen is optional |
| Iron Alloy S66286 | Generic name | Generic iron-based superalloy designation for non-proprietary procurement |
| AISI 660 | AISI | designation sometimes used for A286 in commercial sourcing |
| ASTM A638 Gr. 660 | ASTM specification | Precipitation-hardening iron-base superalloy bars, forgings, and rings - includes UNS S66286 (Grade 660) |
| AMS 5737 | SAE AMS | Solution heat treated bars, wire, forgings, and tubing |
| AMS 5726 | SAE AMS | Solution heat treated bars and forgings |
| UNS S66286 | UNS (Unified Numbering System) | Standard material identifier in North America |
| DIN 1.4980 / W.Nr. 1.4980 | Werkstoff Nr. (German) | European material number designation |
| AMS 5731 | SAE AMS | Solution heat treated bars and forgings - 1800°F SHT, related specification |
| AMS 5525 | SAE AMS | Solution heat treated sheet, strip, and plate |
| AMS 5853 | SAE AMS | Cold-worked and work-strengthened bars and wire |
| AMS 5895 | SAE AMS | Solution heat treated bars, wire, forgings, tubing, rings - 1750°F SHT, consumable electrode |
Why Source AMS 5853 from Fighter Jet Metals?
Full mill certifications on every order
Heat number, lot number, chemical analysis, and mechanical test reports included with every shipment
Complete heat-lot traceability
Full chain-of-custody documentation from mill to your door
Consumable electrode melt traceability
Melt practice (VIM+VAR or VIM+ESR) confirmed and documented on every CMTR; AMS 5853's consumable electrode melt requirement fully traceable from ingot through cold reduction to final product
AS9100D-certified aerospace sourcing
Material sourced from AS9100D-certified mills only
Bar diameter range 0.1025″ to 14.00″
Full size range in round bar stocked for immediate availability
OEM specification support
Stock and supply to GE B50T1181C, B50T12, B50T81, MSRR 6531/6532/6688, PWA-S-5732, and DMD 0274-22 requirements in addition to AMS 5853 and related AMS 5525, 5726, 5731, 5732, 5734, 5737, 5858, and 5895 specifications
In-house processing
Bar saw cutting to length, trepanning (hollow bar), lathe work (turning), and shearing available for AMS 5737 bar stock; custom-cut sizes to your dimensions
Cold reduction verification
15–17% cold reduction documented on CMTR; no guesswork on work-strengthening process
Same-day quote response
Competitive pricing with rapid quote turnaround
Certified Material for Critical Service
Materials supplied in 6Al-4V titanium must meet strict aerospace certification and traceability requirements. Fighter Jet Metals supports sourcing across a wide range of AMS, MIL, and OEM specifications, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
All material is supplied with full mill certifications, complete heat-lot traceability, and detailed documentation. This ensures reliability and suitability for safety-critical aerospace, defense, and high-performance engineering applications.