15CDV6, 14CrMoV6-9, 1.7734, 1.7735, 1.8521
Aerospace steels 15CDV6, 14CrMoV6-9, 1.7734, 1.7735, and 1.8521, including chemical composition, mechanical properties, heat treatment, and applications per AIR 9160/C.

Table of Contents
What is 15CDV6, 14CrMoV6-9, 1.7734, 1.7735, 1.8521?
Aerospace and aviation industries demand high-performance steels capable of withstanding extreme mechanical stresses, high temperatures, and corrosive environments. Key alloys such as 15CDV6, 14CrMoV6-9, 1.7734 (FE-PL52S), 1.7735, and 1.8521 (15CrMoV5-9) are widely used in critical components like turbine parts, landing gear, and structural elements.
This guide provides a detailed comparison of these steels, covering:
- Chemical compositions
- Mechanical properties (tensile strength, yield strength, elongation)
- Heat treatment processes (annealing, quenching & tempering)
- High-temperature performance (creep resistance, stress rupture)
- Welding & machining characteristics
- Equivalent materials
These high-strength, creep-resistant steels are essential in aerospace and aviation for critical high-stress, high-temperature applications. Understanding their composition, heat treatment, and mechanical behavior ensures optimal performance in demanding environments.
For material selection, processing, or welding recommendations, consult the relevant AIR 9160/C, DIN, or EN standards for precise specifications.
References:
- AIR 9160/C Aerospace Material Standards
- DIN EN 10028 (Pressure Vessel Steels)
- ASM Aerospace Materials Handbook
Applications
Steel Grade | Standard Designation | Key Applications |
---|---|---|
15CDV6 | AIR 9160/C | Aircraft landing gear, high-stress structural parts |
14CrMoV6-9 | 1.7735 | High-temperature turbine components, pressure vessels |
1.7734 (FE-PL52S) | 12CrMoV6-9 | Boiler tubes, heat exchangers, aerospace piping |
1.8521 (15CrMoV5-9) | DIN 1.8521 | Jet engine components, fasteners, high-load bolts |
15CrMoV5-10 (1.7745) | DIN 1.7745 | Exhaust systems, turbine casings |
Practical Implications for Aerospace Applications
Thermal Management:
- 14CrMoV6-9 & 1.7734 (lower conductivity) are better for thermal insulation (e.g., turbine shrouds).
- 15CDV6 (higher conductivity) suits heat exchangers & cooling systems.
Dimensional Stability:
- 1.7734 has the lowest thermal expansion, ideal for precision components.
Weight Considerations:
- All steels have similar densities (~7.85-7.87 g/cm³), making them comparable in weight-critical designs.
Stiffness at High Temperatures:
- 15CDV6 & 1.8521 retain stiffness best at 500-600°C, useful for engine mounts & load-bearing structures.
Chemical Composition (%)
Element | 15CDV6, AIR 9160 |
14CrMoV6-9, 1.7735 |
12CrMoV6-9, 1.7734 |
15CrMoV5-9, 1.8521 |
15CrMoV5-10, 1.7745 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
C | 0.12-0.18 | 0.10-0.15 | 0.08-0.15 | 0.12-0.18 | 0.12-0.18 |
Si | ≤0.40 | ≤0.50 | ≤0.50 | ≤0.40 | ≤0.40 |
Mn | 0.40-0.70 | 0.40-0.70 | 0.40-0.70 | 0.40-0.70 | 0.40-0.70 |
Cr | 0.90-1.20 | 1.80-2.20 | 1.80-2.20 | 1.00-1.30 | 1.00-1.30 |
Mo | 0.50-0.70 | 0.90-1.10 | 0.90-1.10 | 0.90-1.10 | 0.90-1.10 |
V | 0.15-0.25 | 0.25-0.35 | 0.25-0.35 | 0.25-0.35 | 0.25-0.35 |
P (max) | 0.025 | 0.025 | 0.025 | 0.025 | 0.025 |
S (max) | 0.025 | 0.025 | 0.025 | 0.025 | 0.025 |
Material Properties
Room Temperature Properties
Grade | Condition | Tensile (MPa) | Yield (MPa) | Elongation (%) | Hardness (HB) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
15CDV6 | +QT (Quenched & Tempered) | 850-1050 | ≥700 | ≥12 | 248-302 |
14CrMoV6-9 (1.7735) | +HT (Heat Treated) | 650-850 | ≥450 | ≥16 | 200-250 |
1.7734 (12CrMoV6-9) | +A (Annealed) | 550-750 | ≥350 | ≥18 | 180-220 |
1.8521 (15CrMoV5-9) | +QT | 900-1100 | ≥750 | ≥10 | 270-330 |
1.7745 (15CrMoV5-10) | +QT | 950-1150 | ≥800 | ≥9 | 280-340 |
High-Temperature Properties
These steels retain strength at elevated temperatures (up to 600°C), making them ideal for jet engines and exhaust systems.
Grade | Temperature (°C) | Creep Strength (MPa/10,000h) | Rupture Strength (MPa/100h) |
---|---|---|---|
15CDV6 | 500 | 250 | 450 |
14CrMoV6-9 | 550 | 180 | 380 |
1.7734 | 550 | 160 | 350 |
1.8521 | 600 | 200 | 420 |
1.7745 | 600 | 220 | 450 |
Physical Properties
Physical properties such as density, thermal expansion, thermal conductivity, and electrical resistivity are crucial for material selection in aerospace and aviation applications.
Physical properties such as density, thermal expansion, thermal conductivity, and electrical resistivity are crucial for material selection in aerospace and aviation applications.
Density (g/cm³)
Density affects weight-critical aerospace components.
Grade | Density (g/cm³) |
---|---|
15CDV6 | 7.85 |
14CrMoV6-9 (1.7735) | 7.87 |
1.7734 (12CrMoV6-9) | 7.86 |
1.8521 (15CrMoV5-9) | 7.85 |
1.7745 (15CrMoV5-10) | 7.86 |
Note: All values are near 7.85-7.87 g/cm³, typical for low-alloy steels.
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (10⁻⁶/°C)
Thermal expansion impacts dimensional stability under temperature fluctuations.
Grade | 20-100°C | 20-300°C | 20-500°C | 20-600°C |
---|---|---|---|---|
15CDV6 | 11.5 | 12.2 | 13.0 | 13.5 |
14CrMoV6-9 | 11.2 | 11.8 | 12.6 | 13.1 |
1.7734 | 11.0 | 11.6 | 12.4 | 12.9 |
1.8521 | 11.3 | 12.0 | 12.8 | 13.3 |
1.7745 | 11.4 | 12.1 | 12.9 | 13.4 |
Key Takeaway:
- Higher Cr-Mo-V content slightly reduces thermal expansion.
- Critical for turbine blades, exhaust systems, and high-temperature structures.
Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K)
Thermal conductivity determines heat dissipation efficiency.
Grade | 20°C | 200°C | 400°C | 600°C |
---|---|---|---|---|
15CDV6 | 42 | 40 | 38 | 36 |
14CrMoV6-9 | 38 | 36 | 34 | 32 |
1.7734 | 37 | 35 | 33 | 31 |
1.8521 | 40 | 38 | 36 | 34 |
1.7745 | 39 | 37 | 35 | 33 |
Key Takeaway:
- Lower thermal conductivity in high-Cr-Mo steels (better for thermal barrier applications).
- 15CDV6 has the highest conductivity, suitable for heat exchangers.
Electrical Resistivity (μΩ·m)
Important for electromagnetic and grounding applications.
Grade | Resistivity (μΩ·m) at 20°C |
---|---|
15CDV6 | 0.22 |
14CrMoV6-9 | 0.25 |
1.7734 | 0.24 |
1.8521 | 0.23 |
1.7745 | 0.24 |
Key Takeaway:
- Higher alloying (Cr, Mo, V) increases resistivity.
- Still low enough for most aerospace electrical applications.
Specific Heat Capacity (J/kg·K)
Determines heat absorption capability.
Grade | 20°C | 300°C | 500°C |
---|---|---|---|
15CDV6 | 460 | 520 | 580 |
14CrMoV6-9 | 470 | 530 | 590 |
1.7734 | 465 | 525 | 585 |
1.8521 | 475 | 535 | 595 |
1.7745 | 480 | 540 | 600 |
Key Takeaway:
- Increases with temperature due to lattice vibrations.
- Higher Cr-Mo steels absorb slightly more heat.
Elastic Modulus (Young's Modulus, GPa)
Stiffness under load.
Grade | 20°C | 300°C | 500°C | 600°C |
---|---|---|---|---|
15CDV6 | 210 | 195 | 180 | 170 |
14CrMoV6-9 | 205 | 190 | 175 | 165 |
1.7734 | 200 | 185 | 170 | 160 |
1.8521 | 208 | 193 | 178 | 168 |
1.7745 | 207 | 192 | 177 | 167 |
Key Takeaway:
- Decreases with temperature (critical for high-temperature structural design).
- 15CDV6 retains the highest stiffness at elevated temperatures.
Magnetic Properties
- All grades are ferromagnetic (attracted to magnets).
- Magnetic permeability decreases slightly at high temperatures.
Summary of Key Physical Properties
Property | 15CDV6 | 14CrMoV6-9 | 1.7734 | 1.8521 | 1.7745 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Density (g/cm³) | 7.85 | 7.87 | 7.86 | 7.85 | 7.86 |
Thermal Expansion (10⁻⁶/°C, 20-600°C) | 13.5 | 13.1 | 12.9 | 13.3 | 13.4 |
Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K, 20°C) | 42 | 38 | 37 | 40 | 39 |
Electrical Resistivity (μΩ·m) | 0.22 | 0.25 | 0.24 | 0.23 | 0.24 |
Young's Modulus (GPa, 20°C) | 210 | 205 | 200 | 208 | 207 |
Heat Treatment
Grade | Annealing (°C) | Quenching (°C) | Tempering (°C) | Recommended Condition |
---|---|---|---|---|
15CDV6 | 850-900 | 920-950 (Oil) | 600-650 | +QT (Quenched & Tempered) |
14CrMoV6-9 | 880-920 | 950-980 (Air/Oil) | 650-700 | +HT (Heat Treated) |
1.7734 | 860-900 | 920-950 (Air) | 620-680 | +A (Annealed) |
1.8521 | 870-910 | 930-970 (Oil) | 600-650 | +QT |
1.7745 | 880-920 | 940-980 (Oil) | 620-670 | +QT |
Processing Performance
- Machinability: Moderate (similar to low-alloy steels, requires carbide tools).
- Weldability: Preheating (200-300°C) and post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) recommended to avoid cracking.
- Formability: Good in annealed condition, but high strength in +QT state limits cold forming.
Equivalent Materials & Cross-References
Grade | EN/DIN | UNS | AISI/SAE | Similar Grades |
---|---|---|---|---|
15CDV6 | - | - | - | AISI 6150 (modified) |
14CrMoV6-9 | 1.7735 | - | - | 14MoV6-3 (DIN) |
1.7734 | 12CrMoV6-9 | - | - | 13CrMo4-5 (similar) |
1.8521 | 15CrMoV5-9 | - | - | 15CrMoV5-10 (DIN) |
1.7745 | 15CrMoV5-10 | - | - | 14CrMoV6-9 (similar) |
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