A-2 Tool Die Steels

A-2 - Specification & Application

Applied to the thermosetting plastic mold, the hardened mould as a whole

Chemical composition(wt.%) of A-2 grade:

Elements Min.(≥) Max.(≤) Similar Remarks
C 0.95 1.05
Si - 1.00
Mn - 0.50
Cr 4.75 5.50
Mo 0.90 1.40
V 0.15 0.50
Ni - 0.30

A-2 - Detail

ADVANTAGES:
Good combination of wear resistance and toughness. Very stable in heat treatment.
Not difficult to machine or grind.
Good Hardenability.
AVAILABILITY
Readily available
MACHINABILITY
A-2 can be machined readily in the fully annealed condition. Its machinability rating is about 65% of a 1% carbon tool steel. It also has a high grindability rating.
ANNEALING
Heat slowly to 1500 to 1600°F and furnace cool, allowing the temperature to drop about 75°Fper hour to 1000°F. Then air cool. The annealed hardness is 202 to 248 Brinell.

HARDENING

A-2 should be preheated at 1200° to 1300°F then taken up to 1725° to 1750°F. When part is at temperature it should be soaked 30 minutes for the first inch of thickness and 15 minutes for each inch of thickness over one inch. If a controlled atmosphere or vacuum furnace is not available then part should be wrapped in stainless foil to prevent decarburization. When the piece is taken from the furnace the stainless foil must be removed (if applicable) and then cooled in still air. Large pieces may require forced air.

TEMPERING

As soon as pieces have been cooled to room temperature (100° to 125°F) tempering must begin. Heat slowly to the tempering temperature selected to obtain the hardness desired. Double tempering is recommended.

AISI A-2  Tempering Temperature


Mechanical properties of grade A-2

Proof strength
Rp0.2 (MPa)
Tensile strength
Rm (MPa)
Impact energy
KV (J)
Elongation at fracture
A (%)
Reduction in cross section on fracture
Z (%)
As-Heat-Treated Condition Brinell hardness (HBW)
449 (≥) 751 (≥) 13 13 13 Solution and Aging, Annealing, Ausaging, Q+T,etc 132

Physical properties of grade A-2

Property Density
kg/dm3
Temperature T
°C/F
Specific heat
J / kgK
Thermal conductivity
W/mK
Electric resistance
µΩ·cm
Modulus of elasticity
kN/mm2
Expansion rate
792 (≥) 422 (≥) 13 33 43 Solution and Aging, Annealing, Ausaging, Q+T,etc 241
Temp.
°C/°F
Creep strain limit
(10000h)
(Rp1,0) N/mm2
Creep rupture strength
(10000h)
(Rp1,0) N/mm2
654 231 874

Equivalent Products

We can customize the production of A-2 grade, contact us for the best solution.
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