Tool Steel A7

Aging Procedure

Not applicable to this alloy.

Annealing Procedure

Anneal at 1625 F and very slowly cool in furnace at a rate of less than 25 F per hour.

Applications

Applications are for intricate die shapes, thread rolling dies, slitters and similar use. A7 has exceptionally high wear resistance.

Cold Workability

Cold working is done by conventional machining operations.

Forgeability

Forging temperature range is 2050 F to 1850 F. Do not forge below 1800 F.

Formability

Forming is accomplished by forging and machining.

Hardening Procedure

See Heat Treatment" and "Tempering".

Heat Treatability

Preheat very slowly to 1500 F and then increase temperature to 1775 F. Hold at temperature for 45 to 60 minutes then air cool (air quench).

Hot Workability

No data given other than for forging. Contact the alloy supplier for information.

Machinability

Machinability of this alloy is low because of the high carbon and alloy content. Using the W group of water hardening low alloy tool steels as a machining reference of 100% the A7 alloy has a rating of about 80%.

Other Comments

A7 is one of the best tool steels from the standpoint of wear resistance. However it has a low toughness rating.

Principle Design Features

This alloy is one of the Cold Work, Medium Air Hardening type tool steels. It is a high carbon alloy containing chromium, molybdenum, vanadium and cobalt as strengthening additions.

Tempering Procedure

Tempering may be done in the range of 300 F for Rockwell C 67 to 1000 F for Rockwell C 57.

Weldability

This is a very high carbon alloy and may be difficult to weld. Consult the alloy supplier.