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Imagine a material that stands up to the relentless demands of tool and die manufacturing, offering unmatched durability, precision, and performance. Welcome to the world of OHNS die steel, a cornerstone in the realm of high-performance steels. Renowned for its exceptional hardness, wear resistance, and minimal dimensional changes during heat treatment, OHNS die steel is the go-to choice for a myriad of industrial applications.
In this article, we will delve deep into the fascinating attributes of OHNS die steel, exploring its precise chemical composition and the remarkable properties that make it indispensable. Whether you’re an engineer, a tool designer, or a procurement professional, understanding the nuances of OHNS steel is crucial for selecting the right material for your needs. We will also uncover the extensive range of applications, from intricate cutting tools to robust stamping dies, and provide insights into the best practices for heat treatment to achieve optimal performance.
Join us as we embark on a comprehensive journey through the world of OHNS die steel, unraveling the science behind its strength and versatility, and equipping you with the knowledge to leverage its full potential in your industrial endeavors.
OHNS Die Steel, or Oil Hardening Non Shrinking steel, is a highly adaptable tool steel widely used in manufacturing. It is known for its outstanding mechanical properties, making it an ideal choice for tool and die production.
OHNS Die Steel is specifically designed to offer excellent wear resistance, toughness, and dimensional stability—critical attributes for tools and dies exposed to high stress and wear. Its ability to maintain a sharp cutting edge and resist deformation under heavy loads makes it essential for precision tooling.
OHNS Die Steel is used in various industries, such as automotive, aerospace, construction, and oil and gas. Its balanced composition allows it to perform well in different conditions and applications.
A key feature of OHNS Die Steel is its oil hardening capability, which increases its hardness and strength without losing dimensional stability. This steel can achieve a high Rockwell hardness level, making it suitable for demanding applications requiring durability and precision.
OHNS Die Steel is used to manufacture blanking and stamping dies, punches, rotary shear blades, thread cutting tools, milling cutters, reamers, and precision measuring tools. It is also found in woodworking tools, broaches, and other high-performance cutting tools.
In summary, OHNS Die Steel is a vital material in tool and die manufacturing, offering a unique blend of high hardness, wear resistance, and dimensional stability—making it a preferred choice for creating durable and precise tools and components.
OHNS Die Steel, also known as AISI O1 Tool Steel, is specifically formulated to enhance its mechanical properties, making it ideal for various industrial uses. The elements present in OHNS Die Steel contribute to its hardness, toughness, wear resistance, and dimensional stability.
Carbon is a critical element in OHNS Die Steel, with a content ranging between 0.85% and 1.00%, significantly contributing to its hardness and strength. This high carbon percentage allows the steel to be hardened effectively, providing the necessary wear resistance for tool and die applications.
Silicon, present in the range of 0.20% to 0.40% (or 0.15% to 0.35% in some specifications), acts as a deoxidizing agent, improving the steel’s strength and hardness.
Manganese content in OHNS Die Steel ranges from 1.00% to 1.30%, with some specifications noting a range of 1.00% to 1.20%. Manganese enhances the steel’s hardenability and tensile strength, adding to its overall toughness.
Phosphorus is kept to a maximum of 0.015% (up to 0.030% in some specifications) to improve machinability while avoiding brittleness.
Sulfur content is controlled to a maximum of 0.010% (up to 0.030% in some specifications) to enhance machinability without compromising toughness.
Chromium, present in the range of 0.50% to 0.70%, provides corrosion resistance and increases hardenability and wear resistance, making it more durable for demanding applications.
Tungsten, present between 0.50% and 0.70%, enhances high-temperature strength and hardness, crucial for maintaining sharp cutting edges and durability under stress.
The balanced chemical composition of OHNS Die Steel ensures it has the necessary attributes for high-performance applications, offering a blend of hardness, toughness, wear resistance, and dimensional stability, making it a reliable choice for tool and die manufacturing.
OHNS Die Steel is known for its outstanding hardness, which is vital for tool and die applications. After proper heat treatment, it can achieve a hardness of up to HRC 65, ensuring that tools made from OHNS steel withstand significant wear and maintain their cutting edges over extended periods.
The maximum tensile strength of OHNS Die Steel is up to 950 N/mm², meaning it can resist breaking under tension, making it suitable for heavy load applications.
With a yield strength of around 465 N/mm², OHNS Die Steel can endure significant stress before permanently deforming.
OHNS Die Steel has an elongation of about 10%, which allows for some flexibility before breaking.
The impact strength is around 25 joules, meaning the steel can absorb energy during impacts without fracturing.
OHNS Die Steel has good thermal conductivity, which helps dissipate heat during machining and tool use, with values ranging from 31.1 to 33.4 W/(m*K) depending on the temperature.
The density of OHNS Die Steel is about 7.81 g/cm³, providing a good balance between strength and weight.
Soft annealing involves heating the steel to 750-780°C and then cooling it in a furnace, making it easier to machine and shape.
Stress-relief annealing at around 650°C reduces internal stresses, ensuring dimensional stability and minimizing the risk of distortion.
Hardening involves heating to 780-820°C and quenching in oil, air, or a salt bath at 180-220°C, significantly increasing the steel’s hardness and strength.
OHNS Die Steel is known for minimal dimensional changes during heat treatment, which is crucial for precision tools requiring tight tolerances and consistent dimensions. The steel’s ability to maintain its shape and size under varying temperatures ensures reliable performance in high-precision applications.
The high hardness and toughness of OHNS Die Steel provide excellent wear resistance, essential for tools that face constant friction and abrasive conditions. This ensures a longer tool life, reducing the frequency of replacements and maintenance.
Despite its high hardness, OHNS Die Steel maintains good toughness, absorbing energy and resisting fracturing, making it ideal for cutting tools and dies that experience high impact and wear.
While not as corrosion-resistant as stainless steel, the chromium content in OHNS Die Steel offers some protection against rust and oxidation, extending tool lifespan in moist or corrosive environments.
OHNS Die Steel is favored in the tool and die industry for its exceptional hardness, wear resistance, and stability. Its versatility extends across various industries, making it a valuable material for numerous applications.
OHNS Die Steel is ideal for:
OHNS Die Steel is used for components demanding high hardness and wear resistance, such as:
The aerospace industry values OHNS Die Steel for its high temperature and stress resistance. Key applications include:
The construction industry chooses OHNS Die Steel for its wear and corrosion resistance. Its toughness and durability make it ideal for load-bearing components like structural beams and columns. Additionally, it is used for sharp, wear-resistant cutting and drilling tools.
The oil and gas industry needs materials like OHNS Die Steel for harsh environments. Its wear resistance and toughness make it perfect for drilling tools. Its properties benefit components in high-pressure, corrosive environments and are used to produce molds and dies for industry equipment.
OHNS Die Steel stands out for its unique blend of hardness, toughness, wear resistance, and heat resistance, making it indispensable across industries from manufacturing to aerospace and oil and gas. Its continued relevance is assured by its ability to deliver precision and durability under the toughest conditions.
To anneal OHNS Die Steel, heat it to a temperature between 700-720°C (1292-1328°F). Maintain this temperature for at least 2 minutes per millimeter of thickness, then cool slowly in a furnace to about 600°C (1112°F) before air cooling. This process softens the steel, enhancing its machinability and relieving internal stresses.
Heat the steel to 600-650°C (1112-1202°F) and hold for at least 2 minutes per millimeter of thickness to reduce internal stresses. Cool the steel in air or in the furnace.
Heat the steel uniformly to 780-820°C (1436-1508°F). Preheat at 300-500°C (572-932°F) to prevent thermal shock. Hold at the hardening temperature for 30 minutes per 25 mm of section. Quench immediately in oil, air, or a salt bath at 180-220°C (356-428°F) to increase hardness and strength.
After hardening, temper the steel to achieve the desired properties and relieve stresses from quenching. Temper at 177-260°C (350-500°F) based on the required hardness, typically aiming for 57-65 HRC. Heat to the selected temperature, hold, then cool in air.
Proper heat treatment gives OHNS Die Steel a Rockwell C hardness of up to 65, making it suitable for high wear resistance and sharp cutting edges. The steel maintains good dimensional stability, crucial for precision tools. Its fine grain structure ensures toughness and durability, withstanding heavy loads and impacts.
Preheat OHNS Die Steel to prevent thermal shock and cracking during hardening. Choose the quenching medium (oil, air, or salt bath) based on the desired balance of hardness and toughness. Select the tempering temperature carefully to achieve the required hardness and application needs.
OHNS Die Steel, also known as Oil Hardening Non Shrinking Die Steel, is standardized globally. Knowing these standards and their equivalents is crucial for specifying and sourcing this steel for various industrial applications.
In North America, OHNS Die Steel is designated as AISI O1 by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), specifying its material properties and composition.
In Germany, OHNS Die Steel is classified under DIN 100MnCrW4 and DIN 1.2510, detailing its chemical composition and mechanical properties.
The European Norm (EN) standard for OHNS Die Steel is EN 10228-3 Class 4 and SEP 1921 Class E/e, specifying the steel’s quality for high-precision applications.
In France, the AFNOR standard for OHNS Die Steel is 90MWCV5, ensuring it meets specific requirements for hardness and wear resistance.
In Japan, OHNS Die Steel is recognized as JIS SKS3, detailing the required properties for tool steels.
OHNS Die Steel has equivalents across various standards, ensuring global recognition and consistent quality. These equivalents help ensure the steel meets the necessary specifications for performance and compatibility worldwide:
Understanding OHNS Die Steel standards and equivalents is crucial for engineers, designers, and procurement professionals. This knowledge aids in sourcing materials correctly and ensuring reliability in various applications.
Numerous reputable suppliers provide OHNS Die Steel in various forms and services, tailored to meet diverse industrial requirements. Below are some key suppliers known for their high-quality OHNS Die Steel products.
Textron Steel and Alloys stands out as a leading supplier of OHNS Die Steel, offering an extensive range of products such as round bars, flats, and squares. Their OHNS Die Steel is renowned for its deep hardening qualities, fine grain structure, and exceptional toughness. Textron ensures widespread availability by supplying to various cities and states.
Kranti Alloy Steel, located in Pune, India, is a top supplier and trader of OHNS Die Steel products. They offer a comprehensive range of steel grades at competitive prices, ensuring clients have access to the materials they need for various applications. Kranti Alloy Steel also provides consulting services to help buyers and suppliers make informed decisions.
Orange Steel India specializes in supplying OHNS Steel Round Bar, DIN 1.2510 Rod/Hex, and other forms, serving international markets such as Europe, UAE, UK, and Malaysia. Their OHNS Die Steel products are known for their high hardness, durability, and supreme finish, making them suitable for demanding industrial applications.
Choosing a reputable supplier for OHNS Die Steel offers multiple benefits, including quality assurance, technical support, a wide range of products, and global reach.
Consider these factors when selecting an OHNS Die Steel supplier:
Choosing the right OHNS Die Steel supplier is essential for guaranteeing the quality and performance of your tools and components. Reputable suppliers like Textron Steel and Alloys, Kranti Alloy Steel, and Orange Steel India offer high-quality products and services. By considering factors such as reputation, product range, and customer service, you can make an informed decision when sourcing OHNS Die Steel.
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions:
The chemical composition of OHNS die steel, also known as AISI O1 or DIN 1.2510, includes the following elements within their respective percentage ranges: Carbon (0.85% to 1.00%), Silicon (0.15% to 0.40%), Manganese (1.00% to 1.30%), Phosphorus (maximum 0.030% or 0.015%), Sulfur (maximum 0.030% or 0.010%), Chromium (0.50% to 0.70%), and Tungsten (0.50% to 0.70%). These elements contribute to the steel’s hardness, wear resistance, and heat resistance, making it suitable for various tool and die applications.
OHNS die steel possesses several key properties that make it suitable for various industrial applications. It is known for its oil hardening and minimal dimensional changes during heat treatment, ensuring precision in applications requiring exact dimensions. The steel exhibits excellent wear resistance and toughness, which are essential for tool and die applications where high hardness and strength are needed. It responds well to heat treatment, achieving a hardness level of up to HRC 65 with minimal dimensional changes. OHNS die steel also maintains good dimensional stability during heat treatment and offers excellent corrosion resistance due to its high carbon content and the presence of chromium. Additionally, it is highly resistant to heat, making it suitable for industries such as automotive and aerospace where components are exposed to high temperatures.
OHNS die steel is commonly used in tool and die making, particularly for manufacturing dies and molds that must withstand high pressure and stress. It is ideal for creating blanking and stamping dies, punches, rotary shear blades, thread cutting tools, milling cutters, reamers, measuring tools, and gauging tools. In the automotive industry, it is utilized for producing components such as fasteners that require high durability and resistance to wear and heat. The aerospace industry benefits from its high heat resistance and strength for components exposed to extreme temperatures. In the construction industry, it is used for structural components resistant to weathering and corrosion. Additionally, the oil and gas industry employs OHNS die steel for its corrosion resistance and ability to endure harsh environments.
OHNS die steel is heat-treated and hardened through a series of critical steps to enhance its mechanical properties. The process begins with preheating, if necessary, at temperatures between 300-500°C to ensure uniform heating. The steel is then heated uniformly to 780-820°C until it is completely heated through. After reaching the hardening temperature, the steel is immediately quenched in oil, typically maintained at 180-220°C, to prevent any loss of hardness. Following quenching, tempering is performed at temperatures ranging from 177-260°C to reduce brittleness and achieve the desired hardness and toughness, resulting in a Rockwell C hardness of 57 to 62. Proper time and temperature control, along with a rapid cooling rate during quenching, are crucial. Additionally, stress-relief annealing at approximately 650°C may be conducted to relieve internal stresses, and soft annealing at 750-780°C can be done to reduce hardness for better machinability. This comprehensive heat treatment process ensures OHNS die steel maintains its exceptional properties such as toughness, wear resistance, and heat resistance.
OHNS die steel, also known as AISI O1, has several standards and equivalents across different regions. The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) designation is O1. In Germany, it is recognized as DIN 1.2510. Some European standards refer to it as 100MnCrW4. The French standard designation is AFNOR 90MWCV5, and in Japan, it is known under the Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) as SKS3. These equivalents ensure that OHNS die steel can be identified and used globally, maintaining its versatility and reliability across various industrial applications.
