Latrobe,Graph-Mo® Cold Work Tool Steel Tube,Pipe (ASTM O6)

Latrobe Graph-Mo® Cold Work Tool Steel Tube (ASTM O6) Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Latrobe Graph-Mo® Cold Work Tool Steel Tube (ASTM O6) Synonyms -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Latrobe Graph-Mo® Cold Work Tool Steel (ASTM O6) Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: # **Latrobe Graph-Mo® Cold Work Tool Steel (ASTM O6)** ## **Product Overview** Latrobe Graph-Mo® is a specialized, **graphitic, oil-hardening** cold work tool steel that conforms to the ASTM O6 classification. Its defining characteristic is a controlled dispersion of **free graphite particles within a molybdenum-alloyed steel matrix**, which imparts a unique combination of properties not found in standard tool steels. This microstructure provides **exceptional machinability, excellent wear resistance with built-in lubricity, and superior vibration damping**, making it the premier choice for intricate, high-precision tooling and applications prone to galling. ## **Key Features & Benefits** * **Unparalleled Machinability:** The free-graphite acts as an internal chip-breaker and lubricant during cutting operations, offering machinability superior to virtually all other tool steels—often rated above 100% of a standard carbon steel benchmark. This drastically reduces machining time, tool wear, and production costs for complex parts. * **Excellent Wear & Anti-Galling Resistance:** The graphite provides inherent dry-lubricating properties at the tool surface, significantly reducing friction, heat buildup, and adhesive wear (galling). This is combined with good abrasive wear resistance from the hardened matrix. * **Superior Vibration Damping:** The graphite phase effectively absorbs vibrational energy (chatter), making Graph-Mo® ideal for long, slender tools (e.g., boring bars, taps, end mills), intricate engraving tools, and components where chatter compromises finish or accuracy. * **Consistent Dimensional Stability:** As an oil-hardening grade with low transformation stresses, it exhibits minimal and predictable size change during heat treatment. * **Good Polishability:** Capable of achieving an excellent surface finish, which is beneficial for plastic molds and forming dies. ## **International Standard & Designations** * **Primary Standard:** **ASTM A681-08 (R2019):** Standard Specification for Tool Steel Alloy. * **Grade:** **O6** (Graphitic, Oil-Hardening) * **Manufacturer's Designation:** **Latrobe Graph-Mo®** * **Unified Numbering System (UNS):** **T31506** * **Common International Equivalents (Functional):** * There is no direct, universally adopted international equivalent due to its unique graphitic composition. * **Germany (DIN):** The concept is similar to graphitized 1.2842, but the molybdenum-modified base of O6 offers distinct advantages. * It is the benchmark against which other free-machining, graphitic tool steels are compared. ## **Chemical Composition (%, typical - ASTM O6)** The composition balances hardenability with stable graphite formation. | Carbon (C) (Total) | Graphite (C) | Molybdenum (Mo) | Silicon (Si) | Manganese (Mn) | Iron (Fe) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 1.25 - 1.55 | ~1.00* (approx.) | 0.20 - 0.30 | 0.55 - 1.05 | 0.20 - 1.00 | Balance | *\*Note: A significant portion of the total carbon is present in the form of finely dispersed, rounded graphite nodules. The molybdenum enhances hardenability and strength.* ## **Physical & Mechanical Properties (Typical)** | Property | Value / Description | | :--- | :--- | | **Density** | ~7.6 - 7.7 g/cm³ (Slightly lower than solid steel due to graphite) | | **Hardness (Annealed)** | 190-220 HB (Brinell) | | **Hardness (Heat Treated)** | **57 - 61 HRC** (Achievable range. Typically used at 58-60 HRC for optimal balance) | | **Austenitizing Temperature** | **790 - 815°C (1455 - 1500°F)** – **Crucially low to preserve graphite.** | | **Quenching Medium** | Oil | | **Tempering Temperature** | **150 - 230°C (300 - 450°F).** Most commonly tempered at 175-205°C (350-400°F). **Single temper is standard.** | | **Machinability** | **Outstanding** – Typically rated at 130-150% of a 1% carbon steel (B1112) benchmark. | | **Toughness** | Moderate. Adequate for most cold work applications for which it is intended. | ## **Product Applications** Latrobe Graph-Mo® excels in applications where complex machining, low friction, and precision are critical. * **Intricate Tooling & Dies:** Complex blanking dies, form tools, master hubs, gears, and cams that are prohibitively expensive or difficult to machine from conventional steels. * **Plastic Injection & Compression Molds:** Particularly for materials prone to sticking or where excellent polish and intricate details are required. * **Thread Rolling Dies & Knurls** for non-ferrous metals, reducing galling. * **Chatter-Sensitive Tools:** Long boring bars, precision taps, fine-pitch hobs, and engraving tools. * **Wear Parts Subject to Galling:** Gibs, guide rails, and wear plates in machinery. * **Gauges, Fixtures, and Master Models** requiring stability and extensive machining. ## **Processing & Heat Treatment Notes** * **Machining:** **Superb.** Can be machined at high speeds and feeds with excellent surface finish and long tool life. Produces characteristic dark, "smoky" chips/swarf due to graphite. * **Heat Treatment:** **THE CRITICAL STEP.** Success depends entirely on **NOT exceeding the recommended low austenitizing temperature**. Overheating dissolves the graphite, permanently destroying the key properties of the steel. Use a reliable, calibrated furnace. Salt bath or controlled atmosphere is preferred. Quench in warm oil (50-65°C). Temper immediately. * **Grinding:** Grinds well, but the graphite can load conventional wheels. Use sharp, open-structure wheels or CBN wheels with proper cleaning. * **Surface Treatments:** **Nitriding and carburizing are not recommended** as they interact with the surface graphite. Decorative or protective plating (chrome, nickel) or PVD coatings can be applied to properly prepared surfaces. --- **Disclaimer** *Latrobe Graph-Mo® is a unique, proprietary tool steel whose exceptional properties are contingent upon strict adherence to its specific low-temperature heat treatment. The information provided is representative of O6-type graphitic steels. It is the absolute responsibility of the end-user to obtain and meticulously follow the latest official technical data sheets and processing guidelines from Latrobe Specialty Steel for this specific grade. Deviation from the specified austenitizing temperature will result in failure to achieve its designed performance characteristics.* -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Latrobe Graph-Mo® Cold Work Tool Steel (ASTM O6) Specification Dimensions Size： Diameter 20-1000 mm Length <5363 mm Size:We can customized as required Standard： Per your request or drawing We can customized as required Properties（Theoretical） Chemical Composition -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Latrobe Graph-Mo® Cold Work Tool Steel (ASTM O6) Properties -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Applications of Latrobe Graph-Mo® Cold Work Tool Steel Tube (ASTM O6) -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Chemical Identifiers Latrobe Graph-Mo® Cold Work Tool Steel Tube (ASTM O6) -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Packing of Latrobe Graph-Mo® Cold Work Tool Steel Tube (ASTM O6) -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Standard Packing: -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Typical bulk packaging includes palletized plastic 5 gallon/25 kg. pails, fiber and Steel Tube drums to 1 ton super sacks in full container (FCL) or truck load (T/L) quantities. Research and sample quantities and hygroscopic, oxidizing or other air sensitive materials may be packaged under argon or vacuum. Solutions are packaged in polypropylene, plastic or glass jars up to palletized 1834 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request. E FORUs’ is carefully handled to minimize damage during storage and transportation and to preserve the quality of our products in their original condition