X45NiCrMo4 Steel

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Applications

Typical applications and components include plastic moulds, blades, cutting tools, jaws and coining tools.

Analysis

Carbon	0.40-0.50%	Chromium	1.20-1.50%
Manganese	0.15-0.45%	Silicon	0.10-0.40%
Sulphur	0.03% max	Nickel	3.80-4.30%
Phosphorous	0.03% max	Molybdenum	0.15-0.35%

Heat the component slowly and uniformly to 1050°C. Re heat the X45NiCrMo4 as necessary and avoid working below a temperature of 850°C. After forging the steel cool slowly in furnace, thermoinsulating material.

Annealing

As this grade is supplied in the annealed and machineable condition re-annealing will only be necessary if the steel has been forged or hardened. Heat the steel uniformly to 630-650°C. Soak well then slowly cool in the furnace to approximately 600°C and then cool in air.

Stress Relieving

When dies produced in X45NiCrMo4 steel are heavily machined, it is recommended to stabilise just before finish machining in order to relieve machining strains. Heat to approximately 650°C soak well and allow to cool in air.

Hardening

Pre heat the steel slowly and uniformly to a temperature between 650-700°C and soak thoroughly. Continue heating the component to afinal hardening temperature of 840-870°C and allow the component to be heated through. Quench the steel in oil or cool in air.

Tempering

Slowly heat the steel component uniformly and thoroughly to the selected tempering temperatures and hold the X45NiCrMo4 component at heat for one hour per 25mm of thickness, but for a minimum of two hours. Cool in air. This grade of steel can be hardened by vacuum furnace and gas quench processes.

Temperature [°C]	100	200	300	400	500	600
Hardness [HRc]	56	54	50	46	42	38

Heat Treatment

Heat treatment temperatures, including rate of heating, cooling and soaking times canvary due to factors such as the shape and size of each X45NiCrMo4 steel component. Other considerations during the heat treatment process include the type of furnace, quenching medium and also the work piece transfer facilities. Please consult your heat treatment specialist for full guidance on heat treatment.

Final Grinding

Select the correct grade of wheel by consulting with a grinding wheel manufacturer. Ensure the grinding wheel is of good quality by means of a suitable dressing tool. Wet grinding is preferable using a copious supply of coolant. If dry grinding is resorted to then use a softer wheel.