ASTM A453 Grade 660, universally known by its alloy designation A286, is a premium precipitation-hardening austenitic stainless steel. Designed explicitly for high-temperature service, this iron-nickel-chromium alloy delivers exceptional tensile strength, excellent creep resistance, and high oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures up to 1300°F (704°C).
Through a highly controlled solution annealing and aging (precipitation hardening) heat treatment process, Grade 660 achieves structural uniformity and high yield strengths without sacrificing ductility. It is the definitive fastening choice for extreme environments, serving as the backbone for gas turbine engineering, aerospace engine components, and severe-service petrochemical extraction infrastructure.
ASTM A453 Grade 660 is manufactured in four distinct classes (A, B, C, and D), dictating specific heat treatments to achieve desired mechanical properties. Classes A and B are the most frequently specified for industrial heavy-duty bolting.
| Material Classification | Precipitation-Hardening Austenitic Stainless Steel |
|---|---|
| UNS Designation | S66286 (Alloy A286) |
| Microstructure | Austenitic |
| Magnetic State | Non-Magnetic |
| Density | ~7.92 g/cm³ (0.286 lb/in³) |
| Size Range | Metric: M6 to M100 | Imperial: 1/4" to 4" Custom forged oversized fasteners available upon request. |
| Thread Types | UNC, UNF, 8UN, Metric Coarse, Metric Fine (Rolled threads recommended for fatigue resistance) |
| Strengthening Method | Solution Annealing + Age Hardening (Precipitation) |
Access professional-grade technical data for ASTM A453 Grade 660, including stress-rupture test charts, elevated temperature yield data, and gall-resistant installation parameters.
Contains detailed stress-rupture thresholds (min 100 hours at 1200°F), Class A through D mechanical comparisons, and specific dry/lubricated installation values to prevent thread galling.
⬇ DOWNLOAD DATASHEETFor aerospace and high-pressure applications, absolute metallurgical traceability is mandatory. Every lot of Grade 660 shipped by Ananka includes comprehensive certification.
The addition of Titanium and Aluminum forms the intermetallic compounds necessary for precipitation hardening, while high Nickel and Chromium content provide exceptional corrosion and oxidation resistance.
| Nickel (Ni) | Chromium (Cr) | Titanium (Ti) | Moly (Mo) | Manganese (Mn) | Silicon (Si) | Carbon (C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24.0 – 27.0 | 13.5 – 16.0 | 1.90 – 2.35 | 1.00 – 1.50 | 2.00 Max | 1.00 Max | 0.08 Max |
*Also contains Aluminum (0.35 Max), Vanadium (0.10-0.50), and trace Boron (0.001-0.010) to enhance high-temperature creep strength.
Grade 660 properties are determined by their specific solution treating and aging cycles. Class A and B share identical tensile strengths but undergo different solution treatments, affecting high-temperature ductility.
| Property | Class A, B & C | Class D |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (Min) | 130 ksi (895 MPa) | 130 ksi (895 MPa) |
| Yield Strength (0.2% Offset, Min) | 85 ksi (585 MPa) | 105 ksi (725 MPa) |
| Elongation in 2" (Min) | 15% | 15% |
| Reduction of Area (Min) | 18% | 18% |
| Hardness (Brinell) | 248 to 341 HBW | 248 to 341 HBW |
| Standard / System | Designation |
|---|---|
| UNS Designation | S66286 |
| Common Trade Name | Alloy A286, A-286 Stainless |
| European Equivalent | EN 1.4980 / X6NiCrTiMoVB25-15-2 |
| Aerospace Specs | AMS 5731, AMS 5732, AMS 5737 |
A286 is utilized where extreme thermal stress would cause standard 300-series stainless steels or Cr-Mo alloys to rapidly degrade or suffer catastrophic creep failure.
Grade 660 studs and bolts are typically paired with nuts of the exact same metallurgical composition to prevent galvanic corrosion and ensure identical thermal expansion rates during extreme heat cycles.
| Fastener Type | Recommended Mating Component |
|---|---|
| ASTM A453 Grade 660 Stud Bolts | ASTM A453 Grade 660 Heavy Hex Nuts |
| ASTM A453 Grade 660 Hex Bolts | ASTM A453 Grade 660 Standard / Heavy Hex Nuts |
Like all austenitic stainless steels, Grade 660 is susceptible to thread galling (cold welding) under high friction. It is critical to use a high-quality nickel or molybdenum-disulfide (MoS2) based anti-seize compound during installation.
| Nominal Diameter | Threads Per Inch (UNC) | Target Torque — Lubricated (MoS2) (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2" | 13 | 45 - 55 |
| 5/8" | 11 | 90 - 110 |
| 3/4" | 10 | 150 - 180 |
| 1" | 8 | 380 - 420 |
Ananka Group delivers precision-engineered A286 fastening solutions capable of surviving the world's most demanding thermal and corrosive environments.
The primary difference lies in the yield strength achieved through variations in the heat treatment process. Class A has a minimum yield strength of 85 ksi (585 MPa), while Class D undergoes a more aggressive aging cycle to reach a higher minimum yield strength of 105 ksi (725 MPa).
No. Because its base microstructure is fully austenitic, Alloy A286 remains completely non-magnetic, even after aggressive cold working or aging.
While both are austenitic, 316 stainless is primarily used for ambient or moderately warm corrosive environments. Grade 660 (A286) is heavily alloyed with Titanium, Aluminum, and Vanadium to allow for precipitation hardening, making it roughly twice as strong as 316 and capable of maintaining structural integrity at temperatures up to 1300°F (704°C), where 316 would rapidly fail.
Yes. Although famous for its high-temperature performance, A286 also retains excellent toughness, ductility, and strength at cryogenic temperatures, making it highly versatile for aerospace applications that experience extreme thermal cycling.
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