O-1
This oil-hardening die steel is characterized by dimensional
stability (low movement) during hardening and high hardness response from
low quenching temperatures. It offers a good combination of machinability,
toughness and abrasion resistance that makes this well known die steel ideal
for many tool room applications.
Heat slowly to 1475-1500° F in controlled atmosphere or salt, soak
thoroughly and quench in oil. Large or intricate work may be preheated at
1200° F. Remove from quench at 150° F minimum; quenching cold may cause
cracking. Temper as soon as removed from quench to prevent cracking. A
350-400° F temper for 1 hour is adequate for standard applications; other
hardnesses are obtainable
A-2
An air-hardening die steel, this grade is used to
replace the O-1 grade applications requiring safer heat treatment, less
distortion during hardening, and greater wear resistance. A-2 exhibits
considerably less movement during heat treatment than is experienced with the
O-1 grade. This dimensional stability makes A-2 extremely useful for intricate
dies, which must maintain their size during and after heat treatment. As far
as machinability, toughness, and abrasion resistance are concerned, A-2 is
equal to or better than – either oil or air-hardening manganese-type die
steels in most applications.
Heat slowly to 1750° F in controlled atmosphere or salt, soak 30 minutes
minimum and air quench. Large or intricate work should be preheated at
1200-1400° F. If controlled atmospheres or salt are not available, pack harden
or wrap in stainless steel foil. Make sure soak time is adequate if packing or
wrapping is used. Temper whenever quenched work reaches room temperature.
Double tempering is preferred, 1 hour at heat.
D-2
This air-hardening die steel offers significantly better wear
resistance and a high compressive strength that make it a better choice than
A-2 for long-run applications. D-2 exhibits minimum distortion after
heat-treating. Though not as tough as the O-1 and A-2 grades, D-2 can
withstand a surprising amount of shock and is widely used for difficult
cold-forming applications. This grade is an outstanding performer where high
production and/or close tolerances on finished parts are required.
Heat slowly to 1850° F in controlled atmosphere or salt, soak 30 minutes
minimum and air quench. Large or intricate work may be preheated at 1200° F
and 1500° F. If controlled atmospheres or salt are not available, pack harden
or wrap in stainless steel foil. Make sure soak time is adequate if packing or
wrapping is used. Temper whenever quenched work reaches room temperature.
Double tempering is preferred. Use 300-350° F for abrasion resistance and
900-975° F for shock or semi-hot work.
Low Carbon
A fine-grained, silicon-killed, forging quality steel, Low Carbon can
provide appreciable savings for many applications, such as die plates,
fixtures, jigs, machine parts, patterns, punch pads, stripper plates and
templates that do not require a heat-treated steel. Tough, ductile and easy to
machine, this steel also has excellent welding properties.
If desired, Low Carbon can be either carburized or case hardened using
standard heat treatments. When applied to this grade, both processes produce
satisfactory surface hardening results.