Assab Steel Wires,ASSAB XW-42 Cold Work Steel Wire

Assab Steel Wires ASSAB XW-42 Cold Work Steel Wire Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Assab Steel Wires ASSAB XW-42 Cold Work Steel Wire Synonyms -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Assab Steels ASSAB XW-42 Cold Work Steel Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: # Technical Datasheet: ASSAB XW-42 (AISI D2 Modified) Cold Work Steel --- ## **1. Product Overview** **ASSAB XW-42** is a premium **high-carbon, high-chromium, air-hardening cold work tool steel** that represents a **chemically enhanced variant of the standard AISI D2/XW-41 composition**. Developed by the ASSAB Group, XW-42 incorporates **significantly higher molybdenum (Mo) and vanadium (V)** content to deliver **superior performance characteristics** including improved toughness, better hardenability, enhanced secondary hardening response, and superior grindability compared to conventional D2 steel. This modified alloy maintains the exceptional wear resistance characteristic of high-chromium steels while addressing some of the inherent limitations of standard D2, making it a **high-performance upgrade** for demanding tooling applications requiring extended service life under severe conditions. XW-42 is particularly valued in applications where improved resistance to chipping and better dimensional stability are required alongside high wear resistance. --- ## **2. Key International Standards & Designations** | Country/System | Standard Designation | Equivalent/Similar Grade | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Sweden / ASSAB** | **ASSAB XW-42** | Proprietary Modified D2 Grade | | **USA (AISI/SAE)** | **Modified AISI D2** | No direct AISI equivalent | | **ISO** | **ISO 4957:2018** | **1.2379+** (Enhanced variant) | | **Europe (EN)** | **- -** | Proprietary ASSAB specification | | **Germany (DIN/W-Nr.)** | **- -** | Proprietary composition | | **Japan (JIS)** | **- -** | Proprietary to ASSAB | | **Common Reference** | **"Super D2"** | Industry terminology for Mo/V-enhanced D2 | **Note:** ASSAB XW-42 is a **proprietary grade** without direct, universally standardized equivalents. Its composition falls within the broader high-carbon, high-chromium cold work steel family but with optimized alloy ratios. --- ## **3. Chemical Composition (Typical %)** The enhanced alloy composition distinguishes XW-42 from standard D2/XW-41: | Element | Weight % (XW-42) | Comparison to XW-41 | Metallurgical Function | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Carbon (C)** | 1.50 - 1.60 | Similar | Matrix hardening and carbide formation. | | **Chromium (Cr)** | 11.00 - 12.00 | Similar | Primary carbide former (M₇C₃), provides wear resistance and hardenability. | | **Molybdenum (Mo)** | **0.90 - 1.20** | **Higher** (~0.3-0.4% more) | **Key enhancement:** Improves hardenability, enhances toughness, promotes secondary hardening, improves hot strength. | | **Vanadium (V)** | **1.00 - 1.20** | **Higher** (at upper end) | **Key enhancement:** Forms hard MC carbides, refines grain, increases wear resistance and tempering resistance. | | **Silicon (Si)** | 0.30 - 0.50 | Slightly higher | Deoxidizer, increases tempering resistance. | | **Manganese (Mn)** | 0.40 - 0.60 | Similar | Aids hardenability. | | **Other (P, S)** | < 0.025 | Similar | Low impurities. | **Key Metallurgical Advantages:** - **Enhanced Toughness:** Higher Mo content refines the martensitic structure and improves fracture resistance. - **Improved Secondary Hardening:** Mo and V promote stronger precipitation hardening during tempering (500-550°C range). - **Better Hardenability:** Ensures complete through-hardening in larger sections. - **Superior Grindability:** Optimized carbide size and distribution reduce grinding wheel wear. --- ## **4. Physical & Mechanical Properties** ### **4.1 Standard Heat Treatment** * **Annealing:** Heat to 850-880°C (1565-1615°F), slow furnace cool to 600°C (1110°F). Annealed hardness: **~210-230 HB**. * **Austenitizing:** **1020-1050°C (1870-1920°F)**. Upper range may be used to maximize secondary hardening potential. * **Quenching:** **Air cool** (forced air recommended for consistent results). * **Tempering:** **Double or triple temper essential.** Wider effective range due to enhanced secondary hardening. - **Low-Temp (180-250°C):** 60-62 HRC, maximum wear resistance. - **Mid-Temp (400-500°C):** 58-60 HRC, good balance. - **High-Temp (500-550°C):** **56-58 HRC with peak toughness** (optimal for many applications). ### **4.2 Typical Mechanical Properties (Hardened & Tempered @ 520°C)** | Property | Value / Rating (XW-42) | Advantage vs. Standard D2 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Hardness** | **57 - 59 HRC** (at 520°C temper) | Better hardness retention at high tempering temperatures. | | **Impact Toughness** | **Improved (15-30 J)** | **15-25% better** at equivalent hardness due to finer structure. | | **Abrasive Wear Resistance** | **Excellent to Outstanding** | Slightly improved due to optimized vanadium carbide distribution. | | **Compressive Strength** | ~ 2500 - 2800 MPa | Similar to D2, very high. | | **Dimensional Stability** | **Excellent** | Potentially better due to more complete transformation. | | **Grindability** | **Good (for a high-Cr steel)** | Noticeably better than standard D2. | ### **4.3 Physical Properties (Approximate)** * Density: 7.70-7.72 g/cm³ * Thermal Conductivity: ~22 W/m·K * Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: 10.5 x 10⁻⁶/K (20-200°C) * Modulus of Elasticity: 210 GPa --- ## **5. Typical Product Applications** ASSAB XW-42 is specified for **high-performance tooling** where the limitations of standard D2 are a concern, particularly in terms of chipping resistance and grindability. * **Precision Blanking & Punching Dies:** For abrasive and high-strength materials (e.g., advanced high-strength steel/AHSS, silicon steel, composites) requiring extended tool life. * **Thread Rolling Dies & Knurls:** For hard or tough workpiece materials where die pressure is high. * **Cold Forming Tools & Extrusion Dies:** Subject to high pressure and wear. * **Slitter Knives & Rotary Cutters:** For demanding materials where edge chipping is an issue. * **Precision Plastic Molds:** For highly abrasive filled plastics (long-glass fiber, mineral-filled) requiring excellent polishability and wear resistance. * **Gauges & Wear Parts:** Where dimensional stability under load and wear resistance are critical. --- ## **6. Processing & Manufacturing Guidelines** * **Machinability (Annealed):** **Fair to Poor** (~35% of 1% C steel). Similar to D2; requires carbide tooling and rigid setups. * **Grindability:** **Good (relative to D2).** The optimized carbide structure reduces grinding wheel wear and heat generation. Use aluminum oxide or CBN wheels with appropriate coolant. * **EDM Machining:** Excellent results. Post-EDM stress relief (180-200°C) remains recommended. * **Polishability:** **Excellent.** ASSAB's high cleanliness and the refined carbide structure allow for superior surface finishes (Ra < 0.05 µm achievable). * **Surface Treatments:** Responds exceptionally well to: - **Nitriding:** (Gas or Plasma) for increased surface hardness and anti-galling properties. - **PVD Coatings:** (TiAlN, AlCrN, DLC) to further enhance wear and corrosion resistance. --- ## **7. Comparative Performance & Selection Notes** | Criterion | ASSAB XW-42 | ASSAB XW-41 (Std D2) | ASSAB VANADIS 4 Extra (PM) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Wear Resistance** | Excellent | Excellent | **Superior** | | **Toughness** | **Better** | Good | **Best** | | **Grindability** | **Better** | Fair | Good | | **Cost** | Moderate-High | Moderate | High | | **Primary Advantage** | **Balanced upgrade over D2** | Proven wear resistance | Ultimate wear+toughness combo | **When to Choose XW-42 over XW-41:** 1. Tool designs are **more complex or have thinner sections** prone to chipping. 2. The application involves **moderate, unpredictable shock loads**. 3. **Grinding is a significant part** of the tool manufacturing process. 4. Tools will be used at **higher operating temperatures** (benefits from secondary hardening). 5. A **performance upgrade from D2 is needed** without stepping up to premium powder metallurgy steels. --- ## **8. Important Design & Handling Notes** 1. **Heat Treatment Precision:** The enhanced alloy responds best to **precise, controlled heat treatment**. Use calibrated furnaces and follow ASSAB's recommended cycles closely. 2. **Tempering Flexibility:** The strong secondary hardening response allows effective use of **higher tempering temperatures (500-550°C)** to achieve an optimal toughness/hardness balance for many applications. 3. **Corrosion Resistance:** Similar to D2 (~12% Cr) – good against oxidation and mild corrosion, but not for severely corrosive environments. 4. **Not a Shock Steel:** Despite improved toughness, it remains a **wear-resistant steel**. Do not use for severe impact applications (use ASSAB CALMAX or similar). --- ## **9. Conclusion** **ASSAB XW-42 represents the evolution of the classic D2 cold work steel, intelligently modified to overcome its predecessor's key weaknesses.** By strategically increasing molybdenum and vanadium, ASSAB has created a grade that delivers: - **Superior toughness** at equivalent hardness levels, reducing chipping risk. - **Enhanced grindability**, lowering manufacturing time and cost. - **Stronger secondary hardening**, providing greater thermal stability and tempering flexibility. While maintaining the **exceptional wear resistance** that made D2 famous, XW-42 is the **right choice for demanding applications where standard D2 tools have shown limitations in terms of brittle fracture or manufacturing difficulty**. It sits in a valuable performance niche between conventional D2 and premium powder metallurgy steels, offering a significant upgrade in reliability and performance for critical, long-run tooling applications where total cost of ownership—not just initial material cost—is a primary concern. For the toolmaker or engineer seeking a **higher-performance D2 variant from a trusted manufacturer**, ASSAB XW-42 is an excellent, proven option. -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Assab Steels ASSAB XW-42 Cold Work Steel Specification Dimensions Size： Diameter 20-1000 mm Length <5223 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. -: Assab Steels ASSAB XW-42 Cold Work Steel Properties -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Applications of Assab Steel Wires ASSAB XW-42 Cold Work Steel Wire -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Chemical Identifiers Assab Steel Wires ASSAB XW-42 Cold Work Steel Wire -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Packing of Assab Steel Wires ASSAB XW-42 Cold Work Steel Wire -:- 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 Wire 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 1694 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