MetalTek MTEK A6 Tool Steel

MetalTek MTEK A6 Tool Steel Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: MetalTek MTEK A6 Tool Steel Synonyms -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

MetalTek MTEK A6 Tool Steel Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: # **Product Introduction: MetalTek MTEK A6 Cast Tool Steel** ## **1. Overview** **MetalTek MTEK A6 Cast Tool Steel** is a specialized **air-hardening, high-manganese shock-resisting tool steel** manufactured via **advanced investment casting processes** to produce complex, near-net-shape components. This material is the cast counterpart to the wrought **AISI A6 (UNS T30106)** alloy, engineered to deliver **exceptional dimensional stability, high toughness, and good wear resistance** in as-cast form. Characterized by its **significantly higher manganese content** compared to other A-series steels, MTEK A6 is specifically designed for applications requiring minimal distortion during heat treatment combined with superior resistance to impact and shock loading. The casting process enables the production of large, intricate tooling components with integrated features that would be cost-prohibitive or impossible to machine from solid bar stock, while maintaining the unique property balance that makes A6 valuable for precision tooling applications. ## **2. International Standards & Specifications** This material represents the cast product form of a specialized air-hardening tool steel grade. * **Primary Standard Designations:** * **Cast Equivalent:** **UNS T90106** (Cast designation for A6 composition) * **Wrought Reference:** **AISI A6 / UNS T30106** * **ASTM A597:** Standard Specification for Cast Tool Steel (Grade designations may vary by foundry) * **Key International Equivalents (Wrought Reference):** * **Wrought Standard:** **AISI A6** * **European Equivalent:** **DIN 1.2364** (approximate composition) * **ISO 4957:** Classified under air-hardening cold work tool steels * **Common Industry Designations:** Often referred to as **Cast A6**, **Investment Cast A6**, or foundry-specific grades like **CA-6** ## **3. Chemical Composition (Weight %, Typical for Cast A6)** The composition mirrors wrought A6 with adjustments for optimal castability and microstructure control. | Element | Typical Range (%) | Role & Benefit | |---------|------------------|----------------| | **Carbon (C)** | 0.65 – 0.75 | Provides balanced hardness and toughness. Lower than A2 to prioritize impact resistance. | | **Manganese (Mn)** | 1.80 – 2.50 | **The defining element.** Provides exceptional air hardenability, enables low-temperature austenitizing for minimal distortion, and contributes to strength. | | **Chromium (Cr)** | 0.90 – 1.20 | Contributes to hardenability and wear resistance. | | **Molybdenum (Mo)** | 0.90 – 1.40 | **Critical for hardenability and toughness.** Works synergistically with manganese. | | **Silicon (Si)** | 0.10 – 0.50 | Deoxidizer and solid solution strengthener. | | **Nickel (Ni)** | 0.30 – 0.70 (May be present) | Often included to further enhance toughness in cast versions. | | **Foundry Practice:** Utilizes controlled melting and grain refinement techniques to ensure homogeneous as-cast structure with minimal segregation. ## **4. Typical Physical & Mechanical Properties (Heat Treated)** * **As-Cast Condition:** Supplied annealed (~200-250 HB) for machinability. * **Recommended Heat Treatment:** * **Preheating:** 650-700°C (1200-1290°F) * **Austenitizing:** **830-870°C (1525-1600°F)** – Notably lower than A2, reducing distortion risk * **Quenching:** **Air cool** – Excellent hardenability even at lower temperatures * **Tempering:** **Double tempering** at 205-540°C (400-1000°F) depending on required hardness * **Mechanical Properties (Hardened & Tempered):** * **Hardness:** **56 – 60 HRC** (typical operating range, can achieve 58-60 HRC) * **Tensile Strength:** 1800 – 2000 MPa (261,000 – 290,000 psi) * **Yield Strength (0.2% Offset):** High * **Impact Toughness (Charpy):** **Excellent** – Superior to most tool steels at equivalent hardness, a key advantage * **Dimensional Stability:** **Exceptional** – The combination of air hardening and low austenitizing temperature results in minimal distortion * **Wear Resistance:** **Good** – Adequate for many applications, though less than higher-carbon steels like A2 or D2 * **Key Advantages of Cast Form:** * **Geometry Complexity:** Produces monolithic components with internal passages, contours, and integrated features * **Material Efficiency:** Significant reduction in buy-to-fly ratio compared to machining from solid * **Large Component Capability:** Can produce very large sections unsuitable for standard wrought sizes * **Rapid Prototyping:** Faster production of complex tooling prototypes ## **5. Product Application** MTEK A6 Cast Tool Steel is ideal for **large, complex tooling components** where minimal distortion during heat treatment and high toughness are critical requirements. * **Precision Forming & Embossing Tools:** * **Large coining dies and embossing tools** requiring tight dimensional tolerances * **Lamination dies and precision forming tools** with complex geometries * **Gauges & Measurement Tools:** * **Master gauges, thread gauges, and inspection fixtures** where dimensional stability is paramount * **Large jigs and fixtures** for aerospace and automotive applications * **Machine Components & Wear Parts:** * **Cams, rollers, and wear plates** in high-precision machinery * **Guide rails and ways** requiring good wear resistance and toughness * **Specialized Tooling:** * **Large mold bases and support structures** for plastic injection molding * **Tool holders and anvils** for precision forming operations ## **6. Key Features & Advantages** * **Minimal Heat Treatment Distortion:** The primary advantage. Low austenitizing temperature combined with air hardening provides exceptional dimensional stability * **Excellent Toughness:** Superior impact resistance compared to most tool steels at equivalent hardness levels * **Complex Geometry Enablement:** Casting process allows creation of intricate shapes and internal features * **Good Machinability:** Easier to machine in annealed state than many other tool steels * **Cost-Effectiveness:** Reduced material waste and machining time for complex components * **Scalability:** Can produce components ranging from small intricate parts to large multi-ton tools * **Consistent Properties:** Advanced foundry techniques ensure uniform composition and microstructure ## **7. Processing & Quality Considerations** * **Pattern & Mold Design:** Critical for ensuring sound castings with proper feeding and minimal shrinkage * **Heat Treatment Required:** As-cast material must undergo full heat treatment cycle for service properties * **Non-Destructive Testing:** Essential for critical components. Typically includes: * **Radiographic inspection** for internal soundness * **Liquid penetrant inspection** for surface defects * **Ultrasonic testing** for large sections * **Finish Machining:** All critical surfaces require final machining after heat treatment * **Microstructural Control:** Proper solidification control is essential to avoid carbide segregation and ensure uniform properties **Summary:** MetalTek MTEK A6 Cast Tool Steel represents an optimal marriage of specialized metallurgy and advanced manufacturing technology. It brings the unique advantages of wrought A6—minimal heat treatment distortion and excellent toughness—to components of such complexity or scale that conventional machining from solid would be impractical or prohibitively expensive. For applications requiring precision tooling with intricate geometries, large formats, or integrated functionality, cast A6 provides a technically sophisticated and economically viable solution. It enables engineers to design tools that leverage both the material's inherent stability and the geometric freedom of the casting process, creating components that would otherwise be impossible to manufacture while delivering reliable performance in demanding service conditions. -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: MetalTek MTEK A6 Tool Steel Specification Dimensions Size： Diameter 20-1000 mm Length <7066 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. -: MetalTek MTEK A6 Tool Steel Properties -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Applications of MetalTek MTEK A6 Tool Steel -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Chemical Identifiers MetalTek MTEK A6 Tool Steel -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Packing of MetalTek MTEK A6 Tool Steel -:- 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 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 3537 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