A6 Tool Steel Material Information

  A-6 is a medium alloy; air-hardening tool and die steel with non-deforming properties making the grade an ideal choice for many die and mold applications. Deep hardening results are possible with A-6 using relatively low heat-treating temperatures that are characteristic of oil hardening steel. A-6 also has an optimum combination of alloying elements providing a desirable balance of toughness, strength and wear resistance.

A-6 should be heated to 1525-1600°F and held at temperature until the tool is thoroughly heated. Then remove it from the furnace and cool in air to approximately 125-150°F before tempering. Preheating at 1200-1250°F is recommended for large or intricate tools. To minimize scaling or decarburization, A-6 should be hardened in an atmosphere furnace, vacuum or a properly rectified salt bath.

To anneal A-6, pack in sealed container with neutral packing compound or place in a vacuum furnace to prevent excessive scaling or decarburization. Heat slowly to 1350-1375°F, furnace cool at a maximum rate of 20°F per hour to 980°F or under and then air-cool to room temperature. Proper annealing should result in a hardness of Brinell 235 maximum.

For most applications, heat A-6 to 350°F for tempering. Hold the tool at temperature for at least 1 hour per inch of thickness followed by air-cooling.

Hardening happens between 1525-1600°F. Then removed from the furnace and cool in air to approximately 125°F - 150°F before tempering.

A-6 is an oversized material,

Flats

 

+/- .015 upto .040 on thickness

+/- .080 upto .125 on width

Rounds

Up to 1" +/- .007 upto .018

1" up to 6" +/- .015 upto .040

6" and up +/- .0625 upto .250

Hardening Temp: 1525°F thru 1600°F

 

Quench Medium: Air Salt Bath

 

Tempering Range: 300°F thru 800°F

 

Typical Hardness Level: 54 to 60 R/C

 

Preheat Forging: 1450°F thru 1500°F

 

Forging Temp: 2000°F thru 2100°F

 

Anneal Temp: 1600°F

 

 

Anneal Cooling Method:  

Furnace cool to 25°F per hr. to 1000°F.  

Then air cool or furnace cool.

 

Anneal Hardness: 248 BHN

 

* Double Tempering is Recommend.

 
A-6 Material in Stock Color code:     ORANGE 

Flat Dimensions:
  • ½" x 5/8" upto 5" x 5"
  • Non standard sizes, quoted upon request

 

 

Round Dimensions:

 
  • 3/8" upto 12"
  • Non standard sizes, quoted upon request

 
A-6 Typical Analysis:

C

Mn

Si

Cr

Mo

.70%

2.00

.30%

1.00

1.35%

· Slight variations from typical analysis shown may occur in order to maintain the desired graphitizing potential.

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