Crucible Steel Sheet,Plate,CSM® 6 Tool Steel Sheet,Plate, AISI A6

Crucible Steel Sheet/Plate CSM® 6 Tool Steel Sheet/Plate, AISI A6 Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Crucible Steel Sheet/Plate CSM® 6 Tool Steel Sheet/Plate, AISI A6 Synonyms -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Crucible Steel CSM® 6 Tool Steel, AISI A6 Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: # **Product Introduction: Crucible Steel CSM® 6 (AISI A6) Tool Steel** Crucible Steel CSM® 6 is a high-carbon, high-chromium, oil-hardening tool steel that conforms to the AISI A6 specification. It is part of the CSM® (Crucible Special Metals) line, denoting a high-quality, conventionally produced alloy. A6 is distinguished within the A-series (air-hardening steels) by its unique characteristic: **it is designed for oil quenching**. This provides a specific combination of properties, including **good wear resistance, excellent dimensional stability with minimal distortion during quenching, and superior toughness compared to many air-hardening counterparts of similar hardness**. It serves as a reliable, general-purpose tool steel for applications requiring a balance of durability and stability. CSM® 6 is engineered for applications where the predictability of oil quenching is advantageous. While air-hardening steels like A2 and D2 are more common, A6 offers a distinct advantage in achieving very uniform hardness with minimal risk of cracking in properly designed sections, thanks to the less severe thermal gradient of an oil quench compared to air. It is a versatile steel for a wide range of cold work tooling, particularly where complex shapes or size stability are primary concerns. --- ## **1. Chemical Composition (Weight %)** The composition of A6 is based on a balanced manganese-chromium system designed for oil hardenability. | **Element** | **Carbon (C)** | **Manganese (Mn)** | **Chromium (Cr)** | **Molybdenum (Mo)** | **Nickel (Ni)** | **Silicon (Si)** | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Content** | 0.68 - 0.78 | 1.80 - 2.20 | 0.90 - 1.20 | 0.20 - 0.40 | 0.25 - 0.40 | 0.10 - 0.30 | | **Role** | Provides base hardness and contributes to wear resistance through carbide formation. Level is optimized for a balance of hardness and toughness. | **Primary hardenability agent for oil quenching.** Manganese significantly increases hardenability while promoting a fine grain structure. | Enhances hardenability, wear resistance, and provides slight corrosion resistance. Forms carbides. | Further increases hardenability and refines grain size, improving toughness and strength. | Contributes to core toughness and hardenability. | Acts primarily as a deoxidizer during steelmaking. | *Note: Iron (Fe) constitutes the remainder. The high manganese content is the defining feature that allows for successful oil hardening in moderate sections.* --- ## **2. Physical & Mechanical Properties** *Typical properties after proper oil quenching and tempering to a working hardness of 57-61 HRC.* * **Density:** ~7.84 g/cm³ (0.283 lb/in³) * **Modulus of Elasticity:** ~205 GPa (29.7 x 10⁶ psi) * **Thermal Conductivity:** Moderate. * **Hardenability:** **Good (Oil-Hardening).** Designed to through-harden in moderate sections (up to ~75mm or 3 inches) when oil quenched. Not as deep hardening as air-hardening A-series steels. * **Hardness (Typical Working Range):** **56 - 62 HRC.** Most commonly used at **58-60 HRC**, where it offers an excellent combination of properties. * **Wear Resistance:** **Good.** Comparable to or slightly better than O1, but generally lower than higher-alloy, higher-carbon steels like A2 or D2 due to its lower carbide volume. * **Toughness:** **Very Good to Excellent.** This is a key strength of A6. At equivalent hardness, it typically offers higher impact toughness than many air-hardening steels like A2 and D2. Its fine-grained structure and oil-quenching process contribute to this toughness. * **Dimensional Stability:** **Excellent.** When properly oil quenched, A6 exhibits **very low distortion and minimal size change**, often less than air-hardening grades. This makes it exceptional for precision tools and gages. * **Machinability (Annealed):** **Excellent.** One of the most machinable tool steels in the annealed condition, due to its relatively low alloy content and favorable microstructure. --- ## **3. Heat Treatment** Heat treatment is straightforward but relies on a proper oil quench. * **Annealing:** Heat to 760-790°C (1400-1450°F), slow cool in furnace. Annealed hardness: 183-229 HB. * **Stress Relieving:** 595-650°C (1100-1200°F), hold, then slow cool. * **Preheating:** Recommended at 650-700°C (1200-1290°F). * **Austenitizing:** **790-820°C (1455-1510°F).** A common temperature is **800°C (1475°F)**. This is a relatively low austenitizing temperature compared to air-hardening steels. * **Quenching:** **Oil quench.** Use a fast, well-agitated oil. The oil temperature should be maintained between 40-60°C (100-140°F) for optimal results. * **Tempering:** **Mandatory.** Temper immediately after quenching. **Two tempers** are recommended for stress relief and stability. * **Typical Tempering Range:** **150-540°C (300-1000°F).** * For a hardness of 58-60 HRC, temper at **175-230°C (350-450°F)** or **425-540°C (800-1000°F)**. Avoid the 260-370°C (500-700°F) range due to tempered martensite embrittlement. * Tempering in the 425-540°C (800-1000°F) range yields excellent toughness with a moderate reduction in hardness. --- ## **4. Key Applications** CSM® 6 (A6) is ideal for precision tooling where stability, toughness, and ease of machining are valued. * **Precision Gages and Measuring Tools:** Plug gages, ring gages, thread gages, and master fixtures where dimensional stability is paramount. * **Intricate Punches, Dies, and Forming Tools:** Tools with complex shapes or thin sections that benefit from low-distortion oil quenching. * **Master Hubs and Form Rolls:** For coining, embossing, and thread rolling. * **Machine Tool Components:** Cams, bushings, and wear plates requiring good toughness and wear resistance. * **Woodworking Tools:** Knives and blades where a tough, wear-resistant edge is needed. * **General Purpose Tooling:** Jigs, fixtures, and press tools where excellent machinability reduces manufacturing time. --- ## **5. International Standards & Cross-References** Crucible CSM® 6 conforms to the AISI A6 specification. * **AISI/SAE:** **A6** * **UNS:** T30106 * **European (EN):** No widely used direct equivalent. The closest in hardenability and application might be **1.2510** (60MnCrMo4), though compositions differ. * **Japanese (JIS):** No direct equivalent. SKS series steels might be used for similar applications. * **Common Trade Names:** A6 Tool Steel, Oil-Hardening A6. --- ## **6. Advantages & Limitations** **Advantages:** * **Exceptional Dimensional Stability:** Offers some of the lowest distortion of any tool steel when properly oil quenched, ideal for precision tools. * **High Toughness:** Provides excellent resistance to chipping and breakage at working hardness. * **Superior Machinability:** One of the easiest tool steels to machine, reducing fabrication costs. * **Good Wear Resistance:** Adequate for many industrial applications. * **Reliable Oil Quenching:** Less severe than water quenching, reducing risk of quench cracks in suitable designs. **Limitations:** * **Limited Hardenability Depth:** Not suitable for very large cross-sections (over ~75mm / 3in) where through-hardening is required. * **Lower Wear Resistance:** Not the best choice for extremely abrasive, high-volume applications where A2, D2, or higher alloys are preferred. * **Not Stainless:** Will corrode if not protected. * **Requires Oil Quenching:** Involves handling of quenching oil and its associated safety and environmental considerations. --- ## **7. Summary** **Crucible Steel CSM® 6 (AISI A6) is a high-performance, oil-hardening tool steel prized for its unique combination of minimal distortion, high toughness, and excellent machinability.** It excels in applications where dimensional precision is non-negotiable, such as in master gages and complex forming tools. While it may not offer the ultimate in wear resistance or deep hardenability, its balanced properties, ease of use, and predictable behavior during heat treatment have secured its place as a trusted and versatile material in toolrooms and precision manufacturing facilities. For tools that must be made accurately, hold their size, and withstand demanding service without fracturing, A6 provides a reliable and often optimal solution. -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Crucible Steel CSM® 6 Tool Steel, AISI A6 Specification Dimensions Size： Diameter 20-1000 mm Length <6976 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. -: Crucible Steel CSM® 6 Tool Steel, AISI A6 Properties -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Applications of Crucible Steel Sheet,Plate CSM® 6 Tool Steel Sheet,Plate, AISI A6 -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Chemical Identifiers Crucible Steel Sheet,Plate CSM® 6 Tool Steel Sheet,Plate, AISI A6 -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Packing of Crucible Steel Sheet/Plate CSM® 6 Tool Steel Sheet/Plate, AISI A6 -:- 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 Sheet/Plate 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 3447 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