X210Cr12 Steel

Precision ground flat stock / gauge plate can be produced using X210Cr12 steel. Subject to size suitability and availability pieces can be produced in approximately 2 to 3 weeks. Standard and non-standard sizes can be produced.

Pre-heat the X210Cr12  at 900°-950°C then raise temperature to 1050°-1100°C. Soak the steel until uniformly heated. This tool steel is relatively hard at elevated temperature. Therefore, initial hammer blows must be light and the temperature must not fall below 1020°C until the metal begins to flow.

Supplied in the annealed and machineable condition re-annealing will only be necessary if the steel has been forged or hardened by the toolmaker. To anneal, heat slowly and uniformly to 900°C. Soak for three to four hours and allow to cool in the furnace to room temperature. Re-heat to 800-1040°C and again soak for three to four hours. Allow to cool in the furnace to room temperature.

If the tools made from X210Cr12 tool steel are heavily machined, ground or otherwise subjected to cold work, the relief of internal strains is advisable before hardening to minimise the possibility of distortion. Stress relieving should be carried out after rough machining. To stress relieve, heat the component to 600-650°C. Soak well and cool in the furnace or air.

Heat the tools in a controlled atmosphere. If this is not possible, pack hardening is recommended. A reducing atmosphere is desirable. Pre heat the tool steel component to 750-800°C. and allow to soak at this temperature. Then heat up to 1000-1040°C for air cooling, or 980°C for oil quenching. Soak thoroughly at the temperature for half an hour per 25mm of ruling section, then cool or quench accordingly.

Double tempering is recommended. Tempering of X210Cr12 steel should be done with the least possible delay after hardening, preferably when the tools are still hand warm. Select a suitable tempering temperature, bearing in mind the service requirements. Heat slowly and uniformly. When the component has reached the desired temperature, soak for at least sixty minutes. The second temper should be a repetition of the first.

Heat treatment temperatures, including rate of heating, cooling and soaking times will vary due to factors such as the shape and size of each tool steel component. Other considerations during the heat treatment process include the type of furnace, quenching medium and work piece transfer facilities. It is adviseable to consult a heat treatment specialist for full guidance on heat treatment.