AK Steel announced that it will increase base prices of its Precipitation Hardening (PH) stainless steel products by approximately 10%, effective with shipments on and after September 19, 2005.

PH grades of stainless steels have very high strength and hardness. They are used in a variety of aircraft, aerospace, chemical and petrochemical, and food processing applications.

AK Steel said that the price changes are necessary to recover increases in the costs of manufacturing, energy and transportation. AK Steel noted that its raw material surcharges will continue for stainless steel products.

Headquartered in Middletown, Ohio, AK Steel produces flat-rolled carbon, stainless and electrical steel products, as well as carbon and stainless tubular steel products, for automotive, appliance, construction and manufacturing markets.