Latrobe,Viscount 44® Prehardened Tool Steel Wire (ASTM H13S)

Latrobe Viscount 44® Prehardened Tool Steel Wire (ASTM H13S) Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Latrobe Viscount 44® Prehardened Tool Steel Wire (ASTM H13S) Synonyms -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Latrobe Viscount 44® Prehardened Tool Steel (ASTM H13S) Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: # **Latrobe Viscount 44® Pre-Hardened Free-Machining Hot Work Tool Steel** ## **Premium Pre-Hardened H13S for Reduced Lead Time and Enhanced Productivity** Latrobe Viscount 44® represents a unique pre-hardened variant of the sulfur-enhanced H13 hot work tool steel, engineered to deliver exceptional machinability in a heat-treated condition while maintaining good hot work properties. Supplied at approximately 44 HRC, this specialized grade eliminates the need for heat treatment after machining, significantly reducing lead time and manufacturing costs for tooling applications. The "Viscount 44" designation reflects both its premium quality and delivered hardness level (44 HRC), offering a balanced solution for applications requiring moderate hot work performance with maximum manufacturing efficiency. --- ### **Key Features & Benefits** - **Pre-Hardened Delivery**: Supplied at ~44 HRC, eliminating post-machining heat treatment requirements - **Exceptional Machinability in Hardened State**: Maintains good cutting performance despite hardness, due to sulfur enhancement - **Reduced Manufacturing Lead Time**: No heat treatment cycle needed after machining - **Minimal Distortion Concerns**: No dimensional changes from final heat treatment - **Good Hot Work Properties**: Retains core H13 characteristics suitable for many thermal applications - **Cost-Effective Production**: Eliminates heat treatment costs and associated logistics --- ### **Chemical Composition (Typical %, Pre-Hardened H13S Variant)** | Element | Carbon (C) | Chromium (Cr) | Molybdenum (Mo) | Vanadium (V) | Silicon (Si) | Manganese (Mn) | Sulfur (S) | |---------|------------|---------------|-----------------|--------------|--------------|----------------|------------| | **Content** | 0.35 - 0.45 | 4.75 - 5.50 | 1.10 - 1.75 | 0.80 - 1.20 | 0.80 - 1.20 | 0.20 - 0.60 | 0.08 - 0.15 | *Note: Viscount 44® maintains the sulfur-enhanced H13S composition, with controlled sulfide inclusions that dramatically improve machinability even in the pre-hardened condition. The chemistry is optimized to provide stable hardness at 44 HRC with good dimensional stability during and after machining.* --- ### **Physical & Mechanical Properties (As-Delivered)** | Property | Value / Description | |----------|---------------------| | **Density** | 7.79 g/cm³ | | **Thermal Conductivity** | 24-28 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 (20-400°C) | | **As-Delivered Hardness** | **42-45 HRC** (guaranteed range) | | **Uniformity of Hardness** | ±1.5 HRC throughout cross-section | | **Tensile Strength** | 1,450-1,600 MPa (at 44 HRC) | | **Yield Strength** | 1,300-1,450 MPa (at 44 HRC) | | **Modulus of Elasticity** | 200-210 GPa | | **Impact Toughness** | Moderate - suitable for intended applications | - **Machinability in Hardened State** | **Exceptional for 44 HRC material** | --- ### **Heat Treatment Considerations** #### **Important Note:** Viscount 44® is supplied in a fully heat-treated condition and is **NOT intended for additional heat treatment**. Any attempt to re-harden or significantly alter the tempering condition may adversely affect properties and dimensional stability. #### **Stress Relieving (If Required)** - **Temperature**: 480-520°C (900-970°F) MAXIMUM - **Hold Time**: 1-2 hours per inch of thickness - **Purpose**: Only for stress relief after heavy machining - **Warning**: Higher temperatures will reduce hardness and may affect dimensional stability #### **Nitriding or Surface Treatments** - **Compatibility**: Suitable for low-temperature nitriding (<500°C/930°F) - **Pre-treatment**: Standard cleaning procedures apply - **Result**: Can achieve surface hardness of 60-65 HRC with proper treatment --- ### **International Standards & Specifications** | Standard | Grade Designation | Notes | |----------|-------------------|-------| | **ASTM** | Modified H13S (Pre-Hardened) | Proprietary pre-hardened variant | | **Proprietary** | Viscount 44® | Latrobe Special Steel trademark | | **Similar Products** | Pre-hardened H13 variants | Various commercial offerings | | **Delivery Condition** | Pre-hardened to 44 HRC | Primary distinguishing feature | | **Quality Standard** | Latrobe Premium Pre-Hardened | Internal quality specification | --- ### **Typical Applications** #### **Rapid Prototyping and Development** - **Prototype Die Casting Inserts**: For product validation and process development - **Development Tooling**: Where rapid iteration is required - **Pilot Production Tools**: For low-volume production runs #### **Maintenance and Repair Components** - **Replacement Inserts**: For maintenance of production tooling - **Spare Parts Inventory**: Pre-machined or ready for final machining - **Emergency Repair Components**: Minimizing production downtime #### **Specialized Tooling Components** - **Ejector Pins and Guide Pins**: For plastic injection and die casting molds - **Support Pillars and Leader Pins**: Structural components requiring moderate hardness - **Hot Runner Components**: Manifolds, nozzles, and tips for moderate temperatures #### **Educational and Training Applications** - **Toolmaking Training**: Allows students to machine hardened materials - **Technical Demonstrations**: For machining workshops and seminars - **Research and Development**: Experimental tooling and fixtures #### **Low to Medium Volume Production** - **Short-Run Production Tools**: Where tooling cost must be minimized - **Custom Component Manufacturing**: For specialized equipment - **Aftermarket Parts**: Replacement components for existing machinery --- ### **Machining & Fabrication Notes** #### **Machining in Pre-Hardened Condition** - **Recommended Tools**: **Premium carbide tooling required** - grades for machining hardened steels - **Cutting Speeds**: 80-120 m/min (260-400 SFM) for turning operations with coated carbide - **Feed Rates**: Light to moderate feeds (0.10-0.25 mm/rev typical) - **Depth of Cut**: Light to moderate (0.5-2.0 mm typical) - **Coolant**: **Essential** - high-performance synthetic or semi-synthetic coolant - **Special Advantage**: 40-60% faster machining than conventional H13 at same hardness #### **Grinding Operations** - **Suitable for grinding** with standard aluminum oxide wheels - **Coolant**: Flood coolant recommended - **Parameters**: Standard grinding practices for 44 HRC material - **Surface Finish**: Good surface finishes achievable #### **EDM Machining** - **Excellent suitability** for wire EDM and sinker EDM - **Standard parameters** for hardened tool steel apply - **Surface finish**: Good results achievable with proper settings #### **Drilling and Tapping** - **Drilling**: Solid carbide drills or indexable carbide inserts recommended - **Tapping**: Thread forming taps preferred over cutting taps - **Hole Making**: Consider EDM for small or deep holes --- ### **Quality Assurance & Metallurgical Standards** #### **Hardness and Uniformity Standards** - **Hardness Range**: 42-45 HRC guaranteed - **Uniformity**: ±1.5 HRC maximum variation within piece - **Surface Condition**: Minimal decarburization (≤0.10 mm) - **Straightness**: Enhanced straightness tolerances for machining #### **Testing & Certification** - **Hardness Certification**: Multiple point hardness verification - **Chemical Analysis**: Full composition verification - **Ultrasonic Testing**: Available for critical applications - **Certification**: Material test report with guaranteed hardness --- ### **Available Product Forms** | Form | Standard Sizes | Condition | Hardness | Special Features | |------|---------------|-----------|----------|------------------| | **Round Bars** | 10-200mm diameter | Pre-Hardened | 42-45 HRC | Centerless ground | | **Flat Bars** | 10-150mm thickness | Pre-Hardened | 42-45 HRC | Ground surfaces | | **Squares** | 10-150mm | Pre-Hardened | 42-45 HRC | Ground all over | | **Blocks** | Custom dimensions | Pre-Hardened | 42-45 HRC | Rough or finish machined | --- ### **Technical Comparison** | Property | Viscount 44® | Annealed H13 | Heat-Treated H13 | Notes | |----------|--------------|--------------|------------------|-------| | **As-Supplied Hardness** | **44 HRC** | 20 HRC | 44-48 HRC | Primary advantage | | **Machinability** | Good (for 44 HRC) | Excellent | Poor | Context-dependent | | **Lead Time** | **Minimal** | Moderate | Long | Major benefit | | **Distortion Risk** | **None** | Low | High | From heat treatment | | **Hot Work Capability** | Good | N/A | Excellent | For moderate applications | | **Total Cost** | **Lower** | Moderate | Higher | For complete process | --- ### **Design Considerations** 1. **Optimal Applications**: - Components not requiring extreme thermal fatigue resistance - Tools for moderate temperature service (<400°C/750°F) - Applications where machining efficiency outweighs ultimate performance - Situations where heat treatment facilities are unavailable or costly 2. **Limitations to Consider**: - Not for severe thermal cycling applications - Maximum service temperature approximately 400°C (750°F) - Impact resistance lower than fully optimized H13 - Not suitable for re-heat treatment --- ### **Economic Advantages** 1. **Eliminated Costs**: - Heat treatment processing costs - Heat treatment logistics and handling - Post-heat treatment machining (finishing operations) - Risk and cost of heat treatment distortion 2. **Time Savings**: - No heat treatment cycle time (typically 24-72 hours) - Reduced total manufacturing lead time - Faster time-to-market for tooling 3. **Predictable Costs**: - Fixed material cost includes heat treatment - Reduced risk of heat treatment failures - Consistent machining performance --- ### **Technical Support** Latrobe provides specialized support for Viscount 44® applications: - **Machining Recommendations**: Optimal parameters for pre-hardened material - **Application Guidance**: Appropriate uses and limitations - **Troubleshooting**: Assistance with machining challenges - **Technical Data**: Comprehensive machining guidelines --- **Select Latrobe Viscount 44® Pre-Hardened Tool Steel** when rapid turnaround, predictable costs, and manufacturing efficiency are paramount concerns. This innovative material provides a unique combination of pre-hardened delivery and enhanced machinability, offering a compelling solution for prototype tooling, maintenance components, educational applications, and situations where heat treatment capabilities are limited or costly. Viscount 44® represents an optimal balance between functional performance and manufacturing practicality, delivering finished tools faster and more economically than conventional approaches. When time-to-market or total manufacturing cost drives project success, Viscount 44® provides a proven, efficient solution that bridges the gap between annealed and fully heat-treated tool steels. -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Latrobe Viscount 44® Prehardened Tool Steel (ASTM H13S) Specification Dimensions Size： Diameter 20-1000 mm Length <7171 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 Viscount 44® Prehardened Tool Steel (ASTM H13S) Properties -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Applications of Latrobe Viscount 44® Prehardened Tool Steel Wire (ASTM H13S) -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Chemical Identifiers Latrobe Viscount 44® Prehardened Tool Steel Wire (ASTM H13S) -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Packing of Latrobe Viscount 44® Prehardened Tool Steel Wire (ASTM H13S) -:- 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 Wire 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 3642 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