PM Tool Steel

Z-Wear PM

Z-Wear PM Tool Steel Data Sheet

Z-Wear PM is a PM grade of cold-work tool steel that offers high value, exceptional versatility, high toughness and high hardness. It offers wear resistance better than A-2 and D-2, and a high amount of toughness even at the hardness level of RC 63. Z-Wear PM exhibits excellent machinabilty and grindability as well as heat treat response. Common tool coatings and surface treatments adhere well to this substrate.

Chemical Composition

Carbon	1.15%
Tungsten	1.00%
Chromium	7.50%
Molybdenum	1.60%
Vanadium	2.40%

Typical Applications

Stamping Punches	Forming Punches
Thread Rolling Tools	Fine Blanking Tools
Nozzles and Screws	Powder Compaction Punches
Plastic Injection Molding

Z-Wear-PM tool steel comparison chart

Thermal Treatments

Preheat : 1500/1550F (820/845C), equalize, Second preheating stage at 1700/1750F (925/955C)recommended for vacuum or atmosphere hardening. equalize.

Austenize : 1850/2050F (1010/1120C), 30/45 minutes at temperature. Standard recommendation to achieve RC 60-62 after tempering is to use 1950F (1065C)

Quench : Air, salt, oil or atmosphere quench to 1000-1100F(540-595C), equalize, then air cool to below 125F(50C) or hand warm. Vacuum or atmosphere quench rate through 1850-1300F(1010-705C) range is critical to achieve optimum heat treat results. Step quenching can reduce distortion on large tools.

Temper : 1000F (540C) minimum, hold 2 hours at temperature, air cool. Temper twice minimum. Triple tempering is recommended if austenizing at 1950F (1065C)or above.

Cryogenic Treating : Refrigeration treatments may improve long term dimensional stability by transforming retained austenite. Refrigeration treatments should generally be performed after the first temper, and must be followed by a temper.

Hardening Data

Temperature		1850F	1900F	1950F	2000F	2050F
°C	°F	(1025C)	(1040C)	(1065C)	(1095C)	(1125C)
As Quenched		60	61	62	63	64
OPTIMUM FOR MAXIMUM TOUGHNESS AND EFFECTIVE STRESS-RELIEVING
540	1000	57	59	61	62	64
550	1025	55	57	58	61	62
565	1050	51	54	55	57	59

NOTE A: RESULTS MAY VARY WITH HARDENING METHOD AND SECTION SIZE. SALT OR OIL QUENCHING WILL GIVE MAXIMUM RESPONSE. VACUUM OR ATMOSPHERE COOLING MAY RESULT IN UP TO 1-2 HRC POINTS LOWER.
MINIMUM TIME AT AUST TEMP (MINS)	60	45	30	20	15
MINIMUM NUMBER OF TEMPERS (2 HRS)	2	2	3	3	3

Surface Treatments

Z-Wear PM can be nitrided, steam tempered or titanium-nitride coated if desired. If the CVD TiN treatment is used, care is required in vacuum hardening. Consult your coating vendor to select the optimum process for your application.

Annealing

Heat to 1600F (870C), hold 2 hours, slow cool 30F (15C)/hour maximum) to 1000F (540C), air cool.

Typical annealed hardness: 225/248 BHN.

Stress Relieving

Annealed Material: Heat to 1100/1300F(595/740C), hold two hours, cool in still air.
Hardened Material: Heat to 25F(15C) below original tempering temperature, hold two hours, cool in still air.

Welding

Welding of Z-Wear PM is generally not recommended due to the fine-grain microstructure produced by the PM process. If weld repair must be performed, use air hardening tool steel filler material.

Annealed Material: Preheat 1000/1100F(540/595C), maintain over 1000F(540C) during welding. Reanneal or temper 1550F(845C) 6 hours after welding.

Hardened Material: Preheat to 25F(15C) below original tempering temperature (1000F(540C) minimum). Maintain above 900F(480C) during welding. Cool to 150F(65C) after welding. Temper 25F(15C) below original tempering temperature. Minimum 1000F(540C)

Physical Properties

Modulus of Elasticity	30psix10(6)	(210 GPa)
Density	0.277 lb/in3	(7565 kg/M3)
Thermal Conductivity	13.5 BTU/hr./ft./F	22 W/m/ °K)