Aug 9 2013
Topics Covered
Introduction
Chemical Composition
Physical Properties
Mechanical Properties
Thermal Properties
Other Designations
Introduction
Low-alloy special-purpose steels or group L steels contain small quantities of chromium, nickel, vanadium, and molybdenum. L2 and L6 are two types of group L tool steels.
L2 tool steels contain a combination of chromium and vanadium alloying elements that together enhance the hardenability and fine grain size of the group L steels. L2 tool steels are available in several carbon contents ranging from 0.50 to 1.10%.
The sections below provide an overview of L2 tool steels.
Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of L2 tool steels is outlined in the following table.
|
Element |
Content (%) |
|
Chromium, Cr |
0.70-1.20 |
|
Silicon, Si |
0.5 |
|
Carbon, C |
0.45-1 |
|
Molybdenum, Mo |
0.25 |
|
Copper, Cu |
0.25 |
|
Manganese, Mn |
0.10-0.90 |
|
Vanadium, V |
0.10-0.30 |
|
Phosphorus, P |
0.03 |
|
Sulfur, S |
0.03 |
|
Iron, Fe |
Balance |
Physical Properties
The following table shows the physical properties of L2 tool steels.
|
Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
|
Density |
7.86 g/cm3 |
0.284 lb/in3 |
Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of L2 tool steels are displayed in the following table.
|
Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
|
Tensile strength, ultimate |
710-2000 MPa |
103000-290000 psi |
|
Tensile strength, yield (@strain 0.200 %) |
510-1790 MPa |
74000-260000 psi |
|
Elongation at break |
5-25% |
5-25% |
|
Poisson's ratio |
0.27-0.30 |
0.27-0.30 |
|
Elastic modulus |
190-210 GPa |
27557-30457 ksi |
|
Hardness, Rockwell C |
30-54 |
30-54 |
Thermal Properties
The thermal properties of L2 tool steels are given in the following table.
|
Properties |
Conditions |
|
T (ºC) |
Treatment |
|
Thermal expansion |
14.4 x 10-6/ºC |
20-425 |
- |
Other Designations
Equivalent materials to L2 tool steels are: