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AEROSPACE AMS6359™ REV. M

MATERIAL SPECIFICATION Issued 1942-12

Reaffirmed 2011-05
Revised 2025-02

Superseding AMS6359L

Steel, Sheet, Strip, and Plate

0.80Cr - 1.8Ni - 0.25Mo (0.38 - 0.43C) (SAE 4340).
Aircraft Quality
(Composition similar to UNS G43406)

RATIONALE

AMS6359M is the result of a Five-Year Review and update of the specification. The revision updates the Title to include
material quality, clarifies composition reporting (see 3.1.2), updates condition requirements to require tempering if product
is normalized (see 3.2.1 and 3.2.2), updates decarburization testing (see 3.3.3), clarifies bending (see 3.3.4), adds heat-treat
condition to reports (see 4.4.1), addresses AMS2301 (see 4.2.1, 4.4.1, and 4.4.3), and updates the exclusion requirements
(see 4.4.2).

1. SCOPE

1.1 Form

This specification covers an aircraft-quality, low-alloy steel in the form of sheet, strip, and plate.

1.2 Application

These products have been used typically for heat-treated parts requiring good tensile and fatigue strength in combination
with good ductility, but usage is not limited to such applications. The product may be through-hardened to tensile
strength ranges of 260 to 280 ksi (1793 to 1931 MPa) in nominal section thickness of 1.5 inches (38 mm) and under and
180 to 220 ksi (1241 to 1517 MPa) in nominal section thickness of 3 inches (76 mm) and under.

1.2.1 Certain design and processing procedures may cause these products to become susceptible to stress-corrosion
cracking after heat treatment; ARP1110 recommends practices to minimize such conditions.

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 © 2025 SAE International
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording, or otherwise, or used for text and data mining, AI training, or similar technologies, 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
Email: [email protected] https://www.sae.org/standards/content/AMS6359M/
SAE WEB ADDRESS: http://www.sae.org
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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), www.sae.org.

AMS2252 Tolerances, Low-Alloy Steel Sheet, Strip, and Plate

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

AMS2807 Identification, Carbon and Low-Alloy Steels, Corrosion- and Heat-Resistant Steels and Alloys, Sheet, Strip,
Plate, and Aircraft Tubing

ARP1110 Minimizing Stress Corrosion Cracking in Wrought Forms of Steels and Corrosion Resistant Steels and
Alloys

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, www.astm.org.

ASTM A255 Determining Hardenability of Steel

ASTM A370 Mechanical Testing of Steel Products

ASTM A751 Chemical Analysis of Steel Products

ASTM E112 Determining Average Grain Size

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 E290 Bend Testing of Material for Ductility

ASTM E1077 Estimating the Depth of Decarburization of Steel Specimens

2.3 Definitions

Terms used in AMS are defined in AS7766.

3. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

3.1 Composition

Composition shall conform to the percentages by weight shown in Table 1, 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 0.65 0.85
Silicon 0.15 0.35
Phosphorus -- 0.025
Sulfur -- 0.025
Chromium 0.70 0.90
Nickel 1.65 2.00
Molybdenum 0.20 0.30
Copper -- 0.35

3.1.1 Aluminum, vanadium, and columbium (niobium) are optional grain refining elements and need not be determined
or reported unless used to satisfy the average grain size requirements of 3.3.1.2.

3.1.2 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.

3.1.3 Check Analysis

Composition variations shall meet the applicable requirements of AMS2259.

3.2 Condition

The product shall be supplied in the following condition; hardness shall be determined in accordance with ASTM A370:

3.2.1 Sheet and Strip

Sheet and strip shall be as specified by the purchaser in one of the conditions below (see 8.8). Hardness shall not be higher
than 98 HRB, or equivalent (see 8.2).

3.2.1.1 Cold finished, bright or atmosphere annealed, subcritically annealed or normalized and tempered, and descaled
if necessary.

3.2.1.2 Hot rolled, annealed, subcritically annealed or normalized and tempered, if necessary, and descaled.

3.2.2 Plate

Plate shall be hot rolled, annealed, subcritically annealed or normalized and tempered, and descaled if necessary. Plate
shall have a hardness not higher than 25 HRC, or equivalent (see 8.2).

3.2.2.1 If allowed by the purchaser, plate may be cold rolled, annealed, subcritically annealed or normalized and
tempered, and descaled if necessary. Plate shall have a hardness not higher than 25 HRC, or equivalent
(see 8.2).

3.2.3 If product is ordered spheroidize annealed, the degree of spheroidization shall be acceptable to the purchaser and
the producer.

3.3 Properties

The product shall conform to the following requirements; hardness testing shall be performed in accordance with
ASTM A370:

3.3.1 Average Grain Size

Average grain size shall be determined by either 3.3.1.1 or 3.3.1.2.

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3.3.1.1 Average grain size shall be ASTM No. 5 or finer, determined in accordance with ASTM E112.

3.3.1.2 The heat shall be considered to have fine austenitic grain size if one or more of the following are determined by
heat analysis (see 8.5):

• A total aluminum content of 0.020 to 0.050%.

• An acid soluble aluminum content of 0.015 to 0.050%.

• A vanadium content of 0.02 to 0.08%.

• A columbium (niobium) content of 0.02 to 0.05%.

3.3.2 Hardenability

Hardenability shall be J 12/16 inch (J19 mm) = 53 HRC, minimum, and J 20/16 inch (J32 mm) = 50 HRC, minimum,
determined on the standard end-quench test specimen in accordance with ASTM A255, except that the steel shall be
normalized at 1600 °F ± 10 °F (871 °C ± 6 °C) and the specimen austenitized at 1550 °F ± 10 °F (843 °C ± 6 °C). Cast
specimens do not need to be normalized.

3.3.3 Decarburization

Decarburization shall be evaluated by one of the methods of 3.3.3.1 or 3.3.3.2.

3.3.3.1 Metallographic (Microscopic) Method

A cross section taken perpendicular to the surface shall be prepared in accordance to ASTM E1077 and visually examined
metallographically at a magnification not to exceed 200X. The sample shall not show a layer of complete (ferrite) or partial
decarburization exceeding the limits of Table 2.

3.3.3.2 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 in a protective atmosphere 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 2.

Table 2A - Maximum total depth of decarburization, inch/pound units

Nominal Thickness Total Depth of Decarburization

Inches Inch
Up to 0.500, incl 0.015
Over 0.500 to 1.000, incl 0.025
Over 1.000 0.035

Table 2B - Maximum total depth of decarburization, SI units

Nominal Thickness Total Depth of Decarburization

Millimeters Millimeter
Up to 12.70, incl 0.38
Over 12.70 to 25.40, incl 0.64
Over 25.40 0.89

3.3.3.3 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.
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3.3.3.4 In the case of dispute, the total depth of decarburization determined using the microindentation hardness traverse
method shall govern.

3.3.4 Bending

Product 0.749 inch (19.02 mm) and under in nominal thickness shall be transverse bend tested in accordance with
ASTM E290. Testing shall be performed at room temperature. Bend requirements shall be in accordance with Table 3.
When visually examined, the specimen shall exhibit no cracking. In case of dispute, the results of tests using the guided
bend test of ASTM E290 shall govern.

Table 3 - Bending requirements

Nominal Thickness Nominal Thickness Bend Angle

Inch Millimeters Degrees Bend Radius(1)
Up to 0.249, incl Up to 6.32, incl 180 1.5t
Over 0.249 to 0.749, incl Over 6.32 to 19.02, incl 90 min 1.5t
(1) Bend radius is defined as a bend factor multiplied by the nominal thickness (t).

3.4 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.

3.4.1 Steel shall be aircraft-quality conforming to AMS2301, except specimens containing nonmetallic inclusions over
1 inch (25 mm) shall be subject to rejection.

3.5 Tolerances

Tolerances shall conform to all applicable requirements of AMS2252 (see 8.3).

3.6 Exceptions

Any exceptions shall be authorized by the purchaser and reported as in 4.4.2.

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), hardness (see 3.2), average grain size (see 3.3.1), hardenability (see 3.3.2), decarburization
(see 3.3.3), bending (see 3.3.4), frequency-severity rating (see 3.4.1), and tolerances (see 3.5) are classified as acceptance
tests and shall be performed on each heat or lot as applicable. If grain refining elements (see 3.3.1.2) are not present, the
ASTM E112 grain size test (see 3.3.1.1) shall be conducted on each lot. 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

If grain refining elements (see 3.3.1.2) are present, the ASTM E112 grain size test (see 3.3.1.1) shall be conducted on a
periodic basis and shall be performed at a frequency selected by the producer (not to exceed 1 year), unless frequency of
testing is specified by the purchaser.
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4.3 Sampling and Testing

Sampling and testing shall be in accordance with AMS2370.

4.4 Reports

4.4.1 The producer of the product shall furnish with each shipment a report showing: the producer’s identity; country
where the steel was melted (e.g., final melt in the case of steel processed by multiple melting operations); results
of composition, hardenability, and frequency-severity cleanliness rating (see 4.4.3) of each heat; and results of tests
for hardness, average grain size if measured, and bending of each lot. The report shall state that the product
conforms to the other technical requirements and shall include the purchase order number, heat and lot numbers,
AMS6359M, product form, size, as shipped heat treatment when applicable, and quantity. If the grain size
requirement of 3.3.1 is met by the aluminum, vanadium, and/or columbium (niobium) content, the aluminum,
vanadium, and/or columbium (niobium) content shall be reported and a statement that the chemistry satisfies the
grain size requirement shall be included.

4.4.2 When material produced to this specification has exceptions taken to the technical requirements listed in Section 3,
the report shall contain a statement “This material is certified as AMS6359M(EXC) because of the following
exceptions:” and the specific exceptions shall be listed (see 5.1).

4.4.3 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

Resampling and retesting shall be in accordance with AMS2370.

5. PREPARATION FOR DELIVERY

5.1 Identification

Identification shall be in accordance with AMS2807. When technical exceptions are taken (see 4.4.2), the material shall be
identified with AMS6359M(EXC).

5.2 Protective Treatment

The product shall be protected from corrosion prior to shipment.

5.3 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 (I) 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 Sheet and Strip Tolerances

AMS2252 specifies the same tolerances for both cold-rolled and hot-rolled sheet. However, strip products have
different tolerances.

8.4 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.

8.5 Grain Size

The average grain size resulting from using the appropriate test procedures per ASTM E112 will satisfy an ASTM No. 5 or
finer grain size when the elements defined in 3.3.1.2 as grain refiners are present. Other technical societies have adopted
the verification of fine grain steel based on chemistry alone. Included are ASTM International (Documents A6, A20,
and A29); American Society of Mechanical Engineers (Documents SA6, SA20, and SA29); American Bureau of Shipping;
CSA Group (Canada); EuroNorm documents; and American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

8.6 It is the purchaser’s obligation to ensure that product they procure or resell as AMS6359M has any exceptions
approved by their subsequent purchaser.

8.7 Unless otherwise specified, the material producer shall work to the revision of this specification (AMS6359) in effect
on the date of order placement. Unless otherwise specified, material manufactured and certified to the immediately
previous revision of this specification (AMS6359) may be procured and used until inventory is depleted.

8.8 Purchase documents should specify not less than the following:

AMS6359M
Product form and size of product desired
Quantity of product desired
For sheet and strip only: if product should be hot or cold rolled

PREPARED BY SAE AMS E CARBON AND LOW ALLOY STEELS COMMITTEE