A3

Alloy Steel

A3

(IS 6240). Nominal values—confirm mill certificate.

Chemical Composition (%)

C1.2
CR4.75
MO0.9
V0.8
MN0.3
P0.03
S0.03

Mechanical Properties

Hardness(annealed):≤248 HB;Hardness(hardened):58-63 HRC

Equivalent Grades

IS 6240 A3

Available Forms

Bar,Plate

Uses

Tool and die steel for cutting, forming, punching and molding tools. Tungsten/molybdenum (≈0%/1.15%) give hot hardness and red-hardness for high-speed and hot-work tools. High chromium (≈5%) provides wear resistance and secondary hardening. Applied to blanks, punches, extrusion dies, shear blades, plastic-mold and cold-work tooling.

Heat Treatment

Hot-work: preheat 800 °C, austenitize 1020–1080 °C, quench, temper 540–620 °C (multiple) for hot hardness and thermal fatigue resistance.

Precautions

Risk of quench cracking and distortion — use graded preheating, controlled cooling and multiple tempers. Avoid overheating the austenitizing temperature. Machine in the soft annealed condition; allow for dimensional change after heat treatment. Grind with coolant to prevent rehardening cracks.

Comments 0