H42 Tool Steel - Molybdenum Hot-Work Tool Steel

Sep 13 2012

Topics Covered

Introduction
Chemical Composition
Physical Properties
Mechanical Properties
Thermal Properties
Processing Properties
Other Designations

Introduction

Hot work tool steels are known as Group H steels. These are divided into three sub-groups such as molybdenum hot-work steels, tungsten hot-work steels, and chromium hot-work steels. Molybdenum is a carbide former and a silvery white metal, which can be alloyed with other elements. It has good weldability and secondary hardening characteristics. It promotes formation of fine grain and increases temper brittleness. The molybdenum hot-work steels include types H42 and H43.

The H42 steels are considered as a principal alloy of the molybdenum hot-work steel category. The composition of the molybdenum hot-work steels is similar to that of molybdenum high-speed steels. Applications and characteristics of the molybdenum hot-work steels are similar to that of tungsten hot-work steels.

Chemical Composition

The following table shows the chemical composition of H42 tools steels.

Element Content (%)
C 0.55-0.70
Mn 0.15-0.40
Cr 3.75-4.50
Ni 0.3
Mo 4.50-5.50
W 5.50-6.75
V 1.75-2.20
Cu 0.25
P 0.03
S 0.03

Physical Properties

The physical properties of H42 tool steels are outlined in the following table.

Properties Metric Imperial
Density 8.15 g/cc 0.294 lb/in3

Mechanical Properties

The mechanical properties of H42 steels are tabulated below.

Properties Metric Imperial
Hardness, Rockwell C 50.0 - 60.0 50.0 - 60.0
Poisson's ratio (25°C) 0.27-0.30 0.27-0.30
Elastic modulus 190-210 GPa 27557-30458 ksi

Thermal Properties

The table below shows the thermal properties of H42 tool steels.

Properties Conditions
T (°C) Treatment
Thermal expansion 11.9 x 10-6/ºC 20-540 -

Processing Properties

The following table provides the processing properties of H42 tool steels.

Properties Metric Imperial
Processing temperature (tempering) 565 - 650°C 1050 - 1200°F
Processing temperature (tempering) 1120 - 1220°C 2050 - 2230°F
Annealing temperature (hardening) 845 - 900°C 1550 - 1650°F

Other Designations

Other designations that are equivalent to H42 tool steels include:

  • ASTM A681
  • UNS T20842
  • FED QQ-T-570

Tell Us What You Think

Do you have a review, update or anything you would like to add to this article?

Leave your feedback
(Logout)
Your comment type
Submit

Sponsored Content

Editorial Highlights

The Current State of the Global Semiconductor Market

The Current State of the Global Semiconductor Market

The global semiconductor market has entered an exciting period. Demand for chip technology is both driving the industry as well as hindering it, with current chip shortages predicted to last for some time. Current trends will likely shape the future of the industry, which is set to continue to show

How are Graphene Batteries Made?

How are Graphene Batteries Made?

The primary distinction between graphene-based batteries and solid-state batteries lies in the composition of either electrode. Although the cathode is commonly changed, carbon allotropes can also be employed in fabricating anodes.

Newsletters you may be interested in

See all Newsletters »

Terms

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.

Provide Feedback