Latrobe,DuraTech™ A11 Powder Metal Tool Steel Rod/Bar (AISI A11)

Latrobe DuraTech™ A11 Powder Metal Tool Steel Rod (AISI A11) Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Latrobe DuraTech™ A11 Powder Metal Tool Steel Rod (AISI A11) Synonyms -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Latrobe DuraTech™ A11 Powder Metal Tool Steel (AISI A11) Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: # **Product Introduction: Latrobe DuraTech™ NINE Powder Metallurgy Tool Steel** **Latrobe DuraTech™ NINE** is an advanced **powder metallurgy (PM) tool steel** engineered to deliver exceptional performance in the most demanding cold work applications. Utilizing state-of-the-art gas atomization and hot isostatic pressing (HIP) technology, DuraTech™ NINE achieves a microstructure characterized by **extremely fine, uniform distribution of hard vanadium and chromium carbides**, eliminating the carbide segregation and banding typical of conventional ingot-cast high-vanadium steels. This proprietary 9% vanadium grade represents the pinnacle of wear resistance, toughness, and dimensional stability for premium tooling solutions. The fundamental advantage of DuraTech™ NINE lies in its **unparalleled combination of extreme wear resistance (comparable to or exceeding that of cemented carbides) and usable tool steel toughness**, enabled by PM processing. It is designed to solve tooling challenges where conventional D2, D7, or even other PM steels fail due to abrasive wear, galling, or insufficient edge stability under high pressure. --- ## **1. Chemical Composition** DuraTech™ NINE features a high-carbon, high-chromium, ultra-high vanadium alloy system designed for maximum carbide volume and performance: | Element | Content (%) | Function & Implication | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Carbon (C) | 2.30 | Matrices with vanadium to form massive volume of ultra-hard MC-type carbides. | | Vanadium (V) | 9.00 | **Primary alloying element.** Forms extremely hard, fine, and uniformly distributed Vanadium Carbides (VC) for supreme wear resistance. | | Chromium (Cr) | 5.00 | Provides hardenability, forms chromium carbides, and contributes to corrosion resistance. | | Molybdenum (Mo) | 1.30 | Enhances hardenability, refines grain structure, and improves toughness. | | **Balance** | Iron (Fe) | | *(Note: This is a proprietary PM composition. The very high Vanadium content is only fully effective and manufacturable via the powder metallurgy process.)* --- ## **2. Physical & Mechanical Properties** ### **Annealed Condition:** * **Hardness:** ~ 240-280 HB * **Machinability:** Difficult. Requires rigid setups, premium carbide or CBN tooling, and appropriate parameters. ### **Heat Treatment & Hardened Properties:** * **Hardening Method:** Air hardening (standard, for minimal distortion). * **Austenitizing Temperature:** 1100°C - 1120°C (2010°F - 2050°F). * **Tempering Range:** 500°C - 560°C (930°F - 1040°F). Requires **double or triple tempering**. * **Achievable Hardness:** **64 - 66 HRC**. * **Key Characteristics:** * **Extreme Wear Resistance:** Arguably the highest among commercially available **cold work** tool steels. Excellent resistance to abrasion, erosion, and adhesive wear (galling). * **High Compressive Strength:** Excellent for high-pressure applications. * **Good Toughness for Hardness Level:** The PM process provides significantly better toughness than a conventionally cast steel of similar composition could achieve. * **Excellent Dimensional Stability:** Minimal distortion during air hardening. * **Very Fine Microstructure:** Uniform carbide distribution (<5µm) ensures consistent, isotropic properties in all directions. * **Superior Grindability vs. Ingot-cast Equivalents:** While still challenging, its uniform structure makes it more predictable to grind than a segregated ingot steel. --- ## **3. International Standards & Cross-Reference** As a proprietary PM grade, DuraTech™ NINE does not have a direct AISI equivalent. It is positioned at the top tier of wear-resistant PM tool steels. * **USA:** Proprietary PM grade. Functionally comparable to, but distinct from, grades like **CPM 10V** or **Vanadis 10**. * **Europe:** Competes with other ultra-high vanadium PM steels such as **Böhler K390** and **Uddeholm Vanadis 10**. * **General Classification:** Ultra High Vanadium, High Carbon PM Cold Work Tool Steel. * **Note:** The "NINE" designation directly references its nominal 9% Vanadium content. --- ## **4. Product Applications** DuraTech™ NINE is reserved for the most severe wear applications where tool life is paramount and impact is low to moderate. It is a **solution for wear problems that cannot be solved by conventional tool steels.** * **Extreme Wear Blanking & Punching Dies:** For highly abrasive materials: fiberglass, graphite/epoxy composites, G10/FR4, hardened steels, abrasive papers, and advanced alloys. * **Fine Blanking Punches & Dies:** Where exceptional edge stability and wear resistance are required for precision. * **Cold Forming Tools & Rolls:** For forming abrasive materials or where galling is a severe issue. * **Slitter Knives & Rotary Cutters:** For cutting abrasive non-metallics (carbon fiber, prepreg, aramid fibers) and tough metals. * **Thread Rolling & Forming Dies:** For long-run production of hard or abrasive workpieces. * **Injection Molding Inserts & Cores:** For highly abrasive filled plastics (glass, mineral, ceramic-filled) or corrosive polymers. * **Precision Wear Parts:** Nozzles, guides, wear plates in severe abrasive environments. * **Knives for Cutting Composite & Advanced Materials.** --- ## **5. Processing Considerations** * **Heat Treatment:** Requires precise, high-temperature austenitizing in controlled atmosphere/vacuum furnaces. **Deep freezing** is highly recommended after quenching to ensure complete martensite transformation, followed by multiple tempers. Must be performed by experienced heat treaters familiar with high-alloy PM steels. * **EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining):** The primary machining method for finished tool shapes after heat treatment. A stable, fine-finish EDM process is required. **A subsequent temper and surface conditioning (e.g., grinding, polishing) are mandatory to remove the brittle "white layer"** created by EDM. * **Grinding:** Requires specific procedures. Use soft-grade, porous CBN or diamond wheels with high coolant flow. Low feed rates and frequent dressing are necessary to avoid thermal damage (grinding burns) and wheel loading. * **Availability:** Typically supplied as **fully heat-treated and finish-ground blanks** or blocks, ready for EDM into the final tool shape. Available in annealed condition for special cases. --- **Summary:** **Latrobe DuraTech™ NINE** is a **premium, problem-solving material** for the most challenging wear applications. It pushes the boundaries of tool steel performance by leveraging powder metallurgy to harness the power of ultra-high vanadium content. While it commands a significant cost premium and requires specialized processing expertise, its extraordinary wear life often makes it the most economical choice in the long run for critical, high-volume, or severe-abrasion tooling applications where downtime and tool changes are extremely costly. **Disclaimer:** Processing DuraTech™ NINE successfully requires specialized knowledge and equipment. For specific application engineering, heat treatment cycles, and machining/grinding parameters, always consult the official technical data sheets and application support from **Latrobe Specialty Steel** or its authorized distributors. -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Latrobe DuraTech™ A11 Powder Metal Tool Steel (AISI A11) Specification Dimensions Size： Diameter 20-1000 mm Length <7209 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 DuraTech™ A11 Powder Metal Tool Steel (AISI A11) Properties -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Applications of Latrobe DuraTech™ A11 Powder Metal Tool Steel Rod (AISI A11) -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Chemical Identifiers Latrobe DuraTech™ A11 Powder Metal Tool Steel Rod (AISI A11) -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Packing of Latrobe DuraTech™ A11 Powder Metal Tool Steel Rod (AISI A11) -:- 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 Rod 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 3680 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