AISI Type S3 Shock Resisting Tool Steel Rod/Bar

AISI Type S3 Shock Resisting Tool Steel Rod Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: AISI Type S3 Shock Resisting Tool Steel Rod Synonyms -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

AISI Type S3 Shock Resisting Tool Steel Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: # **Product Introduction: AISI Type S3 Shock-Resisting Tool Steel (UNS T41903)** ## **Overview** **AISI S3 (UNS T41903)** is a specialized **chromium-tungsten water-hardening shock-resisting tool steel**. Positioned within the S-series for impact applications, S3 is distinguished by its relatively **high tungsten content** compared to other shock steels, which provides it with **superior wear resistance and hot hardness** while still maintaining good toughness. It is designed for applications that combine **moderate impact loading with significant abrasive or high-temperature wear**, such as hot work chisels and shear blades. As a water-hardening grade, it requires careful heat treatment to balance hardness and minimize the risk of quench cracking. ## **1. Chemical Composition (Nominal %)** S3's composition is balanced for shock resistance with enhanced wear capability. | Element | Content (%) | Primary Function | |---------|------------|------------------| | **Carbon (C)** | 0.45 - 0.55 | Provides base hardness and hardenability. The mid-range carbon balances wear resistance and toughness. | | **Tungsten (W)** | 0.50 - 1.00 | **Key element.** Improves wear resistance through carbide formation and significantly increases hot hardness (red-hardness). | | **Chromium (Cr)** | 0.30 - 0.50 | Enhances hardenability, wear resistance, and provides mild oxidation resistance. | | **Silicon (Si)** | 0.15 - 0.30 | Provides some solid solution strengthening and deoxidation. | | **Manganese (Mn)** | 0.20 - 0.40 | Aids in hardenability. | | **Vanadium (V)** | ≤ 0.15 | May be present for grain refinement. | | **Iron (Fe)** | Balance | Base metal. | **Key Chemistry Note:** S3 is characterized by its **tungsten addition**, setting it apart from simpler water-hardening shock steels. The **tungsten content (0.5-1.0%)** is sufficient to form hard, stable carbides that resist abrasion and provide strength at elevated temperatures, but not so high as to severely compromise toughness or make it a high-speed steel. Its composition is simpler than S1 (which has higher Si and W) and is more focused on wear than the silicon-dominated S2 or S5. ## **2. Physical & Mechanical Properties** *Typical properties in the hardened and tempered condition (~55-58 HRC).* | Property | Typical Value / Condition | |----------|--------------------------| | **Density** | ~7.83 g/cm³ (0.283 lb/in³) | | **Melting Point** | ~1510°C (2750°F) | | **Thermal Conductivity** | ~45 W/m·K (Moderately good) | | **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion** | ~12.1 × 10⁻⁶/K (20-100°C) | | **Modulus of Elasticity** | 205 GPa (29.7 × 10⁶ psi) | | **Annealed Hardness** | 183-212 HB | | **Hardened & Tempered Hardness** | **54-58 HRC** (Common working range for optimal balance). Can be hardened to ~61-62 HRC as-quenched. | | **Tensile Strength** | ~1800-2000 MPa (261-290 ksi) at 56 HRC | | **Impact Toughness** | **Good.** Lower than silicon-rich grades like S2 or S5 at the same hardness, but still very serviceable for shock applications. | | **Wear Resistance** | **Good to Very Good.** Better than S2, S5, or S7 due to tungsten carbides. | | **Hot Hardness / Red Hardness** | **Good.** Maintains hardness and edge integrity at moderately elevated temperatures better than most other shock steels (except S1). | | **Machinability (Annealed)** | Fair to Good. | | **Hardenability** | **Shallow (Water-Hardening).** Requires vigorous quenching (water or brine) and is best suited for sections under ~25mm (1 inch) diameter for full through-hardening. | ## **3. International Standards & Cross-References** S3 is a less common but standardized grade. | Standard | Designation | Notes | |----------|------------|-------| | **UNS** | T41903 | | | **AISI/ASTM (USA)** | S3 (ASTM A681) | | | **ISO (International)** | **~55WCrV8** (ISO 4957: Tool steels) - Very close match. | | | **DIN (Germany)** | **1.2542** (Note: This is also used for S1; compositions overlap. S3 is a lower-alloy variant). | | | **BS (UK)** | No direct common equivalent. | | | **JIS (Japan)** | No direct common equivalent. | | | **GB (China)** | **5CrW2Si** (This is often listed for S1; S3 would be a lower-alloy version). | | | **Common Description** | **Tungsten-Chromium Water-Hardening Shock Steel** | | ## **4. Product Applications** S3 is used for tools that require a combination of shock resistance and better-than-average wear or hot hardness. **Primary Applications:** * **Hot Work Tools:** * **Hot chisels** and **hot cuts** for blacksmithing and forging. * **Hot shear blades** for cutting bar stock or billets at elevated temperatures. * **Cold Work Cutting & Shearing:** * **Shear blades** for metal bars, rods, and wire. * **Bolt croppers** and **rebar cutters**. * **Cold chisels** for general metalworking. * **Punching and Forming:** * **Heavy-duty punches** for sheet metal. * **Forming tools** subject to intermittent impact. * **Mining & Construction:** * **Rock drill bits** for softer formations (where abrasion is a factor). * **Clay spades** and **digging tool tips**. **Application Rationale:** S3 is selected over a plain carbon water-hardening steel (like W1) when **greater wear life or the ability to work on hot material is needed**. It is chosen over the tougher S2 or S5 when **the work is more abrasive or hotter**. It is chosen over S1 when **cost is a greater concern and the highest level of toughness is not required**. ## **5. Heat Treatment Guidelines** As a water-hardening steel, heat treatment of S3 requires care to avoid cracking. * **Annealing:** Heat to 760-790°C (1400-1450°F), slow furnace cool. Annealed hardness: 183-212 HB. * **Hardening:** 1. **Preheating:** **Critical.** Preheat slowly and thoroughly to 650-700°C (1200-1290°F). 2. **Austenitizing:** Heat to **790-820°C (1455-1510°F)**. Soak for 10-20 min per inch. 3. **Quenching:** Quench in **agitated water or brine**. For complex shapes or to reduce cracking risk, an **interrupted quench** is used: quench in brine until the part is just below 400°C (750°F) (color goes black), then immediately transfer to oil or air to cool slowly. * **Tempering:** * **Temper immediately** after quenching (within 30-60 minutes). * Temper at **205-425°C (400-800°F)** depending on desired final hardness and toughness. * A temper at **315-370°C (600-700°F)** will produce a good balance of toughness and wear resistance at ~54-56 HRC. * **Double tempering** is recommended. ## **6. Comparative Position within S-Series** | Grade | Key Feature | Best For | Relative Wear | Relative Toughness | |-------|-------------|----------|---------------|-------------------| | **S2** | High Silicon | Maximum Toughness at Moderate Hardness | Lower | **Highest** | | **S3** | Tungsten | Shock + **Wear/Hot Hardness** | **Higher** | Moderate | | **S5** | Manganese-Silicon | Heavy Shearing & Impact | Low | Very High | | **S7** | Chromium-Molybdenum | Extreme Impact, Air Hardening | Moderate | Extremely High | --- **Disclaimer:** AISI S3 is a water-hardening steel with a significant risk of distortion and quench cracking, especially in complex or uneven sections. Proper preheating and quenching technique are essential. Its use has declined in favor of more forgiving air-hardening grades like S7 for many impact applications. However, it remains a cost-effective choice for specific applications requiring its particular balance of wear and shock resistance. Always consult detailed heat treatment guidelines and consider the specific geometry of the part. -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: AISI Type S3 Shock Resisting Tool Steel Specification Dimensions Size： Diameter 20-1000 mm Length <6758 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 S3 Shock Resisting Tool Steel Properties -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Applications of AISI Type S3 Shock Resisting Tool Steel Rod -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Chemical Identifiers AISI Type S3 Shock Resisting Tool Steel Rod -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Packing of AISI Type S3 Shock Resisting 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 3229 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