Aerospace specifications continually evolve to keep pace with industry. As such, on May 1st, 2024, the SAE revised AMS 5880, which applies to corrosion-resistant steel known most commonly as 440C, or X105CrMo17, for aerospace bearing applications. Anyone working with steel manufactured to AMS 5880 should understand how the latest spec revision (AMS5880F) impacts their manufacturing and, if there are risks to part quality or performance, what to do about it.
Todd Chavanne, Sullivan Steel Business Development, shares his take on the revised AMS 5880.
Longitudinal Testing Requirement Removed
“Many mills actually don’t normally do longitudinal testing on air-melt grades. So, previously, if the test is required by specification (in this case 5880), they could note that in an exception letter referenced in the material certificate that is included with their steel shipment. Many customers, however, do not catch that there is an exception when receiving the material.” - Todd Chavanne, Business Development
The newest revision to the AMS 5880 spec does not require longitudinal macrostructure testing—a condition included in previous versions. The engineering committee at SAE determined that the undue rigor of the longitudinal test for air-melt steel was unnecessary as it did not provide significant value to users.
What removing this test means for aerospace manufacturers is that the AMS 5880 steel you receive under the new revision will not be tested to the same requirements as the steel you ordered in the past. It’s worth noting that longitudinal macrostructure testing is not necessarily an appropriate indicator of steel quality for air-melt steels, and that a steel meeting the updated AMS 5880 should perform to expectations for many applications that have been using the material previously.
What to Do if You Need Longitudinal Testing
“If you know you absolutely need to meet the requirement for longitudinal testing, you should consider changing from air-melt to remelt.” - Todd Chavanne, Business Development
Many aerospace parts are considered critical, meaning they cannot fail. Ordering steel to AMS specs is the first step to ensuring high-quality components, and it’s an important one in such a highly scrutinized industry environment.
For many of Sullivan’s customers, the challenge with the revision to AMS 5880 is understanding whether or not longitudinal testing is essential. The answer requires a deep knowledge of the specific part, including performance requirements and operating conditions. Sullivan’s metallurgists are available to support customers with technical questions about their steels.
In the case that longitudinal testing is required, the solution may be as simple as changing from an air-melt steel to a remelt steel. AMS 5618 for the remelted version of 440C is a likely first candidate; however, when in doubt, call Sullivan.
Take a look at the range of high-performance aerospace steels we stock, and check out our 440C page for more info on AMS 5880 and 5618.
Get Answers to Your AMS 5880 Revision Questions
“The spec change is something that, if a customer doesn’t understand, or if they’re at all concerned, they should talk to us.” - Todd Chavanne, Business Development
At Sullivan Steel, we’re here to answer questions and guide you in the right direction. We can explain the changes to AMS 5880, what they mean, and how they will affect your manufacturing and final part performance (if at all).
If you have questions about AMS specs, steel quality concerns, or just want your parts to perform better, call the experts at Sullivan Steel. We do our best to understand your application and work with you to be a part of your success.
