Acciai

per stampi
e utensili
Mould
and tool steels
On CD-ROM

Domenico Surpi

CONTENTS
BASIC PRINCIPLES. .............................................................................................................................................................................. 5
MOULD STEELS making.................................................................................................................................................................. 6
HEAT TREATMENTS.............................................................................................................................................................................. 8
FaCTORS WHiCH MAY INFLUENCE THE SERVICE-LIFE OF MOULDS.................................................................................12
TIPS ON AVOIDING DAMAGE TO MOULDS. .......................................................................................................................... 14
POLISHING AND PHOTOENGRAVING....................................................................................................................................... 17
TOOL STEEL WELDING..................................................................................................................................................................... 18
CHOice of WELDING TECHNIQUE............................................................................................................................................ 21
SUGGESTED OPERATING PARAMETERS FOR WELDING.................................................................................................. 24
TOOL STEELS........................................................................................................................................................................................ 27
STEELS FOR CONSTRUCTION AND GENERAL USES.......................................................................................................... 28
STEEL COMPARISON TABLE.......................................................................................................................................................... 30
HARDNESS CONVERSION TABLE................................................................................................................................................ 32
HV-HRC and HRC-HV-HB-HRA-HRB-Rm for carbon alloy steels (in accordance with table ASTM A 370 - 03a)

HARDNESS CONVERSION TABLE................................................................................................................................................ 34

HB-HRC-HRB-HRA (applicable to stainless austentic steels in accordance with ASTM A 370 - 03a)

BASIC PRINCIPLES
The first essential rule, is that the steel fibres must work perpendicularly to the main direction of the forces.
In order to withstand the high temperatures, temperature changes and high pressures to which they are
subjected, moulds for the injection, hot forming and extrusion of metals are manufactured mainly from
forged materials.
The treatments which these materials undergo may be classified into two categories:
- core treatments, which affect the steels properties down to the core and include:
annealing, normalization, stress-relief, hardening and tempering;
- surface treatments, which modify only the properties of the surface layer of the mould and include:
nitriding, case-hardening and oxidation.
If, on the other hand, a material different to the base material is deposited, the process is called plating or
coating (chromium plating, nickel plating, PVD and CVD coatings).

Die Steel 1.2738 hardened and tempered

[in collaboration with Danilo Arosio ]

Mould steels MAKING
The integrated cycle of mould and tool steel production usually starts with selected scrap.
The first stage of processing takes place in an electric arc furnace, followed by refining and vacuum degassing in a ladle furnace.
This process can result in the production of polygonal ingots for the forging plant, or of round ingots to be
recast, for example, under electro-conductive slag to make new forging ingots.
This last operation, performed under specific conditions, gives the product almost identical mechanical properties in all directions (longitudinal, tangential, radial) and assures constant quality.

1) Selected scrap.
Scrap with low
content of Cu, Pb
and other
unwanted elements
that can adversely
affect the purity of
the final steel

2) Three-phase electric
arc furnace:
reduction of
sulphur and
phosphorus content
oxidation
complete slagging
chemical analysis
control
ladle tapping

3) Refining ladle
metallurgy:
gas content
reduction
(hydrogen, oxygen,
nitrogen)
argon stirring
new slag creation

4) Refining ladle
metallurgy:
chemical analysis
control
analysis correction
through the
addition of alloy
elements
final chemical
analysis control

5) Refining ladle
metallurgy:
vacuum creation
gas content
reduction
(hydrogen, oxygen,
nitrogen)
chemical analysis
final control
ingot mould
tapping

6) Uphill casting:
casting protected
against steel
reoxidation
more control over
liquid steel flow
constant cooling
better ingot matrix
structure

7) ESR = Electro Slag

Remelting:
low impurities,
absence of cavities
and uniformity
of structure
further improvement
of mechanical
properties (isotropy)

8) Forging:
reduction ratio
according to
specific heating and
cooling procedures

9) Heat treatment:
special multi-phase
cycles can assure an
optimal and
uniform annealing
structure
specific thermal
phases for optimizing
and best exploiting
the potential of
every grade
of steel

10)Mechanical
processing:
pre-machining to
obtain mould
shapes as close as
possible to their
final size and
derive maximum
benefit from all
possible effects
of subsequent
tempering

11) Controls:
inclusions
decarburization
hardness
macrographies
structures
grain size
tempering
mechanical tests

Via Filippo da Desio, 53 Desio (MI) Tel.

0362 631145 Fax 0362 301451
Email

Inspection Certificate
Abnahmerprfzeugnis

Document No
Beleg Nr.

Test Report
Werkzeugnis

1.2311 Geschmiedet
Bonifica

100683

002427 del 031210

Steel/Sthal

Delivery condition / Lieferzustand

Your Order/Ihr Auftag

Transport document/Liefershein

B%

P 200 x 396 x 1197

007471

Chemical analysis / Chemische Zusammensetzung

S%
Cr %
Mo %

P%

0,30

1,39

0,011

0,001

1,93

0,18

V%

Ca %

Co %

Ti %

W%

Te %

Bi%

TEST N.

A%

Grain Size / Korngrsse

Al %

0,18

0,018
Cr+Mo+Ni%

On the product / Auf dem Produkt

Pb %

Non metallic inclusions / Nichtmetallische Einschlsse

Hardness / Hrte

292

/ Jominy test / Stirnabschreckprobe

304

11

13

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

10

11

13

15

20

25

290

mm

12) Certification:
according to
customer
specifications
and international
standards

Impact test / Kerbzhigkeit

C
C

C % (Z%)

UNI 3245 ASTM E 112

Cu %
Nb%

Rp 0,2 % (N/mm2)

1,5

On the product / Auf dem Produkt

Ni %

Mechanical properties / Mechanische Eigenschaften

Reference Test Piece/ Anhaltswerte

Reference Heat treatment

Anhaltswert fr Wrmebehandlung

61000760

External lot
Externe Partie

Mn %

Rm (N/mm2)

mm

Werkstoff 1.2311

Quantity / Menge

Our confirmation/ UnsereBestatigung

0,41

Shape Size / Profil Abmessung

On the heat / Auf der Schmelze

Si %

Date
Datum

Norm/Norm

Our Heat number

Chargennummer

C%

/ Material Identification / Materialbeschreibung

Via Sandro Pertini, Loc. Francolino

Carpiano (Mi) Tel. 02 98859110 Fax
02 98859817

30

/ Nondestructive testing / Zerstrungsfreie Prfungen

Antimixing Verm
ischungsausschliessung

/Yes/Ja
/No/Nein

Magnetic test
Magnetproben

/Yes/Ja
/No/Nein

/ Remarks / Bemerkungen

Decarburization
Entkohlung

UT control
Ultraschallprfung

/Norm /Norm
IT 669 REV.3

/Class / Klass
U.T.1
CONTROLLO QUALIT

N.B. I prodotti forniti sono conformi ai requisiti dellordine.

Heat treatments
Heat treatments may lead to considerable changes in the properties of steel which can sometimes exceed
those induced by changes in the chemical composition of the steel. From a practical point of view, the transformations which heat treatment can cause to strength, yield point, elongation, contraction, toughness and
modulus of elasticity are of particular interest. Alloy steels subjected to incorrect heat treatment may give
poorer results than correctly treated carbon steels. A list of the main types of heat treatment is given below,
but the technical data sheets for the individual steels give the parameters which are recommended on the
basis of experience.
Annealing
The main requirement of this heat treatment is to reduce the hardness of hot-deformed, rolled and colddrawn materials. Annealing is introduced in some cases to eliminate stresses or non-homogeneous structures. The temperature is held for 1 hour 30 minutes for every inch of thickness (e.g. 300x100 flat; dwell time
5 hours).
Case-hardening
Heat and chemical treatment for increasing the carbon content on the surface. Carbon increases hardness
and combats wear.
Chromium plating
Electroplating treatment for forming a film of extremely hard chromium on ground bars. This treatment provides abrasion- and corrosion-resistance, and a lower friction coefficient between moving parts; especially
with rubber gaskets.
Heat treatment
Series of heat operations for changing the properties and/or structure of a ferrous material.
Heating
This involves increasing the temperature of a product with a pre-set thermal gradient. It is generally carried
out very slowly, at a maximum of 50 C/h, and never higher than 150 C/h.
Interrupted quenching
This involves interrupting the cooling cycle at a pre-set temperature (~500-600 C) and maintaining this
temperature for a specific time before cooling down to 50 C. This is usually carried out to minimise the
probability of crack formation, or to produce a particular structure in the piece.

Nitriding
Heat and chemical treatment for obtaining higher nitrogen content on the surface. Nitrogen increases
hardness and combats wear.
Normalization
This is carried out at a temperature of just over Ac3 +50/70 C (Ac1 for hypereutectoid steels C% > 0.80)
followed by cooling in still air. The main aim is to homogenise the structure and to reduce the size of the
grain enlarged by previous hot transformation operations. This treatment is not recommended for tool steels
or self-hardening steels. Normalization is also used to regenerate the structure damaged by the hardening
and tempering heat treatment, when the desired mechanical values have not been obtained. Hardening and
tempering should not be carried out more than twice on the same material. If necessary, carry out the normalization before repeating the hardening and tempering. Repeated treatments, in oxidising environments,
inevitably create an addition of decarburization and this fact must be taken into due account.
Pre-heating
Heating the material with intermediate breaks (400-600 C) before reaching the pre-set temperature for
austenitization. The process is mainly used to reduce stresses and differential expansion induced by hot
deformation cycles and machining. The break at the pre-heating temperature must ensure a uniform temperature throughout the entire section.
Quenching and tempering
Hardening treatment composed of quenching and tempering to obtain the desired combination of mechanical properties and good ductility and toughness. It should be noted that, if it is necessary to repeat the
hardening and tempering on the same material, the temperature of the first treatment must be higher than
that of the second. See also quenching, tempering.
Quenching
This is the cooling of a ferrous product faster than in still air. It is good practice not to use a quenching
medium that is more drastic than necessary, as the faster the cooling, the greater the stresses induced in
the part. Quenching baths must be stirred to prevent vapour bubbles adhering to the material. The most
commonly used baths are: gas mixtures (for treatment below freezing), water, salt baths, polymers (water
with additives), oil, forced or still air. The weight of the baths must be at least 10-15 times greater than that
of the material to be quenched. The temperature of the bath at the end of quenching must not exceed 49
C. The temperature is normally maintained for 30 minutes for every inch of thickness (e.g. 300x100 flat;
time 2 hours).

Secondary hardening
Hardening achieved after one or more tempering operations (550-600 C), which precipitate a compound
(oversaturated carbides) that destabilises the austenite due to the thermal effect and transforms it into in
martensite or bainite during cooling. In this way there is an increase in hardening and the phenomenon is
called secondary hardening.
Soft annealing
This is carried out at 30-50 C below the Ac1 point.
This treatment does not modify the structure but adequately softens and eliminates stresses due to previous processes.
The cooling (approx. 10C/h, normally 5-10 C per minute for carbon steels and 20-40 C per hour for alloy steels) may
be carried out either in a furnace or in air.

Stress relief
Treatment aimed at reducing stresses (due to cold straightening, sudden cooling, machining, etc.) without
reducing the hardness. The process is generally carried out at 50 C below the temperature of the last tempering carried out on the hardened parts or products which are used with very high strengths. Cooling must
be carried out very slowly, generally in a furnace.
Tempering
This is the heat treatment which a ferrous product undergoes after hardening by quenching, to achieve the
desired mechanical properties.
After quenching, the material is highly stressed and these stresses must be eliminated as their force, if it
exceeds the failure load, could break the material.
This is one of the purposes of tempering. The second is to lower the strength until a compromise is reached
between a good failure load and good toughness (impact strength). The temperature is normally maintained
for 1 hour for every inch of thickness
(e.g. 300x100 flat; time 4 hours).
Thermochemical treatment
A process performed in a suitably selected medium/environment to change the chemical composition of the
base material.
Wear-resistant coating
In recent years there has been a progressive increase in the use of wear-resistant coatings. Titanium nitride
is the best known of the coatings: thanks to its high degree of hardness and a very low friction coefficient,
it enables a considerable reduction in abrasive wear, which is the main cause of a reduction in the efficiency

10

of machine tools. New coatings have also been developed to resolve specific problems, to such a point that
high-speed, dry machining is possible.
The fields of application of the tools are constantly expanding with constant improvements in the diecasting or extrusion of aluminium, injection of plastics, drawing or shearing, as well as in the automotive
and food industry.
The advantages may be seen in the longer service life of the coated piece, reduction in maintenance requirements and machine downtimes, and increased productivity.
Coating techniques are so detailed and difficult to explain that this is best left to the experts in this particular
sector; a description is merely given of some of their experiences and the most commonly used systems:
The PVD technique (Physical Vapour Deposition) is carried out at low temperatures, guarantees an excellent finish and applies various types of coatings, including self-lubricating ones, as well as possible multilayer combinations.
Disadvantages: it is not effective when there is limited space for vapour circulation, since the formation of
gases does not allow good penetration.
The CVD process (Chemical Vapour Deposition) provides coatings with better characteristics, both in terms
of thickness and adhesion. Performance is also better, especially when the material coated is used in cold
deformation processes. The trickiest problem lies in the deposition temperature of approx. 1.050 C, which
sometimes causes deformations to exceed the tolerances set by the designer.
Disadvantages: coatings with different materials are not possible e.g. TiANl, the thickness at the edge of the
coatings tends to be rounded, toxic metal chlorides are used.
The PACVD process (Plasma Assisted Chemical Vapour Deposition) has a greater resistance to abrasion
than the PVD process and does not have the disadvantages of the CVD method. Due to the size of the plants
it is possible to coat very large pieces. The finish is similar to that of PVD. Performance has been observed to
be better than that of the PVD technique when used with drawing.
Disadvantages: limited suitability in the presence of small holes and channels.

Dies during machining

11

Factors which may influence the service - life of MOULDS

CORROSION
Corrosion in moulds for die-casting is defined as the damage caused by the constraint that is created between the steel of the mould and the molten metal with which it comes into contact.
The phenomenon depends mainly on temperature, which plays a fundamental role in the solubility of the
various chemical elements.
Corrosion, like gluing, is governed by the formation of inter-metallic phases (two metallic elements mixed
together in precise proportions, which enable stacking of the elements of a crystalline structure that differs from the two initial ones).
Furthermore, the formation of hot cracks enables, for example, aluminium injected under pressure, to penetrate into these cracks and to grip onto the moulds, thereby damaging their operation.
ABRASION
Abrasion is caused by the presence of hard particles, which remove and abrade the surfaces of the moulds
with which they come into contact. The pressure exerted by the material to be moulded, and its temperature,
determine the speed of wear. The most critical geometries of the moulds are those which create the greatest
rubbing, such as continuous changes of section and sharp edges.
If the surface hardness of the mould is very high, it is therefore possible to overcome these shortcomings.
For example, with PVD coatings, hardness can reach 2200 HV and above, which is twice the hardness obtainable by nitriding: so this will, without doubt, be able to prevent wear.
THERMAL CHOC
The repeated heating and cooling cycles which moulds undergo during die-casting result in alternating
expansion and contraction. The surfaces in contact with the metal to be moulded heat up and increase in
volume, thereby producing compression forces. When there is no longer contact with the moulded parts, the
hot surfaces are often cooled suddenly (this is not recommended when the moulds are at a temperature of
over 150-200 C), forcing the steel to contract by tensile forces.
The more frequently this expansion and contraction occurs, the greater the progressive damage to the surface. In practice, preference tends to be given to steels with a high hot elastic limit and good fatigue resistance,
but, above all, the moulds must be heated to a uniform temperature of at least 300 C before being brought
into service. This operation has two advantages: C before putting them into service. This operation has two
advantages: reducing the fragility caused by temperature changes and reducing the thermal gradient between the surface and the core, which is the cause of thermal fatigue.

12

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HOT-WORK AND COLD-WORK TOOL STEELS

Tool steels for Hot-Work (operating temperature between 450 C and 650 C) must possess:
good workability of the tool in the annealed state and, in some cases, when quenched and tempered
good dimensional stability during heat treatment
high resistance to hot wear
good resistance to temperature changes and heat fatigue/stress
good mechanical strength and toughness at high temperatures
Tool steels for Cold-Work (operating temperature less than 200 C) must possess:
high levels of hardness (reachable in many cases with high carbon content)
excellent toughness
excellent resistance to wear and cutting
excellent depth of hardening

Die during finishing phase

13

tips on avoidING damage to moulds

Defect

Characteristic

Cause

Overheating

Failure at edges due to fusion

at the edges of the grain.

Do not keep at temperatures for longer than necessary to

Material kept at temperatures for too long
heat the core and use the transformation temperatures
or at temperatures which are too high.
recommended in the data sheets

Cracks during hardening.

Hardening cracks

Irregular failure.

Tempering cracks

Decarburization

Deformations

Structural transformation not completed

or presence of residual austenite.

Carry out subcooling during tempering.

Transformation still in progress at end

of hardening.

Start tempering immediately.

Presence of sharp edges near section

changes.

Use wide radiuses of curvature and mild means of cooling.

Means of tempering too drastic.

Quench in polymer or oils baths.

Non-uniform heating.

Carry out pre-heating, with pauses, before reaching the

austenitization temperature (hardening).

Over-heating.

Reduce austenitization temperature.

Sudden temperature changes due to

Very thin and generally straight
introduction of moulds into high
discontinuities.
temperature furnaces.

Carry out pre-heating, with pauses, which slow down the

stresses before reaching the desired tempering temperature.

Removal of carbon from

surface of material.

Steel placed in contact with oxidising

atmospheres and high temperatures.

Ensure adequate machining allowance. Protect moulds with

suitable paints. Use furnaces with controlled atmospheres.

Non-uniform heating.

Carry out pre-heating at max. 50C/h and homogenisation

pause

Cooling too drastic.

Cool with less drastic means, e.g. oil, forced air

Incorrect position during heat treatment.

Optimise supports and, when possible, heat and temper in

vertical position.

Deformation or machining stresses.

Take breaks at 450-500 C, annealing and stress relief

before hardening. Pre-rough machining with at least 4 mm
of machining allowance, harden and temper and then move
to finishing phase.

Porosity and cavities inside

mould

Reduction Ratio (r.r.) incorrect.

For forged products apply r.r. > 3.5:1

and for rolled products r.r. > 6:1

Blowholes

Material manufactured with

unsuitable casting.

Use vacuum cast steels, E.S.R. or V.A.R.

Repair defects with suitable welding techniques TIG
(Tungsten Inert Gas) or MMA (Manual Metal Arc).

Presence of decarburization.

Eliminate the decarburated zone and repeat check.

The material has not reached the

austenitization temperature.

Check that the hardening temperature is as established for

the type of steel to be heat treated.

Kept at inadequate temperature.

For the hardening phase the recommended time at

temperature is h per inch of thickness; for tempering 1 h
per inch of thickness.

Insufficient hardening.

Use means of quenching with a higher heat exchange.

Alteration of initial shape and

dimensions.

Internal defects

Irregular hardness Low hardness value.

14

Corrective action

DEFECT

CHARACTERISTIC

CAUSE

CORRECTIVE ACTION

Unsuitable cooling

Check that the weight of the hardening baths is at least

10-15 times that of the pieces to be hardened.
Check that the baths are agitated and that vapour pockets
do not form.
Check that the temperature of the baths (water, polymer
and oil) is not greater than 49 C at the end of hardening.

Unsuitable tempering
temperature

Check that tempering temperature is not too high.

Presence of segregations

Carry out homogenisation annealing before hardening.

Low tempering
temperature

Check that temperature is as established to obtain

desired hardness.
Check that the type of steel used and its structure is as
specified.

Low hardness value.

Irregular hardness

High hardness value.

Thermal fatigue

Breakage or failure during

operation.

Loss, by the steel, of the initial mechanical

characteristics.
Temperature variations and dynamic loads
repeated over time.
Expansion of material when heated and
contraction when cooled

Inclusions

Impurities (oxides, sulphurs,

aluminas etc.) embedded in
the steel.

They can dissolve in the presence of

aggressive materials leaving micro-craters. Specify high micro-purity steels, e.g. ESR or VAR.
They are harmful in the photoengraving
Repair with suitable welding, e.g. TIG or MMA.
and polishing processes.

Lack of toughness Tendency to become brittle.

Failure in
operation

Combat the phenomena with nitriding treatments,

PVD, CVD.

Long temperature breaks between 200

and 400 C results in loss of cementite at
the grain edges.

Avoid breaks and cross the temperature range quite fast.

Grain coarsening.

Check that forging, rolling, hardening temperatures, etc. are

not too high

Sudden failure of the mould.

Pre-heat the moulds to 300C before use.

Do not cool tools suddenly after use.
Check that the steel is as specified by the designer and that
it has undergone suitable heat treatment

Unsuitable reduction ration.

See internal defects.

When possible, the fibres of the material should be worked
perpendicular to the direction of greatest stress to which
the mould is subjected.

Crash.

Witness marks

Traces of coarse surface.

Loss of height of press during forging or

marks of rolling rollers

Increase the machining allowance.

Carry out cosmetic- welding.

Wear

Parts of the mould abraded by

particles of very hard material.

Loss of efficiency of the work surface due

to continuous use.

Carry out hardening aimed at reducing the friction (nitriding

or PVD, CVD coatings).

15

Injection moulds

16

Polishing and photoengraving

The profile of a mould polished with a mirror-like finish may be adversely affected by subsequent photoengraving, since the lapping, carried out with special pastes, leaves a surface film. This invisible layer, which is
very oily, may be removed by chemical products, but these may adversely affect the sheen of the polishing.
If the chemical treatment is particularly aggressive, it may result in harmful oxidation.
A high-quality surface finish has the following advantages:
it facilitates extraction of the moulded piece;
it reduces the risk of triggering cracks due to overloading or fatigue (a rough profile favours local increase
of the forces);
it reduces the risk of local corrosion (a rough profile has greater reactivity compared to a smooth profile
because there is an increase in the surface area exposed to the corrosive environment);
it increases wear-resistance, within certain limits (removing rough peaks increases the contact area between the parts and improves the distribution of forces improbe)
Symbols and level of finishing
Ra m Rt m Rz m Conventional symbols
0.025
0.25
0.1
0.05
0.5
0.2
0.1
0.8
0.4
0.2
1.6
0.8
0.4
2.5
1.6
0.8
4
3.2
1.6
8
6.3
3.2
16
12.5
6.3
25
25
12.5
50
50
25
100
100
~
50
-200
~

Surface description.
Superfinishing. Polishing with diamond paste.
Lapped, high level of finish, perfectly smooth.
Lapped for seal joints.
Ground, electric spark machining.
Extra fine with machine tools.
Very smooth with machine tools.
Smooth with machine tools.
Medium with machine tools.
Coarse with machine tools.
Raw.
Raw.

- Roughness is the series of micro-geometrical imperfections present on a surface prepared with any
machining process.
- Roughness is measured on the surface in a transversal direction to the main grooves.
- Roughness Ra is expressed in m.
measured profile
mean line

lenght of section

17

Tool Steel Welding

[source Lucchini RS ]

Optimizing the life-cycle of a tool is a common need for all users. The possibility of restoring a worn mould,
modifying the geometry of a matrix or adjusting machining errors in tool-making ensures that production
resources are managed to best effect. From this point of view, correctly performed tool steel welding offers
many advantages.
In spite of substantial progress made through years of research and study of welding processes, tool steel
welding operations require specific preparation and skill.
For this reason, we recommend that you follow the instructions given in this technical sheet, without omitting the most important element; the skill and technical preparation of the welder, his qualifications and the
suitability of the welding equipment.
Key factors
During steel welding, it is important to remember that the weld deposit should behave in a similar way to
the base metal. This is a fundamental need for tool steel in order to avoid behavioural heterogeneity.
Hardness and toughness
Hardness and toughness of the weld joint are the most significant parameters for evaluating the success of
the weld.
A significant shift of these two properties, in comparison with those of the base steel, could compromise the
solidity of the component.
High temperature resistance
In case of welding on hot work tools, the welded areas have to exhibit the same heat-resistance properties
as the base steel.
With a carefully selected filler metal and appropriate pre- and post-welding heat treatment, it is possible to
obtain deposit material with the right mechanical properties to provide optimum resistance to external stress.
Phot-etchability and Polishability
When working on moulds for plastic, it is necessary to choose the electrode according to surface finish
required for the final moulded parts. In the case of photo-etched moulds, it is imperative that the weld be
invisible, otherwise the moulded piece will be rejected; the same applies to specular polished moulds. We
recommend that you follow the operating instructions given in this technical sheet, and use the suggested
consumables.

18

main welding techniques used in the tool steel field (MMA, TIG and LASER)
MMA (Manual Metal-Arc Welding) is probably the best known technique.
The welding process is performed by creating a voltage difference between the electrode and the work
piece to be welded. By bringing the two parts into contact, a short circuit is created, with subsequent local
overheating caused by the Joule effect on the electrode. The latter starts to melt and to deposit material on
the work piece. Under these conditions, a modest voltage is sufficient to strike an electric arc for the welding
process.
The electrodes used in MMA welding have a surface layer that deoxidizes and purifies the molten pool,
protects it against airborne contamination and enriches it with alloy elements. Arc welding is recommended
in many and diverse situations, especially when a high quantity of filler material needs to be deposited.
TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding is an autogenous process, where the heat is generated by the arc between
the non-consumable tungsten electrode and the work piece. Tungsten is particularly well suited to this kind
of application because of its very high melting point and its excellent thermionic properties. The welding
takes place in a protected atmosphere by virtue of the shielding effect of an inert gas, such as Argon.
By means of this process, it is possible to weld with or without filler material, as in the case of low-thickness
work. The electrode has a circular section and dimensions and chemical composition compatible with the
base metal.
The LASER technique is used for micro-welding to adjust machining errors in tool-making, to modify work
piece design, to recover tooling damaged during service and to repair incidental surface defects. The main
advantages of the laser technique are as follows:
possibility of operating on small areas with minimum filler material;
minimum invasive effect on the areas surrounding the welded spot (transition zone);
speed of execution, because usually there is no need for core heat treatment before and after welding;
high polishability and photo-etchability on the welded area;
possibility of carrying out the work with the piece in situ.

MMA Technique

TIG Technique

LASER Technique

19

LASER (Light Amplification by Simulated Emission of Radiation) is an electromagnetic wave beam, moving in
the same direction and producing very high specific powers (107-109 W/cm2).
Unlikely other welding techniques, laser welding can be executed without filler material.
In the case of tool steel, Laser welding is always executed with filler material, in the form of a wire with a chemical composition compatible with the base material and with a diameter of 0.2-0.8 mm.
The predominant heat transmission mechanism is conduction. The possibility of focusing its action on a very
restricted area is one of the most advantageous features of Laser welding.
It is possible to operate on very small areas, of even less than 1-2 mm . So micro-welding can be used to remedy
even defects measuring less than a tenth of a millimetre deriving from mechanical grinding.

Photoengraving Die

20

Choice of welding technique

The choice of welding technique depends on many factors, ranging from metallurgical to economic and
logistical.
MMA Welding is ideal for work requiring the deposit of a high quantity of material. For example, it is particularly suitable for modifying the shape of a mould to accommodate a variation in piece design.
Furthermore, because of its easy transportability, welding can be performed on site with no need to dismantle or transport the mould. This technique generates considerable heat in the areas adjacent to the welded
spot; it is therefore necessary to take good care of pre-heating and stress relieving procedures.
TIG welding is suitable for smaller repairs on moulds compared with the MMA technique, and generates
less heat.
TIG equipment is less portable than MMA, because of its jet shielding and torch cooling system.
LASER welding is suitable for making repairs with a minimum deposit of material. It is recommended when
the required deposit
thickness is from 0.2 mm to 1-1.5 mm and with a size in proportion to the welded thickness.
MMA welding electrodes
Arc-welding electrodes are covered with a layer of material that varies according to the kind of the end use.
The most common coatings are as follows: Acid, Rutilic, Cellulosic and Basic.
Acid coating is formed by iron oxide, iron alloys of Mn-SI and silicate. Such electrodes have good weldability
and easily removable slag. In case of multiple welding runs, we recommend that you remove the slag generated by the previous weld layer. Acid coating cannot withstand high drying temperatures. For this reason, it is
not possible to remove all traces of moisture, thus increasing the risk of cracking in cold conditions.
Rutilic coating is formed by titanium dioxide, also known as rutile, which gives the deposit high fluidity and
an excellent aesthetic appearance. As with acid coating, these electrodes should be avoided if there is a risk
of crack formation in hot or cold conditions.
Cellulosic coating is formed basically by cellulose and by Mn and Si. These electrodes, like basic ones, can
generate melted pool at high temperature. During melting a high hydrogen content develops within the
coating, thus increasing the risk of crack formation in cold conditions.
Basic coating is formed by iron oxides, iron alloys of Mn-Si, silicates and calcium carbonate and magnesium,
and also fluorite. The presence of carbonates eliminates all impurities, such as sulphur and phosphor, from
the pool, thus giving the deposit a high level of purity and excellent mechanical properties. Basic electrodes
can be dried at high temperatures, thus reducing the risk of crack formation in cold conditions. We recommend drying the electrode at high temperature before the use, and keep it warm even after removal from
the oven. This last category of electrode is the most recommended for tool steel welding.
All coated electrodes are sensitive to moisture, therefore we recommend that you take good care of storage

21

procedures. It is good practice to keep consumables in a temperature- and moisture-controlled room and
to keep the electrode warm in a small oven before use. For further details, please refer to technical sheets
supplied by the electrode manufacturer.
TIG welding electrodes
TIG welding electrodes generally have a very similar chemical composition to the base metal with the addition of
a small quantity of deoxidizers. Unlike coated electrodes used in MMA welding, they do not suffer from problems
relating to moisture absorption from the atmosphere. However, it is recommended that you keep them in dry
and protected places.
LASER welding electrodes
Laser welding electrodes are very similar to those used in TIG welding, but have a smaller diameter section.
The most widely used sizes are from 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm, according to application.
Their chemical composition is modulated according to the desired mechanical properties to be achieved.
Recommended operating procedures
We recommend that you assign mould repair work to Personnel of proven expertise in possession of suitable equipment. For all tool steels that have to be welded, a pre-heating and stress relieving cycle has to be
scheduled in order to avoid the risk of dangerous cracks.
Pre-heating
Pre-heating treatment of the final piece is a very important phase of the welding process. If oven pre-heating
of the mould is not possible due to size and/or for logistical reasons, pre-heating with thermal blankets is
permissible. We discourage pre-heating by means of a torch or flames because this technique does not guarantee a controlled temperature and can modify the microstructure of the steel; it also generates potentially
dangerous residual tensions in the piece. Pre-heating must be used for all tool steel welding, except in the
above-mentioned situations. During pre-heating, adhere to temperature increase rates of not more than
50C/h and dwell times of one hour for every 25 mm of piece thickness.
Post-welding Heat Treatment
The aim of post-welding heat treatment is to relieve stress on the material and to restore the former mechanical properties of the piece. It is an extremely important phase within the welding process, which considerably
influences the operating behaviour of the element. In this case too, whenever a treatment of the entire piece
is not possible in a proper oven, you can execute local stress relief by means of thermal blankets or inductors.
The use of torches, flames or similar techniques is not recommended. The recommended post-welding heat
treatments are listed in the attached tables. For further details, refer to the technical sheets of each steel.

22

Surface preparation guidelines

Surface preparation plays a decisive role in the welding process. We recommend always removing any trace
of dirt and rust before starting to weld, and avoiding welding in the vicinity of sharp corners. When repairing
cracks, it is necessary to grind the defective area and join it. The minimum recommended angle is 30 and
the joint groove has to be 1.5 mm larger than the diametric section of the electrode to be used. We also
recommend testing with penetrating fluids or magnetic testing on the whole area to be welded, in order to
locate possible surface defects, which have to be removed by grinding.
Layer sequence procedures
Generally it is not advisable, even if the filler material is limited, to weld in a single run, insofar as two or
more runs are preferable. In this case, we recommend that you proceed as follows:
with the first run a layer should be deposited with a small diameter electrode and with a low current,
thus limiting the size of the heat-affected area;
the second run should be performed with the same parameters as the previous one and aims to temper
the first layer below in order to restore its toughness;
subsequent runs can be carried out with a higher current and a larger diameter electrode;
the final run has to create a higher layer than the work piece surface level.
It is good practice to hold the electrode at an angle of 70 - 80 to the direction of forward movement.
Control techniques
After welding, a non-invasive control is recommended, such as ultrasound testing, testing with penetrating
fluids or magnetic testing. The choice depends on the kind of welding and the operating conditions. Our
technical support service can assist you in determining and defining the most appropriate control method.
CEQ Carbon Equivalent percentage
C + Mn / 6 + (Cr + Mo + V) / 5 + (Ni + Cu) / 15 (General use formula).
For cool welding without stress relief do not exceed values of 0.40 - 0.43.
Above these values, pre-heating and stress relief are necessary in order to avoid the risk of dangerous cracks.
C + Mn/4 + Si/4 (Carbon steel formula). We suggest 0.42 as a maximum value for cool welding without stress
relief. Above this value, please refer to general use formula.
Area to check
before to weld

Layer sequence procedures. Inspection area. Surface preparation.

23

Suggested operating parameters for Welding

Internal code

Werkstoff

EN

WELDING TECHNIQUES
MMA

TIG

LASER

AWS A5.4 E410-15

EN 1600 E 13 B 53

AWS A5.9 ER410

SALTEX Cr13 INOX

EskyLos 2083

1.2083

X40Cr14

BeyLos 2083 / II40

1.2083

X40Cr14

II33

1.2085

X33CrS16

given the presence of sulfur is not recommended for welding

KeyLos 2311 / BP35

1.2311

40CrMnMo7

AWS A5.5 E8018

AWS A5.28 ER 80S

KeyLos 2312 / BS35

1.2312

40CrMnMoS8-6

SALTEX 300
SALTEX 300 PHOTO
SALTEX 300 MIRROR

BeyLos 2329

1.2329

46CrSiMoV7

1) 4)

1) 4)

--

EskyLos 2343 / BP 37

1.2343

X37CrMoV5-1

DIN 8555 E3-UM-50-ST

AWS A5.28 ER80S-B6

SALTEX 400
SALTEX 460
SALTEX Hot Work

AWS A5.28 ER80S-B6

SALTEX 400
SALTEX 460
SALTEX Hot Work

EskyLos 2344 / BP40

1.2344

X40CrMoV5-1

BP30

1.2365

32CrMoV12-28

EskyLos 2367 ESR

1.2367

X38CrMoV5-3

1)

QRO 90 WELD
DIN 8555 E3-UM-50-ST
1)

BP57

1.2711

54NiCrMoV6

UTP 73G4

UTP 73G4 ESAB OK

BeyLos 2714 / BP56

1.2714

55NiCrMoV7

DIN 8555 E1-UM-350

AWS A5.28 ER 80S-B2

AWS A5.28 ER 90S-B3

SALTEX 400
SALTEX 300 PHOTO

KeyLos 2738 / BP36

1.2738

40CrMnNiMo8-6-4

AWS A5.5 E9018-B3

AWS A5.28 ER 80S-B2

SALTEX 300

BF40

1.2767

45NiCrMo16

1) 4)

1) 4)

KeyLos 6959

1.6959

35NiCrMoV12-5

1) 4)

1) 4)

ABP20

Euras

1) 4)

1) 4)

EskyLos 2001

Lucchini RS

2)

KeyLos on

Lucchini RS

AWS A5.5 E8018-B2

AWS A5.28 ER 80S-B2

KeyLos up

Lucchini RS

AWS A5.5 E8018-B2

AWS A5.28 ER 80S-B2

KeyLos plus

Lucchini RS

AWS A5.5 E8018-B2

AWS A5.28 ER 80S-B2

24

Internal code

Werkstoff

EN

WELDING TECHNIQUES
MMA

TIG

B155

1.2379

X153CrMoV12

INCONEL 625
UTP 67S - CASTOLIN 6

B110

1.2516

120WV4

UTP 75

BF90

1.2842

90MnCrV8

UTP: 65D, 73 G2, 673

B TEN

TENASTEEL

S355J2G3

1.0577

S355J2G3

AWS A5.5 E8018-C1

C20

1.1151 ~

C20E

AWS A5.1 E6013

C25E

1.1158

C25E

AWS A5.1 E6013

C30E

1.1178

C30E

AWS A5.1 E6013

C45E BC45

1.1191

C45E

AWS A5.1 E7018

AWS A5.1 E7018-1

C50E

1.1206

C50E

AWS A5.1 E7018

39NiCrMo3 / BC39
30CrNiMo8
42CrMo4

1.6510
1.6580
1.7225

39NiCrMo3
30CrNiMo8
42CrMo4

AWS A5.5 E8018-B2

AWS A5.5 E9018-B3

AWS A5.28 ER 80S-B2

41CrAlMo7-10

1.8509

41CrAlMo7-10

1) 3) 4)

1) 3) 4)

18NiCrMo5

UNI

1) 3) 4)

1) 3) 4)

41CrAlMo7-10

1.8509

41CrAlMo7-10

1) 3) 4)

1) 3) 4)

52SiCrNi5

1.7117

52SiCrNi5

LASER

UTP A696

INCONEL 625
UTP 67S - CASTOLIN 6

AWS A5.18 ER 70S-6

EN 1668 W3Si1
SALTEX 300
SALTEX 300 PHOTO
SALTEX 300 MIRROR

not recommended

Please address to qualified producers.

MMA Welding Repairing is not recommended for this kind of steels.
3)
Carry out the welding before superficial hardening using filler material with chemical composition similar to mold.
4)
UTP 641 KB (HB 250) - UTP 73G4 (HRC 40) - UTP 73G3 (HRC 45) - UTP 641 73G2 (HRC 55)
1)
2)

25

Machining depth on a die

26

Finished mould

TOOL STEELS
Hot-WORK TOOL STEELS
This category of steels must have special characteristics: resistance to non-continuous heat (450-600 C)
and insensitivity to coarsening, which happens when the material is exposed to high temperatures for long
periods of time. For special uses, where temperatures can reach 600 C, the steels normally contain a high
percentage of tungsten (18%). They are used for high-pressure dies and pipe expanders. The fields of use
include general moulds, moulds for die-casting and spindles for rolling mills. Nickel-chrome-molybdenumvanadium steels have good toughness even when hot and resist well to heat variations and tempering.
The main enemies for the productivity of dies have always been wear, failure and maintenance work, therefore
close contact between manufacturer and customer is needed to agree upon and optimise costs and quality.
Cold-WORK TOOL STEELS
The particular characteristic of steels is their high carbon content, which gives the tools a high level of hardness. Their
use tends to be concentrated in those sectors in which wear, impact and shear stressess are present. Their main characteristics are: hardness, toughness, wear resistance and hardenability. The hardness of steels for cold-work varies from
52 to 63 HRC, whilst the hardness for hot-work steels ranges from 36 to 54 HRC.
Alloy elements used in decreasing order of use

they characterize

Mn-Mo-Cr-Si-Ni-V

hardening depth

V-W-Mo-Mn-Cr

strength

V-W-Mo-Cr-Mn

resistance to wear

Mo-Cr-Mn

dimensional stability

Pre-heating is recommended for these steels with thermal rates of no more than 50 C/hour and pause for homogenization before reaching the forging and quenching temperature.
Holding time at the pre-set temperatures are: h for every 25 mm of thickness during quenching and 1h every 25 mm
of thickness during tempering or stress relieving.
For cold-working steels, at least one phase of stress relieving is recommended before quenching, which must be immediatelly followed by tempering when the material is still at a temperature of approximately 150 C. Moreover, after
tempering, cooling must be slow, to prevent both internal and external stresses. All the neccessary measures must then
be taken to prevent carbide precipitation along grain boundaries. It should be noted that sharp edges and significant
changes in section can generate cracks during quenching.
At least two tempering operations and protection with suitable paints must be provided for these steels, before
quenching. This will prevent decarburization, which, besides being harmfool for a number of well-known reasons, may
also influence results during the hardness control. Generally, if the decarburized layer is not eliminated, there will be
abnormal values, which tend to be the low side.

27

Steels for construction and general uses

The above category includes the steels listed below.
As indicated by the term, general use, this category includes all the main support elements, including
frames, systems, superstructures and all parts required to shape components, devices and mechanisms of
operating machines and the like.
These steels are easily processed both hot and cold. They have excellent hardening penetration and high
resistance to knocks.

S355J2

Shafts, machine parts subject to low stress, nuts and bolts, screws, levers, plugs, pins,
bushes, joints, discs, small punches.

C20

Shafts, machine parts, toothed racks, nuts and bolts, bushes, automatic mechanisms,
clutch pedals, mechanical parts.

C30E

Shafts, machine parts, toothed racks, nuts and bolts, mechanical parts, bushes,
automatic mechanisms, clutch pedals.

C50E

Splines, toothed racks, crank shafts, rods and columns for presses, mechanical parts.

C45E

Vacuum-processed steel, excellent for photoengraving, polishing, nitriding and welding,

strong resistance to wear. Applications: small moulds for the car and food industries,
moulds for rubber moulding, moulds for compression moulding of thermosetting
compounds (SMC Sheet Moulding Compound, BMC Bulk Moulding Compound),
mould holders.

42CrMo4

High strength and mechanical properties, good machinability and micro-purity. Uses: small
and medium sized moulds, moulds for the car and food industries, moulds for rubber
moulding, moulds for compression moulding of thermosetting compounds (SMC Sheet
Moulding Compound, BMC Bulk Moulding Compound), moulds holders and mechanical
parts generally.

39NiCrMo3

Easily heat-treated, this is the most common Italian hardened alloy steel. Good
machinability, excellent resistance to dynamic stress and torsional stress, easily
nitrided. Uses: gears, even large shafts, machine parts, tie rods, mould holders and
integral moulds.

28

 30CrNiMo8

High strength and mechanical properties, good machinability and micro-purity, high
resistance to stress even at working temperatures of up to 350 C, insensitive to
tempering brittleness, particularly suited for pieces subject to torsional stress. Uses:
medium sized moulds, moulds for the car and food industries, moulds for rubber
moulding, moulds for compression moulding of thermosetting compounds (SMC Sheet
Moulding Compound, BMC Bulk Moulding Compound), mould holders and
mechanical parts generally.

NitridING steels
The peculiarity of nitrided steels is their high resistance to friction, even at high temperatures, up to 500 C.
It follows that, in poorly lubricated machine parts, the effect of fretting causes less damage than would occur
with case hardened pieces. A further features is its high resistance to sea water and steam.
The steel is treated in perfectly sealed, controlled-temperature furnaces, as harmful oxidation occurs on
contact with the air. The main component in this operation is gaseous ammonia, distributed uniformly. Thermal hardening is recommended on rough-shaped materials free of any stress, polishing, cleaning, drying,
nitriding and final grinding.
1CrAlMo7-10 Applications: the field of extruded plastics, screws and extrusion cylinders, eccentric
4
shafts, discs, injection pumps, pins and steam distribution chambers.
Case-hardenING steels
A feature of these steels is their low carbon content, which assures a strong core after hardening and
tempering and good machinability after annealing. The steel is processed prior to case hardening and the
subsequent hardening and tempering phases.

18NiCrMo5 Use: gear parts subject to high stress and cam shafts.

Spring steels
Springs are machine parts which must be made of steel which possesses the highest possible elastic deformation
capacities and the ability to withstand repeated stress.

52SiCrNi5 The inclusion of silicon increases hardenability and, consequently, hardness, increasing
the elastic modulus. High hardenability steel.
The inclusion of nickel greatly improves strength.

29

Steels Comparison Tables

Internal code

Werkstoff n

EUROPE EN

EskyLos 2083 ESR

1.2083

X40Cr14

~ 420

BeyLos 2083 / II40

1.2083

X40Cr14

~ 420

II33

1.2085

X33CrS16

KeyLos 2311 / BP35

1.2311

40CrMnMo7

KeyLos 2312 / BS35

1.2312

40CrMnMoS8-6

BeyLos 2329

1.2329

46CrSiMoV7

EskyLos 2343 / BP 37 ESR

1.2343

X37CrMoV5-1

4Cr5MoSiV

4Ch5MFS

H11

BeyLos 2343

1.2343

X37CrMoV5-1

4Cr5MoSiV

4Ch5MFS

H11

EskyLos 2344 / BP40 ESR

1.2344

X40CrMoV5-1

4Cr5MoSiV1

4Ch4VMFS

H13

BeyLos 2344

1.2344

X40CrMoV5-1

4Cr5MoSiV1

4Ch4VMFS

H13

BP30

1.2365

32CrMoV12-28

4Cr3Mo3SiV

3Ch3M3F

H10

EskyLos 2367 ESR

1.2367

X38CrMoV5-3

BP57

1.2711

54NiCrMoV6

BeyLos 2714 / BP56

1.2714

55NiCrMoV7

KeyLos 2738 / BP36

1.2738

40CrMnNiMo8-6-4

BF40

1.2767

45NiCrMo16

45Ch2N4MA

KeyLos 6959

1.6959

35NiCrMoV12-5

38ChN3MFA

ABP20

Euras

EskyLos 2001

Lucchini RS

KeyLos on

Lucchini RS

KeyLos up

Lucchini RS

KeyLos plus

Lucchini RS

ESR = ELECTRO SLAG REMELTING

30

CHINA GB

RUSSIA GOST

USA AISI-SAE

USE

4ChMNFS

Hot work tool steels

(5CrMnMo)

EUROPE EN

CHINA GB

RUSSIA GOST

USA AISI-SAE

B205

1.2080

X210Cr12

Cr12

Ch12

D3

B155

1.2379

X153CrMoV12

Cr12MoV

B110

1.2516

120WV4

BF40

1.2767

45NiCrMo16

BF90

1.2842

90MnCrV8

B TEN

TENASTEEL

Tenasteel

S355J2G3

1.0577

S355J2G3

C20

1.1151 ~

C20E

C25E

1.1158

C30E

D2
45Ch2N4MA

9Mn2V

O2
17G1S

A350 LF2

20

20A

070M20

C25E

25

25

1025

1.1178

C30E

30

30

1030

C45E / BC45

1.1191

C45E

45

45

1045

C50E

1.1206

C50E

50

50

1050

39NiCrMo3 / BC39

1.6510

39NiCrMo3

39HNM

9840

30CrNiMo8

1.6580

30CrNiMo8

42CrMo4 / BC42

1.7225

42CrMo4

42CrMo

40ChML

A193-B7

41CrAlMo7-10

1.8509

41CrAlMo7-10

38CrMoAl

40X2MI-O

J24056E71400

18NiCrMo5 / BC18

UNI

52SiCrNi5

1.7117

A320L43

USE
Cold work tool
steels

Werkstoff n

General use
and construction steels

Internal code

Nitriding
Case Hardening

52SiCrNi5

ZG50CrMo

52XHC

Spring steels

31

Hardness Conversion Table

HV - HRC and HRC-HV-HB-HRA-HRB-Rm for carbon / alloy steels (in accordance with table in ASTM A 370 - 03A)
HV
2270
2190
2110
2030

HRC
85
84
83
82

HV
1950
1865
1787
1710

HRC
81
80
79
78

HV
1633
1556
1478
1400

HRC
77
76
75
74

HV
1323
1245
1160
1076

HRC
73
72
71
70

HV
1004
940
920
900

HRC
69
68
67,5
67

HRC
Diamond
penetrator
68
67
66
65
64
63
62
61
60
59
58
57
56
55
54
53
52
51
50
49
48
47
46
45
44
43
42
41
40

HV
Vickers
30
940
900
865
832
800
772
746
720
697
674
653
633
613
595
577
560
544
528
513
498
484
471
458
446
434
423
412
402
392

HB
Brinell
3000 Kgf
---739
722
706
688
670
654
634
615
595
577
560
543
525
512
496
482
468
455
442
432
421
409
400
390
381
371

HRA
Diamond
penetrator
85.6
85.0
84.5
83.9
83.4
82.8
82.3
81.8
81.2
80.7
80.1
79.6
79.0
78.5
78.0
77.4
76.8
76.3
75.9
75.2
74.7
74.1
73.6
73.1
72.5
72.0
71.5
70.9
70.4

Rm
N/mm2
MPa
---------2420
2330
2240
2160
2070
2010
1950
1880
1820
1760
1700
1640
1580
1520
1480
1430
1390
1340
1300
1250

HRB
Ball
1/16
100
99
98
97
96
95
94
93
92
91
90
89
88
87
86
85
84
83
82
81
80
79
78
77
76
75
74
73
72

HV
Vickers
30
240
234
228
222
216
210
205
200
195
190
185
180
176
172
169
165
162
159
156
153
150
147
144
141
139
137
135
132
130

HB
Brinell
3000 Kgf
240
234
228
222
216
210
205
200
195
190
185
180
176
172
169
165
162
159
156
153
150
147
144
141
139
137
135
132
130

HRA
Diamond
penetrator
61.5
60.9
60.2
59.5
58.9
58.3
57.6
57.0
56.4
55.8
55.2
54.6
54.0
53.4
52.8
52.3
51.7
51.1
50.6
50.0
49.5
48.9
48.4
47.9
47.3
46.8
46.3
45.8
45.3

Rm
N/mm2
MPa
800
785
750
715
705
690
675
650
635
620
615
605
590
580
570
565
560
550
530
505
495
485
475
470
460
455
450
440
435

32

HRC
Diamond
penetrator
39
38
37
36
35
34
33
32
31
30
29
28
27
26
25
24
23
22
21
20

HV
Vickers
30
382
372
363
354
345
336
327
318
310
302
294
286
279
272
266
260
254
248
243
238

HB
Brinell
3000 Kgf
362
353
344
336
327
319
311
301
294
286
279
271
264
258
253
247
243
237
231
226

HRA
Diamond
penetrator
69.9
69.4
68.9
68.4
67.9
67.4
66.8
66.3
65.8
65.3
64.6
64.3
63.8
63.3
62.8
62.4
62.0
61.5
61.0
60.5

Rm
N/mm2
MPa
1220
1180
1140
1110
1080
1050
1030
1010
970
950
930
900
880
860
850
820
810
790
770
760

HRB
Ball
1/16
71
70
69
68
67
66
65
64
63
62
61
60
59
58
57
56
55
54
51
49

HV
Vickers
30
127
125
123
121
119
117
116
114
112
110
108
107
106
104
103
101
100
----

HB
Brinell
3000 Kgf
127
125
123
121
119
117
116
114
112
110
108
107
106
104
103
101
100
-94
92

HRA
Diamond
penetrator
44.8
44.3
43.8
43.3
42.8
42.3
41.8
41.4
40.9
40.4
40.0
39.5
39.0
38.6
38.1
37.7
37.2
36.8
35.5
34.6

Rm
N/mm2
MPa
425
420
415
405
400
395
385
--370
--360
-350
-340
-330
320

Values shown in bold fall outside the ASTM

table but they are still reliable

Values shown in italics are due to passage from table 2

to table 3 of ASTM A 370

Rockwell
Hardness

HRC diamond penetrator 120 load

1470 N (150 Kgf) duration 30 seconds

Rockwell
Hardness

HRA diamond penetrator load 588 N (60 kgf)

duration 30 seconds

Vickers
Hardness

HV diamond penetrator 136

load 294 N (30 Kgf) duration 15 seconds

Rockwell
Hardness

HRB ball 1/16

load 980 N (100 Kgf) duration 30 seconds

Brinell
Hardness

HB ball 10 mm load 29.400N (3000 Kgf)

duration 15 seconds

Tensile
strength

Rm N/mm2 (Mpa)

33

Hardness Conversion Table

HB-HRC-HRB-HRA (applicable to stainless austenitic steels - in accordance with ASTM A 370 - 03A)
Hardness HRC
150 - kgf
diamond penetrator

Hardness HRA
60 kgf
diamond penetrator

Rockwell Superficial Hardness

15N Scale

30N Scale

45N Scale

diamond penetrator

34

48

74.4

84.1

66.2

52.1

47

73.9

83.6

65.3

50.9

46

73.4

83.1

64.5

49.8

45

72.9

82.6

63.6

48.7

44

72.4

82.1

62.7

47.5

43

71.9

81.6

61.8

46.4

42

71.4

81.0

61.0

45.2

41

70.9

80.5

60.1

44.1

40

70.4

80.0

59.2

43.0

39

69.9

79.5

58.4

41.8

38

69.3

79.0

57.5

40.7

37

68.8

78.5

56.6

39.6

36

68.3

78.0

55.7

38.4

35

67.8

77.5

54.9

37.3

34

67.3

77.0

54.0

36.1

33

66.8

76.5

53.1

35.0

32

66.3

75.9

52.3

33.9

31

65.8

75.4

51.4

32.7

30

65.3

74.9

50.5

31.6

29

64.8

74.4

49.6

30.4

28

64.3

73.9

48.8

29.3

27

63.8

73.4

47.9

28.2

26

63.3

72.9

47.0

27.0

25

62.8

72.4

46.2

25.9

24

62.3

71.9

45.3

24.8

23

61.8

71.3

44.4

23.6

22

61.3

70.8

43.5

22.5

21

60.8

70.3

42.7

21.3

20

60.3

69.8

41.8

20.2

Hardness HB
3000kgf
ball 10 mm

Print
mm

Hardness HRB
100 kgf
ball 1/16

Hardness HRA
60 kgf
diamond cone

N/mm2
for information a)

256

3.79

100

61.5

770

248

3.85

99

60.9

760

240

3.91

98

60.3

750

233

3.96

97

59.7

715

226

4.02

96

59.1

705

219

4.08

95

58.5

690

213

4.14

94

58.0

675

207

4.20

93

57.4

650

202

4.24

92

56.8

635

197

4.30

91

56.2

620

192

4.35

90

55.6

615

187

4.40

89

55.0

605

183

4.45

88

54.5

590

178

4.51

87

53.9

580

174

4.55

86

53.3

570

170

4.60

85

52.7

565

167

4.65

84

52.1

560

163

4.70

83

51.5

550

160

4.74

82

50.9

530

156

4.79

81

50.4

505

153

4.84

80

49.8

495

a) In stainless steels, the cold deformation created by the imprint may alter the hardness values.
Even a variation in the of just a few hundredths of a millimetre can affect the value.
Tensile testing is therefore recommended as the primary test to determine mechanical characteristics.

35

Dicembre 2010

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Lucefin S.p.A.
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