General Information

Abstract

This document specifies the requirements relating to:
Steel X5CrNiCu17-4 (1.4542)
Air melted
Solution treated and precipitation treated
Bars
a or D ≤ 200 mm
Rm ≥ 930 MPa
for aerospace applications.
W.nr: 1.4542.
ASD-STAN: FE-PM3801.

Status
Published
Publication Date
19-May-2026
Technical Committee
ASD-STAN - Aerospace
Current Stage
6060 - Definitive text made available (DAV) - Publishing
Start Date
20-May-2026
Completion Date
20-May-2026

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Overview

EN 3161:2026 is a European standard developed by CEN for the aerospace sector, specifically addressing steel X5CrNiCu17-4 (1.4542) in bar form. This standard details requirements for bars that are air melted, solution treated, and precipitation treated, with either a cross-section or diameter (a or D) of up to 200 mm and a minimum tensile strength (Rm) of 930 MPa. The primary application is in aerospace manufacturing, where high-performance stainless steel components are essential for safety, reliability, and performance.

The current edition supersedes EN 3161:2007 and reflects updates on material designation, compliance with EN 4500 series specifications, and improvements in clarity and format. EN 3161:2026 supports consistency, traceability, and interoperability across the European aerospace supply chain.

Key Topics

  • Material Specification: Defines the chemical composition and mechanical property requirements for X5CrNiCu17-4 (1.4542) stainless steel bars, ensuring uniformity in aerospace applications.
  • Manufacturing Processes:
    • Air melted production method
    • Solution treated and precipitation treated conditions for enhanced mechanical performance
  • Dimensional Limits: Bars with a cross-section or diameter (a or D) not exceeding 200 mm
  • Mechanical Properties: Minimum tensile strength of 930 MPa, ensuring suitability for demanding aerospace functions
  • Quality Assurance:
    • Requirements for microstructure, grain size, and inclusion content
    • Non-destructive testing such as ultrasonic testing (UT) and visual testing (VT)
    • Marking and dimensional inspection for traceability
  • Conformance and Qualification: Guidance on product qualification in line with EN 2043 and EN 4700-002 to ensure reliability

Applications

EN 3161:2026 is especially relevant for manufacturers and suppliers within the aerospace industry who require high-strength, corrosion-resistant steel bars for critical components. Typical uses include:

  • Structural parts exposed to high mechanical stress
  • Fasteners, shafts, and landing gear components
  • Any application where tight tolerances and consistent material quality are vital

The standard assures manufacturers that the specified bars meet rigorous European aerospace material requirements, improving safety, performance, and lifecycle reliability of aerospace products. Adoption of EN 3161:2026 also facilitates market access and harmonized sourcing throughout the industry.

Related Standards

  • EN 2043: Aerospace series - Metallic materials - General requirements for semi-finished product qualification (excluding forgings and castings)
  • EN 4436: Aerospace series - Steel - Test methods - Determination of δ ferrite content
  • EN 4700-002: Aerospace series - Steel and heat resisting alloys - Wrought products - Technical specification - Bars and sections
  • EN 4258: Aerospace series - General organization of standardization for metallic materials
  • EN 4500 series: Guidelines on drafting and presenting material standards for steels

By adhering to EN 3161:2026, organizations align with the latest best practices and technical requirements for aerospace-grade stainless steel bars, ensuring compatibility with international quality expectations and supporting robust supply chain integration.

For detailed implementation, manufacturers are advised to consult the official EN 3161:2026 document and referenced standards for comprehensive technical directions and compliance steps.

Relations

Effective Date
18-Jan-2023
Effective Date
02-Sep-2026
Effective Date
02-Sep-2026
Effective Date
27-May-2026
Effective Date
27-May-2026
Effective Date
27-May-2026
Effective Date
27-May-2026
Effective Date
27-May-2026
Effective Date
27-May-2026
Effective Date
27-May-2026
Effective Date
27-May-2026
Effective Date
27-May-2026
Effective Date
27-May-2026
Effective Date
27-May-2026
Effective Date
27-May-2026

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Frequently Asked Questions

EN 3161:2026 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Aerospace series - Steel X5CrNiCu17-4 (1.4542) - Air melted - Solution treated and precipitation treated - Bars - a or D ≤ 200 mm - Rm ≥ 930 MPa". This standard covers: This document specifies the requirements relating to: Steel X5CrNiCu17-4 (1.4542) Air melted Solution treated and precipitation treated Bars a or D ≤ 200 mm Rm ≥ 930 MPa for aerospace applications. W.nr: 1.4542. ASD-STAN: FE-PM3801.

This document specifies the requirements relating to: Steel X5CrNiCu17-4 (1.4542) Air melted Solution treated and precipitation treated Bars a or D ≤ 200 mm Rm ≥ 930 MPa for aerospace applications. W.nr: 1.4542. ASD-STAN: FE-PM3801.

EN 3161:2026 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 49.025.10 - Steels. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

EN 3161:2026 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 3161:2007, EN 4700-002:2025, EN 2043:2013, EN 6096:2019, EN 2287:2022, EN 4854-1:2019, EN 2585:2019, EN 4537-2:2009, EN 4614:2009, EN 4854-2:2019, EN 6097:2019, EN 2584:2019, EN 4266:2013, EN 4538-003:2010, EN 4613:2021. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

EN 3161:2026 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-julij-2026
Aeronavtika - Jeklo X5CrNiCu17-4 (1.4542) - Taljeno - Topilno žarjeno in
izločevalno utrjeno - Palice - a ali D ≤ 200 mm - Rm ≥ 930 MPa
Aerospace series - Steel X5CrNiCu17-4 (1.4542) - Air melted - Solution treated and
precipitation treated - Bars - a or D ≤ 200 mm - Rm ≥ 930 MPa
Luft- und Raumfahrt - Stahl X5CrNiCu17-4 (1.4542) - Lufterschmolzen - Lösungsgeglüht
und ausgehärtet - Stangen - a oder D ≤ 200 mm - Rm ≥ 930 MPa
Série aérospatiale - Acier X5CrNiCu17-4 (1.4542) - Élaboré à l'air - Mis en solution et
précipité - Barres - a ou D ≤ 200 mm - Rm ≥ 930 MPa
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 3161:2026
ICS:
49.025.10 Jekla Steels
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN 3161
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
May 2026
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 49.025.10 Supersedes EN 3161:2007
English Version
Aerospace series - Steel X5CrNiCu17-4 (1.4542) - Air
melted - Solution treated and precipitation treated - Bars -
a or D  200 mm - Rm  930 MPa
Série aérospatiale - Acier X5CrNiCu17-4 (1.4542) - Luft- und Raumfahrt - Stahl X5CrNiCu17-4 (1.4542) -
Élaboré à l'air - Mis en solution et précipité - Barres - a Lufterschmolzen - Lösungsgeglüht und
ou D  200 mm - Rm  930 MPa ausscheidungsgehärtet - Stangen - a oder D  200 mm -
Rm  930 MPa
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 13 April 2026.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2026 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 3161:2026 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 3
Introduction . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Requirements . 5
Bibliography . 9

European foreword
This document (EN 3161:2026) has been prepared by ASD-STAN.
After enquiries and votes carried out in accordance with the rules of this Association, this document has
received the approval of the National Associations and the Official Services of the member countries of
ASD-STAN, prior to its presentation to CEN.
This document shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical text
or by endorsement, at the latest by November 2026, and conflicting national standards shall be
withdrawn at the latest by November 2026.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN 3161:2007.
— update of the material designation;
— correction of the format of Table 1 to comply with the requirements of the EN 4500 series;
— update of Clause 2;
— addition of a bibliography;
— modification of Table 1, line 9, “a or D ≤ 150” with “a or D ≤ 200”.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bo
...