A286 Cold Reduced Nickel Bar - AMS 5726, 5853
A286 Cold Reduced (A286CR) is a work‑hardened, corrosion‑ and heat‑resistant iron‑nickel‑chromium superalloy engineered to provide elevated mechanical strength for high‑temperature fastener applications. Produced through a 15–17% cold‑reduction process, this alloy delivers a minimum room‑temperature tensile strength of 160 ksi, making it ideal for aerospace‑grade fastening systems and structural hardware operating under demanding loads. A286CR retains strength up to 1000°F (538°C) and provides reliable oxidation resistance up to 1200°F (649°C), offering dependable performance in elevated‑temperature environments where long‑term thermal stability is essential. The alloy is typically multiple‑melted using VAR or ESR remelting practices, ensuring high cleanliness, consistency, and microstructural control for critical aerospace and industrial components.
- Inventory & Specs
- Chemical Composition
- Physical Properties
- Mechanical Properties
- Datasheet
- Additional Info
- FAQs
Inventory Size Ranges for A286 CR
| Type | Thickness | AMS Standards | Get a Quote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coil 15% - 17% | 0.0200" - 0.1250" | AMS 5726, AMS 5731, AMS 5853 (160 ksi) | Get a Quote |
| Sheet 15% - 17% | 0.0200" - 0.1250" | AMS 5726, AMS 5731, AMS 5853 (160 ksi) | Get a Quote |
| Bar 15% - 17% | 0.260" - 1.510" | AMS 5726, AMS 5731, AMS 5853 (160 ksi) | Get a Quote |
| Bar 40% - 60% | 0.385" - 1.010" | AMS 5726, AMS 5731, AMS 5853 (160 ksi) | Get a Quote |
Characteristics of A286CR
A286CR combines the corrosion‑resistance profile of austenitic stainless steels with the enhanced strength provided by controlled cold‑work hardening. Its work‑hardened structure delivers a 160 ksi minimum tensile strength while maintaining excellent resistance to heat, oxidation, and atmospheric corrosion. This grade performs effectively at service temperatures up to 1000°F, and its oxidation resistance remains strong up to 1200°F, making it a reliable choice for aerospace fasteners, springs, and high‑strength components used in thermally stressed assemblies. The alloy is available in both 15–17% cold‑reduced and 40–60% cold‑reduced conditions depending on the strength requirements, and it is produced to stringent specifications such as AMS 5853 and AMS 5726.
Working with A286CR
A286CR is supplied in a work‑hardened condition, meaning machining and forming require appropriate considerations. While it is more challenging to machine than solution‑treated A286, it is still easier to machine than other nickel‑based precipitation‑hardening alloys, such as Alloy 718. To achieve best results, machining is typically performed using rigid setups, sharp carbide tooling, and consistent tool engagement to prevent work hardening on the surface. Cold‑reduced A286 is also commonly used for heading‑grade fasteners, and hot working may be used for larger diameters when deformation resistance is required. For welding, thinner sections are typically preferred due to the risk of hot cracking in heavier cross‑sections; materials produced to AMS 5858 are specifically optimized for welding applications. A286CR’s combination of cold‑work strength, oxidation resistance, and high‑temperature stability makes it a versatile alloy for manufacturing aerospace fasteners, turbine hardware, and high‑performance industrial components.
Other industry standards we comply with:
- Cold reduced 15% to 17%
- Cold reduced 40% to 60%
- MS 314 Class A Rev 4 (chem. only)
- MS 314 Class B Rev 4 (chem. only)
- Hi Shear 140 Type I (Normally 15-17% Cold Worked)
- PWA LCS
- GE Aircraft Engine (GT193)
- GE Aviation S-SPEC-35 AeDMS S-400
- RR SABRe Edition 2
- DFARS Compliant
Common Trade Names
- A286CR
- Cold-Reduced A286
- Alloy 286
Industry Applications for A286 CR
- Aerospace Fasteners
- High-Temperature Springs
- Cryogenic Equipment
Chemical Composition
| Element | Min | Max | |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | Carbon | - | 0.08 |
| Mn | Manganese | - | 2.00 |
| Si | Silicon | - | 1.00 |
| P | Phosphorus | - | 0.025 |
| S | Sulfur | - | 0.025 |
| Cr | Chromium | 13.50 | 16.00 |
| Ni | Nickel | 24.00 | 27.00 |
| Mo | Molybdenum | 1.00 | 1.50 |
| Ti | Titanium | 1.90 | 2.35 |
| B | Boron | 0.003 | 0.010 |
| V | Vanadium | 0.10 | 0.50 |
| Co | Cobalt | - | 1.00 |
| Al | Aluminum | - | 0.35 |
| Cu | Copper | - | 0.50 |
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.286 lb/in3 (7.92 g/cm3) |
Mechanical Properties
| Tensile Strength | 160 ksi minimum |
|---|---|
| Yield Strength | 120 ksi minimum |
| Elongation (4D) | 12% minimum |
| Reduction of Area | 18% minimum |
| Hardness | 298 BN minimum |
Datasheet
Additional Info
A Brief History of A286CR
A286 Cold Reduced (A286CR)—often referenced under specifications such as AMS 5853 and AMS 5726—evolved from the widely used Incoloy® A‑286 (UNS S66286) to meet the need for higher room‑temperature strength in fastener stock without sacrificing elevated‑temperature performance and oxidation resistance. While standard A‑286 is solution‑annealed and precipitation‑hardened for service up to ~1300°F (704°C), A286CR adds a controlled cold‑reduction step (commonly 15–17% or 40–60%) to work‑harden the bar, raising minimum tensile strength targets for aerospace and industrial fasteners. Producers typically employ multiple melting (VAR or ESR) to enhance cleanliness and consistency for critical applications.
How A286CR Was Developed
Traditional stainless‑steel fasteners balanced corrosion resistance with moderate strength, but high‑temperature engines and turbine systems demanded greater tensile and creep performance at and above room temperature. Metallurgists leveraged the base Fe‑Ni‑Cr chemistry of A‑286—augmented with Mo and Ti for precipitation hardening—and introduced cold reduction to increase dislocation density prior to aging. In the 15–17% cold‑reduced condition, A286CR achieves ≥160 ksi minimum room‑temperature tensile strength while retaining serviceability to ~1000°F (538°C) and oxidation resistance to ~1200°F (649°C). For applications needing even higher strength, 40–60% cold reduction is available under AMS 5726‑type practice.
Early Applications of A286CR
As aerospace propulsion and industrial turbine hardware advanced, A286CR quickly became a go‑to fastener stock where high clamp load, thermal stability, and oxidation resistance are essential. Early and continuing uses include:
- Aerospace fasteners, hex bolts, nuts, screws, washers, and studs
- High‑temperature springs and retaining hardware
- Engine/turbine assembly hardware in hot‑section environments
These applications leveraged the alloy’s work‑hardened strength, elevated‑temperature capability, and tight VAR/ESR melting controls required for flight‑critical parts.
How A286CR Is Used Today
Today, A286CR remains a staple for high‑strength fasteners and formed components operating near 1000°F, where oxidation resistance to ~1200°F and room‑temperature tensile ≥160 ksi are design drivers. Buyers can select 15–17% CR for mainstream high‑strength requirements (AMS 5853 “160 ksi” capable) or 40–60% CR (AMS 5726 practice) for even higher strength targets. Typical manufacturing routes rely on VAR or ESR remelt for superior micro cleanliness and fatigue reliability. Common industries and uses include:
- Aerospace: Engine mounts, hot‑section brackets, airframe/turbine fasteners
- Power Generation: Industrial gas turbine bolting and springs
- High‑Temperature Process Equipment: Oxidizing environments and thermal cycling assemblies
These selections are reinforced by supplier catalogs and technical sheets documenting inventory ranges and specs for A286CR bar, sheet, and coil.
Your Trusted Supplier for A286CR
United Performance Metals supplies A286 Cold Reduced in 15–17% and 40–60% cold‑reduction conditions with VAR/ESR melt practices, supported by common specifications such as AMS 5853, AMS 5726, and capable links to AMS 5731/5732 heading stock. With broad aerospace compliance and DFARS‑compliant material, UPM delivers fastener‑grade A286CR cut to your exact dimensions through FIRSTCUT+® services, backed by dependable supply‑chain support.
Contact our team today to discuss which cold‑reduction level and spec best match your strength, temperature, and oxidation‑resistance requirements—and to get a quote on in‑stock A286CR.