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420 LC STANDARD VALUES

Composition - Chemical analysis:

C

0.05 – 0.05

Si

0.2 – 0.3

Mn

0.9 – 1

S

0.12 – 0.12

Cr

12.5 – 12.5

Ni

0.4 – 0.45
Chemical name:
~X5CrS12
Working hardness:
approx. 33 HRC (delivery condition)
Delivery condition:
max. 330 HB
Chemical name:
~X5CrS12
Working hardness:
approx. 33 HRC (delivery condition)
Delivery condition:
max. 330 HB
420 lc tool steel physical properties
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420 LC PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

420 LC a pre-hardened, corrosion resistant plastic mold steel is magnetic in its annealed and hardened condition, showing improved machinability and corrosion resistance compared to 420 FM.

It is noted for its high dimensional stability and consistent hardness in all cross sections as well as its good compressive strength, heat conductivity and weldability. For this tool steel grade, further heat treatment is not intended.

To be classed as a stainless steel a material has to be alloyed with at least 10.5% chromium. That means the 420 LC is a stainless steel with an alloying content of 12.5% chromium.
The 420 LC can be classed as corrosion resistant as it has a mass fraction of 12.5% chrome.

On a scale where 1 is weak and 6 is good, the corrosion resistance for 420 LC stands at 6.
This corrosion resistant mold steel can be used for the processing of aggressive plastics, in humid climatic conditions and condensation building environments.
As a martensitic stainless steel the 420 LC has a crystal structure that is ferromagnetic, this makes the 420 LC magnetizable and is suitable for magnetic clamping.
On a scale where 1 is low and 6 is high the 420 LC comes in at 2.
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420 LC TECHNICAL PROPERTIES

The 420 LC is not typically classified as knife steel. A good knife steel has a good balance of corrosion resistance, edge retention, chipping resistance and is easy to sharpen.

Though the 420 LC has some of those properties others are too low, like the edge retention for example, to make a good quality knife.
The working hardness for the 420 LC on delivery is at approx. 308 BHN (33 HRC).

Typically the density of 420 LC tool steel is 0.278 lb/in3 (7.7g/cm3) at room temperature.

The tensile strength for tool steel 420 LC is approx. 163.1 KSI (0.145KSI = 1MPa). This value is the result from a tensile test to show how much force is needed before the material starts to stretch or elongate before it breaks.

The thermal conductivity for tool steel 420 LC is at 23.9 W/(m*K) (166 BTU/(h-ft*°F)) at room temperature.

The thermal expansion coefficient shows how much the material might expand or contract when the temperature is changed. This is a very important information, especially when working with high temperature or where there are strong temperature changes during applications.

Medium thermal expansion coefficient

10-6m/(m • K)

At a temperature of

10.25 

68 - 212°F 

10.72

68 - 392°F 

11.14

68 - 572°F 

11.58

68 - 752°F 

12.02

68 -932°F 


The specific heat capacity of the 420 LC tool steel at room temperature is at 0.46 J/g-°C (0.109 BTU/lb-°F).

This value shows how much heat is needed  to heat 1lb of material by 1 Fahrenheit.

The following table shows the electrical resistivity of the 420 LC.

Table of the specific electrical resistivity

Value

At a temperature of

0.65  (Ohm*mm²)/m

68°F


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420 lc tool steel procedures
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420 LC PROCEDURE

Protect and uniformly heat the 420 LC workpiece to a temperature of 1562 - 1616°F (850 - 880°C) and cool them in the furnace.
As 420 LC corrosion resistant plastic mold steel comes pre-hardened, further heat treatment is not intended and can be used in its as delivered condition.

If it is necessary to heat treat the 420 LC to a higher hardness see “Hardening” below. Higher hardness does reduce toughness and hardenability for this steel grade though.
Heat the workpiece uniformly to 896°F (480°C) and hold at the temperature for 2 hours, then cool the 420 LC in the furnace or in sand.
If further or re-hardening of the 420 LC mold steel is necessary, the steel should be soft annealed before hardening.

Heat the parts uniformly to a temperature of 1922°F (1050°C) and hold it for half an hour. To prevent decarburization and oxidation the material should be protected during the hardening process.

Cooling the 420 LC in oil, care should be taken that the rate of cooling is not as fast as to distort or crack the material.

As soon as the material has been cooled down to 120 - 160°F (50 - 70°C) it should be tempered.

Oil

Double temper the 420LC workpieces for a minimum of 2 hours directly after hardening.

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420 LC SURFACE TREATMENT

Polishing can be one kind of surface treatment, it can help corrosion resistance but has an appealing effect as well.
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420 LC PROCESSING

On a scale where 1 is weak and 6 is good, the machinability of 420 LC reaches a score of 6.

420 LC can be welded without pre or post heating. Fillers should be similar to the chemical composition and mechanical properties of the base metal.

No over-hardened heat affected zones are developed around the weld material. As a result, the risk of weld-induced cracking during repairs or later in operation is eliminated.

If large weld repairs are done it is recommended to reduce residual stresses by stress relieving the parts at a maximum temperature of 896°F (480°C).

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420 LC APPLICATION OPTIONS

420 LC is used for mold assemblies, mold frames, corrosion resistant tools, basic components but also for tools with high cutting volumes. It can be used for hot runners, support plates, for aggressive plastics, in humid climates and in environments building condensation.

• Mechanical engineering
• Apparatus engineering
• Plastic processing
• Injection tools
• Base plates
• Assembling parts
• Molding frames
• Plastic molds
• Extrusion tools
• Valves
• Steam valves
• Water valves
• Fittings parts
• Pump construction
• Pump rods
• Compressor construction
• Compressor parts
• Surgical instruments

420 lc tool steel application options
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420 LC CONCLUSION

420 LC is a good choice for plastic molds and offers an excellent combination of corrosion resistance, wear resistance, dimensional stability and machinability. Its good properties give this steel a long service life, a high surface quality and make it low-maintenance.

Practically, this means:

- Uniform strength
- For environments with high humidity
- Good weldability
- Is magnetic
- Is low-distortion
- Not suitable for nitriding and eroding
- Working hardness of 33 HRC in delivery condition
find an alternative to 420 lc tool steel
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420 LC ALTERNATIVES

Are you looking for an alternative steel grade?

WE HAVE THE SOLUTION!

With the ABRAMS STEEL GUIDE, you can obtain an alternative or equivalent steel grade with just a few clicks.

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420 LC DATASHEET

Download the technical data sheet in PDF format here.

download 420 lc tool steel data sheet
Disclaimer

The data shown here has been compiled with the greatest diligence and is regularly updated with regard to the correctness and completeness of its content. The content is indicative only and should not be taken as a warranty of specific properties of the product described or a warranty of suitability for a particular purpose. All information presented is given in good faith and no liability will be accepted for actions taken by third parties in reliance on this information. ABRAMS Industries reserves the right to change or amend the information given here in full or parts without prior notice.