Latrobe,LSS™ A6 Tool Steel Sheet,Plate (ASTM A6)

Latrobe LSS™ A6 Tool Steel Sheet/Plate (ASTM A6) Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Latrobe LSS™ A6 Tool Steel Sheet/Plate (ASTM A6) Synonyms -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Latrobe LSS™ A6 Tool Steel (ASTM A6) Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: # **Latrobe LSS™ A6 Tool Steel** ## **Premium Manganese-Chromium Air-Hardening Tool Steel for Excellent Dimensional Stability** Latrobe LSS™ A6 is a premium manganese-chromium air-hardening tool steel that offers exceptional dimensional stability, good toughness, and moderate wear resistance. As an ASTM A6 grade, it represents a specialized tool steel with unique characteristics, particularly its minimal dimensional change during heat treatment. This grade is engineered for applications where dimensional accuracy and stability are paramount, making it ideal for precision tools, gauges, and dies that require minimal distortion during hardening. --- ### **Key Features & Benefits** - **Exceptional Dimensional Stability**: Minimal size change during heat treatment (typically ≤0.05%) - **Air-Hardening Capability**: Can be hardened in air, minimizing distortion and cracking risks - **Good Toughness**: Better impact resistance than many higher-alloy tool steels - **Moderate Wear Resistance**: Adequate abrasion resistance for many tooling applications - **Good Machinability**: Better machining characteristics than higher-carbon tool steels - **Deep Hardening Characteristics**: Good through-hardening in moderate to heavy sections - **Low Distortion**: Minimal warping during heat treatment processes --- ### **Chemical Composition (Typical %, ASTM A681 A6)** | Element | Carbon (C) | Manganese (Mn) | Chromium (Cr) | Molybdenum (Mo) | Silicon (Si) | Other Elements | |---------|------------|----------------|---------------|-----------------|--------------|----------------| | **Content** | 0.65 - 0.75 | 1.80 - 2.50 | 0.90 - 1.20 | 0.90 - 1.40 | 0.10 - 0.40 | P ≤ 0.030
S ≤ 0.030 | *Note: LSS™ A6 features a distinctive manganese-chromium-molybdenum composition that provides excellent hardenability with minimal dimensional change. The moderate carbon content ensures adequate hardness while maintaining good toughness, and the manganese content is particularly high compared to other tool steels, contributing to its unique hardening characteristics.* --- ### **Physical & Mechanical Properties** | Property | Value / Description | |----------|---------------------| | **Density** | 7.84 g/cm³ | | **Thermal Conductivity** | 30-35 W/m·K at 20°C | | **Specific Heat Capacity** | 0.46 kJ/kg·K at 20°C | | **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion** | 11.2 × 10⁻⁶/K (20-100°C) | | **Hardness (Annealed)** | 200-235 HB | | **Hardness (Heat Treated)** | **57-62 HRC** (typical working range) | | **Tensile Strength** | 2,000-2,400 MPa (at 60 HRC) | | **Yield Strength** | 1,800-2,200 MPa (at 60 HRC) | | **Modulus of Elasticity** | 205-215 GPa | | **Impact Toughness** | Good – superior to many air-hardening tool steels | | **Size Change During Hardening** | Typically 0.02-0.05% (minimal) | | **Compressive Strength** | 2,100-2,500 MPa (at 60 HRC) | --- ### **Heat Treatment Guidelines** #### **Annealing** - **Temperature**: 760-790°C (1400-1450°F) - **Method**: Slow furnace cool at ≤22°C (40°F) per hour to 600°C (1110°F), then air cool - **Resultant Hardness**: 200-235 HB - **Special Note**: Lower annealing temperature than many tool steels due to manganese content #### **Stress Relieving** - **Temperature**: 600-650°C (1110-1200°F) - **Hold Time**: 1-2 hours per inch of thickness - **Cooling**: Air cool to room temperature #### **Hardening** 1. **Preheating**: 650-750°C (1200-1380°F) – thorough equalization 2. **Austenitizing**: **815-845°C (1500-1550°F)** – relatively low temperature 3. **Soak Time**: 20-40 minutes per inch of thickness 4. **Quenching**: **Air cooling standard**; forced air for maximum hardness 5. **Immediate Handling**: Cool to below 65°C (150°F) before tempering #### **Tempering** - **Temperature Range**: 150-540°C (300-1000°F) - **Cycles**: Double tempering recommended for dimensional stability - **Duration**: 2 hours per cycle minimum, air cool between cycles - **Target Hardness**: 57-62 HRC typically achieved at 150-230°C (300-450°F) - **Special Note**: Higher tempering temperatures reduce hardness but increase toughness #### **Sub-Zero Treatment (Recommended)** - **Application**: Recommended for maximum dimensional stability - **Temperature**: -80 to -100°C (-112 to -148°F) - **Duration**: 2-3 hours - **Timing**: After quenching, before tempering - **Benefit**: Enhanced dimensional stability and transformation of retained austenite --- ### **International Standards & Equivalent Grades** | Standard | Grade Designation | Notes | |----------|-------------------|-------| | **ASTM** | A681 A6 | Primary specification (UNS T30106) | | **ISO** | 70MnCrMo4 | ISO 4957 designation | | **DIN** | 1.2364 / 70MnCrMo4-2 | German standard | | **JIS** | Not directly equivalent | Japanese standards lack direct equivalent | | **AFNOR** | 80MnCrMo5 | French association standard | | **GB** | Not directly equivalent | Chinese standards lack direct equivalent | | **UNS** | T30106 | Unified Numbering System | --- ### **Typical Applications** #### **Precision Tools and Gauges** - **Measuring Instruments**: Calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and plug gauges - **Master Gauges**: Reference gauges and setting masters - **Inspection Fixtures**: Precision checking fixtures and CMM fixtures - **Template and Pattern Tools**: For replication and checking #### **Forming and Blanking Tools** - **Blanking and Piercing Dies**: For sheet metal up to 4mm (0.16") thickness - **Forming Dies and Punches**: For bending and forming operations - **Shear Blades**: For cutting sheet metal and plate - **Progressive Dies**: Where dimensional stability is critical #### **Molding Applications** - **Plastic Injection Molds**: For precision molding applications - **Compression Molds**: For plastic and rubber molding - **Die Casting Cores and Inserts**: For non-ferrous applications - **Extrusion Dies**: For plastic profile extrusion #### **Specialized Tooling** - **Machine Tool Components**: Slides, ways, gibs, and guide components - **Cutting Tool Holders**: For machining centers and lathes - **Jigs and Fixtures**: Precision holding and locating devices - **Woodworking Tools**: Knives and cutting tools requiring stability #### **Non-Tooling Applications** - **Rolls and Arbors**: For rolling mills and manufacturing equipment - **Mandrels**: For tube and pipe manufacturing - **Shafts and Spindles**: Requiring dimensional stability - **Precision Machine Parts**: Components requiring minimal distortion --- ### **Machining & Fabrication Notes** #### **Machinability (Annealed Condition)** - **Rating**: 60-70% of B1112 free-machining steel - **Recommended Tools**: HSS or carbide tools both suitable - **Cutting Speeds**: 20-30 m/min (65-100 SFM) for turning operations - **Feed Rates**: Moderate feeds with good chip control - **Coolant**: Standard soluble oils adequate - **Advantage**: Better machinability than many higher-carbon tool steels #### **Grindability** - **Relative Rating**: 70-80 (vs. 100 for annealed O1 tool steel) - **Abrasive Recommendations**: Aluminum oxide wheels - **Wheel Maintenance**: Normal dressing intervals sufficient - **Coolant**: Standard grinding coolant adequate #### **EDM Machining** - Excellent suitability for wire and sinker EDM - Good surface finish achievable - Standard EDM parameters apply - Stress relief after roughing operations recommended #### **Welding and Repair** - Good weldability with proper procedures - Preheating to 250-350°C (480-660°F) recommended - Post-weld heat treatment essential - Suitable for repair of tools and fixtures --- ### **Quality Assurance & Metallurgical Standards** #### **Microstructural Requirements** - **Carbide Distribution**: Fine, uniformly distributed carbides - **Grain Size**: ASTM 6 or finer - **Decarburization**: ≤0.25 mm per side on rough stock - **Non-Metallic Inclusions**: ASTM E45 Method A, ≤2.5 total rating #### **Testing & Certification** - Full chemical analysis verification with emphasis on manganese content - Hardness testing throughout production - Dimensional stability testing available - Microstructural evaluation available upon request - Standard material test reports with shipments --- ### **Available Product Forms** | Form | Standard Sizes | Condition | Surface Finish | |------|---------------|-----------|---------------| | **Round Bars** | 10-300mm diameter | Annealed | Black, Peeled, Ground | | **Flat Bars and Plate** | 10-150mm thickness | Annealed | Mill, Ground | | **Blocks** | Various dimensions | Annealed | Rough or finish machined | | **Forged Blanks** | Custom dimensions | Annealed | As-forged, Machined | --- ### **Technical Comparison** | Property | LSS™ A6 | A2 | O1 | D2 | |----------|----------|----|----|----| | **Dimensional Stability** | **Excellent** | Very Good | Fair | Good | | **Toughness** | Good | Good | Good | Fair | | **Wear Resistance** | Moderate | Good | Fair | **Excellent** | | **Hardness Potential** | 57-62 HRC | 57-62 HRC | 57-61 HRC | 58-62 HRC | | **Machinability** | Good | Good | **Excellent** | Fair | | **Distortion During HT** | **Minimal** | Low | High | Moderate | | **Primary Advantage** | Dimensional stability | Balance | Machinability | Wear resistance | | **Cost** | Moderate | Moderate | Low | Moderate-High | --- ### **Surface Treatment Compatibility** LSS™ A6 is compatible with various surface treatments: - **Nitriding**: Excellent candidate for gas, plasma, or salt bath nitriding - **Chrome Plating**: Good adhesion with proper surface preparation - **PVD Coatings**: TiN, TiCN coatings suitable - **Surface Engineering**: Various treatments to enhance specific properties --- ### **Economic Considerations** 1. **Material Cost**: Moderate – competitive pricing for specialized applications 2. **Tool Life**: Good service life in appropriate applications 3. **Heat Treatment Cost**: Lower due to air-hardening capability and minimal distortion 4. **Machining Cost**: Reasonable machining costs 5. **Scrap Reduction**: Minimal distortion reduces scrap from heat treatment 6. **Overall Value**: Excellent for applications where dimensional stability is critical --- ### **Technical Support** Latrobe provides comprehensive technical support for LSS™ A6: - **Application Engineering**: Guidance on appropriate applications and heat treatment - **Troubleshooting**: Assistance with tool performance issues - **Heat Treatment Support**: Specialized protocols for dimensional stability - **Field Support**: On-site technical assistance available - **Material Selection**: Assistance in choosing the optimal grade for specific needs --- **Select Latrobe LSS™ A6 Tool Steel** for applications requiring exceptional dimensional stability with minimal distortion during heat treatment. This specialized manganese-chromium air-hardening tool steel provides reliable performance in precision tools, gauges, dies, and fixtures where dimensional accuracy is paramount. LSS™ A6 represents a unique solution for applications where conventional tool steels exhibit excessive size change or distortion during hardening, offering predictable behavior that reduces scrap and ensures dimensional accuracy. When dimensional stability, minimal distortion, and predictable heat treatment response are critical requirements, LSS™ A6 delivers the technical advantages needed for precision manufacturing applications backed by Latrobe's manufacturing excellence and technical support. -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Latrobe LSS™ A6 Tool Steel (ASTM A6) Specification Dimensions Size： Diameter 20-1000 mm Length <7185 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 LSS™ A6 Tool Steel (ASTM A6) Properties -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Applications of Latrobe LSS™ A6 Tool Steel Sheet,Plate (ASTM A6) -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Chemical Identifiers Latrobe LSS™ A6 Tool Steel Sheet,Plate (ASTM A6) -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Packing of Latrobe LSS™ A6 Tool Steel Sheet/Plate (ASTM 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 3656 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