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Characteristics and Composition of A681 D3 Mold Steel

2024-10-30

A681 D3 die steel is a high-carbon, high-chromium alloy tool steel, whose characteristics and composition can be summarized as follows:
Characteristics
High wear resistance: D3 die steel exhibits high wear resistance, which is 3 to 4 times higher than that of typical low-alloy tool steels, making it excel in applications where wear resistance is required.
Excellent hardenability and hardening capacity: D3 die steel is easy to quench and achieves high hardness after quenching, ensuring the stability and lifespan of molds during use.
Toughness and thermal stability: This steel possesses excellent toughness and thermal stability, capable of enduring significant impact loads and high-temperature environments without easily deforming or cracking.
High compressive strength: D3 die steel also boasts high compressive strength, making it stand out in mold manufacturing that involves high pressure.
Low deformation: The quenched body experiences minimal deformation, ensuring the precision and stability of the mold.
Good machinability and thermal oxidation resistance: D3 die steel is easy to machine and exhibits good thermal oxidation resistance at high temperatures, allowing it to adapt to various complex processing environments.
Composition
The main chemical composition of A681 D3 die steel (in percentages) is as follows:


Element

Minimum

Maximum

Carbon (C)

2.00

2.35 (alternatively stated as 2.30)

Silicon (Si)

0.1

0.6 (alternatively stated as 0.40)

Manganese (Mn)

0.1

0.6 (alternatively stated as 0.40)

Phosphorus (P)

-

0.03

Sulfur (S)

-

0.03 (can be 0.06 to 0.15% in specific cases to improve machinability)

Chromium (Cr)

11

13.5 (alternatively stated as 11.50 to 13.00)

Tungsten (W)

-

1

Vanadium (V)

-

1

Nickel (Ni) + Copper (Cu)

≤0.75

- (when listed separately, Ni ≤ 0.25, Cu ≤ 0.30)

Please note that the above composition data may vary slightly due to different standards and manufacturers. In practical applications, select the appropriate A681 D3 die steel based on specific requirements and standards.
A681 D3 die steel, with its excellent performance and broad adaptability, has been widely used in mold manufacturing and other fields that require high wear resistance and high-strength materials.