13-8 PH
UNS S13800
Precipitation-hardening martensitic stainless steel designed for high-strength CNC parts, good toughness and reliable corrosion performance.
A PH stainless steel for high strength and precision
13-8 PH - UNS S13800 is a precipitation-hardening martensitic stainless steel, used when a part needs to combine high strength, hardness, toughness and good corrosion resistance.
Its controlled chemistry, low carbon content and vacuum melting process help achieve good transverse toughness properties. This is why it is used in aerospace components, petrochemical parts, moulds, valves, shafts and industrial components subjected to high mechanical demands.
Material identification
What is 13-8 PH?
It is a precipitation-hardening stainless steel based on chromium, nickel, molybdenum and aluminium, developed for applications where mechanical strength and material stability are critical.
Unlike a standard austenitic stainless steel, 13-8 PH can achieve high mechanical properties through ageing heat treatment. This makes it an interesting option for precision parts that work under load, fatigue, pressure or demanding dimensional requirements.
High strength
Designed for components subjected to high mechanical loads.
Good toughness
Favourable properties thanks to controlled chemistry and low carbon content.
PH treatment
Its final properties are adjusted through thermal ageing.
Critical parts
Used in aerospace, petrochemical, energy and mould-making sectors.
Why it is used in highly demanding parts
13-8 PH is selected when a component requires high strength, good hardness, toughness, stability and corrosion resistance superior to many conventional steels.
| Property | Technical advantage |
|---|---|
| High mechanical strength | Suitable for parts subjected to load, pressure, fatigue or high stress. |
| Precipitation hardening | Allows properties to be adjusted through ageing treatments such as H950, H1000 or H1150. |
| Good transverse toughness | Achieved through controlled chemistry, low carbon content and vacuum melting processes. |
| Good corrosion resistance | Suitable behaviour for many industrial and technical applications. |
| Dimensional stability | Interesting for machined parts with precise tolerances and fits. |
| Critical industrial use | Applicable in aerospace, petrochemical, energy, moulds, valves and special equipment. |
A chemistry designed for strength and toughness
The composition of 13-8 PH combines chromium, nickel, molybdenum and aluminium to achieve a precipitation-hardening structure.
Chromium contributes to corrosion resistance, nickel provides stability and toughness, molybdenum improves service performance and aluminium participates in the precipitation-hardening mechanism.
Typical chemical composition
Properties adjusted through ageing
13-8 PH can be supplied in solution-treated condition and achieve different combinations of strength, hardness and ductility through controlled ageing treatments.
Maximum strength
Condition aimed at high strength and hardness values.
High strength
Technical balance for parts with high mechanical requirements.
Greater balance
Intermediate option between strength, toughness and stability.
More ductility
Condition where toughness and service behaviour are usually prioritised.
Where 13-8 PH is used
This material is used in sectors where parts require mechanical strength, reliability, dimensional control and stable service performance.
Aerospace
Petrochemical
Energy
Valves
Technical shafts
Moulds
Fasteners
Medical equipment
CNC machining of 13-8 PH
Machining 13-8 PH requires a suitable strategy to control hardness, heat generation, surface finish and dimensional stability.
At AREM-CNC, we manufacture parts in special stainless steels from drawings, physical samples or technical specifications, adapting the process to the material condition, heat treatment, geometry, tolerances and required documentation.
Made-to-drawing production
- Special screws and studs.
- Nuts, washers and technical bushings.
- Shafts, pins and precision components.
- Parts for valves, pumps and pressure equipment.
- Components for moulds and injection tooling.
- One-off, short-run or medium-run production according to specification.
Controlled production for critical parts
CNC manufacturing transforms 13-8 PH into precise, repeatable and traceable components, prepared for sectors where strength and technical documentation matter as much as geometry.
Precise geometry
Manufacturing adapted to drawing, sample or technical specification.
High strength
Material suitable for components with high mechanical requirements.
Dimensional control
Verification of dimensions, tolerances and functional requirements.
PH treatment
Possibility to work according to the required condition and treatment.
Technical finish
Surfaces adapted to assembly, fit, sealing or mechanical function.
Traceability
Documentation associated with material, batch, process and final control.
Technical documentation for PH steels
In precipitation-hardening materials, traceability helps control composition, batch, supply condition, heat treatment and final part requirements.
Depending on the project, we can work with material certificates, heat numbers, treatment condition, dimensional control, technical drawings and final documentation associated with manufacturing.
Frequently asked questions about 13-8 PH
What is 13-8 PH stainless steel?
It is a precipitation-hardening martensitic stainless steel, identified as UNS S13800, used for high-strength parts, good toughness and corrosion resistance.
What does PH mean?
PH means precipitation hardening. Its mechanical properties are adjusted through ageing heat treatments.
Where is 13-8 PH used?
It is used in aerospace components, petrochemical parts, injection moulds, energy, valves, fasteners, shafts, medical equipment and critical industrial parts.
Can made-to-drawing CNC parts be manufactured in 13-8 PH?
Yes. CNC machining can be used to manufacture screws, nuts, washers, shafts, pins, bushings, valve components and special made-to-drawing parts, provided that the geometry is feasible.
Why is it important to specify the heat treatment?
Because the strength, hardness, ductility and final performance of 13-8 PH depend on the material condition and the specified ageing treatment.
Do you need parts manufactured in 13-8 PH?
Send us your drawing, physical sample or technical specification. We will review material, supply condition, treatment, tolerances, geometry and required documentation to manufacture a reliable solution.