Quick Details
1: ASTM L6 steel introduction
In ASTM A681 standard, L6 steel grade is in L-type for special purpose tool steels. AISI L6 tool steel is in the general class of alloy, oil-hardening tool steel that is characterized by good toughness. ASTM L6 tool steel is suitable for use as tools, dies, and machine parts, which require a good combination of hardness and toughness.
Due to its lower carbon content and relatively high nickel content, L6 tool steel has slightly better shock-resistance than more highly alloyed types and should be used where some wear-resistance can be sacrificed for increased toughness.
2: ASTM L6 Steel equivalent
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Country
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China
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Japan
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Germany
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USA
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UK
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Standard
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GB/T 1299
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JIS G4404
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DIN EN ISO4957
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ASTM A681
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BS 4659
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Grade
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5CrNiMo
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SKT4
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1.2713
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L6/T61206
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BH224/5
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3: ASTM L6 steel chemical composition
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ASTM A681
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C
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Mn
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P
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S
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Si
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Cr
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V
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Mo
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Ni
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L6/T61206
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0.65
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0.75
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0.25
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0.80
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0.03
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0.03
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0.10
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0.50
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0.60
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1.20
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. . .
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. . .
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. . .
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0.50
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1.25
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2.00
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1.2714
/55NiCrMoV7
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0.50
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0.60
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0.60
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0.90
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0.03
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0.02
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0.10
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0.40
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0.80
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1.20
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0.05
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0.15
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0.35
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0.55
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1.50
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1.80
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SKT4
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0.50
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0.60
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0.60
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0.90
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0.03
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0.02
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0.10
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0.40
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0.80
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1.20
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0.05
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0.15
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0.35
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0.55
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1.50
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1.80
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BH224/5
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0.49
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0.57
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0.70
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1.00
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0.03
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0.025
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. . .
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0.35
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0.70
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1.10
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. . .
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. . .
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0.25
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0.40
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1.25
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1.80
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4: ASTM L6 steel mechanical properties
The mechanical properties mainly include tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, area or reduction, hardness, impact value, non-metalic inclusion etc. Different heat treatment, the mechanical properties will be different, such as normalized, tempered, QT. If you want to know the properties, kindly contact the salesman.
5: ASTM L6 steel overviews
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Size
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Round
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Dia 6-1200mm
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Plate/Flat/Block
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Thickness
6mm-500mm
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Width
20mm-1000mm
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Process
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EAF+LF+VD+Forged+Heat treatment(optional)
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Heat treatment
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Normalized ; Annealed ; Quenched ; Tempered
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Surface condition
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Black; Peeled; Polished; Machined; Grinded; Turned; Milled
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Delivery condition
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Forged; Hot rolled; Cold drawn
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Test
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Tensile strength, Yield strength, elongation, area of reduction, impact value, hardness, grain size, ultrasonic test, US inspection, magnetic particle testing, etc.
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Payment terms
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T/T;L/C;/Money gram/ Paypal
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Trade terms
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FOB; CIF; C&F; etc..
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Packing
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Standard Packages, or as Customers Request
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Delivery time
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30-45 days
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Application
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ASTM L6 tool steel is for general purpose tools and dies where greater toughness is required, but with some sacrifice of abrasion-resistance.Typically applications are, spindles, forming rolls, punches, blanking and forming dies, trimmer dies, clutch parts, pawls, bearings, chucks parts, rollers, knuckle pins, clutch pins, shear blades.
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6. AISI L6 Tool Steel Heat Treatment
Hardening
Preheating: Heat steel L6 at a rate not exceeding 204°C (400°F) per hour (222°C per hour) to 621-677°C (1150-1250°F) and equalize. Soak for 30 minutes for the first inch (25.4 mm) of thickness, plus 15 minutes for each additional inch (25.4 mm).
Quenching
Quench L6 tool steel in oil to 66-51°C (150-125°F).
Tempering
Temper L6 steels immediately after quenching. Hold at temperature for 1 hour per inch (25.4 mm) of thickness when tempering at 204°C (400°F), 4 hours minimum, then air cool to ambient temperature.
However, where increased toughness is desired, at a sacrifice of some hardness, higher tempering temperatures are often used.
AISI L6 steel does not become brittle, as many other die steels do, when tempered in the range of 232°C to 426°C (450 to 800°F).
To minimize the possibility of cracking, the steel should be tempered immediately after hardening and should be heated slowly to the desired tempering temperature.
Annealing
Annealing of steel L6 must be performed after hot working and before re-hardening.
Heat to 760°C (1400°F) and hold one hour per inch of maximum thickness. Then cool slowly with the furnace at a rate not exceeding 28°C per hour(50°F per hour) to 538°C (1000°F). Continue cooling to ambient temperature in the furnace or in air.
For improved machinability, hold at 760°C (1400°F) for 1 hour per inch (25.4mm) of maximum thickness; 2 hours minimum. Then cool slowly with the furnace cool from 677°C (1250°F) to 760°C (1400°F), hold for 8 hours, then air cool to ambient temperature.
Because of its air-hardening ability, steel L6 should not be normalized.
7: Delivery condition
For hot forged or hot rolled bar, usually the delivery condition is hot forged or rolled, annealed, rough turned.
For hot forged plate, usually the delivery condition is hot forged, annealed, milled surface.
For hot rolled plate, usually the delivery condition is hot rolled, annealed, black surface.
