Tool Steel T6

Aging Procedure

Not applicable to this alloy.

Annealing Procedure

Anneal at 1625 F and slow cool in the furnace at a rate less than 40 F per hour.

Applications

T6 is used for cutting tools and drills.

Cold Workability

In the annealed condition this alloy may be cold worked by conventional methods.

Forgeability

Forge at 2125 F down to 1850 F. Do not forge below 1800 F.

Formability

T6 may be formed in the annealed condition by conventional methods.

Hardening Procedure

See "Heat Treatment" and "Tempering".

Heat Treatability

Preheat to 1550 F and then heat rapidly to 2325 - 2350 F and hold at temperature for 2 to 5 minutes. Quench in air, salt bath, or oil.

Hot Workability

See "Forging".

Machinability

The machinability of this alloy is relatively low, rating about 45% that of the W group water hardening simple alloy tool steels.

Principle Design Features

This alloy is a High Speed, tungsten type tool steel.****This alloy is a High Speed, tungsten type tool steel. It contains 20% tungsten and 12% cobalt for good strength and hot strength.

Tempering Procedure

Temper T6 at 1000 to 1100 F for Rockwell C of 65 to 60.

Weldability

This alloy may be welded. However it has a high tungsten and high cobalt content such that the alloy supplier should be consulted for welding practice.