Description
AISI A2 Tool Steel: Detailed Overview
AISI A2 is a high-carbon, air-hardening tool steel known for its excellent wear resistance, toughness, and versatility. It is widely utilized in various industrial applications, particularly for tools that require high performance and durability.
Introduction to AISI A2 Tool Steel
AISI A2 belongs to the category of cold work tool steels and is characterized by its ability to harden in air, eliminating the need for quenching in oil or water. This feature helps reduce the risk of distortion during the hardening process. A2 steel is known for its good balance of hardness and toughness, making it suitable for a wide range of tooling applications.
Key Features of AISI A2 Tool Steel:
- Good Hardness: Achievable hardness levels of up to 62 HRC through proper heat treatment.
- Wear Resistance: Excellent resistance to abrasion, ideal for cutting and shaping tools.
- Toughness: Good impact resistance, ensuring durability under heavy loads.
- Dimensional Stability: Minimal distortion during heat treatment, maintaining precision in tool dimensions.
Applications of AISI A2 Tool Steel
AISI A2 is utilized in a diverse range of industries due to its outstanding mechanical properties. Common applications include:
- Manufacturing Industry: Cutting tools, such as punches, dies, and blades.
- Tooling: Molds for plastic and rubber parts.
- Automotive: Components requiring precision and durability.
- Aerospace: Tools for high-performance applications.
Equivalent Grades of AISI A2 Tool Steel
AISI A2 is recognized under various standards, ensuring compatibility across different regions and industries.
| Standard | Equivalent Grade |
|---|---|
| DIN | 1.2363 |
| EN | A2 |
| JIS | SKD12 |
Chemical Composition of AISI A2 Tool Steel
The chemical composition of AISI A2 is tailored to achieve optimal hardness and wear resistance. The typical composition is as follows:
| Element | Composition (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.95 – 1.05 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 4.75 – 5.50 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.40 max |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.40 max |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 1.00 – 1.50 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.03 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.03 |
This composition ensures high hardness and wear resistance while maintaining good toughness.
Mechanical Properties of AISI A2 Tool Steel
The mechanical properties of AISI A2 are critical for evaluating its performance in demanding applications. The following table summarizes these properties:
| Property | Value (Typical) |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 1700 – 2100 |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | 1400 – 1800 |
| Elongation (%) | ≥ 5 |
| Impact Toughness (J) | ≥ 30 (at room temp) |
| Hardness (HRC) | 60 – 62 |
These values indicate the steel’s capability to withstand high stresses and impacts.
Heat Treatment of AISI A2 Tool Steel
Heat treatment processes are essential for achieving the desired mechanical properties in AISI A2. Common processes include:
- Hardening: Heat to 1750°F (955°C) and air cool to increase hardness.
- Tempering: Heat to 400°F (204°C) or higher after hardening to reduce brittleness and improve toughness.
- Normalizing: Heat to 1600°F (870°C) and air cool to refine grain structure and enhance toughness.
These treatments help tailor the steel’s properties for specific applications.
Hardness of AISI A2 Tool Steel
The hardness of AISI A2 can be adjusted through heat treatment processes. Typical hardness values are:
- Annealed Condition: 200 – 250 HB
- After Hardening and Tempering: Up to 62 HRC
These hardness values reflect the steel’s capability to resist wear and deformation under load.
Physical Properties of AISI A2 Tool Steel
The physical properties of AISI A2 contribute to its performance and reliability. The following table summarizes these properties:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density (g/cm³) | 7.85 |
| Melting Point (°C) | 1425 – 1460 |
| Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) | 25 – 30 |
| Specific Heat Capacity (J/kg·K) | 460 – 480 |
These properties ensure stability and performance in various operating conditions.
Machinability of AISI A2 Tool Steel
AISI A2 tool steel exhibits good machinability, particularly in its annealed condition. It can be machined into complex shapes using standard cutting tools, though care should be taken to manage tool wear during high-hardness operations.
Welding of AISI A2 Tool Steel
Welding AISI A2 is possible, but precautions should be taken. Preheating to about 300°F (150°C) is recommended to minimize the risk of cracking. Post-weld heat treatment may also be necessary to relieve residual stresses.
Supply Cities:
Mumbai Ahmedabad, Amaravathi, Ambattur, Bangalore, Belgaum, Chennai, Chittoor, Coimbatore, Dindigul, Mysore, Nellore, Hyderabad, Kochi, Mangalore, Tirupur, Tuticorin, Madurai, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Puducherry, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Visakhapatnam, Kochi, Kerala, Hubli-Dharwad, Karnataka, Ghaziabad Kolkata.
