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AEROSPACE AMS6472™ REV. H
MATERIAL SPECIFICATION Issued 1965-02
Reaffirmed 2006-02
Revised 2024-01
Superseding AMS6472G
Steel, Bars and Forgings and Forging Stock, Nitriding,
1.6Cr - 0.35Mo - 1.1Al (0.38 - 0.43C) (135 Mod),
Aircraft Quality,
Hardened and Tempered, 112 ksi (772 MPa) Tensile Strength
(Composition similar to UNS K24065)
RATIONALE
AMS6472H is the result of a Five-Year Review and update of the specification. The revision updates the title to include
product form and quality consistent with the Scope and Quality, adds composition reporting information (see 3.1.1), clarifies
the macrostructure requirements (see 3.4.1 and 8.7), revises decarburization testing methods (see [Link]), incorporates
the requirements of AMS2301 (see 4.2.1, 4.4.1, 4.4.3, and 4.4.5), adds ordering operations for forging stock (see 4.4.3),
adds information on ordering bar (see 8.5), and updates the prohibition on product exceptions (note removed from Table 2;
see 8.6).
1. SCOPE
1.1 Form
This specification covers an aircraft-quality, low-alloy steel in the form of heat-treated bars and forgings, and of forging stock.
1.2 Application
This material has been used typically for nitrided parts requiring high surface hardness, resistance to heat, and less
distortion than parts fabricated from steel requiring quenching to case harden, but usage is not limited to such applications.
This steel may be case hardened in dissociated ammonia gas to provide a minimum case hardness of 900 HV.
2. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS
The issue of the following documents in effect on the date of the purchase order forms a part of this specification to the
extent specified herein. The supplier may work to a subsequent revision of a document unless a specific document issue is
specified. When the referenced document has been cancelled and no superseding document has been specified, the last
published issue of that document shall apply.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SAE Executive Standards Committee Rules provide that: “This report is published by SAE to advance the state of technical and engineering sciences. The use of this report is
entirely voluntary, and its applicability and suitability for any particular use, including any patent infringement arising therefrom, is the sole responsibility of the user.”
SAE reviews each technical report at least every five years at which time it may be revised, reaffirmed, stabilized, or cancelled. SAE invites your written comments and
suggestions.
Copyright © 2023 SAE International
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of SAE.
TO PLACE A DOCUMENT ORDER: Tel: 877-606-7323 (inside USA and Canada)
Tel: +1 724-776-4970 (outside USA)
For more information on this standard, visit
Fax: 724-776-0790 [Link]
Email: CustomerService@[Link]
SAE WEB ADDRESS: [Link]
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SAE INTERNATIONAL AMS6472™H Page 2 of 8
2.1 SAE Publications
Available from SAE International, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001, Tel: 877-606-7323 (inside USA
and Canada) or +1 724-776-4970 (outside USA), [Link].
AMS2251 Tolerances, Low-Alloy Steel Bars
AMS2259 Chemical Check Analysis Limits, Wrought Low-Alloy and Carbon Steels
AMS2301 Steel Cleanliness, Aircraft Quality, Magnetic Particle Inspection Procedure
AMS2370 Quality Assurance Sampling and Testing, Carbon and Low-Alloy Steel Wrought Products and Forging Stock
AMS2372 Quality Assurance Sampling and Testing, Carbon and Low-Alloy Steel Forgings
AMS2750 Pyrometry
AMS2806 Identification Bars, Wire, Mechanical Tubing, and Extrusions, Carbon and Alloy Steels and Corrosion and
Heat-Resistant Steels and Alloys
AMS2808 Identification, Forgings
AS1182 Standard Stock Removal Allowance, Aircraft-Quality and Premium Aircraft-Quality Steel Bars and
Mechanical Tubing
AS7766 Terms Used in Aerospace Metals Specifications
2.2 ASTM Publications
Available from ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, Tel: 610-
832-9585, [Link].
ASTM A370 Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
ASTM A751 Standard Test Methods, Practices, and Terminology for Chemical Analysis of Steel Products
ASTM E140 Hardness Conversion Tables for Metals Relationship Among Brinell Hardness, Vickers Hardness, Rockwell
Hardness, Superficial Hardness, Knoop Hardness, Scleroscope Hardness, and Leeb Hardness
ASTM E381 Macroetch Testing Steel Bars, Billets, Blooms, and Forgings
ASTM E1077 Standard Test Methods for Estimating the Depth of Decarburization of Steel Specimens
3. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
3.1 Composition
Shall conform to the percentages by weight shown in Table 1, determined in accordance with ASTM A751 or by other
analytical methods acceptable to the purchaser.
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Table 1 - Composition
Element Min Max
Carbon 0.38 0.43
Manganese 0.50 0.80
Silicon 0.20 0.40
Phosphorus -- 0.025
Sulfur -- 0.025
Chromium 1.40 1.80
Molybdenum 0.30 0.40
Aluminum 0.95 1.30
Nickel -- 0.25
Copper -- 0.35
3.1.1 The producer may test for any element not listed in Table 1 and include this analysis in the report of 4.4. Reporting
of any element not listed in the composition table is not a basis for rejection unless limits of acceptability are
specified by the purchaser.
3.1.2 Check Analysis
Composition variations shall meet the applicable requirements of AMS2259.
3.2 Condition
The product shall be supplied in the following condition:
3.2.1 Bars
Bars shall be hardened and tempered. Bar shall not be cut from plate (see 4.4.2).
3.2.2 Forgings
Forgings shall be hardened and tempered.
3.2.3 Forging Stock
Forging stock shall be as ordered by the forging manufacturer.
3.3 Heat Treatment
Bars and forgings shall be hardened by quenching from 1700 °F ± 25 °F (927 °C ± 14 °C) and tempered to meet the tensile
property requirements of 3.4.2. Pyrometry shall be in accordance with AMS2750.
3.4 Properties
The product shall conform to the following requirements; hardness and tensile testing shall be performed in accordance
with ASTM A370:
3.4.1 Macrostructure
Visual examination of transverse full cross sections from bars billets, tube rounds (solid not hollow) and forging stock, etched
in hot hydrochloric acid in accordance with ASTM E381 shall show no pipe or cracks. Porosity, segregation, inclusions, and
other imperfections shall be no worse than the macrographs of ASTM E381 shown in Table 2.
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SAE INTERNATIONAL AMS6472™H Page 4 of 8
Table 2 - Macrostructure limits
Cross-Sectional Area Cross-Sectional Area
Square Inches Square Centimeters Macrographs
Up to 36, incl Up to 232, incl S2 - R1 - C2
Over 36 to 133, incl Over 232 to 858, incl S2 - R2 - C3
Over 133 Over 858 Note 1
Note 1: Limits for larger sizes shall be agreed upon by the purchaser and producer.
[Link] Macrostructure examination is not required for bored/hollow forgings (including ring forgings) that are produced
directly from ingots or blooms, unless otherwise agreed by the purchaser and producer (see 8.7).
3.4.2 Tensile Properties of Bars and Forgings
Minimum tensile properties shall be as shown in Table 3.
Table 3 - Minimum tensile properties
Property Value
Tensile Strength 112 ksi (772 MPa)
Yield Strength at 0.2% Offset 90 ksi (620 MPa)
Elongation in 4D or 2 inches (50 mm) 16%
Reduction of Area 50%
[Link] Unless otherwise specified, the strain rate shall be set at 0.005 in/in/min (0.005 mm/mm/min) and maintained
within a tolerance of ±0.002 in/in/min (±0.002 mm/mm/min) through 0.2% offset yield strain. After the yield strain,
the speed of the testing machine shall be set between 0.05 in/in and 0.5 in/in (0.05 mm/mm and 0.5 mm/mm) of
the length of the reduced section or distance between the grips for specimens not having a reduced section) per
minute. Alternatively, an extensometer and strain rate indicator may be used to set the strain rate between
0.05 in/in/min and 0.5 in/in/min (0.05 mm/mm/min and 0.5 mm/mm/min).
3.4.3 Hardness of Bars and Forgings
Hardness shall be as shown in Table 4.
Table 4 - Hardness
Nominal Diameter or Least Nominal Diameter or Least
Section Thickness Section Thickness Hardness
Inches Millimeters Brinell
Up to 3.125, incl Up to 79.38, incl 241 to 285
Over 3.125 to 6.000, incl Over 79.38 to 152.40, incl 229 to 285
[Link] Brinell hardness, or equivalent (see 8.2), shall be determined midway between surface and center of bars.
3.4.4 Decarburization
[Link] Bars ordered ground, turned, or polished shall be free from decarburization on the ground, turned, or
polished surfaces.
[Link] Allowable decarburization of bars and billets ordered for redrawing or forging or to specified microstructural
requirements shall be as agreed upon by the purchaser and producer.
[Link] Where [Link] or [Link] are not applicable, decarburization of bars shall be not greater than shown in Table 5.
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SAE INTERNATIONAL AMS6472™H Page 5 of 8
Table 5A - Maximum total depth of decarburization limits, inch/pound units
Nominal Diameter or Distance Total Depth of
Between Parallel Sides Decarburization
Inches Inches
Up to 0.500, incl 0.030
Over 0.500 to 1.000, incl 0.035
Over 1.000 to 1.500, incl 0.040
Over 1.500 to 2.000, incl 0.050
Over 2.000 to 2.500, incl 0.060
Over 2.500 to 3.000, incl 0.070
Table 5B - Maximum total depth of decarburization limits, SI units
Nominal Diameter or Distance Total Depth of
Between Parallel Sides Decarburization
Millimeters Millimeters
Up to 12.70, incl 0.76
Over 12.70 to 25.40, incl 0.89
Over 25.40 to 38.10, incl 1.02
Over 38.10 to 50.80, incl 1.27
Over 50.80 to 63.50, incl 1.52
Over 63.50 to 76.20, incl 1.78
[Link] Decarburization shall be evaluated by one of the two methods of [Link].1 or [Link].2.
[Link].1 Metallographic (Microscopic) Method
A cross section of the surface shall be prepared and examined metallographically at a magnification not to exceed 200X in
accordance with ASTM E1077. The sample shall not show a layer of complete (ferrite) or partial decarburization exceeding
the limits of Table 5.
[Link].2 Hardness Traverse (Microindentation) Method
The total depth of decarburization shall be determined by a traverse method using microindentation hardness testing in
accordance with ASTM E1077. Samples shall be hardened and protected during heat treatment to prevent changes in
surface carbon content. Samples may be tempered at the option of the producer. Measurements shall be far enough away
from any adjacent surface to be uninfluenced by any decarburization on the adjacent surface. Acceptance shall be as listed
in Table 5.
[Link].3 When determining the depth of decarburization, it is permissible to disregard local areas provided the
decarburization of such areas does not exceed the above limits by more than 0.005 inch (0.13 mm) and the
width is 0.065 inch (1.65 mm) or less.
[Link].4 In case of dispute, the total depth of decarburization determined using the microindentation hardness traverse
method shall govern.
3.5 Quality
The product, as received by the purchaser, shall be uniform in quality and condition, sound, and free from foreign materials
and from imperfections detrimental to usage of the product.
3.5.1 Steel shall be aircraft-quality conforming to AMS2301.
3.5.2 Bars shall be free from seams, laps, tears, and cracks after removal of the standard stock removal allowance in
accordance with AS1182.
3.5.3 Grain flow of die forgings, except in areas that contain flash-line end grain, shall follow the general contour of the
forgings showing no evidence of reentrant grain flow.
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3.6 Tolerances
Bar tolerances shall conform to all applicable requirements of AMS2251.
3.7 Exceptions
Any exceptions shall be authorized by the purchaser and reported as in 4.4.4.
4. QUALITY ASSURANCE PROVISIONS
4.1 Responsibility for Inspection
The producer of the product shall supply all samples for the producer's tests and shall be responsible for the performance
of all required tests. The purchaser reserves the right to sample and to perform any confirmatory testing deemed necessary
to ensure that the product conforms to specified requirements.
4.2 Classification of Tests
4.2.1 Acceptance Tests
Composition (see 3.1), condition (see 3.2), macrostructure (see 3.4.1), tensile properties (see 3.4.2), hardness (see 3.4.3),
decarburization (see 3.4.4), frequency-severity cleanliness ratings (see 3.5.1) and tolerances (see 3.6), are acceptance
tests and shall be performed on each heat or lot as applicable. If process qualification in accordance with AMS2301 has
been met, the frequency-severity cleanliness rating shall be conducted on a periodic basis as defined in AMS2301.
4.2.2 Periodic Tests
Grain flow of die forgings (see 3.5.3) is a periodic test and shall be performed at a frequency selected by the producer
unless a frequency of testing is specified by the purchaser.
4.3 Sampling and Testing
4.3.1 Bars and forging stock shall be sampled and tested in accordance with AMS2370.
4.3.2 Forgings shall be sampled and tested in accordance with AMS2372.
4.4 Reports
4.4.1 The producer of bars and forgings shall furnish with each shipment a report showing the producer’s identity, country
where the metal was melted (e.g., final melt in the case of metal processed by multiple melting operations), results
of tests for composition, macrostructure, and frequency-severity cleanliness rating of each heat (see 4.4.5), tensile
properties and hardness of each lot and stating that the product conforms to the other technical requirements. This
report shall include the purchase order number, heat and lot numbers, AMS6472H, product form and size (and/or
part number, if applicable), and quantity. If forgings are supplied, the size and melt source of stock used to make
the forgings shall also be included.
4.4.2 Report the nominal metallurgically worked cross-sectional size and the cut size, if different (see 3.2.1).
4.4.3 The producer of forging stock shall furnish with each shipment a report showing the producer’s identity, country
where the metal was melted (e.g., final melt in the case of metal processed by multiple melting operations) and the
results of tests for composition, macrostructure, and frequency-severity cleanliness rating of each heat (see 4.4.5)
and the results of additional property requirements imposed by the purchase order (see 8.7). This report shall
include the purchase order number, heat number, AMS6472H, size and quantity.
4.4.4 When material produced to this specification has exceptions authorized by the purchaser taken to the technical
requirements listed in Section 3, the report shall contain a statement “This material is certified as AMS6472H(EXC)
because of the following exceptions:” and the specific exceptions shall be listed (see 5.2.1).
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4.4.5 Reduced Testing
If the producer has qualified for periodic testing for frequency-severity cleanliness rating in accordance with AMS2301, then
the frequency severity cleanliness rating is not required to be reported for each shipment. In this circumstance the report
shall read, “Process qualification in accordance with AMS2301 has been completed.”
4.5 Resampling and Retesting
4.5.1 Bars and forging stock shall be resampled and retested in accordance with AMS2370.
4.5.2 Forgings shall be resampled and retested in accordance with AMS2372.
5. PREPARATION FOR DELIVERY
5.1 Sizes
Except when exact lengths or multiples of exact lengths are ordered, straight bars will be acceptable in mill lengths of
6 to 20 feet (1.8 to 6.1 m) but not more than 10% of any shipment shall be supplied in lengths shorter than 10 feet (3 m).
5.2 Identification
5.2.1 Bars
Bars shall be identified in accordance with AMS2806. When technical exceptions are taken (see 4.4.4), the material shall
be marked with AMS6472H(EXC).
5.2.2 Forgings
Forgings shall be identified in accordance with AMS2808.
5.2.3 Forging Stock
Forging stock shall be identified as agreed upon by the purchaser and producer.
5.3 Protective Treatment
Bars ordered ground, turned, or polished shall be protected from corrosion prior to shipment.
5.4 Packaging
The product shall be prepared for shipment in accordance with commercial practice and in compliance with applicable rules
and regulations pertaining to the handling, packaging, and transportation of the product to ensure carrier acceptance and
safe delivery.
6. ACKNOWLEDGMENT
A producer shall include this specification number and its revision letter in all quotations and when acknowledging purchase
orders.
7. REJECTIONS
Product not conforming to this specification, or to modifications authorized by the purchaser, will be subject to rejection.
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8. NOTES
8.1 Revision Indicator
A change bar (l) located in the left margin is for the convenience of the user in locating areas where technical revisions, not
editorial changes, have been made to the previous issue of this document. An (R) symbol to the left of the document title
indicates a complete revision of the document, including technical revisions. Change bars and (R) are not used in original
publications, nor in documents that contain editorial changes only.
8.2 Hardness conversion tables for metals are presented in ASTM E140.
8.3 Dimensions and properties in inch/pound units and the Fahrenheit temperatures are primary; dimensions and
properties in SI units and the Celsius temperatures are shown as the approximate equivalents of the primary units
and are presented only for information.
8.4 Unless otherwise specified, the material producer shall work to the revision of this specification (AMS6472) in effect
on the date of order placement. Unless otherwise specified, material manufactured and certified to the immediately
previous revision of this specification (AMS6472) may be procured and used until inventory is depleted.
8.5 Purchasers should consider stock removal requirements of 3.5.2 when selecting the appropriate size and condition
(including surface finish) to specify in ordering information.
8.6 It is the purchaser’s obligation to ensure that product they procure or resell as AMS6472H has any exceptions
approved by their subsequent purchaser.
8.7 Purchase documents should specify not less than the following:
AMS6472H
Product form and size or part number of product desired
Quantity of product desired
For forging stock provide specific instructions if capability testing response to heat treatment is required (see 3.3, 3.4.2,
and 3.4.3)
When macrostructure is required for hollow/bored forgings include examination method and acceptance standard.
If forging stock, specify any additional property requirements beyond those reported in 4.4.3 and provide details of how to
obtain the desired samples
8.8 Similar Specifications
AMS/MIL-S-6709.
PREPARED BY SAE AMS E CARBON AND LOW ALLOY STEELS COMMITTEE
