Tool Steels A7

Not applicable to this alloy.

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

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

Cold working is done by conventional machining operations.

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

Forming is accomplished by forging and machining.

See Heat Treatment" and "Tempering".

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).

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

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%.

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

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

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