Bohler-Uddeholm,UDDEHOLM QRO® 90 SUPREME Hot Work Tool Steel Tube,Pipe

Bohler-Uddeholm UDDEHOLM QRO® 90 SUPREME Hot Work Tool Steel Tube Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Bohler-Uddeholm UDDEHOLM QRO® 90 SUPREME Hot Work Tool Steel Tube Synonyms -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Bohler-Uddeholm UDDEHOLM QRO® 90 SUPREME Hot Work Tool Steel Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: # **Product Datasheet: Böhler-Uddeholm UDDEHOLM QRO® 90 SUPREME Hot Work Tool Steel** ## **Product Overview** **UDDEHOLM QRO® 90 SUPREME** is the premium iteration within the renowned QRO family of hot work tool steels, specifically engineered for **exceptional thermal conductivity and superior thermal fatigue resistance in demanding aluminum die casting applications**. As the "SUPREME" grade, it represents the pinnacle of Böhler-Uddeholm's expertise in creating high-performance steels for thermal management. This material features a **unique, proprietary alloy design with optimized chromium and molybdenum content** to maximize heat transfer and combat the primary failure mode in die casting: heat checking. ## **Key Characteristics & Advantages** - **Exceptional Thermal Conductivity:** Up to 15-20% higher than standard H13 for superior heat dissipation. - **Superior Thermal Fatigue Resistance:** Outstanding resistance to heat checking and thermal cracking under cyclic conditions. - **Excellent Toughness:** Maintains high impact resistance at elevated operating temperatures. - **Optimized Temper Resistance:** Balanced alloying ensures good hardness retention at service temperatures. - **Good Machinability and Polishability:** Processes well in both annealed and hardened conditions. - **Reduced Soldering Tendency:** Minimizes aluminum adhesion to die surfaces. - **Proven Extended Die Life:** Documented performance in high-stress, high-volume casting applications. - **Enhanced Dimensional Stability:** Predictable and minimal distortion during heat treatment. ## **Standard Specifications & International Designations** | **Standard** | **Designation** | **Notes** | |--------------|-----------------|-----------| | **Böhler-Uddeholm** | **UDDEHOLM QRO® 90 SUPREME** | Premium proprietary grade | | **AISI/ASTM** | **Proprietary (Superior to H13)** | Unique chemistry, no direct AISI equivalent | | **DIN/EN** | **Special Grade** | Modified beyond standard 1.2344 classification | | **Material Category** | **Premium High-Conductivity Hot Work Steel** | Specifically optimized for die casting | | **Primary Application** | **Aluminum & Magnesium Die Casting** | Thermal management is critical | ## **Chemical Composition (Typical, Weight %)** | Element | Content (%) | Primary Function | Metallurgical Benefit | |---------|-------------|------------------|----------------------| | **Carbon (C)** | 0.38-0.42 | Matrix strength & carbide balance | Optimizes toughness and hardness balance | | **Chromium (Cr)** | **2.60-3.00** | **Reduced vs. H13 for conductivity** | **Enhances thermal conductivity** | | **Molybdenum (Mo)** | **2.30-2.60** | **Increased vs. H13 for hot strength** | Improves high temperature strength and temper resistance | | **Vanadium (V)** | **0.60-0.90** | **Optimized for fatigue resistance** | Balances wear resistance and toughness | | **Silicon (Si)** | 0.25-0.45 | Deoxidizer & matrix strengthener | Cleaner steel with good strength | | **Manganese (Mn)** | 0.60-0.90 | Hardenability & strength | Consistent hardening response | | **Nickel (Ni)** | **0.25-0.45** | **Toughness enhancement** | Improves impact resistance and ductility | | **Sulfur (S)** | ≤0.005 | Machinability control | Controlled for optimal processing | | **Phosphorus (P)** | ≤0.015 | Purity control | Enhanced toughness | | **Iron (Fe)** | **Balance** | Matrix | Structural base | ***Special Note:** The distinctive chemistry of QRO 90 SUPREME—characterized by **strategically reduced chromium** (to enhance thermal conductivity) and **significantly increased molybdenum and nickel** (to maintain hot strength and toughness)—is the result of extensive R&D to solve thermal fatigue problems in die casting. This composition is patented and proprietary to Böhler-Uddeholm.* ## **Microstructural Characteristics** | Feature | Specification | Benefit for Die Casting | |---------|---------------|-------------------------| | **Carbide Types** | Fine, evenly distributed M₆C and MC carbides | Good wear resistance without compromising thermal conductivity | | **Carbide Distribution** | Uniform, fine dispersion | Consistent thermal and mechanical properties across the die | | **Grain Structure** | Fine, equiaxed grains | Enhanced fatigue resistance and toughness | | **Microcleanliness** | High (controlled inclusion content) | Improved fatigue life and polishability | | **Phase Stability** | Excellent at elevated temperatures | Maintains microstructure and properties during extended operation | ## **Typical Heat Treatment** ### **1. Annealing** - **Temperature:** **840-870°C (1544-1598°F)** - **Cooling:** Slow furnace cool (≤30°C/hour) to 500°C, then air cool - **Annealed Hardness:** **185-210 HB** - **Purpose:** Provides the optimal condition for machining operations. ### **2. Stress Relieving** - **Temperature:** **600-650°C (1112-1202°F)** - **Duration:** 2 hours per 25 mm thickness minimum - **Application:** After rough machining, before final hardening. ### **3. Hardening** 1. **Preheating:** **Two-stage recommended** * Stage 1: **600-650°C (1112-1202°F)** * Stage 2: **850-900°C (1562-1652°F)** 2. **Austenitizing:** **1000-1030°C (1832-1886°F)** * **Optimal for die casting:** **1010-1020°C (1850-1868°F)** * **For maximum toughness:** **1000-1010°C (1832-1850°F)** * **For maximum hot strength:** **1020-1030°C (1868-1886°F)** 3. **Soaking Time:** **20-40 minutes** (section size dependent) 4. **Quenching:** **Air cooling** (forced air recommended) or **high-pressure gas quenching** ### **4. Tempering** - **Critical Step:** **Immediate tempering** after reaching 50-70°C (122-158°F) - **Minimum Cycles:** **Double tempering** (triple recommended for critical applications) - **Temperature Range:** **540-650°C (1004-1202°F)** - **Recommended for Die Casting:** **580-620°C (1076-1148°F)** - **Hardness Profile:** * 540°C (1004°F): 48-50 HRC * 560°C (1040°F): 46-48 HRC * 580°C (1076°F): 44-46 HRC * 600°C (1112°F): 42-44 HRC * 620°C (1148°F): 40-42 HRC * 650°C (1202°F): 36-38 HRC ### **5. Nitriding (Highly Recommended)** - **Process:** **Gas or plasma nitriding** - **Temperature:** 480-530°C (896-986°F) - **Case Depth:** 0.10-0.25 mm optimal - **Surface Hardness:** 950-1150 HV - **Benefits:** Enhanced soldering resistance, improved wear resistance, extended die life. ## **Physical Properties** | Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | Significance | |----------|-------|------|------------|--------------| | **Density** | 7.80 | g/cm³ | At 20°C | Similar to conventional steels | | **Modulus of Elasticity** | 210 | GPa | At 20°C | Standard stiffness | | **Thermal Expansion Coefficient** | 12.0 | ×10⁻⁶/K | 20-100°C | Slightly higher than H13 | | **Thermal Conductivity** | **28.0-30.0** | W/(m·K) | At 20°C | **Key Advantage: 15-20% > H13** | | **Specific Heat Capacity** | 460 | J/(kg·K) | At 20°C | Good heat absorption capacity | ## **Mechanical Properties** ### **Standard Condition for Die Casting (1015°C Austenitize / 600°C×2 Temper)** | Property | Value Range | Unit | Test Conditions | Significance | |----------|-------------|------|-----------------|--------------| | **Hardness** | **42-44** | HRC | Room temperature | Optimal for thermal fatigue resistance | | **Tensile Strength** | 1350-1450 | MPa | Room temperature | Good strength level | | **Yield Strength (0.2%)** | 1200-1300 | MPa | Room temperature | Adequate for die casting loads | | **Elongation** | **15-18** | % | Room temperature | **Excellent ductility** | | **Impact Toughness (Charpy V)** | **55-70** | J | Room temperature | **Exceptional toughness** | | **Thermal Conductivity** | **28-30** | W/(m·K) | Room temperature | **Primary performance advantage** | ### **High Temperature Performance** | Temperature | Hardness | Thermal Conductivity | Impact Toughness | |-------------|----------|----------------------|------------------| | **200°C (392°F)** | 40-42 HRC | ~26 W/(m·K) | 45-60 J | | **400°C (752°F)** | 36-38 HRC | ~24 W/(m·K) | 40-55 J | | **600°C (1112°F)** | 28-30 HRC | ~22 W/(m·K) | 30-45 J | ### **Thermal Fatigue Performance (Comparative)** | Material | Relative Thermal Fatigue Life | Key Differentiating Factor | |----------|-------------------------------|----------------------------| | **Standard H13** | 100% (Baseline) | Reference material | | **QRO 90 SUPREME** | **180-220%** | **Superior thermal conductivity** | | **Premium H13 (e.g., ORVAR Supreme)** | 130-150% | Good overall balance | | **High Toughness Grade (e.g., DIEVAR)** | 140-160% | Excellent toughness | ## **Primary Applications** ### **A. Die Casting – Primary Application Domain** #### **Aluminum Die Casting:** - **Large, Thick-Wall Castings:** Engine blocks, transmission cases, structural components where heat extraction is challenging. - **Cavities and Cores with Thermal Challenges:** Dies with uneven wall thickness or areas prone to localized overheating. - **Shot Sleeves and Plunger Tips:** Components experiencing extreme thermal shock. - **Ejector Pins and Sleeves:** In areas with poor cooling or high thermal stress. - **High-Pressure Die Casting (HPDC):** For complex parts where thermal management dictates cycle time and quality. #### **Magnesium Die Casting:** - **Hot Chamber Components:** Where thermal management is crucial for longevity. - **Thin-Wall Magnesium Castings:** Requiring rapid and uniform heat extraction to prevent defects. #### **Zinc Die Casting:** - **High-Volume Production Dies:** For extended production runs with fast cycles. ### **B. Other Hot Work Applications Benefiting from High Conductivity** - **Hot Stamping Tools:** For aluminum sheet metal. - **Extrusion Dies:** For non-ferrous metals where die temperature control is critical. - **Plastic Molding:** Hot runner systems for engineering plastics requiring precise thermal management. ## **Processing Guidelines** ### **1. Machining Operations** | Operation | Tool Recommendation | Cutting Parameters | Notes | |-----------|-------------------|-------------------|-------| | **Turning** | **Carbide or coated carbide** | Vc: 90-140 m/min
f: 0.15-0.35 mm/rev
ap: 2-6 mm | **Good machinability** | | **Milling** | **Carbide end mills** | Vc: 110-160 m/min
fz: 0.12-0.28 mm
ae: 30-60% | High material removal possible | | **Drilling** | **HSS or carbide drills** | Vc: 25-35 m/min
f: 0.12-0.25 mm/rev | Standard practices apply | | **Tapping** | **HSS or spiral point taps** | Vc: 6-12 m/min | Good chip formation | ***Machinability Rating:** **80-85%** (relative to 1% carbon steel = 100%) – **Better than most hot work steels*** ### **2. Grinding Operations** - **Wheel Selection:** Aluminum oxide (A46-J to A60-J) - **Coolant:** **Essential** – ample flow recommended - **Parameters:** Standard practices apply - **Surface Finish:** Can achieve **Ra < 0.1 μm** with proper technique - **Polishing:** **Excellent results** with standard polishing compounds ### **3. Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM)** - **Suitability:** **Good** – consistent material removal - **Settings:** Standard EDM parameters - **Post-EDM:** Stress relieve at 550-600°C to minimize affected layer - **Surface Quality:** Good as-edited surface ### **4. Welding and Repair** - **Weldability:** **Good to Very Good** - **Preheating:** **300-400°C (572-752°F)** - **Interpass Temperature:** Maintain above 250°C (482°F) - **Electrodes:** **Matching composition or AWS ERxxx** recommended - **Post-Weld:** Slow cool and re-temper - **Repair Success:** High success rate for die repairs when procedure is followed. ### **5. Surface Treatments** #### **Nitriding (Strongly Recommended):** - **Methods:** Gas, plasma, or salt bath nitriding - **Temperature:** 480-530°C (896-986°F) - **Case Depth:** 0.10-0.25 mm optimal - **Surface Hardness:** 950-1150 HV #### **Other Treatments:** - **PVD Coatings:** TiN, CrN, TiAlN for specific applications. - **Oxidation:** For corrosion protection. ## **Quality Assurance** ### **Material Certification** | Certificate Type | Content | Standard | |------------------|---------|----------| | **3.1 Material Certificate** | Full chemical analysis, mechanical properties | EN 10204 | | **Thermal Conductivity Report** | Measured thermal conductivity values | Special test | | **Ultrasonic Test Report** | Internal soundness verification | ASTM E588 | | **Microcleanliness Report** | Inclusion content assessment | ASTM E45 | ## **Comparative Performance Analysis** ### **vs. Standard H13** | Property | QRO 90 SUPREME | Standard H13 | Improvement | |----------|----------------|--------------|-------------| | **Thermal Conductivity** | **100%** | 80-85% | **15-20% better** | | **Thermal Fatigue Life** | **100%** | 45-55% | **80-120% better** | | **Impact Toughness** | **100%** | 70-80% | **25-40% better** | | **Heat Checking Resistance** | **Excellent** | Fair-Good | **Significantly better** | | **Die Life (Typical)** | **100%** | 40-60% | **60-150% longer** | ### **Strategic Positioning within Uddeholm Portfolio:** | Steel Grade | Key Strength | Best For | Relative Cost | |-------------|--------------|----------|---------------| | **QRO 90 SUPREME** | **Thermal Conductivity / Fatigue** | High thermal stress applications | 100% (Benchmark) | | **ORVAR SUPREME** | Overall Balance / Polishability | General premium die casting | 90-95% | | **DIEVAR** | Maximum Toughness | Applications with mechanical impact risk | 95-100% | | **HOTVAR** | Maximum Hot Hardness | Brass/Bronze casting (>600°C) | 110-120% | ## **Economic Justification** ### **Cost-Benefit Analysis:** | Factor | QRO 90 SUPREME Advantage | Economic Impact | |--------|--------------------------|-----------------| | **Extended Die Life** | 60-150% longer than H13 | Reduced tooling cost per part | | **Reduced Downtime** | Fewer die changes and repairs | Increased machine utilization (OEE) | | **Improved Part Quality** | Better thermal stability, less warpage | Lower scrap rates, improved yield | | **Potential for Faster Cycles** | Better heat extraction allows shorter cooling times | Increased production capacity | | **Reduced Maintenance** | Less frequent polishing/repair | Lower labor costs and consumables | | **Total Cost of Ownership** | **Typically favorable despite higher initial cost** | **Positive ROI common in high-volume applications** | ### **When to Select QRO 90 SUPREME:** 1. **Thermal fatigue (heat checking)** is the primary failure mode of your current dies. 2. **Die temperature control** is problematic, leading to casting defects. 3. You are casting **large, thick-section aluminum parts**. 4. You aim to **reduce cycle time** by improving heat extraction. 5. **Maximizing die life** in a high-volume production is critical for profitability. --- **Disclaimer:** UDDEHOLM QRO 90 SUPREME is a premium, application-specific tool steel. Its advantages are most pronounced in scenarios where thermal management is the limiting factor. Selection should be based on a technical and economic analysis. Consult with Böhler-Uddeholm technical specialists for application-specific recommendations. Performance data is based on laboratory testing and field experience; actual results may vary. Always follow current technical documentation and safety guidelines. -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Bohler-Uddeholm UDDEHOLM QRO® 90 SUPREME Hot Work Tool Steel Specification Dimensions Size： Diameter 20-1000 mm Length <6863 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. -: Bohler-Uddeholm UDDEHOLM QRO® 90 SUPREME Hot Work Tool Steel Properties -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Applications of Bohler-Uddeholm UDDEHOLM QRO® 90 SUPREME Hot Work Tool Steel Tube -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Chemical Identifiers Bohler-Uddeholm UDDEHOLM QRO® 90 SUPREME Hot Work Tool Steel Tube -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Packing of Bohler-Uddeholm UDDEHOLM QRO® 90 SUPREME Hot Work Tool Steel Tube -:- 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 Tube 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 3334 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