AISI Type T15 Tungsten High Speed Tool Steel Tube,Pipe (UNS T12015)

AISI Type T15 Tungsten High Speed Tool Steel Tube (UNS T12015) Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: AISI Type T15 Tungsten High Speed Tool Steel Tube (UNS T12015) Synonyms -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

AISI Type T15 Tungsten High Speed Tool Steel (UNS T12015) Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: # **Product Introduction: AISI Type T15 Tungsten High-Speed Tool Steel (UNS T12015)** ## **Overview** **AISI T15 (UNS T12015)** represents the **pinnacle of conventional tungsten-based high-speed steel (HSS) technology**. As the most highly alloyed standard grade in the T-series, it is engineered to deliver **unsurpassed abrasion resistance and maximum red-hardness** for machining the most demanding materials. Characterized by its **very high carbon, vanadium, and cobalt content**, T15 is a **super high-speed steel** designed for severe-duty applications where extreme wear is the primary failure mode. It is often considered the tungsten-based counterpart to the molybdenum-based M4 and M42 grades, but with even greater emphasis on wear resistance. ## **1. Chemical Composition (Nominal %)** T15's composition pushes the limits of conventional HSS metallurgy to maximize wear and hot hardness. | Element | Content (%) | Primary Function | |---------|------------|------------------| | **Carbon (C)** | 1.50 - 1.60 | **Exceptionally high.** Provides the carbon necessary to form a massive volume of hard vanadium and tungsten carbides, driving extreme wear resistance. | | **Tungsten (W)** | 11.75 - 13.00 | Provides the foundational tungsten carbide network for red-hardness and wear resistance. | | **Chromium (Cr)** | 3.75 - 5.00 | Ensures hardenability, provides oxidation resistance, and contributes to wear resistance. | | **Vanadium (V)** | 4.50 - 5.25 | **Key element.** The ultra-high vanadium content forms an extremely high volume of extremely hard vanadium carbides (VC), providing **unmatched abrasion resistance** among standard HSS grades. | | **Cobalt (Co)** | 4.75 - 5.25 | **Key element.** Dramatically increases red-hardness and tempering resistance by strengthening the ferrite matrix, allowing the tool to maintain an edge at very high cutting temperatures. | | **Molybdenum (Mo)** | ≤ 0.50 (Residual) | Not a primary alloying element; may be present in traces. | | **Iron (Fe)** | Balance | Base metal. | **Key Chemistry Note:** T15 is defined by its **"High-C, High-V, High-Co" triad**. The **carbon-to-vanadium ratio is optimized** to maximize the formation of hard, wear-resistant MC-type vanadium carbides. The substantial **cobalt content** ensures these hard carbides are supported by a matrix that remains hard at elevated temperatures. This combination makes T15 arguably the **most wear-resistant standard high-speed steel commercially available**, but at the cost of significantly reduced toughness and very poor grindability. ## **2. Physical & Mechanical Properties** | Property | Typical Value / Condition | |----------|--------------------------| | **Density** | ~8.30 g/cm³ (High due to tungsten and cobalt) | | **Melting Point** | ~1410°C (2570°F) | | **Thermal Conductivity** | Low (~24 W/m·K at 20°C) | | **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion** | ~10.8 × 10⁻⁶/K (20-600°C) | | **Modulus of Elasticity** | ~210 GPa (30.5 × 10⁶ psi) | | **Annealed Hardness** | 255-302 HB | | **Hardened & Tempered Hardness** | **65-68 HRC** (Routinely achieves 66-68 HRC with proper heat treatment). | | **Red Hardness** | **Exceptional.** Maintains cutting edge hardness at temperatures exceeding **650°C (1200°F)**, superior to almost all other HSS grades. | | **Abrasion Resistance** | **Unsurpassed among standard HSS grades.** The ultra-high volume of vanadium carbides provides extraordinary resistance to wear from abrasive materials. | | **Toughness** | **Very Low.** The high volume of hard, brittle carbides and the cobalt-strengthened matrix result in low impact resistance. Suitable only for stable, shock-free cutting conditions. | | **Tempering Temperature** | 540-570°C (1000-1060°F), **triple or quadruple tempering is mandatory**. | | **Grindability** | **Extremely Poor** (~15-20% relative to M2). One of the most difficult steels to grind due to the high volume of hard vanadium carbides. | ## **3. International Standards & Cross-References** | Standard | Designation | |----------|------------| | **UNS** | T12015 | | **AISI/ASTM (USA)** | T15 (ASTM A600) | | **ISO (International)** | **HS 12-1-5-5** (ISO 4957: Tool steels) | | **DIN (Germany)** | **1.3202** (Note: This is also used for M43; grades are similar in performance) | | **JIS (Japan)** | **SKH10** | | **GB (China)** | **W12Mo3Cr4V3Co5Si** (A close equivalent, often with added Mo & Si) | | **Common Name** | **Super High-Speed Steel (SHSS), High Vanadium Cobalt HSS** | ## **4. Product Applications** T15 is reserved for **specialized, severe-duty machining operations** where tool life is limited by extreme abrasive wear and high cutting temperatures. **Primary Applications:** * **Machining Highly Abrasive & Hard Materials:** * **Aerospace Superalloys:** Inconel, Waspaloy, René alloys under aggressive conditions. * **Hardened Steels:** Machining pre-hardened and tool steels (45-60 HRC). * **Abrasive Cast Irons:** High-chrome or nickel-hard cast irons. * **Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) and Fiber-Reinforced Plastics (CFRP, GFRP).** * **Specific Tool Types:** * **Solid HSS End Mills, Drills, and Reamers** for the above materials (as a tougher alternative to solid carbide). * **Broaches and Gear Hobs** for high-precision, long-run production of hardened components. * **Single-Point Turning Tools** (often as brazed tips) for severe interrupted cuts on exotic alloys. * **Form Tools and Threading Tools** requiring exceptional edge retention. * **Cold Work Tooling (Specialized):** * **Punches and Dies** for powder metal compaction of abrasive materials. * **Wear parts** in extreme abrasive environments. ## **5. Processing & Heat Treatment Guidelines** Heat treating T15 is a critical and precise operation due to its high alloy content. * **Forging (Exercise Extreme Caution):** * Heat slowly. Forge at **1080-1130°C (1975-2070°F)**. * **Do not forge below 950°C (1740°F).** * Cool **very slowly** in an insulating medium or furnace. * **Annealing:** * Heat to **870-900°C (1600-1650°F)**, hold, then furnace cool very slowly (≤10°C/hour to 500°C). * Expected annealed hardness: 255-302 HB. * **Hardening (Requires Precise Control):** 1. **Preheat:** **Two-stage preheating is essential:** 550-650°C (1020-1200°F) and then 800-850°C (1470-1560°F). 2. **Austenitize:** **1220-1240°C (2225-2265°F).** Precise temperature control is vital to dissolve sufficient carbides without causing grain growth. 3. **Quench:** In salt bath, vacuum furnace with high-pressure gas quenching (N₂/Ar), or oil for simple shapes. * **Tempering (Most Critical Step for T15):** * **Temper immediately** upon reaching 40-50°C (105-120°F). * **Triple temper at 540-560°C (1005-1040°F)** for 2+ hours each cycle. * A **fourth temper** is highly recommended for maximum dimensional stability. * **Cryogenic treatment** (-80°C to -196°C) between tempers is strongly advised to transform retained austenite and maximize hardness and stability. ## **6. Comparative Position & Considerations** * **vs. M4 (High Vanadium, No Co):** T15 has **similar wear resistance but far superior red-hardness** due to cobalt, making it better for high-speed/high-temperature cuts. * **vs. M42 (Co8%):** T15 has **superior abrasion resistance** but **lower toughness and much worse grindability**. M42 is often preferred for its better overall balance. * **vs. Carbide:** T15 offers **superior toughness** to carbide, making it valuable in applications prone to vibration, light shock, or where cutting edge strength is critical. **Key Challenges:** * **Grindability:** The single greatest limitation. Requires diamond or CBN grinding wheels and specialized expertise. * **Cost:** High due to strategic alloying elements (W, V, Co). * **Brittleness:** Demands very rigid toolholding and stable machining conditions. --- **Disclaimer:** AISI T15 is a premium, extreme-performance material requiring specialized knowledge for heat treatment, grinding, and application. Its use is only justified when all other HSS grades fail due to wear and when carbide is unsuitable due to toughness constraints. Successful implementation demands collaboration with experienced metallurgists and tool designers. Always adhere to the material producer's certified heat treatment specifications. Performance is highly dependent on exact processing and the quality of the initial stock (ESR/VAR remelted material is preferred). -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: AISI Type T15 Tungsten High Speed Tool Steel (UNS T12015) Specification Dimensions Size： Diameter 20-1000 mm Length <6766 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 T15 Tungsten High Speed Tool Steel (UNS T12015) Properties -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Applications of AISI Type T15 Tungsten High Speed Tool Steel Tube (UNS T12015) -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Chemical Identifiers AISI Type T15 Tungsten High Speed Tool Steel Tube (UNS T12015) -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Packing of AISI Type T15 Tungsten High Speed Tool Steel Tube (UNS T12015) -:- 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 3237 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