Latrobe,LSS™ A9 Tool Steel Sheet,Plate (ASTM A9)

Latrobe LSS™ A9 Tool Steel Sheet/Plate (ASTM A9) Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Latrobe LSS™ A9 Tool Steel Sheet/Plate (ASTM A9) Synonyms -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Latrobe LSS™ A9 Tool Steel (ASTM A9) Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: # **Latrobe LSS™ A9 Tool Steel** ## **Premium Silicon-Molybdenum Air-Hardening Tool Steel for Enhanced Toughness Applications** Latrobe LSS™ A9 represents a specialized silicon-molybdenum alloy air-hardening tool steel engineered for applications requiring exceptional toughness combined with good wear resistance and dimensional stability. As an ASTM A9 grade, this unique tool steel features higher silicon content than most other tool steels, providing enhanced resistance to softening at elevated temperatures and improved toughness characteristics. This grade is particularly valuable for applications subjected to impact loading, thermal cycling, or where shock resistance is paramount. --- ### **Key Features & Benefits** - **Exceptional Toughness**: Superior impact resistance for applications subject to mechanical shock - **High Silicon Content**: Provides enhanced resistance to softening at elevated temperatures - **Air-Hardening Capability**: Can be hardened in air, minimizing distortion and cracking risks - **Good Wear Resistance**: Adequate abrasion resistance for many tooling applications - **Excellent Thermal Fatigue Resistance**: Withstands repeated thermal cycling conditions - **Good Dimensional Stability**: Predictable behavior during heat treatment with minimal distortion - **Versatile Performance**: Suitable for applications requiring a balance of toughness and wear resistance --- ### **Chemical Composition (Typical %, ASTM A681 A9)** | Element | Carbon (C) | Silicon (Si) | Molybdenum (Mo) | Chromium (Cr) | Vanadium (V) | Manganese (Mn) | Other Elements | |---------|------------|--------------|-----------------|---------------|--------------|----------------|----------------| | **Content** | 0.45 - 0.55 | 1.80 - 2.20 | 1.30 - 1.80 | 4.75 - 5.50 | 0.80 - 1.40 | 0.20 - 0.50 | P ≤ 0.030
S ≤ 0.030 | *Note: LSS™ A9 features a distinctive high-silicon, molybdenum-chromium-vanadium composition that provides unique mechanical properties. The elevated silicon content (1.8-2.2%) enhances resistance to tempering and provides improved toughness, while the molybdenum, chromium, and vanadium contribute to hardenability and wear resistance.* --- ### **Physical & Mechanical Properties** | Property | Value / Description | |----------|---------------------| | **Density** | 7.82 g/cm³ | | **Thermal Conductivity** | 28-33 W/m·K at 20°C | | **Specific Heat Capacity** | 0.46 kJ/kg·K at 20°C | | **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion** | 11.0 × 10⁻⁶/K (20-100°C) | | **Hardness (Annealed)** | 200-235 HB | - **Hardness (Heat Treated)** | **54-60 HRC** (typical working range) | | **Tensile Strength** | 1,800-2,200 MPa (at 57 HRC) | | **Yield Strength** | 1,600-2,000 MPa (at 57 HRC) | | **Modulus of Elasticity** | 210-215 GPa | | **Impact Toughness** | **Excellent** – superior to most air-hardening tool steels | | **Compressive Strength** | 2,000-2,400 MPa (at 57 HRC) | | **Hot Hardness Retention** | Good – maintains hardness at moderately elevated temperatures | --- ### **Heat Treatment Guidelines** #### **Annealing** - **Temperature**: 845-870°C (1555-1600°F) - **Method**: Slow furnace cool at ≤20°C (36°F) per hour to 600°C (1110°F), then air cool - **Resultant Hardness**: 200-235 HB - **Special Note**: Silicon content may affect annealing response compared to other grades #### **Stress Relieving** - **Temperature**: 650-680°C (1200-1255°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**: **980-1010°C (1795-1850°F)** – typically 990-1000°C (1815-1830°F) 3. **Soak Time**: 20-40 minutes per inch of thickness 4. **Quenching**: **Air cooling standard**; forced air or oil for maximum hardness 5. **Immediate Handling**: Cool to below 65°C (150°F) before tempering #### **Tempering** - **Temperature Range**: 200-540°C (390-1000°F) - **Cycles**: Double tempering recommended for dimensional stability - **Duration**: 2 hours per cycle minimum, air cool between cycles - **Target Hardness**: 54-60 HRC typically achieved at 200-300°C (390-570°F) - **Special Feature**: Excellent toughness retention at higher tempering temperatures #### **Sub-Zero Treatment (Optional)** - **Application**: Recommended for maximum dimensional stability - **Temperature**: -80 to -100°C (-112 to -148°F) - **Duration**: 2-3 hours - **Timing**: After quenching, before first temper - **Benefit**: Enhanced dimensional stability and potential toughness improvement --- ### **International Standards & Equivalent Grades** | Standard | Grade Designation | Notes | |----------|-------------------|-------| | **ASTM** | A681 A9 | Primary specification (UNS T30109) | | **ISO** | Not directly equivalent | Similar to silicon-alloyed tool steels | | **DIN** | Not directly equivalent | German standards lack direct equivalent | | **JIS** | Not directly equivalent | Japanese standards lack direct equivalent | | **AFNOR** | Not directly equivalent | French standards lack direct equivalent | | **Proprietary** | LSS™ A9 | Latrobe Special Steel designation | | **Similar Grades** | Special silicon-alloyed steels | Comparable to other high-silicon tool steels | --- ### **Typical Applications** #### **Impact and Shock Applications** - **Hammer Forging Dies**: For impact forging operations - **Pneumatic Tool Components**: Chisels, picks, and impact tools - **Hot Work Tools Subject to Shock**: Tools experiencing mechanical impact at elevated temperatures - **Trimming and Punching Dies**: For operations involving impact loading #### **Hot Work Applications** - **Hot Forming Tools**: For operations at moderately elevated temperatures - **Die Casting Cores and Inserts**: Subject to thermal cycling - **Extrusion Tooling**: Components requiring thermal fatigue resistance - **Glass Molding Tools**: For thermal cycling applications #### **Plastic and Rubber Molding** - **Hot Runner Systems**: Manifolds, nozzles, and gates - **Molds for Engineering Plastics**: Subject to thermal cycling - **Compression Molds**: For plastic and rubber molding - **Injection Mold Inserts**: Requiring thermal stability #### **Precision Tools and Components** - **Machine Tool Components**: Slides, ways, and guide components - **Cutting Tool Holders**: For machining centers and lathes - **Jigs and Fixtures**: Precision holding and locating devices - **Measuring Instruments**: Components requiring dimensional stability #### **Specialized Applications** - **Woodworking Tools**: Knives, blades, and cutting tools - **Paper Cutting Tools**: For paper and cardboard cutting - **Textile Industry Tools**: Cutting blades and components - **Food Processing Equipment**: Cutting blades and components --- ### **Machining & Fabrication Notes** #### **Machinability (Annealed Condition)** - **Rating**: 45-55% of B1112 free-machining steel - **Recommended Tools**: HSS or carbide tools both suitable - **Cutting Speeds**: 15-25 m/min (50-80 SFM) for turning operations - **Feed Rates**: Moderate feeds with good chip control - **Coolant**: Heavy-duty soluble oil or synthetic coolant recommended - **Special Consideration**: Silicon content may affect chip formation and tool life #### **Grindability** - **Relative Rating**: 60-70 (vs. 100 for annealed O1 tool steel) - **Abrasive Recommendations**: Aluminum oxide wheels - **Wheel Maintenance**: Regular dressing recommended - **Coolant**: Adequate coolant flow important - **Surface Finish**: Good surface quality achievable #### **EDM Machining** - Good suitability for wire and sinker EDM - Standard EDM parameters apply - Stress relief after roughing operations recommended - Good surface finish achievable with proper settings #### **Welding and Repair** - Moderate weldability with proper procedures - Preheating to 300-400°C (570-750°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 - **Special Requirement**: Silicon content verification critical for performance #### **Testing & Certification** - Full chemical analysis with emphasis on silicon verification - Hardness testing throughout production - Impact testing available for critical applications - 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™ A9 | A2 | S7 | H13 | |----------|----------|----|----|-----| | **Impact Toughness** | **Excellent** | Good | **Excellent** | Very Good | | **Wear Resistance** | Good | Good | Good | Very Good | | **Thermal Fatigue Resistance** | Very Good | Good | Good | **Excellent** | | **Hardness Potential** | 54-60 HRC | 57-62 HRC | 56-60 HRC | 44-52 HRC | | **Machinability** | Moderate | Good | Good | Excellent | - **Hot Hardness Retention** | Good | Fair | Good | Very Good | - **Primary Advantage** | Toughness + thermal | Balance | Impact resistance | Thermal fatigue | - **Cost** | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | --- ### **Surface Treatment Compatibility** LSS™ A9 is compatible with various surface treatments: - **Nitriding**: Good 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 – specialized grade with unique properties 2. **Tool Life**: Good service life in appropriate applications 3. **Heat Treatment Cost**: Lower due to air-hardening capability 4. **Machining Cost**: Reasonable machining costs 5. **Failure Prevention**: Reduced breakage in impact applications 6. **Overall Value**: Excellent for applications where toughness is critical --- ### **Technical Support** Latrobe provides comprehensive technical support for LSS™ A9: - **Application Engineering**: Guidance on appropriate applications and heat treatment - **Troubleshooting**: Assistance with tool performance issues - **Heat Treatment Support**: Protocols for optimal performance - **Field Support**: On-site technical assistance available - **Material Selection**: Assistance in choosing the optimal grade for specific needs --- **Select Latrobe LSS™ A9 Tool Steel** for applications requiring exceptional toughness combined with good thermal fatigue resistance and dimensional stability. This unique silicon-molybdenum air-hardening tool steel provides reliable performance in impact applications, thermal cycling conditions, and situations where shock resistance is paramount. LSS™ A9 represents a specialized solution that bridges the gap between conventional air-hardening tool steels and shock-resistant grades, offering a balanced combination of properties that addresses challenging application requirements. When impact resistance, thermal stability, and dimensional accuracy must be combined in demanding tooling applications, LSS™ A9 delivers the technical advantages backed by Latrobe's manufacturing excellence and technical support. -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Latrobe LSS™ A9 Tool Steel (ASTM A9) Specification Dimensions Size： Diameter 20-1000 mm Length <7189 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™ A9 Tool Steel (ASTM A9) Properties -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Applications of Latrobe LSS™ A9 Tool Steel Sheet,Plate (ASTM A9) -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Chemical Identifiers Latrobe LSS™ A9 Tool Steel Sheet,Plate (ASTM A9) -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Packing of Latrobe LSS™ A9 Tool Steel Sheet/Plate (ASTM A9) -:- 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 3660 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