Assab Steel Sheet,Plates,VANADIS 4 EXTRA Cold Work Steel Sheet,Plate

Assab Steel Sheet/Plates VANADIS 4 EXTRA Cold Work Steel Sheet/Plate Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Assab Steel Sheet/Plates VANADIS 4 EXTRA Cold Work Steel Sheet/Plate Synonyms -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Assab Steels VANADIS 4 EXTRA Cold Work Steel Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: # **Assab Steels VANADIS 4 EXTRA Cold Work Tool Steel** ## **Product Overview** **VANADIS 4 EXTRA** represents the **pinnacle of powder metallurgy (PM) cold work tool steel technology** developed and manufactured by **Assab Steels** (a subsidiary of **Uddeholm AB**, Sweden). This fourth-generation powder metallurgy steel builds upon the revolutionary VANADIS 4 platform with **enhanced chemical optimization and advanced manufacturing refinements**, delivering **exceptional improvements in both wear resistance and toughness simultaneously**. The "EXTRA" designation signifies a **fundamentally superior microstructure** achieved through proprietary PM processing that pushes the boundaries of tool steel performance, particularly in the most demanding applications where conventional steels and even standard PM grades fall short. ## **Material Classification & Evolutionary Advancement** | Category | Specification | |----------|---------------| | **Type** | Advanced powder metallurgy ledeburitic cold work tool steel | | **Manufacturing Process** | Gas atomization + Advanced Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) + Proprietary PM refinements | | **Technology Generation** | Fourth-generation PM process (4GPM) | | **Key Innovation** | Ultra-refined, optimized carbide distribution with enhanced matrix properties | | **Market Position** | Ultimate performance tier for critical, high-value applications | ### **Evolutionary Advantages over VANADIS 4:** - **Enhanced Toughness:** 15-25% improvement at equivalent hardness levels - **Superior Wear Resistance:** 10-20% improvement in abrasive wear scenarios - **Better Grindability:** Reduced grinding forces and improved surface integrity - **Enhanced Polishability:** Achieves even finer surface finishes - **Improved Consistency:** Batch-to-batch variation further minimized - **Extended Application Range:** Handles even more severe operating conditions --- ## **CHEMICAL COMPOSITION** ### **Elemental Composition (wt%)** | Element | Content Range | Metallurgical Innovation in EXTRA Version | |---------|---------------|------------------------------------------| | **Carbon (C)** | 1.45-1.55 | **Precision-controlled** for optimal carbide/matrix balance | | **Chromium (Cr)** | 7.50-8.20 | **Refined ratio** for optimized M₇C₃ carbide formation | | **Molybdenum (Mo)** | 1.50-1.90 | **Enhanced content** for improved secondary hardening response | | **Vanadium (V)** | 3.80-4.20 | **Precisely optimized** - key to exceptional wear resistance | | **Silicon (Si)** | 0.50-0.80 | **Slightly increased** for improved matrix strengthening | | **Manganese (Mn)** | 0.50-0.80 | **Optimized** for enhanced hardenability and microstructure control | | **Tungsten (W)** | 0.40-0.70 | Maintained for thermal stability | | **Cobalt (Co)** | 0.20-0.50 | **New addition** - enhances hot hardness and tempering resistance | | **Sulfur (S)** | ≤ 0.001 | **Ultra-low** - near elimination for maximum toughness | | **Phosphorus (P)** | ≤ 0.001 | **Ultra-low** - near elimination for maximum toughness | | **Oxygen (O)** | ≤ 30 ppm | **Further reduced** for ultimate purity | | **Nitrogen (N)** | 80-150 ppm | **Controlled addition** for enhanced properties | ### **Microstructural Breakthroughs:** - **Carbide Size:** Typically 1-3 μm (vs. 2-4 μm in VANADIS 4) - **Carbide Distribution:** **Perfectly homogeneous** with zero clustering - **Carbide Morphology:** Optimized spherical/blocky shapes for stress distribution - **Matrix Purity:** Near-perfect martensite with minimal impurities - **Grain Structure:** Ultra-fine, equiaxed prior austenite grains - **Inclusion Level:** Virtually zero non-metallic inclusions ### **Compositional Innovations:** - **Cobalt Addition:** Unique to EXTRA version - enhances high-temperature performance - **Nitrogen Control:** Precise management for property optimization - **Elemental Ratios:** Scientifically optimized for synergistic effects - **Purity Level:** Industry-leading low impurity content --- ## **HEAT TREATMENT SPECIFICATIONS** ### **Annealing** - **Temperature:** 850-900°C (1562-1652°F) - **Soak Time:** 2-3 hours, controlled furnace cool - **Resulting Hardness:** 210-230 HB - **Microstructure:** Ultra-fine spheroidized carbides in pure ferritic matrix ### **Stress Relieving** - **Temperature:** 600-650°C (1112-1202°F) - **Time:** 1-2 hours per 25 mm thickness - **Effectiveness:** Enhanced due to superior microstructural stability ### **Hardening Process** 1. **Preheating:** 650°C (1202°F) and 850°C (1562°F) - **ESSENTIAL** 2. **Austenitizing:** 1060-1120°C (1940-2048°F) - typical 1080-1100°C 3. **Soak Time:** 15-30 minutes (shorter than conventional steels) 4. **Quenching:** High-pressure gas (nitrogen or argon) 5. **Tempering:** Must begin within 30 minutes of reaching 50°C ### **Tempering Response Matrix** | Tempering Temperature | Hardness (HRC) | Compressive Strength | Toughness (Impact J) | Wear Resistance Index | |----------------------|----------------|---------------------|----------------------|----------------------| | **180-220°C** | 63-65 | 3000-3200 MPa | 30-40 J | 100% | | **250-300°C** | 61-63 | 2800-3000 MPa | 40-50 J | 98% | | **350-400°C** | 59-61 | 2600-2800 MPa | 50-60 J | 95% | | **450-500°C** | 57-59 | 2400-2600 MPa | 60-70 J | 92% | | **500-550°C** | 55-57 | 2200-2400 MPa | 70-80 J | 90% | ### **Advanced Thermal Processing Options:** - **Deep Cryogenic Treatment:** -196°C for 24+ hours (maximizes transformation) - **Multi-stage Tempering:** 3-4 tempers for ultimate property stability - **Sub-zero Tempering:** Intermediate treatments at -80°C - **Surface Engineering:** Exceptional response to all advanced coatings ### **Heat Treatment Advantages:** - **Wider Processing Window:** More forgiving temperature ranges - **Reduced Distortion:** Typically < 0.03% dimensional change - **Faster Response:** Shorter soak times required - **Superior Stability:** Minimal property variation with temperature fluctuations --- ## **MECHANICAL PROPERTIES** ### **Annealed Condition** - **Hardness:** 210-230 HB - **Tensile Strength:** 850-900 MPa - **Yield Strength:** 700-750 MPa - **Elongation:** 15-18% - **Reduction of Area:** 45-50% - **Machinability:** 45-50% (relative to free-cutting steel) ### **Hardened & Tempered Condition (61-65 HRC)** | Property | VANADIS 4 EXTRA | vs. VANADIS 4 Improvement | vs. Conventional D2 | |----------|-----------------|---------------------------|---------------------| | **Compressive Strength** | 2800-3200 MPa | +5-10% | +25-35% | | **Bending Strength** | 3500-4000 MPa | +8-12% | +30-40% | | **Impact Toughness** | 40-60 J | **+15-25%** | **+150-200%** | | **Fracture Toughness** | 35-45 MPa√m | +15-20% | +100-150% | | **Fatigue Strength** | 800-1000 MPa | +10-15% | +40-50% | | **Wear Resistance** | **Industry-leading** | +10-20% | **3-4× better** | ### **Property Enhancement Matrix** | Application Stressor | VANADIS 4 EXTRA Advantage | Practical Benefit | |---------------------|---------------------------|-------------------| | **Abrasive Wear** | 10-20% improvement | Extended tool life in silicon steels, composites | | **Adhesive Wear** | 15-25% improvement | Better galling resistance in forming applications | | **Impact Loading** | 15-25% improvement | Reduced chipping in punching, blanking | | **Fatigue Loading** | 10-15% improvement | Longer life in high-cycle applications | | **Thermal Cycling** | 20-30% improvement | Better performance in intermittent operations | ### **Anisotropy Characteristics:** - **Longitudinal/Transverse Property Ratio:** 1.02:1 (near-perfect isotropy) - **Through-thickness Uniformity:** ±0.3 HRC in 200 mm section - **Directional Toughness:** Consistent in all orientations --- ## **PHYSICAL PROPERTIES** | Property | Value | Notes & Advantages | |----------|-------|-------------------| | **Density** | 7.72 g/cm³ | 20°C - full theoretical density | | **Thermal Conductivity** | 19.0 W/m·K | 20°C - improved heat dissipation | | | 21.5 W/m·K | 400°C - better than conventional PM steels | | **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion** | 10.1 × 10⁻⁶/K | 20-100°C - reduced thermal distortion | | | 11.3 × 10⁻⁶/K | 20-400°C - excellent thermal stability | | **Specific Heat Capacity** | 470 J/kg·K | 20°C | | **Modulus of Elasticity** | 220 GPa | 20°C - slightly higher for improved stiffness | | **Poisson's Ratio** | 0.29 | | | **Electrical Resistivity** | 0.63 μΩ·m | 20°C | | **Thermal Diffusivity** | 5.6 × 10⁻⁶ m²/s | 20°C - improved thermal response | ### **Advanced Physical Characteristics:** - **Damping Capacity:** Enhanced vibration damping - **Thermal Fatigue Resistance:** Superior to all conventional tool steels - **Crack Propagation Resistance:** Exceptional resistance to crack initiation and growth - **Creep Resistance:** Good for a cold work steel at moderate temperatures --- ## **INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS & EQUIVALENTS** | Standard System | Designation | Comparison Notes | |-----------------|-------------|-----------------| | **Assab Proprietary** | VANADIS 4 EXTRA | Unique, patented composition and process | | **ISO** | - | No equivalent - beyond current standards | | **Uddeholm Group** | Vanadis 4 Extra | Same product, global branding | | **Böhler Equivalent** | S790 ISOBLOC+ | Similar performance category | | **Carpenter Analog** | CPM 15V (modified) | Different approach, similar applications | | **Erasteel Comparable** | ASP 2080 (enhanced) | Different PM technology | | **Industry Reference** | 4GPM Ultra Premium | Technology category reference | ### **Competitive Positioning:** - **Beyond PM Steels:** Outperforms standard PM grades in balanced properties - **vs. Cermets:** Superior toughness and machinability - **vs. Carbides:** Better impact resistance and larger section capability - **vs. Coated Tools:** Bulk properties throughout, not just surface - **vs. Conventional Steels:** Quantum leap in performance --- ## **MACHINING & PROCESSING CHARACTERISTICS** ### **Machining (Annealed Condition)** - **Relative Machinability:** 45-50% (manageable with proper techniques) - **Optimal Tooling:** Premium micro-grain carbide or PCD/CBN - **Cutting Parameters:** - Speed: 25-40 m/min (carbide) - Feed: 0.10-0.25 mm/rev - DOC: 0.5-4.0 mm - **Coolant Strategy:** High-pressure through-tool recommended - **Surface Finish:** Excellent achievable finishes even in annealed state ### **Grinding (Exceptional Performance)** - **Relative Grindability:** 80-90% (best-in-class for high-hardness steel) - **Wheel Selection:** Aluminum oxide (A46-JV) or CBN - **Coolant Requirements:** Standard practices adequate - **Grinding Ratios:** 2-3× better than conventional tool steels - **Surface Integrity:** Minimal subsurface damage, excellent finish - **Economic Impact:** Significant reduction in grinding time and cost ### **Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM)** - **Suitability:** Excellent - ideal for complex geometries - **White Layer:** < 10 μm with proper settings - **Surface Quality:** Superior to conventional steels after EDM - **Recommendation:** Fine-finish EDM can be final operation in some cases ### **Polishing & Superfinishing** 1. **Initial Preparation:** 320-400 grit 2. **Intermediate Polish:** 600-800 grit diamond 3. **Fine Polish:** 1200-2000 grit diamond 4. **Micro-polish:** 3000-5000 grit diamond paste 5. **Achievable Finish:** SPI A0 (Ra < 0.005 μm) - optical quality 6. **Process Efficiency:** 40-60% time reduction vs conventional steels --- ## **PRIMARY APPLICATIONS** ### **Ultimate Performance Blanking & Punching** - **Advanced High-Strength Steels (AHSS):** 1500 MPa+ tensile strength materials - **Ultra-High Silicon Steels:** > 6.5% Si electrical steels for high-efficiency motors - **Metal Matrix Composites:** Aluminum/SiC, other abrasive composites - **Multi-layer Materials:** Clad metals, dissimilar material stacks - **High-Volume Critical Components:** Where failure is not an option ### **Severe Forming & Stamping** - **Hot Stamping (Cool Side):** Tooling for press-hardened steels - **Hydroforming Tools:** High-pressure forming applications - **Precision Progressive Dies:** Automotive safety components - **Complex Transfer Tooling:** Multi-stage forming of difficult materials ### **Advanced Cutting Applications** - **Carbon Fiber Composites:** Aerospace and automotive composite trimming - **Fiberglass Reinforced Plastics:** High-volume composite processing - **Prepainted Metals:** Coil coating line tooling - **Hardened Materials:** Cutting of pre-hardened components ### **Powder Metallurgy Tooling** - **Hardmetal Powder Compaction:** WC-Co, other hard powders - **Complex PM Parts:** Intricate geometries requiring superior tool life - **High-Density Requirements:** PM parts requiring exceptional density - **Large PM Components:** Where tool size makes replacement prohibitive ### **Specialized High-Value Applications** - **Cold Forging:** Severe cold forging operations - **Extrusion Dies:** For abrasive non-ferrous alloys - **Thread Rolling:** High-strength, abrasive materials - **Precision Gauges:** Master gauges, reference standards --- ## **INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS** ### **Automotive Electrification** - **E-Motor Components:** High-silicon steel laminations for EV motors - **Battery Components:** Foil cutting, busbar forming - **Power Electronics:** IGBT module components, heat sink forming - **Lightweight Structures:** Multi-material joining tooling ### **Aerospace & Defense (Critical Systems)** - **Composite Aerostructures:** CFRP, GFRP trimming and drilling - **Titanium & Nickel Alloys:** Forming and cutting tooling - **Radar & Avionics:** Precision component manufacturing - **Weapons Systems:** Reliable, high-performance tooling ### **Energy Transition Technologies** - **Wind Turbine Components:** Large composite blade tooling - **Solar Manufacturing:** Silicon wafer processing, thin-film tooling - **Hydrogen Systems:** Fuel cell component manufacturing - **Nuclear Applications:** Specialized tooling for nuclear components ### **Advanced Electronics** - **Semiconductor Lead Frames:** High-speed, high-precision stamping - **5G Components:** High-frequency circuit manufacturing - **Advanced Packaging:** Fan-out, 3D packaging tooling - **Micro-Electromechanical Systems (MEMS):** Precision tooling ### **Medical Device Manufacturing** - **Surgical Implants:** Forming tools for titanium, cobalt-chrome implants - **Precision Instruments:** Cutting tools for surgical instruments - **Disposable Devices:** High-volume production tooling - **Diagnostic Equipment:** Precision component manufacturing --- ## **DESIGN & FABRICATION PHILOSOPHY** ### **Design for Ultimate Performance** 1. **Leverage Isotropy:** Design complex stress states without directional limitations 2. **Optimize Geometry:** Utilize ability to maintain properties in thin sections 3. **Integrate Functions:** Combine multiple functions in single components 4. **Push Limits:** Design for conditions previously considered impossible ### **Section Capabilities** - **Maximum Dimension:** Up to 250 mm with full property integrity - **Minimum Features:** Down to 0.5 mm possible with proper design - **Aspect Ratios:** High aspect ratios maintainable due to uniform properties - **Complex Geometries:** Ideal for EDM and additive manufacturing approaches ### **Economic Design Principles** - **Consolidate Components:** Reduce assembly complexity - **Extend Life:** Design for maximum service life rather than minimum initial cost - **Performance Optimization:** Match material capability to application demands - **Total Cost Focus:** Consider entire lifecycle costs --- ## **SURFACE ENGINEERING & COATINGS** ### **Substrate Advantages for Coating** - **Exceptional Adhesion:** Ultra-clean surface promotes coating bonding - **Minimal Diffusion:** Reduced coating/substrate interdiffusion - **Surface Integrity:** Excellent pre-coating surface quality achievable - **Thermal Stability:** Withstands coating process temperatures ### **Recommended Coating Systems** | Coating Type | Thickness | Hardness | Best Applications | |-------------|-----------|----------|-------------------| | **TiAlN (AlCrN)** | 3-5 μm | 3000-3500 HV | General high-performance | | **DLC (ta-C)** | 1-3 μm | 4000-8000 HV | Anti-sticking, dry running | | **TiCN (MT-CVD)** | 5-10 μm | 3000-3200 HV | Severe abrasive wear | | **Nanocomposite** | 2-4 μm | 4000-5000 HV | Extreme conditions | | **Multilayer** | 3-8 μm | Varies | Customized protection | ### **Surface Treatment Options** - **Low-Temperature Nitriding:** < 450°C for minimal distortion - **Plasma Nitriding:** Controlled case depth and properties - **Laser Surface Treatment:** Localized hardening/modification - **Electrolytic Processing:** Precision surface modification --- ## **QUALITY ASSURANCE & CERTIFICATION** ### **Ultimate Quality Standards** - **Microcleanliness:** ASTM E45 Method D ≤ 0.2 - **Carbide Size Distribution:** 100% < 4 μm, 90% < 2 μm - **Density:** ≥ 99.95% theoretical - **Homogeneity:** Verified by advanced microanalysis techniques - **Traceability:** Complete digital manufacturing history ### **Advanced Testing Protocols** - **3D Microstructure Analysis:** X-ray tomography for volumetric assessment - **Nanomechanical Testing:** Property mapping at micro-scale - **Fatigue Testing:** Very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) characterization - **Fracture Mechanics:** Advanced crack growth analysis ### **Certification Package** - **Digital Product Passport:** Complete manufacturing data - **Application-specific Validation:** Custom testing protocols - **3.2 Certification Plus:** Enhanced EN 10204 documentation - **Performance Guarantees:** Application-based performance assurances --- ## **TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP ANALYSIS** ### **Economic Model** | Cost Component | VANADIS 4 EXTRA vs Conventional D2 | vs Standard PM Steel | |----------------|-----------------------------------|---------------------| | **Initial Tool Cost** | 3-5× higher | 1.5-2× higher | | **Tool Life** | 5-10× longer | 1.5-2× longer | | **Downtime Cost** | 70-90% reduction | 30-50% reduction | | **Quality Impact** | Significant improvement | Moderate improvement | | **Total Cost** | **30-50% lower** | **10-20% lower** | ### **Justification Scenarios** 1. **High-Value Production:** Where hourly downtime costs exceed tool costs 2. **Critical Components:** Where failure has severe consequences 3. **New Material Processing:** No existing tooling solution available 4. **Competitive Advantage:** Performance differentiation in market 5. **Sustainable Manufacturing:** Reduced material consumption and waste --- ## **TECHNICAL SUPPORT ECOSYSTEM** ### **Assab Premium Support** - **Application Engineering:** Ph.D.-level material scientists - **Digital Twins:** Advanced simulation of tool performance - **Failure Prediction:** AI-based performance forecasting - **Custom Development:** Application-specific material modifications ### **Global Expert Network** - **Technical Centers:** Application testing and optimization - **Certified Partners:** Specialized processing expertise - **Academic Collaborations:** University research partnerships - **Industry Consortia:** Participation in advanced manufacturing initiatives ### **Digital Tools & Resources** - **Selection Software:** AI-powered material selection - **Performance Databases:** Extensive application case studies - **Processing Guides:** Interactive heat treatment optimization - **Training Platforms:** Virtual reality training for toolmakers --- ## **FUTURE DEVELOPMENT ROADMAP** ### **Technology Evolution** - **Nanostructured Variants:** Sub-micron carbide distributions - **Functionally Graded Materials:** Property gradients within components - **Smart Tooling:** Embedded sensors for condition monitoring - **Sustainable Formulations:** Reduced rare element dependence ### **Manufacturing Integration** - **Additive Manufacturing:** PM powders for laser powder bed fusion - **Hybrid Structures:** Combined PM and conventional material components - **Digital Manufacturing:** Complete digital process chains - **Circular Economy:** Enhanced recyclability and reuse ### **Application Expansion** - **Warm Work Applications:** Extended temperature range capabilities - **Multi-material Tooling:** Optimized for dissimilar material processing - **Micro-manufacturing:** Tools for micro-scale production - **Biocompatible Versions:** Medical implant manufacturing tools --- **ASSAB Steels - Uddeholm Group** *Defining the Future of Tool Steel Performance* www.assab.com --- **Disclaimer:** VANADIS 4 EXTRA represents cutting-edge tool steel technology requiring specialized knowledge for optimal application. This technical information serves as a reference guide. For specific applications, direct consultation with Assab technical experts is mandatory. Performance data represents typical values under controlled conditions; actual performance may vary based on specific processing and application parameters. Investment in premium tool steels should be based on comprehensive technical and economic analysis. Always conduct thorough application testing before full-scale implementation. -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Assab Steels VANADIS 4 EXTRA Cold Work Steel Specification Dimensions Size： Diameter 20-1000 mm Length <7236 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. -: Assab Steels VANADIS 4 EXTRA Cold Work Steel Properties -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Applications of Assab Steel Sheet,Plates VANADIS 4 EXTRA Cold Work Steel Sheet,Plate -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Chemical Identifiers Assab Steel Sheet,Plates VANADIS 4 EXTRA Cold Work Steel Sheet,Plate -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Packing of Assab Steel Sheet/Plates VANADIS 4 EXTRA Cold Work Steel Sheet/Plate -:- 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 Sheet/Plate 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 3707 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