TOOL STEEL FACTS

AISI A2 Cold work tool steel

Great Tooling Starts Here!

AISI A2

General
AISI A2 is an air- or oil hardening chromiummolybdenum-vanadium alloyed tool steel characterized by: Good machinability High stability after hardening High compressive strength Good hardenability Good wear resistance.
Typical analysis % Standard specification Delivery condition Color code C 1.0 Si 0.3 Mn 0.6 Cr 5.3 Mo 1.1 V 0.2

FORMING
Hardness HRC

AISI A2, W.-Nr. 1.2363 Soft annealed to approx. 215 HB Red/green

Tools for: Bending, raising, deep-drawing, rim-rolling, spinning and flow-turning Coining dies Tube- and section forming rolls Master hobs for cold hobbing Swaging blocks Gauges, measuring tools, guide rails bushes, sleeves Dies and inserts for molding tablets, abrasive plastics

5662 5660 5862 5860 5660 5862 5862

Availability Applications
AISI A2 takes a place in the Uddeholm tool steel range between AISI O1 and AISI D2, offering an excellent combination of good wear resistance and toughness. It may be regarded, therefore, as a universal cold work steel. For cutting operations the good toughness of AISI A2 gives excellent resistance to chipping of the cutting edge. In many cases tools made from this steel have given better tooling economy than high-carbon, high-chromium steels of the D3/ W.-Nr. 2080 type. AISI A2 has much better machining and grinding properties. CUTTING
Material thickness mm Hardness HRC 6062 5660 5456

AISI A2 can be supplied in various finishes, including the hot-rolled, pre-machined and fine-machined condition. It is also available in the form of hollow bar and rings.

Comparison of fine-grained AISI A2 with high-carbon, high-chromium steel of the D3/W.-Nr. 2080 type.

Tools for: Blanking, punching, piercing, cropping, shearing, trimming, clipping

up to 1/8" (3 mm) 1/81/4" (36 mm) 1/413/32" (610 mm)

Short cold shears Rotary shear blades for plastic waste Clipping, trimming tools for forgings Hot Cold

5660 5860 5658

This information is based on our present state of knowledge and is intended to provide general notes on our products and their uses. It should not therefore be construed as a warranty of specific properties of the products described or a warranty for fitness for a particular purpose.

AISI A2

Properties
PHYSICAL DATA Hardened and tempered to 62 HRC. Data at room temperature and elevated temperatures.
Temperature Density lbs/in3 kg/m3 Modulus of elasticity psi N/mm2 Coefficient of thermal expansion per F from 68F per C from 20C Thermal conductivity Btu in/(ft2hF) W/m C Specific heat Btu/lb F J/kg C 68F (20C) 0.279 7 750 375F (200C) 0.277 7 700 750F (400C) 0.275 7 650

Heat treatment
SOFT ANNEALING Protect the steel and heat through to 1560F (850C). Then cool in the furnace at 20F (10C) per hour to 1200F (650C), then freely in air. STRESS RELIEVING After rough machining the tool should be heated through to 1200F (650C), holding time 2 hours. Cool slowly to 930F (500C), then freely in air. HARDENING Preheating temperature: 12001380F (650750C). Austenitizing temperature: 1700 1780F (925 970C) but usually 17201760F (940960C).
Temperature F C Soaking* time min. 40 30 20 Hardness before tempering approx. 63 HRC approx. 64 HRC approx. 64 HRC

27.5 x 106 190 000

26.9 x 10 6 185 000

24.6 x 106 170 000

6.5 x 106 11.6 x 106

181 26.0 0.11 460

188 27.0

199 28.5

1700 1740 1780

925 950 970

* Soaking time = time at hardening temperature after the tool is fully heated through.

Protect the part against decarburization and oxidation during hardening. COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH Approximate values.
Hardness 62 HRC 60 HRC 55 HRC 50 HRC Compressive yield strength, Rc0.2 ksi N/mm2 2200 2150 1800 1350 319 312 261 196

QUENCHING MEDIA Martempering bath or fluidized bed at 360 430F (180220C) or 8401020 F (450550C) then cool in air Circulating air or atmosphere Vacuum furnace with overpressure of gas at cooling Oil (only for small and uncomplicated tools). Hardness as a function of hardening temperature.
Grain size Surface hardness ASTM HRC Retained austenite % 10 70 Grain size 68 40 8 66 64 30 6 62 60 20 4 58 56 Retained austenite 10 2 54 52 50 1650 1700 1750 1800 1850 F 900 920 940 960 980 1000 1020C

This tool was made from AISI A2. 3 million parts were manufactured before the tool was reground.

Austenitizing temperature

AISI A2

CCT graph
F
2000

C
1100 1000 900 800
Ac 1f = Ac1f 1526F (830C) 830C Ac1s 1s 1427F (775C) Ac = 775C

Austenitizingtemperature 960C Austenitizing temp. 1760F (960C) Holding time 30 min. Holding time 30 min.

1800

1600

1400 700 1200 600 1000 500 800 400 600

Carbides Carbides

Pearlite Pearlite

Cooling curve HardnessT 800500 No. HV 10 (sec.) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 858 847 847 813 803 698 585 514 437 387 1 13 100 502 1071 1593 2138 3228 4292 5228

Bainite Bainite
300 200 100
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

400

Ms
Martensite Martensite

200

10

100

1 000

10 000

100 000

Seconds Seconds Minutes Minutes 100

Note: T800500 = cooling time between 1472932F (800500C)

10 1

100 10 90

1 000

Hours Hours

0.2

1.5

10

600

Air cooling of Airbars, mm cooling of

bars, mm

TEMPERING Choose the tempering temperature according to the hardness required by reference to the tempering graph. Temper twice with intermediate cooling to room temperature. Lowest tempering temperature 360F (180C). Holding time at temperature minimum 2 hours.
Hardness HRC 66 64 62 60 58 56 54 52 50 48 46 44 42 40 38 36 200 100 400 200 600 300 800 400 1000 500 1200 F 600 700C Retained austenite 1740F (950C) Retained austenite % Austenitizing temperature

Note: The tempering graphs are valid for small samples. The hardness received is also dependent on the tool size.

1760F (960C)

1700F (925C)

20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2

Transfer mold with AISI A2 inserts to produce encapsulated electronic components.

Tempering temperature 4

AISI A2

DIMENSIONAL CHANGES DURING HARDENING Sample plate, 4" x 4" x 1", 100 x 100 x 25 mm.
Width % Oil hardening from min. 1760F (960C) max. Martempering from 1760F (960C) min. max. Air hardening from min. 1760F (960C) max. 0.10 0.05 +0.04 +0.05 +0.08 +0.14 Length % 0.02 +0.06 +0.06 +0.08 +0.13 +0.15 Thickness % 0 0.05 0 +0.04 0 +0.04

NITRIDING Nitriding will give a hard diffused surface layer which is very resistant to wear and erosion, and also increases corrosion resistance. Nitriding in ammonia gas at a temperature of 975F (525C) gives a surface hardness of approx. 1000 HV1.
Nitriding temperature F C 980 980 980 525 525 525 Depth of case, approx. in. mm 0.008 0.012 0.016 0.2 0.3 0.4

Nitriding time hours 20 30 60

DIMENSIONAL CHANGES DURING TEMPERING

Dimensional change, % +0.20 +0.16 +0.12 +0.08 +0.04 0 0.04 0.08 0.12 0.16 0.20 200 400 100 200

2 hours nitrocarburizing treatment at 1060F (570C) gives a surface hardness of approx. 900 HV1. The case depth having this hardness will be 0.0004 0.0008" (1020 m).

600 300

800 400

1000 500

1200 F 600 700C

Tempering temperature

Note: The dimensional changes on hardening and tempering should be added together.

SUB-ZERO TREATMENT AND AGING Pieces requiring maximum dimensional stability should be sub-zero and/or artificially aged as volume changes may arise in the course of time. This applies, for example, to measuring tools like gauges and certain structural components. Sub-zero treatment Immediately after quenching, the piece should be sub-zero refrigerated to between 40 and 110F (40 and 80C) followed by tempering or aging. Sub-zero refrigeration for 23 hours will give a hardness increase of 13 HRC. Avoid intricate shapes as there is a risk of cracking. Aging Tempering after quenching is replaced by aging at 230285F (110140C). Holding time 25100 hours.

AISI A2

Machining
The cutting data below, valid for AISI A2 in soft annealed condition, are to be considered as guiding values which must be adapted to existing local conditions. TURNING
Turning with carbide Cutting data parameters Cutting speed (vc) f.p.m. m/min Feed(f) i.p.r. mm/r Depth of cut (ap) inch mm Carbide designation US ISO Rough turning Fine turning Turning with high speed steel Fine turning Cutting data parameters Cutting speed (vc) f.p.m. m/min

End milling
Type of milling Solide carbide Carbide High speed indexable insert steel

165 50

400565 120170

601) 181) 0.0020.0142) 0.050.352)

Feed (fz) inch/tooth 0.0010.0082) 0.0030.0082) mm/tooth 0.030.20 2) 0.080.202) Carbide designation US ISO
1) 2)

C2 K20

C6C5 P20P40

335500 100150 0.010.024 0.30.6 0.080.24 26

500665 150200 0.01 0.3 0.08 2

65 20 0.01 0.3

For coated HSS end mill vc ~80 f.p.m./min. (24 m/min.) Depending on radial depth of cut and cutter diameter.

DRILLING
0.08 2

High speed steel twist drill

Drill diameter Cutting speed (vc) inch mm f.p.m. m/min Feed (f) i.p.r. mm/r
0.0030.008 0.0080.012 0.0120.014 0.0140.016 0.080.20 0.200.30 0.300.35 0.350.40

C6C5 P20P30
Coated carbide

C7 P10
Coated carbide or cermet

3/16 5 3/163/8 510 3/85/8 1015 5/83/4 1520

1)

50* 50* 50* 50*

15* 15* 15* 15*

For coated HSS drill vc ~70 f.p.m./min. (21 m/min.)

MILLING Face and square shoulder milling

Milling with carbide Cutting data parameters Cutting speed (vc) f.p.m. m/min Feed (fz) inch/tooth mm/tooth Depth of cut (ap) inch mm Carbide designation US ISO Rough milling Fine milling Milling with high speed steel Fine milling Cutting data parameters Cutting speed (vc) f.p.m. m/min Feed (f) i.p.r. mm/r
1)

Carbide drill
Type of drill Indexable insert 400565 120170 Solide carbide 200 60 Brazed carbide1) 165 50

365465 110140

465600 140180

60 18 0.004 0.1 0.08 2

0.0020.012) 0.0040.012) 0.0060.012) 0.050.252) 0.100.252) 0.150.25 2)

0.0080.016 0.0040.008 0.20.4 0.10.2 0.080.2 25 0.08 2

2)

Drill with internal cooling channels and brazed carbide tip. Depending on drill diameter.

C6C5 P20P40
Coated carbide

C7C6 P10P20
Coated carbide or cermet

AISI A2

GRINDING General grinding wheel recommendation for AISI A2 is given below. More information can be found in the Uddeholm brochure Grinding of Tool Steel. Wheel selection
Wheel recommendation Type of grinding Face grinding straight wheel Face grinding segments Cylindrical grinding Internal grinding Profile grinding Soft annealed condition A 46 HV A 24 GV A 46 LV A 46 JV A 100 LV Hardened condition A 46 GV A 36 GV A 60 JV A 60 IV A 120 JV

Welding
Good results when welding tool steel can be achieved if proper precautions are taken during welding (elevated working temperature, joint preparation, choice of consumables and welding procedure). If the tool is to be polished or photoetched, it is necessary to work with an electrode type of matching composition.
Welding method MMA (SMAW) TIG Working temperature Consumables 390480F (200250C) AWS E312 UTP 67S Hardness after welding 300 HB 5558 HRC 300 HB 5558 HRC 5356 HRC

390480F AWS ER312 (200250C) UTPA 67S UTPA 73G2

Electrical-discharge machiningEDM
If EDM is performed in the hardened and tempered condition, the tool should then be given an additional temper at about 50F (25C) below the previous tempering temperature.

Further information
Please contact your local Uddeholm office for further information on the selection, heat treatment, application and availability of Uddeholm tool steels, including the publication Steels for Cold Work Tooling (English edition).

Relative comparison of Uddeholm cold work tool steel

MATERIAL PROPERTIES AND RESISTANCE TO FAILURE MECHANISMS
Hardness/ Resistance to plastic deformation Fatigue cracking resist. Ductility/ Toughness/ resistance gross chipping cracking Grade Uddeholm AISI Machinability Grindability Dimension stability Abrasive wear Adhesive wear

AISI O1 AISI A2 AISI D2 COMPAX S VANADIS 4 VANADIS 6 VANADIS 10

TOOL STEEL FACTS

AISI D2 Cold work tool steel

Great Tooling Starts Here!

AISI D2

This information is based on our present state of knowledge and is intended to provide general notes on our products and their uses. It should not therefore be construed as a warranty of specific properties of the products described or a warranty for fitness for a particular purpose.

AISI D2

General
AISI D2 is a high-carbon, high-chromium tool steel alloyed with molybdenum and vanadium characterized by: High wear resistance High compressive strength Good through-hardening properties High stability in hardening Good resistance to tempering-back.
Typical analysis Standard specification Delivery condition Color code C 1.55 Si 0.3 Mn 0.4 Cr 11.8 Mo 0.8 V 0.8

Forming

HRC

AISI D2, W.-Nr. 1.2379 Soft annealed to approx. 210 HB Yellow/white

Tools for: Bending, forming, deep-drawing, rim-rolling, spinning and flow-forming Coining dies Cold extrusion dies, punches Tube- and section forming rolls; plain rolls Dies for molding of: Ceramics, bricks, tiles, grinding wheels, tablets, abrasive plastics Thread-rolling dies Cold-heading tools Crushing hammers Swaging tools Gauges, measuring tools, guide rails, bushes, sleeves, knurling tools, sandblast nozzles

5662 5660 5860 5660 5862

5862 5862 5660 5660 5660

5862

Properties Applications
AISI D2 is recommended for tools requiring very high wear resistance, combined with moderate toughness (shock-resistance). AISI D2 can be supplied in various finishes, including the hot-rolled, pre-machined and fine machined condition. PHYSICAL DATA Hardened and tempered to 62 HRC. Data at ambient temperature and elevated temperatures.
Temperature Density lbs/in3 kg/m3 Coefficient of thermal expansion low temperature tempering per F from 68F per C from 20C high temperature tempering per F from 68F per C from 20C Thermal conductivity Btu in/ft2 h F W/m C Modulus of elasticity ksi MPa Specific heat Btu/lbF J/kg C 68F (20C) 0.277 7 700 390F (200C) 0.276 7 650 750F (400C) 0.275 7 600

Cutting

Material thickness

Material Hardness (HB) <180 >180 HRC HRC 5860 5456

6.8 x 10-6 12.3 x 10-6

Tools for: Blanking, fine-blanking, punching, cropping, shearing, trimming, clipping

<1/8" (3 mm) 6062 1/81/4" (36 mm) 5860

139 20.0 30 450 210 000 0.110 460

6.2 x 10-6 11.2 x 10-6 146 21.0 29 000 200 000

6.7 x 10-6 12 x 10-6 159 23.0 26 100 180 000

Short, cold shears. Shredding knives for waste plastics. Granulator knives Circular shears Clipping, trimming tools for forgings Wood milling cutters, reamers, broaches Hot Cold

5660 5860 5860 5658 5860

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH The figures are to be considered as approximate.

Hardness HRC 62 60 55 50 Compressive yield strength, Rc0.2 ksi MPa 319 312 276 239 2200 2150 1900 1650

AISI D2

Heat treatment
SOFT ANNEALING Protect the steel and heat through to 1560F (850C). Then cool in the furnace at 20F (10C) per hour to 1200F (650C), then freely in air. STRESS-RELIEVING After rough machining the tool should be heated through to 1200F (650C), holding time 2 hours. Cool slowly to 930F (500C), then freely in air. HARDENING Preheating temperature: 11101290F (650750C). Austenitizing temperature: 18101920F (990 1050C) but usually 18301905F (10001040C).
Temperature F C 1815 1850 1885 990 1010 1030 Soaking* time minutes 60 45 30 Hardness before tempering approx. 63 HRC approx. 64 HRC approx. 65 HRC

TEMPERING Choose the tempering temperature according to the hardness required by reference to the tempering graph. Temper twice with intermediate cooling to room temperature. Lowest tempering temperature 360F (180C). Holding time at temperature minimum 2 hours. High temperature tempering at greater than 950F (510C) is recommended if dimensional stability of tooling is critical, if significant wire EDM operations are planned in the hardened state, or if tools are to be coated. Tempering graph
Hardness HRC 65 60 55 50 45 40 35 30 Retained austenite 1870F (1020C) 18 14 10 1870F (1020C) 1920F (1050C) Retained austenite %

1815F (990C)

* Soaking time = time at austenitizing temperature after the tool is fully heated through.

Protect the part against decarburization and oxidation during hardening.

QUENCHING MEDIA Oil (Only very simple geometries) Vacuum (high speed gas) Forced air/gas Martempering bath or fluidized bed at 360 930F (180500C), then cooling in air. Note: Temper the tool as soon as its temperature reaches 120160 F (5070 C). AISI D2 hardens through in all standard sizes. Hardness as a function of austenitizing temperature
Grain size ASTM Hardness, HRC 10 70 Grain size 9 68 8 66 7 64 6 62 5 60 4 58 3 56 2 54 Retained austenite 1 52 50 1800 1850 1900 1950 2000F 960 980 1000 1020 1040 1060 1080 C Austenitizing temperature 4

100 200

8 200 300 400 500 600 700C 400 600 800 1000 1200 F Tempering temperature

Progressive die made of AISI D2. Long run tooling for blanking of parts in thin sheets.

AISI D2

DIMENSIONAL CHANGES DURING HARDENING Heat treatment: Austenitizing temperature 1870F (1020C), 30 minutes, cooling in vacuum equipment with 2 bar nitrogen overpressure. Sample, 3.15" x 3.15" x 3.15" (80 x 80 x 80 mm).
Dimensional change, % +0,10 +0,08 +0,06 +0,04 +0,02 0 0,02 0,04 0,06 0,08 0,10 Length

NITRIDING AND NITROCARBURIZING Nitriding will give a hard surface layer which is very resistant to wear and erosion, and also increases corrosion resistance. A temperature of 975F (525C) gives a surface hardness of approx. 1250 HV1.
Nitriding temperature F 975 975 975 C 525 525 525 Nitriding time hours 20 30 60 Depth of case approx. in 0.010 0.012 0.014 mm 0.25 0.30 0.35

Width

Thickness

Nitrocarburizing at 1060F (570C) for 2 hours gives a surface hardness of approx. 950 HV1. The corresponding case depth will be 0.0004"0.0008" (1020 m).

DIMENSIONAL CHANGES DURING TEMPERING

Dimensional change % +0,15 +0,10 +0,05 0 0,05 0,10 200 400 300 600 400 500 C 800 1000F Tempering temperature

Note: The dimensional changes on hardening and tempering should be added together. The minimum recommended machining allowance is 0.15% per side assuming that stress relief is performed between rough and semifinish machining, as recommended. If not, machining allowances must be increased accordingly.

SUB-ZERO TREATMENT Pieces requiring maximum dimensional stability should be sub-zero treated, as volume changes may occur over the course of time. This applies, for example, to measuring tools such as gauges and certain structural components. Immediately after quenching the piece should be sub-zero treated to between 95 to 110F (70 and 80C)soaking time 34 hours followed by tempering. Sub-zero treatment will give a hardness increase of 13 HRC. Avoid intricate shapes as there will be risk of cracking. Sub-zero treatment must always be followed by a series of tempering operations.
5

AISI D2

Machining
The cutting data below are to be considered as guiding values which must be adapted to existing local conditions. TURNING
Turning with high speed steel Rough turning Fine turning Fine turning Turning with carbide

MILLING Face and square shoulder face milling

Milling with high speed steel Rough milling Fine milling Fine milling 330400 100120 400460 120140 45 14 0.004 0.1 0.08 2 Milling with carbide

Cutting data parameters Cutting speed (vc) f.p.m. m/min. Feed (fz) in/tooth mm/tooth Depth of cut (ap) inch mm

Cutting data parameters Cutting speed (vc) f.p.m. m/min. Feed (f) i.p.r. mm/r Depth of cut (ap) inch mm Carbide designation US ISO

0.0080.016 0.0040.008 0.20.4 0.10.2 0.080.2 0.080.2 25 0.08 2

230360 70110 0.0120.023 0.30.6

360500 110150 0.012 0.3

50 15 0.012 0.3

Carbide designation US C2 C2 ISO ISO K15* K15* * Use a wear resistant Al2O3 coated carbide grade, for example Sandvik Coromant GC 3015 or Seco T15M.

0.080.20 26

0.08 2

0.08 2

End milling
Type of milling

C2 K15*

C2 K15*

* Use a wear resistant Al2O3 coated carbide grade, for example Sandvik Coromant GC 4015 or Seco TP100.

Cutting data parameters Cutting speed (vc) f.p.m. m/min. Feed (fz) in/tooth mm/tooth Carbide designation US ISO
1) 2) 3)

Solid carbide 80 25

Carbide indexable insert 260430 80130

High speed steel 401) 121)

DRILLING High speed steel twist drills

Drill diameter Cutting speed (vc) inch mm f.p.m. m/min
3/16 5 3/163/8 510 3/85/8 1015 5/83/4 1520 30* 30* 30* 30* 10* 10* 10* 10*

0.0010.0082) 0.0030.0082) 0.0020.0142) 0.030.2 0.080.22) 0.050.352) 0.030.22)2)

Feed (f) i.p.r. mm/r

0.0030.008 0.0080.012 0.0120.014 0.0140.016 0.080.20 0.200.30 0.300.35 0.350.40

C2 K20

C2 K153)

For coated HSS end mill vc 56 f.p.m. (17 m/min.) Depending on radial depth of cut and cutter diameter. Use a Al2O3 coated carbide grade.

* For coated HSS drill vc ~45 f.p.m. (14 m/min.)

GRINDING Carbide drills

Type of drill Cutting data parameters Cutting speed (vc) f.p.m. m/min. Feed (f) i.p.r. mm/r
1) 2)

Indexable insert

Solid carbide

Brazed carbide1)

General grinding wheel recommendation for AISI D2 is given below. More information can be found in the Uddeholm publication Grinding of Tool Steel.
Wheel recommendation Soft annealed Hardened condition condition A 46 HV B151 R75 B31) 3SG 46 HVS2) A 46 GV 3SG 36 HVS2) A 36 G V B126 R75 B31) 3SG 60 KVS2) A 60 IV B126 R75 B31) 3SG 60 JVS2) A 60 HV B126 R100 B61) 5SG 80 KVS2) A 120 JV

400560 120170

115 45

145 35

Type of grinding Face grinding straight wheel Face grinding segments Cylindrical grinding Internal grinding

0.0020.0102) 0.0040.0102) 0.0060.0102) 0.050.252) 0.100.252) 0.150.252)

A 24 GV A 46 LV

Drill with internal cooling channels and brazed carbide tip. Depending on drill diameter.

A 46 JV

Profile grinding

A 100 LV

1) 2)

If possible use CBN wheels for this application. Grinding wheel from Norton Co.

AISI D2

Welding
Good results when welding tool steel can be achieved if proper precautions are taken during welding (elevated working temperature, joint preparation, choice of consumables and welding procedure). If the tool is to be polished or photoetched, it is necessary to work with an electrode type of matching composition.
Welding method MMA (SMAW) TIG Working temperature 390485F 200250C 390485F 200250C Consumables Inconel 625-type UTP 67S Inconel 625-type UTPA 73G2 UTPA 67S UTPA 696 Hardness after welding 280 HB 5558 HRC 280 HB 5356 HRC 5558 HRC 6064 HRC

Electrical-discharge machining
If EDM is performed in the hardened and tempered condition, the hard brittle white layer must be completely removed through stoning and polishing operations and the tool should then be given an additional temper at approx. 50F (25C) below the previous tempering temperature. Further information can be obtained from the Uddeholm brochure EDM of tool steel.

Further information
Contact your local Uddeholm office for further information on the selection, heat treatment, application and availability of Uddeholm tool steels, including the publications Steels for Cold Work Tooling.

Relative comparison of Uddeholm cold work tool steel

MATERIAL PROPERTIES AND RESISTANCE TO FAILURE MECHANISMS
Fatigue cracking resist. Ductility/ Toughness/ resistance gross chipping cracking Grade Uddeholm AISI Hardness/ Plastic deform. Machinability Grindability Dimension stability Abrasive wear Adhesive wear

AISI O1 AISI A2 AISI D2 COMPAX SUPREME VANADIS 4 VANADIS 6 VANADIS 10

TOOL STEEL FACTS

AISI O1 Cold work tool steel

Great Tooling Starts Here!

AISI O1

This information is based on our present state of knowledge and is intended to provide general notes on our products and their uses. It should not therefore be construed as a warranty of specific properties of the products described or a warranty for fitness for a particular purpose.

AISI O1

General
AISI O1 general purpose oil-hardening tool steel is a versatile manganese-chromium-tungsten steel suitable for a wide variety of cold-work applications. Its main characteristics include: Good machinability Good dimensional stability in hardening A good combination of high surface hardness and toughness after hardening and tempering. These characteristics combine to give a steel suitable for the manufacture of tooling with good toollife and production economy. AISI O1 can be supplied in various finishes including hot-rolled, pre-machined, fine-machined and precision ground. It is also available in the form of hollow bar.
Typical analysis % Standard specification Delivery condition Color code C 0.95 Mn 1.1 Cr 0.6 W 0.6

Properties
PHYSICAL DATA Hardened and tempered to 62 HRC. Data at ambient temperature and elevated temperature.
Temperature Density lbs/in3 kg/m3 Modulus of elasticity psi N/mm2 68F (20C) 0.282 7 800 28 x 10 6 190 000 375F (200C) 0.280 7 750 27 x 10 6 185 000 750F (400C) 0.278 7 700 25 x 10 6 170 000

Coefficient of thermal exp. per F from 68F per C from 20C Thermal conductivity Btu in/ft2 h F W/m C Specific heat Btu/lb. F J/kg C 222 32 0.11 460

6.5 x 10 -6 6.3 x 10 -6 11.7 x 10 -6 11.4 x 10 -6 229 33 236 34

AISI O1, W.-Nr. 1.2510 Soft annealed approx. 190 HB Yellow

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH The figures are to be considered approximate.

Compressive yield strenght, Rc0.2 Hardness 62 HRC 60 HRC 55 HRC 50 HRC N/mm2 2200 2150 1800 1350 ksi 319 312 261 196

Applications
Tools for Cutting Blanking, punching piercing, cropping, shearing, trimming clipping Short cold shears Clipping and trimming tools for forgings Forming Bending, raising, drawing, rim rolling, spinning and flow forming Small coining dies Gauges, measuring tools Turning centres Guide bushes, ejector pins, high duty, small/medium drills and taps Small gear wheels, pistons, nozzles, cams Hot Cold Material thickness up to 1/8" (3 mm) 1/81/4" (36 mm) 1/413/32" (610 mm) HRC 6062 5660 5456 5460 5860 5658

5662 5660

5862

Clipping and edging tool in AISI O1 tool steel to clip and form edge of 0.036" (0.914 mm) thick stainless steel container approx. 10" x 6" x 8" (254 x 152 x 203 mm).
3

AISI O1

Heat treatment
SOFT ANNEALING Protect the steel and heat through to 1435F (780C). Then cool in the furnace at 27F (15C) per hour to 1200F (650C), then freely in air. STRESS-RELIEVING After rough machining the tool should be heated through to 1200 F (650C), holding time 2 hours. Cool slowly to 930F (500C) then freely in air. HARDENING Preheating temperature: 11101290F (600700C) Austenitizing temperature: 14501560F (790 850C)
Temperature F 1470 1520 1560 C 800 825 850 Soaking* time minutes 30 20 15 Hardness before tempering approx. 65 HRC approx. 65 HRC approx. 63 HRC

TEMPERING Choose the tempering temperature according to the hardness required by reference to the tempering graph. Temper twice with intermediate cooling to room temperature. Lowest tempering temperature 360F (180C). Holding time at temperature minimum 2 hours. Tempering graph
Hardness, RC 66 64 62 60 58 56 54 52 50 48 46 44 42 40 38 36 200 400 200 600 800 1000 1200 F Retained austenite 1560F (850C) 1455F (790C) Austenitizing temperature 1510F (820C) 30 28 26 24 22 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 Retained austenite %

* Soaking time = time at austenitizing temperature after the tool is fully heated through.

Protect the part against decarburization and oxidation during hardening. QUENCHING MEDIA

100

Oil Martempering bath. Temperature 360435F

(180225C), then cooling in air. Note: Temper the tool as soon as its temperature reaches 120160F (5070C).

300 400 500 600 Tempering temperature

700 C

MARTEMPERING Tools at austenitizing temperature are immersed in the martempering bath for the time indicated, then cooled in air to not lower than 210F (100C). Temper immediately as with oil-quenching.
Holding time Austenitizing Temp. of in martemp. temperature martemp. bath bath, F C F C minutes 1520 1520 1520 1560 825 825 825 850 435 390 355 435 225 200 180 225 max. max. max. max. 5 10 20 10 Surface hardness prior to tempering (obtained by martempering) 642 HRC 632 HRC 622 HRC 622 HRC

Hardness as a function of hardening temperature.

Grain size Hardness ASTM HRC 10 Grain size 8 66 Holding time 1h 6 4 2 64 62 60 Holding time 20 minutes 30 20 10 Retained austenite %

40

Retained austenite

1400 1435 1470 1510 1545 1580 1615 F 760 780 800 820 840 860 880 C Austenitizing temperature

AISI O1

DIMENSIONAL CHANGES DURING HARDENING Sample plate, 4" x 4" x 1" (100 x 100 x 25 mm).
Width % Oil hardening from 1530F (830C) min. max. Martempering from 1530F (830C) min. max. +0.03 +0.10 +0.04 +0.12 Length % +0.04 +0.10 +0.06 +0.12 Thickness % +0.02 +0.02

Machining recommendations
The following tables give machining data for AISI O1 in soft annealed condition. Hardness 190 HB. The data are to be considered as guiding values, which must be adapted to existing local conditions. TURNING
Turning with high speed steel Rough turning Fine turning Fine turning Turning with carbide

DIMENSIONAL CHANGES DURING TEMPERING

Dimensional change % +0.1

Cutting data parameters Cutting speed (vc) f.p.m. m/min Feed (f) i.p.r. mm/r Depth of cut (ap) inch mm Carbide designation US ISO

460560 140170 0.0120.023 0.30.6

560730 170220 0.01 0.3

65 20 0.01 0.3

0.1

0.080.24 26 C6C5 P20P30

Coated carbide

0.08 2 C7 P10
Coated carbide or cermet

0.08 2

0.2

200 100

400 200 300

600

F 400 C

Tempering temperature

Note: The dimensional changes on hardening and tempering should be added together. Recommended allowance 0.25%.

MILLING Face and square shoulder milling

Milling with carbide Milling with high speed steel Fine milling Fine milling

SUB-ZERO TREATMENT AND AGING Pieces requiring maximum dimensional stability should be sub-zero treated and/or artificially aged, as volume changes may occur in the course of time. This applies, for example, to measuring tools like gauges and certain structural components. Sub-zero treatment Immediately after quenching the piece should be sub-zero treated to between 95 to 110F (70 and 80C), soaking time 34 hours, followed by tempering or aging. Sub-zero treatment will give a hardness increase of 13 HRC. Avoid intricate shapes as there will be risk of cracking. Aging Tempering after quenching is replaced by aging at 230285F (110140C). Holding time 25 100 hours.

Cutting data parameters Cutting speed (vc) f.p.m. m/min Feed (fz) in/tooth mm/tooth Depth of cut (ap) inch mm Carbide designation US ISO

Rough milling

530660 160200

660790 200240

80 25 0.004 0.1

0.0080.016 0.0040.008 0.20.4 0.100.20

0.080.2 25 C6C5 P20P40

Coated carbide

0.08 2 C7C6 P10P20

Coated carbide or cermet

0.08 2

AISI O1

End milling
Type of milling Cutting data parameters Cutting speed (vc) f.p.m. m/min Feed (fz) in/tooth mm/tooth Carbide designation US ISO
1) 2)

Solid carbide 165 50

Carbide indexable insert 400560 120170

High speed steel 801) 251)

Electrical-discharge machining
If spark-erosion, EDM, is performed in the hardened and tempered condition, the tool should then be given an additional temper at approx. 50F (25C) below the previous tempering temperature.

0.0010.0082) 0.0030.0082) 0.0020.0142) 0.030.22) 0.080.22) 0.050.352) 0.030.22)

C2 K20, P40

C6C5 P20P30

Welding
Good results when welding tool steel can be achieved if proper precautions are taken during welding (elevated working temperature, joint preparation, choice of consumables and welding procedure). If the tool is to be polished or photoetched, it is necessary to work with an electrode type of matching composition.
Welding method MMA (SMAW) TIG Working temperature 390480F 200250C 390480F 200250C Consumables AWS E312 UTP 67S AWS ER312 UTPA 67S UTPA 73G2 Hardness after welding 300 HB 5558 HRC 300 HB 5558 HRC 5356 HRC

For coated end mills vc 115 f.p.m. (35 m/min.) Depending on radial depth of cut and cutter diameter.

DRILLING High speed steel twist drill

Drill diameter inch mm
3/16 5 3/163/8 510 3/85/8 1015 5/83/4 1520

Cutting speed (vc) f.p.m. m/min

50* 50* 50* 50* 16* 16* 16* 16*

Feed (f) i.p.r. mm/r

0.0030.008 0.0080.012 0.0120.014 0.0140.016 0.080.20 0.200.30 0.300.35 0.350.40

*) For coated HSS drills vc ~70 f.p.m. (22 m/min.)

Carbide drill
Type of drill Cutting data parameters Cutting speed (vc) f.p.m. m/min Feed (f) i.p.r. mm/r
1) 2)

Indexable insert 400530 120160

Solid carbide 200 60

Brazed carbide1) 180 55

0.0020.012) 0.0040.012) 0.0060.012) 0.050.252) 0.100.252) 0.150.252)

Drills with internal cooling channels and brazed carbide tip. Depending on drill diameter.

GRINDING General grinding wheel recommendation for AISI O1 is given below. More information can be found in the Uddeholm publication Grinding of Tool Steel.
Wheel recommendation Soft annealed Hardened condition condition A 46 H V A 24 G V A 46 L V A 46 J V A 100 L V A 46 G V A 36 G V A 60 J V A 60 I V A 120 J V

Type of grinding Face grinding straight wheel Face grinding segments Cylindrical grinding Internal grinding Profile grinding 6

Blanking tool made from fine-machined AISI O1 tool steel.

AISI O1

Relative comparison of Uddeholm cold work tool steel

MATERIAL PROPERTIES AND RESISTANCE TO FAILURE MECHANISMS
Fatigue cracking resist. Ductility/ Toughness/ resistance gross chipping cracking Grade Uddeholm AISI Hardness/ Plastic deform. Machinability Dimension stability Abrasive wear Adhesive wear

Grindability

AISI O1 AISI A2 AISI D2 COMPAX SUPREME VANADIS 4 VANADIS 6 VANADIS 10

Further information
Please contact your local Uddeholm office for further information on the selection, heat treatment, application and availability of Uddeholm tool steels.