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D2 STANDARD VALUES
C
Si
Mn
P
S
Cr
Mo
V
X153CrMoV12
57 HRC - 62 HRC
max. 255HB
100MnCrW4
57-62 HRC
max. 229 HB
D2 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
D2 is a high carbon- and chromium steel with added alloys like molybdenum and vanadium. It is a high alloy, secondary-hardening, ledeburitic cold work steel. This high chromium steel is known for its low distortion and wear resistance and can also be found under names like 1.2379 or X153CrMoV12.
This Tool Steel and Plastic Mold Steel is often used when high wear resistance, tempering resistance and good ductility is needed. As well as the forementioned properties this steel presents high compression strength, good through-hardenability, high stability during hardening as well as an excellent cutting-edge retention.
The specific heat of this steel grade is typically at ~0.105 BTU/(lb*F) at a temperature of about ~68°F.
D2 TECHNICAL PROPERTIES
Although the steel has some disadvantages. Unlike other steel grades, D2 knife steel is quite brittle. This means that it is in certain conditions more prone to breaking or splitting. Due to the hardness of this steel, it can be more difficult to sharpen compared to other steel grades.
The density of D2 is at a temperature of ~68°F at a value of approx. 0.277 lb/in3.
The heat conductivity value for D2 is typically between 16-25 W/(m*K) at room temperature.
Heat conductivity is a physical property that shows how wella material conducts heat. Heat conductivity is very important for applications which transfer heat or need tight temperature controls. In the following table you can find the heat conductivity values listed for D2.
| Value | By temperature |
|---|---|
| 16.7 W/(m*K) | 68 °F |
| 20.5 W/(m*K) | 662 °F |
| 24.2 W/(m*K ) | 1292°F |
| in 10-6 m/(m*K) | At a temperature of |
|---|---|
| 10.5 | 68 - 212 °F |
| 11.5 | 68 - 392 °F |
| 11.9 | 68 - 572 °F |
| 12.2 | 68 - 752 °F |
The specific heat capacity of D2 is between 0.1003 – 0.1099 BTU (lb*°F)at room temperature.
The specific heat capacity is a physical property of D2 and shows how much heat is needed to heat 1lb of material by 1 Fahrenheit.
| value | At a temperature of |
|---|---|
| ~ 0,453 (Ohm*mm²)/m | ~ 68 °F |
| ~ 0,515 (Ohm*mm²)/m | ~ 212 °F |
| ~ 0,596 (Ohm*mm²)/m | ~ 392 °F |
| ~ 0,695 (Ohm*mm²)/m | ~ 572 °F |
| ~ 0,798 (Ohm*mm²)/m | ~ 752 °F |
| ~ 0,908 (Ohm*mm²)/m | ~ 932 °F |
The relationship between stress and strain of steel is being described in the modulus of elasticity (Young’s Modulus) and can be found in the table below with the according values and temperatures.
| Value | At a temperature of |
|---|---|
| ~ 31,183 KSI | ~ 68 °F |
| ~ 30,602 KSI | ~ 212 °F |
| ~ 29.587 KSI | ~ 392 °F |
| ~ 28,717 KSI | ~ 572 °F |
| ~ 27,702 KSI | ~ 752 °F |
| ~ 26,396 KSI | ~ 932 °F |
D2 AS PRECISION GROUND FLAT STOCK, EDM BLOCK, HARD FLAT OR DRILL ROD.
D2 PROCEDURE
For instance, at a thickness of 3 inch the holding time will be 3 hours.
Then remove the work piece from the container if one has been used and cool in still air or with a mild dry air blast to a temperature of 151°F, Then, temper immediately. This steel grade is an oil hardening steel and work pieces can be cooled in oil as well. By cooling this material grade down with oil, a higher hardness and wear resistance may be achieved.
Before work pieces are immersed into the quenching medium oil, the oil should be preheated to a temperature of 151°F. Parts are then quenched at a temperature of 1800°F and held in the oil until the temperature reaches 1000 – 1200°F. At this temperature the parts can be removed from the oil and cool further in air.
Widely used quenching medias for this steel grade are:
- • Oil for simple geometries
- • Vacuum
- • Forced Air/Air/Gas
- Martempering bath or fluidized bed at 360 – 930°F, then cool in air
The tempering of steel is a heat treatment process that follows hardening and is used to marginally reduce the hardness and strength of the steel and increase the toughness. D2 steel is usually hardened and then tempered to optimise its mechanical properties. The exact process can vary depending on the specific requirements of the application. Generally, it involves heating the steel to a predetermined temperature, holding the parts at that temperature for a specific time and then finish the process by cooling the material down again.
Choose the tempering temperature that needs to be achieved, hold (oven) for at least 2 hours, temper twice and cool between tempering to room temperature. Do not let the tempering temperature drop below 356°F and hold at the chosen temperature for a minimum of two hours.
For more information, please look at the D2 annealing chart below.
As volume changes may occur in steel over time, workpieces that require maximum dimensional stability, such as gauges or structural parts, should be treated below freezing. After quenching, the workpiece should be held at a temperature between -94 to -112°F for 3-4 hours, followed by a series of tempering procedures. Tempering once again influences the abrasion resistance and service life of the respective workpieces. This treatment increases the hardness by 1-3 HRC. Due to the risk of cracking, this procedure should not be used for intricate shapes.
The tempering temperature for D2 is normally between 356 to 572°F but can vary depending on which technical properties are most important for the parts. Usually, a higher tempering temperature will give the parts better ductility but as well to a lower hardness and tensile strength.
The continuous time-temperature-transformation-diagram (short TTT) shows how the micro structure changes over time at different temperatures. This information is important during heat treatment and provides information about the optimum conditions for processes such as hardening, annealing and normalizing.
A TTT-diagram typically shows the various phases and conditions of the steel and show the time and temperature when certain changes happen (e.g., perlite, bainite and martensite).
The isothermal time-temperature-transformation-diagram shows how the structure of the steel at micro level changes over time at a constant temperature.
The isothermal TTT-diagram typically shows various phases and conditions as well and show at what temperature and after what time different phases (e.g., perlite, bainite or martensite) start building.
D2 SURFACE TREATMENT
The nitriding process improves the already high hardness and wear resistant properties of D2 which may be an advantage for applications where these properties are needed for the surface of the parts.
The nitriding process should be carefully monitored to make sure that needed properties are achieved and possible problems as e.g., deformation, or cracking of the steel can be prevented.
D2 PROCESSING
On a scale where 1 is weak and 6 is good, the machinability of D2 reaches a score of 1.
This grade is known for its high hardness and wear resistance. Those properties lend themselves to a variety of tool applications but also limits the machinability for this useful grade.
To perform EDM in the hardened or tempered condition, remove the recast layer completely by stoning and polishing. Then the parts can be tempered once more (at a temperature 77°F below the prior tempering temperature) and should be soaked at this temperature for 2 hours.
D2 can be welded but it should be avoided if possible. Welding this material grade can be challenging and should be done with due care and knowledge. As D2 has a high hardness and contains a high carbon content this steel tends to crack quickly while welding.
Good results can be achieved, when welding tool steel like D2, if the proper precautions are taken during the welding process.
Pre-heat: To avoid stress within the steel and relieve it, the material should be pre-heated to reduce the possibility of cracking. Typically, this grade is being pre-heated to a temperature from 392 – 572°F.
Filler metals: When preparing the joint, it is very important to pay attention to choose the appropriate filler metal and welding process. Often the filler is chosen to be compatible or of similar composition to D2 to ensure the best possible results. When polishing or photo-etching D2, it is necessary to work with a suitable electrode type of matching composition.
Tempering: After welding, the parts should be cooled down slowly and then tempered to reduce the hardness and elevate its ductility again. Tempering helps to prevent possible cracking.
D2 APPLICATION OPTIONS
D2 is a high-performance tool steel, often used for its hardness and wear resistance in many different areas, e.g., in several industrial sectors.
• D2 blanking and stamping tools: This steel grade is used for blanking and stamping tools as its properties make it a good choice for molds and dies.
• D2 Plastic molds: For applications which need a high wear resistance like for example the production of plastic parts Premium D2 is an excellent choice.
• D2 Knives and blades: This steel grade is sometimes used for high quality blades but its hardness makes sharpening them difficult.
D2 CONCLUSION
Practically, this means:
- It is low-distortion
- It is wear-resistant
- It is through-hardenable
- It is pressure-resistant
- It is temper resistant
- It can be nitrided and eroded
- It is dimensionally stable
- Black oxidizing the material is not possible
- Working hardness is a maximum of 62 HRC
Thanks to these properties, it meets the requirements of many different industries.
D2 ALTERNATIVES
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D2 DATASHEET
Download the technical data sheet in PDF format here.
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.