Assab Steel Wires, VANADIS 4 EXTRA Cold Work Steel Wire

Assab Steel Wires VANADIS 4 EXTRA Cold Work Steel Wire Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Assab Steel Wires VANADIS 4 EXTRA Cold Work Steel Wire 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. -: # Product Datasheet: Assab Steels VANADIS 4 EXTRA Super Clean Powder Metallurgy Cold Work Tool Steel ## Product Overview **Assab Steels VANADIS 4 EXTRA** represents the ultimate evolution in powder metallurgy cold work tool steel technology. As an enhanced version of the renowned VANADIS 4 grade, this "super clean" material offers exceptional homogeneity, superior mechanical properties, and unparalleled performance consistency. Developed for the most demanding applications where conventional tool steels and even standard PM steels reach their limits, VANADIS 4 EXTRA sets new standards for wear resistance, toughness, and dimensional stability in premium tooling applications. ## Key Characteristics & Advantages - **Exceptional Microstructural Cleanliness:** Ultra-low inclusion content through advanced PM processing - **Unmatched Wear Resistance:** Superior to all conventional cold work steels and most PM grades - **Outstanding Toughness:** Maintains high toughness at maximum hardness levels - **Superior Grindability and Polishability:** Enables exceptional surface finishes - **Excellent Dimensional Stability:** Minimal and predictable heat treatment distortion - **Enhanced Fatigue Resistance:** Superior performance in cyclic loading applications - **Consistent Performance:** Unprecedented batch-to-batch consistency - **Optimized for Advanced Coatings:** Ideal substrate for PVD, CVD, and other surface treatments ## Standard Specifications & International Designations | **Standard** | **Designation** | |--------------|-----------------| | **Assab/Uddeholm** | VANADIS 4 EXTRA | | **Manufacturing Process** | Advanced Powder Metallurgy (Super Clean) | | **Material Classification** | Premium PM Cold Work Tool Steel | | **Quality Standard** | Uddeholm Superior Quality (USQ) | | **Industry Reference** | Benchmark for high-performance PM tool steels | ## Chemical Composition (Typical, Weight %) | Element | Content (%) | Element | Content (%) | |---------|-------------|---------|-------------| | **Carbon (C)** | 1.40 | **Chromium (Cr)** | 8.00 | | **Molybdenum (Mo)** | 1.50 | **Vanadium (V)** | 3.80 | | **Cobalt (Co)** | 1.00 | **Silicon (Si)** | 0.40 | | **Manganese (Mn)** | 0.40 | **Sulfur (S)** | ≤0.010 | | **Phosphorus (P)** | ≤0.015 | **Oxygen (O)** | ≤0.0010 | | **Nitrogen (N)** | ≤0.020 | **Iron (Fe)** | Balance | *Special Note: The "EXTRA" designation refers to enhanced purity and homogeneity, with significantly reduced non-metallic inclusion levels compared to standard PM steels.* ## Microstructural Characteristics - **Carbide Size:** Typically 1-3 μm, uniformly distributed - **Carbide Types:** Primary MC-type vanadium carbides, secondary M₆C and M₇C₃ carbides - **Inclusion Rating:** ASTM E45 Method A: A/B/C/D ≤ 0.5 (super clean) - **Grain Size:** ASTM 10-12 (very fine) - **Microstructure Homogeneity:** Excellent throughout cross-section ## Typical Heat Treatment ### Annealing - **Temperature Range:** 850-900°C (1560-1650°F) - **Cooling Cycle:** Slow furnace cool at 10°C/hour to 600°C, then air cool - **Annealed Hardness:** 220-250 HB - **Spheroidization:** Complete, with extremely fine carbide distribution ### Stress Relieving - **Recommended Temperature:** 600-650°C (1110-1200°F) - **Application:** After rough machining, before final heat treatment - **Duration:** 2 hours per 25 mm thickness ### Hardening 1. **Preheating Sequence:** - First stage: 500-550°C (930-1020°F) - Second stage: 800-850°C (1470-1560°F) 2. **Austenitizing:** **1060-1120°C (1940-2050°F)** - Standard optimization: 1080-1100°C (1975-2010°F) - Maximum wear resistance: 1100-1120°C (2010-2050°F) - Enhanced toughness: 1060-1080°C (1940-1975°F) 3. **Soaking Time:** 30-60 minutes (dependent on section size) 4. **Quenching Methods:** - High-pressure gas quenching (4-10 bar recommended) - Vacuum oil quenching (for complex geometries) - Still air (for simple shapes) ### Tempering - **Critical Requirement:** Immediate tempering upon reaching 50-70°C (120-160°F) - **Recommended Cycle:** **Triple tempering** with complete cooling between cycles - **Optimal Range:** 500-550°C (930-1020°F) - **Hardness Profile:** - 500°C (930°F): 63-65 HRC - 525°C (975°F): 62-64 HRC - 550°C (1020°F): 60-62 HRC - 575°C (1065°F): 58-60 HRC ### Optional Cryogenic Treatment - **Temperature:** -150°C to -196°C (-240°F to -320°F) - **Duration:** 2-4 hours minimum - **Benefits:** Maximum transformation of retained austenite, enhanced dimensional stability - **Application:** Recommended for highest precision requirements ## Physical Properties | Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | |----------|-------|------|------------| | **Density** | 7.63 | g/cm³ | At 20°C | | **Modulus of Elasticity** | 210 | GPa | At 20°C | | **Thermal Expansion Coefficient** | 10.1 | ×10⁻⁶/K | 20-100°C | | **Thermal Conductivity** | 22.0 | W/(m·K) | At 20°C | | **Specific Heat Capacity** | 460 | J/(kg·K) | At 20°C | | **Magnetic Properties** | Ferromagnetic | - | Below Curie temperature | ## Mechanical Properties ### Standard Hardened & Tempered Condition (1080°C/525°C×3) | Property | Value | Unit | Test Method | |----------|-------|------|-------------| | **Hardness** | 62-64 | HRC | ISO 6508 | | **Compressive Strength** | 3,200-3,400 | MPa | ISO 3785 | | **Transverse Rupture Strength** | 4,200-4,600 | MPa | ISO 3325 | | **Yield Strength (0.2%)** | 2,800-3,000 | MPa | ISO 6892 | | **Impact Toughness (Charpy V)** | 50-70 | J | ISO 148 | | **Fracture Toughness (K_IC)** | 20-25 | MPa√m | ASTM E399 | | **Fatigue Limit (10⁷ cycles)** | 1,300-1,500 | MPa | ISO 1099 | ### Wear Resistance Performance | Test Method | Relative Performance (D2 = 1.0) | Notes | |-------------|--------------------------------|-------| | **Pin-on-Disc (Abrasive)** | 4.5-5.5× | Against SiC abrasive | | **ASTM G65 Dry Sand/Rubber Wheel** | 4.0-5.0× | Volume loss comparison | | **Adhesive Wear** | 3.0-4.0× | Against similar hardness materials | | **Erosive Wear** | 3.5-4.5× | Particle impact conditions | ## Primary Applications ### Ultra-High Performance Stamping and Blanking - **Progressive Dies** for advanced high-strength steels (AHSS) - **Fineblanking Tools** for safety-critical automotive components - **Precision Piercing Punches** for hardened materials (>50 HRC) - **Lamination Dies** for high-efficiency electric motors - **Stamping Tools** for electronic components with tight tolerances ### Advanced Cold Forming Applications - **Cold Forging Dies** for automotive and aerospace fasteners - **Thread Rolling Dies** for premium fasteners and components - **Extrusion Tools** for specialized alloys and composites - **Knurling and Engraving Tools** for precision surface patterns - **Coining Dies** for high-pressure forming operations ### Demanding Plastic and Composite Processing - **Injection Molds** for extreme abrasive conditions: - High-glass-content polymers (>60% glass fiber) - Carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastics - Ceramic-filled engineering plastics - Metal-filled composites - **Compression Molds** for highly reinforced rubber - **Extrusion Dies** for filled engineering polymers - **Thermoforming Tools** for advanced composites ### Cutting and Shearing of Advanced Materials - **Shear Blades** for advanced high-strength alloys - **Slitter Knives** for abrasive composite materials - **Cutting Tools** for fiber-reinforced materials - **Industrial Knives** for specialty material processing - **Punching Tools** for multi-layer materials ### Specialized Industrial and Technical Applications - **Tooling for Powder Metallurgy** component production - **Wear Parts** in extreme abrasive environments - **Precision Guides and Bushings** in high-wear machinery - **Medical Device Manufacturing Tools** - **Semiconductor and Electronics Production Tooling** ## Processing Guidelines ### Machining Operations - **Recommended Condition:** Annealed state (~235 HB) - **Machinability Index:** 45-55% (relative to 100% for 1% C-steel) - **Tooling Requirements:** - Premium carbide grades (P20-P40 range) - CBN tools for finishing operations - Positive geometry with sharp cutting edges - **Optimal Cutting Parameters:** - Turning: 30-50 m/min, feed 0.10-0.25 mm/rev - Milling: 80-120 m/min, feed per tooth 0.05-0.15 mm - Drilling: 15-25 m/min, feed 0.05-0.15 mm/rev - **Coolant Strategy:** High-pressure coolant (minimum 70 bar) recommended ### Grinding Operations - **Significant Advantage:** Exceptional grindability for a high-hardness material - **Wheel Selection:** - Aluminum oxide (46-80 grit) for rough grinding - CBN wheels (80-180 grit) for precision grinding - Diamond wheels for final finishing - **Optimal Parameters:** - Surface grinding: 25-35 m/s wheel speed - Cylindrical grinding: 20-30 m/s wheel speed - Downfeed: 0.005-0.015 mm/pass for finishing - **Surface Finish Capability:** Ra < 0.05 μm achievable with proper technique ### Electrical Discharge Machining - **Excellent EDM Performance:** Uniform erosion characteristics - **Recommended Settings:** - Finer finish settings than conventional steels - Lower amperage for precision work - Optimized flushing parameters - **Post-EDM Treatment:** - Stress relieve at 180-200°C - Remove white layer by polishing or light grinding - Re-temper if significant material removed ### Surface Engineering and Treatments #### PVD Coatings - **Excellent Substrate:** Superior coating adhesion - **Recommended Coatings:** - TiAlN (for high-temperature applications) - AlCrN (for abrasive conditions) - TiSiN (for extreme wear resistance) - DLC (for reduced friction) - **Coating Thickness:** 2-5 μm optimal - **Pre-treatment:** Plasma cleaning and etching recommended #### Nitriding - **Suitability:** Good, but may reduce surface toughness - **Process Options:** - Plasma nitriding: 450-500°C, 8-24 hours - Gas nitriding: 480-530°C, 20-40 hours - **Case Depth:** 0.1-0.3 mm typical - **Surface Hardness:** 1100-1300 HV #### Polishing and Texturing - **Polishability:** Excellent - can achieve optical finishes - **Texturing Methods:** - Photochemical etching - Laser texturing - EDM texturing - **Surface Preparation:** Critical for coating adhesion ## Quality Assurance and Standards ### Material Certification - **Full Chemical Analysis:** ICP-OES method with trace element reporting - **Hardness Verification:** Multiple-point testing with statistical reporting - **Microcleanliness:** ASTM E45 Method A with digital image analysis - **Ultrasonic Testing:** 100% inspection for critical applications - **Microstructural Analysis:** SEM/EDS analysis available - **Traceability:** Full production batch tracking ### Available Forms and Dimensions | Product Form | Standard Sizes | Tolerance Class | Surface Condition | |-------------|---------------|-----------------|-------------------| | **Ground Flat Stock** | 10-300×100-800×500-2000 mm | ±0.05 mm thickness
±0.1 mm width | Ground, decarb-free | | **Round Bars** | Ø20-300×1000-4000 mm | h11 diameter tolerance | Turned or ground | | **Forged Blocks** | Up to 500×500×300 mm | Rough machined ±0.5 mm | As-forged or black | | **Pre-machined Blanks** | Custom dimensions | ±0.1 mm on critical dimensions | Semi-finished | | **Finished Components** | Application-specific | As per drawing requirements | Final machined | ## Comparative Performance Analysis ### Benchmark Comparison (Relative Performance) | Property | VANADIS 4 EXTRA | Standard VANADIS 4 | Conventional D2 | Premium PM Competitor | |----------|-----------------|--------------------|-----------------|-----------------------| | **Abrasive Wear Resistance** | 100% | 85-90% | 20-25% | 90-95% | | **Toughness at 62 HRC** | 100% | 85-90% | 30-40% | 80-85% | | **Grindability** | 100% | 90-95% | 40-50% | 85-90% | | **Polishability** | 100% | 90-95% | 50-60% | 85-90% | | **Fatigue Resistance** | 100% | 85-90% | 30-40% | 80-85% | | **Dimensional Stability** | 100% | 90-95% | 60-70% | 85-90% | ### Economic Justification Analysis - **Initial Material Cost:** Premium (2.5-3.5× conventional D2) - **Tool Life Expectation:** 3-8× conventional tool steels - **Downtime Reduction:** Significant through extended service intervals - **Quality Consistency:** Improved part quality and reduced scrap - **Total Cost of Ownership:** Typically favorable in demanding applications ## Application Engineering Guidelines ### Design Considerations 1. **Stress Concentration:** Minimize sharp corners (minimum R2 recommended) 2. **Section Transitions:** Gradual changes in cross-section 3. **Tool Geometry:** Optimize for specific application stresses 4. **Surface Finish Requirements:** Specify based on application needs ### Heat Treatment Optimization 1. **Temperature Selection:** Balance between wear resistance and toughness 2. **Atmosphere Control:** Vacuum or protective atmosphere essential 3. **Quenching Method:** Match to component geometry 4. **Tempering Strategy:** Triple tempering for optimal properties ### Maintenance and Regrinding 1. **Regular Inspection:** Monitor for wear patterns and edge condition 2. **Regrinding Strategy:** Remove minimum material necessary 3. **Recoating Considerations:** Evaluate need for recoating after regrinding 4. **Documentation:** Maintain service history for each tool ## Technical Support and Services ### Value-Added Support - **Application Analysis:** Comprehensive evaluation of tooling requirements - **Material Selection Guidance:** Comparative analysis with alternative materials - **Heat Treatment Consultation:** Customized cycles for specific applications - **Failure Analysis:** Root cause investigation with technical reporting - **Tool Design Optimization:** Collaboration on tool design improvements ### Training and Education - **Processing Workshops:** Hands-on training for heat treatment and machining - **Application Seminars:** Case studies and best practices sharing - **Technical Documentation:** Comprehensive guides and reference materials - **Online Resources:** Web-based technical information and tools --- **Important Technical Advisory:** VANADIS 4 EXTRA is a premium tool steel requiring specialized processing knowledge and equipment. The exceptional properties are achieved through precise control of all manufacturing and heat treatment processes. Consult with Assab technical specialists before specifying this material. Application-specific testing is recommended to verify performance. All heat treatment must be performed by qualified personnel using calibrated equipment. Material properties are dependent on specific processing parameters and section sizes. Always adhere to safety protocols when handling and processing tool steels. This information is subject to change and should be verified against current technical documentation. -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Assab Steels VANADIS 4 EXTRA Cold Work Steel Specification Dimensions Size： Diameter 20-1000 mm Length <6848 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 Wires VANADIS 4 EXTRA Cold Work Steel Wire -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Chemical Identifiers Assab Steel Wires VANADIS 4 EXTRA Cold Work Steel Wire -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Packing of Assab Steel Wires VANADIS 4 EXTRA Cold Work Steel Wire -:- 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 Wire 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 3319 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