AISI Type L5 Tool Steel Rod/Bar

AISI Type L5 Tool Steel Rod Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: AISI Type L5 Tool Steel Rod Synonyms -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

AISI Type L5 Tool Steel Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: # **Product Introduction: AISI Type L5 (UNS T61205) High-Chromium Impact Tool Steel** ## **Overview** AISI Type L5 is a **medium-carbon, high-chromium** oil-hardening tool steel within the AISI "L-series" (Low-Alloy, Special Purpose). Characterized by its **optimized chromium content (approximately 1.00%)** combined with carefully balanced carbon levels, L5 offers exceptional **toughness and shock resistance** while maintaining adequate wear characteristics. This grade is specifically engineered for applications requiring reliable performance under impact loading conditions, serving as a cost-effective alternative to more specialized shock-resistant steels for many demanding tooling applications. **Key Advantages:** - **Excellent Impact Resistance:** Superior toughness and resistance to chipping under shock loading - **Good Hardenability:** Reliable through-hardening in moderate sections via oil quenching - **Balanced Wear Resistance:** Adequate carbide formation for moderate service conditions - **Minimal Processing Distortion:** Predictable dimensional changes during heat treatment - **Economic Viability:** Cost-effective solution for impact tooling applications **Primary Considerations:** - Maximum hardness limited compared to higher-carbon tool steels - Requires precise tempering to optimize toughness-hardness balance - Best performance in applications where impact resistance is prioritized over extreme wear ## **International Designations & Standards** | Standard System | Designation | Note | |----------------|-------------|------| | **AISI/SAE (USA)** | L5 | Primary specification | | **UNS (USA)** | T61205 | Unified numbering system | | **ASTM (USA)** | A681 | Governing material standard | | **DIN (Germany)** | ~1.2414 | Similar chromium tool steel | | **BS (UK)** | ~**BH2** | Related oil-hardening grade | | **JIS (Japan)** | ~SKS3 | Similar special purpose tool steel | | **ISO (International)** | ~**100Cr2** | Closest functional equivalent | *Note: International equivalents vary due to national composition preferences. AISI L5 is distinguished by its balanced approach to providing both hardenability and toughness.* --- ## **1. Chemical Composition (Typical, Weight %)** The composition provides a balance between hardenability, toughness, and wear resistance through controlled chromium and carbon levels. | Element | Content (%) | Role & Metallurgical Effect | |---------|-------------|-----------------------------| | **Carbon (C)** | 0.50 - 0.70 | Provides base hardness and strength. Maintained at moderate levels to optimize toughness while ensuring adequate hardness for tooling applications. | | **Chromium (Cr)** | 0.90 - 1.20 | Primary alloying element. Enhances hardenability depth, contributes to wear resistance through carbide formation, and improves tempering response. | | **Manganese (Mn)** | 0.25 - 0.50 | Supports hardenability and promotes austenite stability during heat treatment. | | **Silicon (Si)** | 0.10 - 0.30 | Deoxidizer, provides solid solution strengthening, improves resistance to temper softening. | | **Vanadium (V)** | 0.10 - 0.20 (Optional) | When added, refines grain structure and improves toughness through fine carbide precipitation. | | **Molybdenum (Mo)**| 0.15 - 0.30 (Optional) | Enhances hardenability and toughness, particularly beneficial for larger cross-sections. | | **Phosphorus (P)** | ≤0.025 | Controlled impurity to prevent temper embrittlement. | | **Sulfur (S)** | ≤0.025 | Controlled impurity; may be adjusted for machinability in certain applications. | | **Iron (Fe)** | Balance | Matrix element. | **Composition Variations:** - **Standard L5:** Optimized for general impact applications with balanced properties - **Modified L5:** May include vanadium or molybdenum additions for specific performance requirements --- ## **2. Physical & Mechanical Properties** ### **Physical Properties** | Property | Typical Value | Conditions/Notes | |----------|---------------|------------------| | **Density** | 7.81 - 7.83 g/cm³ | At 20°C (68°F) | | **Melting Range** | 1425 - 1445°C (2597 - 2633°F) | Liquidus to solidus range | | **Thermal Conductivity** | 44 - 48 W/m·K | At 20°C (68°F) | | **Specific Heat Capacity** | 465 - 485 J/kg·K | At 20°C (68°F) | | **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion** | 11.7 - 12.2 × 10⁻⁶/K | 20-200°C (68-392°F) range | | **Electrical Resistivity** | 0.27 - 0.31 μΩ·m | At 20°C (68°F) | | **Elastic Modulus** | 206 - 210 GPa (29.9 - 30.5 × 10⁶ psi) | At room temperature | ### **Mechanical Properties (Heat-Treated Condition)** | Property | Value Range | Heat Treatment Condition | |----------|-------------|--------------------------| | **Hardness (Annealed)** | 183 - 212 HB | Spheroidize annealed condition | | **Hardness (Hardened)** | 54 - 58 HRC | Oil quenched from 830-860°C, tempered at 200-350°C | | **Tensile Strength** | 1750 - 1950 MPa (254 - 283 ksi) | At 56-58 HRC | | **Yield Strength (0.2% offset)** | 1450 - 1650 MPa (210 - 239 ksi) | At 56-58 HRC | | **Compressive Strength** | 2100 - 2350 MPa (305 - 341 ksi) | At 56-58 HRC | | **Impact Toughness (Charpy)** | 25 - 35 J (18 - 26 ft·lb) | At 56-58 HRC, unnotched | | **Fatigue Endurance Limit** | 650 - 750 MPa (94 - 109 ksi) | Rotating bending, 10⁷ cycles | | **Fracture Toughness (K₁c)** | 40 - 50 MPa√m | At 56-58 HRC | ### **Hardenability Data (Jominy Test Typical)** | Distance from Quenched End (1/16 in) | 1 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 | |--------------------------------------|---|---|---|---|---|---| | **Hardness (HRC)** | 58-60 | 57-59 | 56-58 | 55-57 | 54-56 | 53-55 | *Through-hardening capability: Approximately 75-100mm (3-4 inches) diameter in oil quench.* --- ## **3. Product Applications** ### **Primary Application Areas** **1. Impact and Shock Tools:** - Cold chisels and pneumatic tool components - Demolition tools and heavy-duty hand tools - Blacksmith tools and hot work applications (secondary) - Rivet busters and scaling hammers **2. Forming and Forging Applications:** - Cold heading dies for medium-duty applications - Swaging tools and forming dies - Bending dies requiring shock resistance - Extrusion tooling for softer materials **3. Cutting Tools (Impact-Resistant):** - Heavy-duty lathe tools for interrupted cutting - Milling cutters and gear cutters - Broaches for tough materials - Woodworking tools for hardwoods **4. Wear Components Subject to Impact:** - Machine tool components (slides, gibs, ways) - Agricultural implement parts - Mining tool components - Gear blanks and sprockets ### **Industry-Specific Applications** | Industry | Typical L5 Components | |----------|-----------------------| | **Metalworking** | Heavy-duty punches, forming dies, shear blades | | **Fastener Manufacturing** | Cold heading dies, thread rolling dies | | **Construction** | Demolition tools, concrete breakers, cutting edges | | **Agriculture** | Plow shares, cultivator points, harrow teeth | | **Mining** | Drill bits, cutter picks, extraction tool components | ### **Service Performance Characteristics** | Service Condition | L5 Performance | Recommended Hardness Range | |-------------------|----------------|----------------------------| | **Heavy Impact** | Excellent | 54-56 HRC | | **Moderate Impact with Wear** | Good | 56-58 HRC | | **Cyclic Loading** | Good to Very Good | 55-57 HRC | | **Combined Stresses** | Good | 55-57 HRC | | **Abrasive Conditions** | Fair to Good | 57-58 HRC | --- ## **4. Heat Treatment Guidelines** ### **Annealing (Preparation for Machining)** - **Process:** Full annealing or spheroidize annealing - **Temperature:** 790-810°C (1455-1490°F) - **Cooling:** Slow furnace cool at ≤20°C/hr to 540°C, then air cool - **Resulting Hardness:** 183-212 HB - **Microstructure:** Uniform spheroidized carbides ### **Hardening (Austenitizing & Quenching)** 1. **Preheating:** Recommended to minimize distortion - Stage 1: 400-500°C (750-930°F) - Stage 2: 650-700°C (1200-1290°F) 2. **Austenitizing:** - **Temperature:** 830-860°C (1525-1580°F) - **Soaking Time:** 20-30 minutes per inch of thickness - **Atmosphere:** Neutral to slightly carburizing - **Target Grain Size:** ASTM 8-9 3. **Quenching:** - **Medium:** Warm oil (50-80°C / 120-175°F) - **Agitation:** Moderate to ensure uniform cooling - **Quench to:** 60-80°C (140-175°F) before tempering ### **Tempering (Critical for Toughness Development)** - **Time to Temper:** Within 1-2 hours of quenching - **Standard Practice:** Double tempering recommended - First temper: 200-350°C (400-660°F) for 2+ hours - Second temper: Same or slightly higher temperature, 2+ hours - **Hardness-Temperature Relationship:** - 150°C (300°F): 57-59 HRC - 200°C (400°F): 56-58 HRC - 250°C (480°F): 55-57 HRC - 300°C (570°F): 54-56 HRC - 350°C (660°F): 53-55 HRC - 400°C (750°F): 51-53 HRC ### **Stress Relieving** - **When:** After rough machining, before final hardening - **Temperature:** 600-650°C (1110-1200°F) - **Hold Time:** 1-2 hours per inch - **Cooling:** Slow furnace cool --- ## **5. Comparative Analysis** ### **vs. Other L-Series Grades** | Property | L5 | L4 | L6 | S5 (Shock Steel) | |----------|----|----|----|------------------| | **Carbon Content** | Medium-Low (0.50-0.70%) | Medium (0.65-0.85%) | Medium (0.65-0.75%) | Low (0.50-0.60%) | | **Chromium Content** | Medium (0.90-1.20%) | High (1.20-1.80%) | Medium (0.60-1.00%) | Low (0.50-0.80%) | | **Primary Strength** | Impact toughness | Balanced toughness | High toughness | Extreme impact | | **Typical Hardness** | 54-58 HRC | 56-60 HRC | 56-60 HRC | 52-56 HRC | | **Charpy Impact** | 25-35 J | 18-25 J | 20-30 J | 35-50 J | | **Relative Cost** | 0.9x | 1.0x | 1.0x | 1.3x | ### **Performance Comparison** | Application Type | L5 Suitability | Alternative Grades | |-----------------|----------------|-------------------| | **Heavy Impact Tools** | Very Good | S5, S7 | | **Wear with Impact** | Good | L4, L6 | | **Precision Tooling** | Fair | O1, A2 | | **High Production** | Fair to Good | D2, M2 | --- ## **6. Technical Recommendations** ### **Design Considerations** 1. **Stress Concentrations:** Minimum radius of 1.5mm on internal corners 2. **Section Thickness:** Maintain uniformity where possible 3. **Hardness Requirements:** Specify based on primary service conditions 4. **Surface Finish:** Critical wear surfaces should be 1.6μm Ra or better ### **Quality Control Points** - Verify chemical composition against specifications - Monitor decarburization during processing (max 0.10mm) - Conduct hardness testing at multiple locations - Verify microstructure after heat treatment ### **Safety and Handling** - **Heat Treatment:** Follow standard furnace safety procedures - **Machining:** Use appropriate dust collection - **Storage:** Protect from corrosion with preventive coatings - **Disposal:** Recycle as alloy steel scrap --- ## **Disclaimer** This technical datasheet provides general information about AISI Type L5 tool steel. Actual performance may vary based on: 1. **Manufacturing variations** between different steel producers 2. **Specific heat treatment parameters** and equipment 3. **Application conditions** and service environment 4. **Design factors** and manufacturing quality **For critical applications:** - Consult with materials engineering specialists - Conduct application-specific testing - Develop detailed processing specifications - Consider alternative materials for extreme conditions Always refer to current standards and supplier specifications for specific requirements. This information is subject to revision as technology and standards evolve. -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: AISI Type L5 Tool Steel Specification Dimensions Size： Diameter 20-1000 mm Length <6709 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. -: AISI Type L5 Tool Steel Properties -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Applications of AISI Type L5 Tool Steel Rod -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Chemical Identifiers AISI Type L5 Tool Steel Rod -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Packing of AISI Type L5 Tool Steel Rod -:- 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 3180 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