Description
AISI D3 Tool Steel
AISI D3 tool steel is a high-carbon, high-chromium cold work tool steel renowned for its exceptional wear resistance, hardness, and ability to maintain its properties under various conditions. It is commonly used for tools that are subjected to severe wear and impact, making it a preferred choice for manufacturing dies, punches, and other industrial tools.
Key Features of AISI D3 Tool Steel:
- Superior Wear Resistance: AISI D3 is designed to withstand abrasive wear due to its high carbon and chromium content, making it ideal for high-demand applications.
- High Hardness: After proper heat treatment, D3 can achieve a hardness of 55-62 HRC, ensuring that tools maintain sharp cutting edges over extended periods.
- Good Toughness: Despite its high hardness, AISI D3 maintains good toughness, reducing the risk of chipping and cracking during use.
- Excellent Dimensional Stability: D3 exhibits minimal distortion during heat treatment, ensuring tools retain their intended dimensions.
Applications of AISI D3 Tool Steel:
- Dies and Punches: AISI D3 is widely used in the production of dies and punches for various stamping and forming operations due to its hardness and wear resistance.
- Cold Work Tools: It is ideal for cold work tools, where durability and resistance to wear are critical.
- Cutting Tools: D3 is used in the manufacturing of cutting tools that require high hardness and wear resistance.
- Forming Tools: This steel is suitable for various forming tools that endure high impact and wear.
- Industrial Blades: AISI D3 is frequently utilized in industrial blades, ensuring long-lasting performance.
Chemical Composition of AISI D3 Tool Steel:
| Element | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 2.00 – 2.35 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.40 – 0.70 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.40 – 0.80 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 11.00 – 13.00 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.70 – 1.20 |
| Vanadium (V) | 0.10 – 0.30 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.03 max |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.03 max |
Grades of AISI D3 Tool Steel:
| Grade | Key Features | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| D3 | High wear resistance, excellent hardness, good toughness, minimal distortion during heat treatment | Dies, punches, cold work tools, cutting tools, forming tools, industrial blades |
| D3 PM (Powder Metallurgy) | Enhanced wear resistance and toughness due to refined microstructure | Precision tooling, high-performance applications in industrial settings |
Heat Treatment Process:
AISI D3 tool steel is typically heat treated through austenitizing at temperatures ranging from 1020°C to 1080°C (1868°F to 1976°F), followed by quenching in oil. It is then tempered at temperatures between 150°C to 200°C (302°F to 392°F) to achieve the desired hardness while reducing residual stresses.
Advantages of AISI D3 Tool Steel:
- Outstanding Wear Resistance: AISI D3’s high chromium content provides exceptional wear resistance, making it suitable for heavy-duty applications.
- High Hardness: The steel maintains high hardness even under high-temperature conditions, ensuring sharp cutting edges.
- Good Toughness: D3 offers a good balance of hardness and toughness, making it less prone to tool failure.
- Dimensional Stability: AISI D3 exhibits minimal distortion during heat treatment, maintaining precise dimensions in tooling.
Conclusion:
AISI D3 tool steel is a high-performance material that excels in applications requiring exceptional wear resistance, hardness, and toughness. Its unique properties make it an ideal choice for manufacturing dies, punches, and other industrial tools that operate under severe conditions. With its ability to maintain sharpness and withstand high impact, AISI D3 remains a popular option among manufacturers and toolmakers looking for durable and reliable tooling solutions.
