Alloy A-286 Forging Parts: Forged Rings, Extrusion Tooling, Shafts and Bar in UNS S66286

Manufactured by Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal Co., Ltd., an open-die forging factory in Jiangyin, Jiangsu Province, China. Last technically reviewed 14 August 2026 by the Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal Metallurgical Engineering Team.

Alloy A-286 key facts at a glance

Values marked "typical" are Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal production means, not specification minimums. Governing standards are listed under references.

1. Alloy A-286 is designated UNS S66286 and is also sold as A286, Alloy 660, ASTM A638 Type 660, ASTM A453 Grade 660, DIN/EN 1.4980 and JIS SUH 660, all the same alloy.
2. The strengthening phase in Alloy A-286 is γ′ Ni₃(Ti,Al), precipitated by ageing at 720 °C for 16 hours followed by air cooling.
3. Alloy A-286 density is 7.94 g/cm³ (0.287 lb/in³); modulus of elasticity at room temperature is 201 GPa (29.1 × 10⁶ psi).
4. AMS 5732 requires a minimum tensile strength of 895 MPa (130 ksi) and minimum 0.2 % proof strength of 586 MPa (85 ksi) in the solution-treated and aged condition.
5. Typical production values at Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal Co., Ltd. are ≈1,000 MPa tensile, ≈660 MPa yield, ≈25 % elongation and ≈30 HRC hardness.
6. Alloy A-286 is designed for service up to ≈700 °C (1,290 °F); above that the γ′ precipitates coarsen and strength falls away.
7. Alloy A-286 also retains excellent toughness down to ≈−253 °C, which is why it is used in liquid-hydrogen and liquid-oxygen service.
8. Alloy A-286 is fully austenitic and non-magnetic in every condition, with relative permeability ≈1.005, unlike martensitic PH grades such as 17-4PH.
9. Alloy A-286 is forged from 1,150 °C and must not be finished below 950 °C; Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal applies a minimum 4:1 forging ratio on ring and disc forgings.
10. Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal Co., Ltd. forges Alloy A-286 discs to Ø1,500 mm, rolled rings to 1,800 mm OD, shafts to 6 m, bar Ø25–400 mm, max 5,000 kg per piece.
11. Alloy A-286 extrusion die rings and liners are forged from 200 mm to 1,200 mm OD for hot aluminium and copper extrusion press tooling.
12. Alloy A-286 forgings are ultrasonically tested to EN 10228-3, SEP 1921 or ASTM A388, and certified to EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 third-party witness.

What Alloy A-286 forged products are available?

Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal Co., Ltd. produces Alloy A-286 forging parts in sixteen standard product forms, from seamless rolled rings and forged shafts through to complete hot extrusion tooling sets. Parts are made by open-die forging for shafts, blocks and heavy sections; seamless ring rolling for rectangular, contoured and T-section rings; upset forging for short large-section hubs; and near-net-shape forging where the die profile removes 30–50 % of the rough machining stock.

Hot extrusion tooling in Alloy A-286

Alloy A-286 is widely used for aluminium and copper extrusion press tooling. At 540 °C, a normal container working temperature, it still holds roughly 870 MPa tensile strength, and it machines more easily than a nickel-based superalloy at about a third of the cost. Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal forges the following tooling in Alloy A-286:

What are the equivalent designations for Alloy A-286?

Alloy A-286, A286, UNS S66286, Alloy 660, ASTM A638 Type 660, ASTM A453 Grade 660, DIN/EN 1.4980 (X6NiCrTiMoVB25-15-2) and JIS SUH 660 all designate the same iron-based precipitation-hardening superalloy. The principal alloying ranges are harmonised internationally; differences between standards are confined to trace-element limits, mainly phosphorus, sulfur and boron, and to which tests are mandatory. None of these designations is a trademark. The alloy was developed under NACA sponsorship at Allegheny Ludlum in the 1950s and the original patents have long expired, so any qualified producer that meets the chemistry and property requirements may supply under these names.

What is the chemical composition of Alloy A-286 (UNS S66286)?

Alloy A-286 contains 24.00–27.00 % nickel, 13.50–16.00 % chromium, 1.90–2.35 % titanium, 1.00–1.50 % molybdenum, 0.10–0.50 % vanadium, 0.001–0.010 % boron, up to 0.35 % aluminium and up to 0.08 % carbon, with iron as the balance. Nickel stabilises the austenite matrix; chromium provides oxidation resistance; titanium and aluminium form the γ′ Ni₃(Ti,Al) precipitates that carry the age-hardening response; molybdenum and vanadium contribute solid-solution strength; and boron, present only in tens of parts per million, strengthens the grain boundaries and is responsible for much of the alloy's creep-rupture life.

What are the mechanical properties of Alloy A-286?

In the solution-treated and aged condition, AMS 5732 requires Alloy A-286 to reach a minimum tensile strength of 895 MPa (130 ksi), a minimum 0.2 % proof strength of 586 MPa (85 ksi), minimum elongation of 15 % and minimum reduction of area of 18 %. Typical production forgings comfortably exceed these figures, at roughly 1,000 MPa tensile strength and 660 MPa yield strength. In the solution-treated-only condition (AMS 5731) the alloy is far softer, around 620 MPa tensile and 250 MPa yield . This is the condition supplied when the buyer intends to machine, form or cold-head the material before ageing it.

How does Alloy A-286 strength change with temperature?

Alloy A-286 holds approximately 870 MPa tensile strength at 540 °C, 770 MPa at 650 °C and 650 MPa at 700 °C, then falls sharply above 700 °C as the γ′ precipitates coarsen. Standard 304 and 316 austenitic stainless steels have lost most of their useful design strength by 550 °C, while Alloy A-286 still carries roughly 60–70 % of its room-temperature yield strength at 650 °C. The alloy also stays tough and ductile at cryogenic temperatures, so one grade covers both a 650 °C turbine bolt and a −253 °C liquid-hydrogen fitting.

What are the physical properties of Alloy A-286?

The thermal expansion figure explains why Alloy A-286 is standard for high-temperature bolting. ASTM A453 Grade 660 exists because A-286 expands at close to the same rate as the austenitic stainless flanges it clamps, so a bolted joint neither loses preload nor overloads itself as the assembly cycles through its operating temperature.

How is Alloy A-286 heat treated?

The standard cycle for Alloy A-286 is a solution treatment at 900–980 °C for 1–2 hours followed by an oil quench, then precipitation ageing at 720 °C for 16 hours followed by air cooling. The solution temperature is a specification choice, not a tolerance band. Treating near 980 °C dissolves more titanium into the matrix and gives better creep and stress-rupture performance. Treating near 900 °C leaves a finer grain and better notch ductility at room temperature. Aerospace rotating parts are normally solution treated at 980 °C; extrusion tooling and fastener stock are often treated at the lower end.

1. Stage 1Solution treat, 900–980 °C, 1–2 h Dissolves γ′ and titanium carbonitrides into the austenite matrix. Hold time scales at roughly 30 minutes per 25 mm of section thickness above the base soak.
2. Stage 2Oil quench, transfer under 30 seconds Oil, not water: water quenching cracks heavy sections. Transfer time is the most critical parameter in the cycle. See the note below.
3. Stage 3Age at 720 °C for 16 h Precipitates coherent γ′ Ni₃(Ti,Al) at roughly 20–30 nm mean diameter. Shorter holds under-develop the precipitates; longer holds coarsen them by Ostwald ripening and cost yield strength.
4. Stage 4Air cool to ambient Controlled cooling through the 720–600 °C band prevents further γ′ coarsening. Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal uses an argon-purged forced cool to 600 °C, then natural air cooling.

How is Alloy A-286 forged, welded and machined?

Forging

Alloy A-286 is forged from a start temperature of approximately 1,150 °C and must not be finished below approximately 950 °C. Below that point the alloy work-hardens rapidly and surface tearing and internal bursting become likely; above roughly 1,175 °C there is a risk of incipient melting at segregated interdendritic regions. Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal Co., Ltd. reheats to 1,120 °C between forging steps, holds finishing strain rates in the 0.05–0.20 s⁻¹ band, and applies a minimum 4:1 forging ratio on ring and disc forgings and 6:1 on bar stock. Below 4:1 the as-cast dendritic structure is not fully broken down and shows as banding in the final macroetch. Grain flow is verified by macroetch to ASTM E381 before dispatch.

Welding

Alloy A-286 is weldable by GTAW, GMAW, electron-beam and laser welding, using matching filler per AMS 5804 or AMS 5805. Weld in the solution-treated condition, not the aged condition, and re-solution-treat and age the completed assembly to recover full properties. The main risk is strain-age cracking. In highly restrained joints, γ′ precipitation during the post-weld thermal cycle overlaps with the stress-relief soak, so residual stress builds on grain boundaries while they are at their weakest. Control heating and cooling rates through the 600–800 °C range, and do not weld material suspected of carrying η-phase.

Machining

Aged Alloy A-286 machines at roughly 30–40 % the rate of Type 304 stainless steel. It work-hardens rapidly, so the tool must not dwell. Keep positive feed contact at all times, use rigid setups and sharp positive-rake carbide tooling, hold turning speeds in the 25–40 m/min range, take heavy positive feeds, and flood with coolant. Many shops machine in the solution-treated condition and age afterwards, accepting the small dimensional change that ageing produces.

Where are Alloy A-286 forgings used?

The combination of high strength to 700 °C, good oxidation resistance, non-magnetic austenitic structure and cryogenic toughness puts Alloy A-286 forgings into a wide span of industries. The table below maps the product forms above onto the service environments where Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal customers use them.

What is the Alloy A-286 forging capability at Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal?

Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal Co., Ltd. forges Alloy A-286 discs to 1,500 mm diameter, seamless rolled rings to 1,800 mm outside diameter, shafts to 6 m length and bar from 25 mm to 400 mm diameter, with a maximum single-piece weight of 5,000 kg. These limits are lower than our carbon-steel envelope because Alloy A-286 needs slower deformation rates, more reheats and a higher finishing-temperature floor than structural steels.

When should you choose Alloy A-286 over Inconel 718 or Waspaloy?

Choose Alloy A-286 when the service temperature stays below approximately 700 °C and cost matters, and choose a nickel-based superalloy when it does not. Alloy A-286 costs roughly one third of Inconel 718 per kilogram and machines substantially more easily, but gives up about 275 MPa of tensile strength. Precipitation-hardening martensitic stainless steels such as 17-4PH are cheaper again, but their limit of about 315 °C keeps them out of these applications.

Which standards, NDT and certification apply to Alloy A-286 forgings?

Alloy A-286 forgings from Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal Co., Ltd. are manufactured and inspected to the public specifications listed below. Our standing quality-management certification is ISO 9001:2015. AS9100, NADCAP and tier-1 aerospace OEM source approvals are not currently held as standing certifications. Where a programme requires them we work with the customer on a per-project basis, either through joint qualification, sub-tier sourcing via an already-approved partner, or by opening the certification pathway during the project. Please raise this with us before placing an order.

• AMS 5731
• AMS 5732
• AMS 5734
• AMS 5737
• AMS 5853
• AMS 5804 / 5805
• ASTM A638 Type 660
• ASTM A453 Grade 660
• EN 10269
• EN 10302
• DIN 1.4980
• JIS G 4901 (SUH 660)
• EN 10228-3 (UT)
• SEP 1921 (UT)
• ASTM A388 (UT)
• AMS 2154 (UT)
• AMS 2647 (PT)
• AMS 2750 (pyrometry)
• ASTM E112 (grain size)
• ASTM E381 (macroetch)
• EN 10204 3.1
• EN 10204 3.2

How do you specify an Alloy A-286 forging order?

Alloy A-286 carries one procurement decision that most stainless grades do not: melting practice. The rest follows a normal forging order.

1. Step 1State the designation Write "Alloy A-286 / UNS S66286" plus the governing specification. AMS 5732 for aerospace, ASTM A638 Type 660 for industrial and extrusion tooling, ASTM A453 Grade 660 for bolting, EN 1.4980 for European projects, JIS SUH 660 for Japanese supply chains.
2. Step 2Specify melting practice EAF + VOD + ESR for commercial parts and extrusion tooling, VIM for general high-temperature service, VIM-VAR double melt for aerospace-critical rotating parts under AMS 5853.
3. Step 3State the supply condition Solution treated only (AMS 5731) if you will machine and age it yourself, or solution treated and aged at 720 °C / 16 h (AMS 5732 / 5737) for finished parts. This is a common cause of delivery disputes.
4. Step 4Send the drawing and machining stock Critical dimensions, machining allowance, surface roughness, and for rings and discs the required grain-flow direction verified by macroetch per ASTM E381.
5. Step 5Define the ultrasonic acceptance standard State whether UT follows EN 10228-3, SEP 1921, ASTM A388 or AMS 2154, and give the acceptance class. Add penetrant per ASTM E1417 or AMS 2647 where surface integrity is critical.
6. Step 6Specify certification level EN 10204 3.1 mill certificate, or 3.2 witnessed by a nominated third party. Say if you need a multi-designation certificate covering AMS, EN and JIS simultaneously.
7. Step 7Send quantity, date and Incoterms Email sales@steelforgepieces.com or call +86-189-2135-9659. Complete enquiries are answered within 24 hours.

MATERIAL:      Alloy A-286 / UNS S66286 per ASTM A638 Type 660
               (also satisfies AMS 5732, ASTM A453 Gr 660,
                EN 1.4980 / X6NiCrTiMoVB25-15-2, JIS SUH 660)
MELT PRACTICE: EAF + VOD + ESR   // VIM-VAR per AMS 5853 if aerospace
CONDITION:     Solution 980 °C / 1 h, oil quench;
               age 720 °C / 16 h, air cool
HARDNESS:      248-341 HBW
GRAIN FLOW:    Continuous, following part contour;
               verify macroetch per ASTM E381
GRAIN SIZE:    ASTM E112 No. 4-7
NDE:           UT per EN 10228-3 Class 3   // or SEP 1921 / ASTM A388
               PT per ASTM E1417 where specified
CERTIFICATION: EN 10204 3.1 (3.2 witnessed if specified)
MARKING:       Heat number + condition + drawing number,
               vibro-etched on non-functional surface

Alloy A-286 glossary

Alloy A-286

An age-hardenable iron-nickel-chromium superalloy, UNS S66286, strengthened by γ′ Ni₃(Ti,Al) and usable to approximately 700 °C. The "A" derives from Allegheny Ludlum, where the alloy was developed under NACA sponsorship in the 1950s. Not a trademark.

γ′ (gamma prime)

The ordered, coherent Ni₃(Ti,Al) precipitate formed during ageing at 720 °C. Dislocations must cut through these coherent particles, which is where the strength comes from.

η-phase (eta phase)

Hexagonal Ni₃Ti that precipitates on grain boundaries when the alloy dwells between 700 and 760 °C. Embrittling, thermodynamically stable, and a direct cause of strain-age cracking.

Strain-age cracking

Intergranular cracking that occurs when γ′ precipitation and residual-stress relaxation happen simultaneously during post-weld heat treatment of a restrained joint.

Extrusion liner

The replaceable cylindrical sleeve inside an extrusion press container that holds the hot billet under pressure. Alloy A-286 is used for liners and liner holders where container temperatures approach 500 °C.

EAF + VOD + ESR

Electric arc furnace melting, followed by vacuum oxygen decarburisation for refining, then electroslag remelting for cleanliness and homogeneity. The standard route for commercial-grade Alloy A-286 forging stock.

VIM / VAR / VIM-VAR

Vacuum induction melting; vacuum arc remelting; and the double-melt route combining both. VIM-VAR removes inclusion clusters above about 50 µm that would otherwise initiate low-cycle fatigue cracks, and is normally mandatory for AMS 5853 rotating parts.

EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2

Inspection-document types. A 3.1 certificate is issued by the manufacturer's own independent quality department; a 3.2 certificate is countersigned by a third party nominated by the purchaser.

Frequently asked questions about Alloy A-286

Source and attribution

The data on this page may be quoted or reproduced with attribution to Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal Co., Ltd. and a link back to this page.

Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal Co., Ltd. (2026). "Alloy A-286 Forging Parts
(UNS S66286 / 1.4980 / SUH 660): Product Forms, Properties and
Manufacturing Capability." Jiangyin, Jiangsu, China. Retrieved from
https://www.steelforgepieces.com/Nickel-Alloy/Alloy-A-286.html

@techreport{jiangnan_alloy_a286_2026,
  title  = {Alloy A-286 Forging Parts (UNS S66286 / 1.4980 / SUH 660):
            Product Forms, Properties and Manufacturing Capability},
  author = {{Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal Co., Ltd. Metallurgical Engineering Team}},
  year   = {2026},
  address= {Jiangyin, Jiangsu, China},
  url    = {https://www.steelforgepieces.com/Nickel-Alloy/Alloy-A-286.html}
}

Technical references

Chemistry, property and heat-treatment data on this page are drawn from the published standards and reference works below. Values described as production typicals are measured by the Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal in-house laboratory on calibrated equipment.

1. SAE International, AMS 5732 — Steel, Corrosion and Heat-Resistant, Bars, Wire, Forgings and Rings, Solution and Precipitation Heat Treated.
2. SAE International, AMS 5731, AMS 5734, AMS 5737, AMS 5853 — companion Alloy A-286 bar, forging and ring specifications.
3. SAE International, AMS 2154 (ultrasonic inspection), AMS 2647 (fluorescent penetrant), AMS 2750 (pyrometry).
4. ASTM International, ASTM A638/A638M — Standard Specification for Precipitation Hardening Iron Base Superalloy Bars, Forgings, and Forging Stock for High Temperature Service.
5. ASTM International, ASTM A453/A453M — Standard Specification for High-Temperature Bolting, Grade 660.
6. ASTM International, ASTM A388/A388M (ultrasonic examination of steel forgings), ASTM E112 (grain size), ASTM E381 (macroetch), ASTM E8/E8M (tension testing).
7. CEN, EN 10228-3 — Non-destructive testing of steel forgings: ultrasonic testing of ferritic or martensitic steel forgings.
8. Stahl-Eisen-Prüfblatt SEP 1921 — Ultrasonic testing of steel forgings, Verein Deutscher Eisenhüttenleute.
9. CEN, EN 10269 — Steels and nickel alloys for fasteners with specified elevated and/or low temperature properties.
10. CEN, EN 10302 — Creep resisting steels, nickel and cobalt alloys.
11. CEN, EN 10204 — Metallic products: types of inspection documents.
12. Japanese Standards Association, JIS G 4901 — Corrosion-resisting and heat-resisting superalloy bars.
13. ASM International, ASM Handbook, Volume 1: Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys.
14. Donachie, M.J. and Donachie, S.J., Superalloys: A Technical Guide, 2nd edition, ASM International.

Standards referenced are the most current revisions known at the date of review. For procurement, always cite the revision in force at the contract date.

Request an Alloy A-286 forging quote

Send the size or drawing of the Alloy A-286 forged part you need, together with the governing specification and quantity. We reply to complete enquiries within 24 hours with price, lead time and confirmation of the specification scope.

Company

Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal Co., Ltd.

Address

No.1 Chengxiqiao Road, Zhouzhuang Town,
Jiangyin City, Jiangsu Province, China

Telephone

+86-189-2135-9659

Email

sales@steelforgepieces.com

Email an Alloy A-286 enquiry Message on WhatsApp

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Jiangyin Jiangnan Metal Co., Ltd. forges the following grades to the same product forms and certification standards as Alloy A-286.

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