Assab Steel Tube,Pipes,ASSAB 88 Cold Work Steel Tube,Pipe

Assab Steel Tubes ASSAB 88 Cold Work Steel Tube Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Assab Steel Tubes ASSAB 88 Cold Work Steel Tube Synonyms -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Assab Steels ASSAB 88 Cold Work Steel Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: # **Assab Steels ASSAB 88 Cold Work Tool Steel** ## **Product Overview** **ASSAB 88** is a premium-grade, high-carbon, high-chromium, air-hardening cold work tool steel developed and manufactured by **Assab Steels** (a subsidiary of **Uddeholm AB** of Sweden). This steel represents an evolution in cold work tool steel technology, offering superior performance characteristics that bridge the gap between conventional D2-type steels and powder metallurgy (PM) grades. ASSAB 88 is specifically engineered to deliver **exceptional wear resistance, high compressive strength, and good toughness** in demanding cold work applications, with particular optimization for **blanking, punching, forming, and cutting operations** on abrasive and high-strength materials. ## **Material Classification & Key Features** | Category | Specification | |----------|---------------| | **Type** | Ledeburitic chromium cold work tool steel | | **Hardening Method** | Air hardening (minimal distortion) | | **Primary Strengthening** | High volume of primary and secondary chromium carbides | | **Manufacturing Process** | Conventional ingot metallurgy with advanced processing | | **Key Feature** | Optimized carbide size and distribution for enhanced performance | ### **Advantages over Conventional D2-type Steels:** - **Improved Toughness:** Better resistance to chipping and cracking - **Enhanced Wear Resistance:** Superior performance in abrasive applications - **Better Machinability:** In annealed condition compared to standard D2 - **Consistent Performance:** Uniform properties through cross-section - **Good Polishability:** Achieves fine surface finishes --- ## **CHEMICAL COMPOSITION** ### **Elemental Composition (wt%)** | Element | Content Range | Metallurgical Function | |---------|---------------|------------------------| | **Carbon (C)** | 1.90-2.00 | Primary carbide formation, hardness, wear resistance | | **Chromium (Cr)** | 11.50-12.50 | Chromium carbide formation, hardenability, corrosion resistance | | **Molybdenum (Mo)** | 0.70-0.90 | Secondary hardening, toughness, grain refinement | | **Vanadium (V)** | 0.70-0.90 | Fine carbide formation, wear resistance, grain refinement | | **Manganese (Mn)** | 0.40-0.60 | Hardenability, deoxidizer | | **Silicon (Si)** | 0.20-0.40 | Deoxidizer, strength | | **Tungsten (W)** | 0.50-0.70 | Additional carbide formation, hot hardness | | **Sulfur (S)** | ≤ 0.015 | Impurity control (low for improved properties) | | **Phosphorus (P)** | ≤ 0.015 | Impurity control (low for improved toughness) | ### **Carbide Characteristics:** - **Total Carbide Volume:** ~14-16% - **Primary Carbides:** Large M₇C₃ chromium carbides - **Secondary Carbides:** Fine MC-type vanadium carbides - **Carbide Size Distribution:** Optimized for balance of wear and toughness - **Homogeneity:** Improved over conventional D2 steels --- ## **HEAT TREATMENT SPECIFICATIONS** ### **Annealing** - **Process Temperature:** 850-900°C (1562-1652°F) - **Soak Time:** 2-4 hours, then slow furnace cool (≤ 20°C/hour to 500°C) - **Resulting Hardness:** 210-230 HB - **Microstructure:** Spheroidized carbides in ferritic matrix ### **Stress Relieving** - **Temperature:** 600-650°C (1112-1202°F) - **Time:** 2 hours per 25 mm thickness - **Purpose:** Reduce machining stresses ### **Hardening** 1. **Preheating:** 600-650°C (1112-1202°F) and 800-850°C (1472-1562°F) - **CRITICAL** 2. **Austenitizing:** 1000-1030°C (1832-1886°F) 3. **Soak Time:** 20-40 minutes at temperature (depending on section size) 4. **Quenching:** Air cool (still or forced air) ### **Tempering** - **Temperature Range:** 180-550°C (356-1022°F) - **Recommended:** Double tempering (2+2 hours minimum) - **Optimal Hardness Range:** 58-62 HRC (tempered at 180-250°C) - **Secondary Hardness Peak:** Observed around 500-550°C ### **Heat Treatment Response Chart** | Tempering Temperature | Resulting Hardness (HRC) | Compressive Strength | Application Focus | |----------------------|--------------------------|---------------------|-------------------| | **180-200°C** | 61-63 | 2700-2900 MPa | Maximum wear resistance | | **250-300°C** | 59-61 | 2500-2700 MPa | Optimal balance | | **350-400°C** | 57-59 | 2300-2500 MPa | Improved toughness | | **500-550°C** | 55-57 | 2100-2300 MPa | Secondary hardness peak | --- ## **MECHANICAL PROPERTIES** ### **Annealed Condition** - **Hardness:** 210-230 HB - **Tensile Strength:** ~750 MPa - **Yield Strength:** ~600 MPa - **Elongation:** 12-15% ### **Hardened & Tempered Condition (58-62 HRC)** | Property | Typical Value | Test Standard | Notes | |----------|---------------|---------------|-------| | **Compressive Strength** | 2400-2800 MPa | - | Excellent for forming applications | | **Bending Strength** | 3000-3500 MPa | - | Good for high-load applications | | **Impact Toughness** | 15-25 J | Charpy V-notch | Superior to conventional D2 | | **Young's Modulus** | 210 GPa | - | | | **Fatigue Strength** | 600-800 MPa | R = -1, 10⁷ cycles | Good for cyclic loading | | **Fracture Toughness** | 20-25 MPa√m | - | | ### **Wear Resistance Comparison** - **Relative Wear Resistance:** 15-20% better than conventional D2 - **Abrasion Resistance:** Excellent due to high carbide volume - **Galling Resistance:** Good for a high-chromium steel - **Polishing Response:** Can achieve SPI #1 finish with proper technique --- ## **PHYSICAL PROPERTIES** | Property | Value | Conditions/Notes | |----------|-------|------------------| | **Density** | 7.70 g/cm³ | 20°C | | **Thermal Conductivity** | 20.0 W/m·K | 20°C | | **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion** | 10.4 × 10⁻⁶/K | 20-100°C | | | 11.5 × 10⁻⁶/K | 20-400°C | | **Specific Heat Capacity** | 460 J/kg·K | 20°C | | **Modulus of Elasticity** | 210 GPa | 20°C | | **Poisson's Ratio** | 0.30 | | | **Magnetic Properties** | Ferromagnetic | All conditions | --- ## **INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS & EQUIVALENTS** | Standard System | Designation | Similar Grades | Notes | |-----------------|-------------|---------------|-------| | **Assab Proprietary** | ASSAB 88 | - | Original manufacturer's grade | | **ISO** | ~ISO 4957 160CrMoV12 | Modified composition | | **DIN/EN** | ~1.2379 (modified) | X153CrMoV12-1 with adjustments | | **AISI/SAE** | Custom alloy | Similar to premium D2 variants | | **Japanese JIS** | ~SKD11 (enhanced) | | | **Chinese GB** | ~Cr12Mo1V1 | | | **Common Equivalents** | Böhler K110, Uddeholm Sverker 21, Thyssen 1.2379 | Similar performance category | ### **Comparison with Common Grades:** - **vs. Standard D2 (1.2379):** Better toughness, more consistent properties - **vs. D6 (1.2436):** Higher wear resistance, better machinability - **vs. PM Steels:** Lower cost, slightly lower wear resistance - **vs. A2 (1.2363):** Higher wear resistance, less tough --- ## **MACHINING & PROCESSING CHARACTERISTICS** ### **Machining (Annealed Condition)** - **Relative Machinability:** 45% (vs. 100% for free-cutting steel) - **Cutting Tools:** Carbide recommended for production - **Cutting Speed:** 30-45 m/min (turning) - **Feed Rate:** 0.15-0.25 mm/rev - **Depth of Cut:** 1.0-4.0 mm - **Coolant:** Recommended for tool life ### **Grinding** - **Relative Grindability:** 40% (challenging but manageable) - **Wheel Type:** Aluminum oxide (A-46-JV or similar) - **Wheel Grade:** Medium hardness (J-K) - **Coolant:** Essential to prevent overheating - **Technique:** Light passes, frequent dressing ### **EDM Machining** - **Suitability:** Good, but requires post-EDM treatment - **White Layer:** Significant - must be removed by grinding - **Recommendation:** Finish with fine EDM or grinding ### **Polishing Procedure** 1. **Start with:** 180-240 grit diamond for carbide leveling 2. **Progress through:** 320, 400, 600, 800 grit diamond 3. **Final Polish:** 1200 grit diamond compound 4. **Achievable Finish:** SPI A1 (Ra < 0.012 μm) with proper technique --- ## **PRIMARY APPLICATIONS** ### **Blanking & Piercing** - **Progressive Dies:** For high-volume production of automotive, appliance parts - **Fine Blanking Dies:** For precision components with smooth edges - **Lamination Dies:** For electrical steel, transformer cores - **Piercing Punches:** For high-strength materials (spring steel, stainless) - **Notching Tools:** For sheet metal fabrication ### **Forming & Bending** - **Wiping Dies:** For hemming, flanging operations - **Bending Tools:** For press brake tooling - **Roll Forming:** Rolls for section forming - **Deep Drawing:** Punches, dies for moderate drawing applications - **Extrusion Tools:** For cold extrusion of non-ferrous metals ### **Cutting & Shearing** - **Shear Blades:** For metal, plastic, paper cutting - **Slitting Knives:** For coil processing lines - **Cut-off Tools:** For bar, tube cutting - **Trimming Dies:** For flash removal in molding - **Knives:** Industrial cutting blades ### **Powder Compaction** - **Powder Metal Dies:** For compacting metal powders - **Punches & Cores:** For high-wear PM applications - **Anvil Plates:** For high-pressure compaction ### **Other Tooling Applications** - **Thread Rolling Dies:** For production of threaded components - **Gauges & Fixtures:** Wear-resistant measuring tools - **Wear Parts:** Guides, bushings, liners in abrasive environments - **Mold Components:** For abrasive plastic compounds --- ## **SPECIFIC INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS** ### **Automotive Industry** - **Stamping Dies:** Body panels, structural components - **Trim Dies:** Interior and exterior trim components - **Fastener Production:** Bolt forming, nut forging dies - **Spring Manufacturing:** Coiling tools, forming dies ### **Electronics & Electrical** - **Lead Frame Stamping:** IC lead frames, connectors - **Motor Laminations:** Stator/rotor blanking dies - **Transformer Cores:** Electrical steel blanking - **Contact Production:** Electrical contact forming ### **Appliance Manufacturing** - **Sheet Metal Components:** Housings, panels, brackets - **Fastener Production:** Specialized fasteners, clips - **Trim Components:** Decorative trim, bezels ### **Aerospace & Defense** - **Structural Components:** Aircraft skin panels, brackets - **Fastener Tooling:** High-strength fastener production - **Composite Tooling:** Trimming, drilling tools for composites ### **Packaging Industry** - **Can Making:** Tooling for beverage/food cans - **Closure Production:** Bottle cap, lid stamping - **Foil Stamping:** Decorative foil applications --- ## **DESIGN & FABRICATION GUIDELINES** ### **Section Size Considerations** - **Maximum Through-Hardening:** ~150 mm diameter/width - **Minimum Practical Section:** ~10 mm for uniform properties - **Wall Thickness:** Minimum 5 mm for stability in heat treatment ### **Design Recommendations** - **Corner Radii:** Minimum R3 mm to prevent stress concentration - **Section Transitions:** Gradual (3:1 ratio maximum) - **Hole Patterns:** Minimum edge distance = 1.5 × hole diameter - **Hardness Gradients:** Expect ~2 HRC difference surface to core in 100 mm section ### **Heat Treatment Considerations** - **Preheating:** Essential - use two-stage preheat - **Quenching:** Still air sufficient for sections < 75 mm - **Tempering:** Must be done immediately after quenching - **Cryogenic Treatment:** Optional for maximum dimensional stability --- ## **CORROSION RESISTANCE** ### **General Performance** - **Atmospheric Corrosion:** Better than carbon steels, but not stainless - **Water Exposure:** Limited resistance - requires protection - **Acid/Alkali:** Poor resistance - not recommended - **Practical Use:** Indoor applications or with protective coatings ### **Protection Methods** - **Surface Treatments:** Nitriding, chrome plating, PVD coatings - **Coatings:** TiN, TiCN, AlCrN, DLC for enhanced performance - **Passivation:** Limited effectiveness due to low free chromium --- ## **QUALITY ASSURANCE** ### **Assab Standard Quality** - **Inclusion Rating:** Maximum ASTM E45 Method A: 1.0 thin, 0.5 heavy - **Segregation Control:** Enhanced over conventional steels - **Decarburization:** Controlled per ASTM A681 - **Surface Quality:** Ground or black finish available ### **Available Forms & Sizes** - **Round Bars:** 10-300 mm diameter - **Flat Bars:** 10-200 mm thickness, 50-500 mm width - **Blocks:** Custom dimensions - **Pre-finished:** Ground, peeled, or rough turned ### **Certification** - **Mill Certificate:** 3.1 per EN 10204 standard - **Traceability:** Heat number traceability maintained - **Testing:** Chemical and mechanical test reports provided --- ## **TECHNICAL SUPPORT** ### **Assab Services** - **Technical Consultation:** Application engineering support - **Heat Treatment Guidance:** Recommended procedures for specific applications - **Failure Analysis:** Metallurgical investigation services - **Training:** Tool steel selection and processing seminars ### **Processing Partners** - **Heat Treatment:** Recommended treatment centers - **Machining:** Certified machining suppliers - **Coating Services:** Recommended coating applicators --- ## **STORAGE & HANDLING** ### **Storage Conditions** - **Indoor Storage:** Recommended to prevent rust - **Humidity Control:** < 60% relative humidity preferred - **Temperature:** Ambient conditions acceptable - **Protection:** VCI paper or light oil for long-term storage ### **Safety Considerations** - **Machining:** Standard steel machining safety protocols - **Heat Treatment:** Proper furnace safety procedures - **Handling:** Standard material handling equipment --- ## **ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS** ### **Cost-Benefit Analysis** - **Price Point:** Premium over standard D2, competitive with PM alternatives - **Tool Life:** 20-40% improvement over conventional D2 in abrasive applications - **Downtime Reduction:** Longer service intervals - **Total Cost of Ownership:** Often favorable despite higher initial cost ### **Application Justification** 1. **High-Volume Production:** Where tool life directly impacts productivity 2. **Abrasive Materials:** Silicon steels, composites, pre-coated materials 3. **High-Strength Materials:** Advanced high-strength steels (AHSS) 4. **Precision Applications:** Where consistent performance is critical --- ## **COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE SUMMARY** | Property | ASSAB 88 | Conventional D2 | PM High-Cr Steel | |----------|----------|-----------------|------------------| | **Wear Resistance** | Very Good | Good | Excellent | | **Toughness** | Good | Fair | Very Good | | **Machinability** | Fair | Fair | Poor | | **Polishability** | Good | Fair | Excellent | | **Distortion Control** | Good | Good | Very Good | | **Cost** | Medium | Low | High | --- **ASSAB Steels - Uddeholm Group** *Specialty Tool Steels for Demanding Applications* www.assab.com --- **Disclaimer:** This technical data sheet provides general information about ASSAB 88 cold work tool steel. For specific applications, always consult Assab technical representatives and conduct appropriate testing. Properties may vary based on section size, heat treatment, and processing conditions. Always follow recommended safety procedures when handling and processing tool steels. -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Assab Steels ASSAB 88 Cold Work Steel Specification Dimensions Size： Diameter 20-1000 mm Length <7232 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 ASSAB 88 Cold Work Steel Properties -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Applications of Assab Steel Tubes ASSAB 88 Cold Work Steel Tube -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Chemical Identifiers Assab Steel Tubes ASSAB 88 Cold Work Steel Tube -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Packing of Assab Steel Tubes ASSAB 88 Cold Work Steel Tube -:- 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 3703 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