A-6 Annealed
PACIFIC A6 can be hardened from relatively low temperatures which results in low residual stress and reduced chances for distortion. A6 has lower carbon content than A2 and is alloyed primarily with manganese instead of chromium. Therefore, A6 is tougher but has lower wear and temper resistance.
Chemical Composition
Heat Analysis - ranges and limits %
C
.70
Mn
2.00
Cr
1.00
Mo
1.25
Forging:
Heat slowly to 1900/2050°F, do not forge below 1600°F.
Annealing:
Heat slowly to 1350/1375°F, then cool at a maximum rate of 25°F per hour to 1000°F (faster cooling rates can be used below 1000°F). Typical annealed hardness is 217/248 HB.
Stress Relieving:
Heat to 1250/1300°F and hold for 1 hour minimum at temperature; cool in air.
Hardening:
Preheat at 1200°F. Austenitize at 1525/1600°F for 20 minutes (for small tools) to 45 minutes (for large tools). Air cool to harden; typical as quenched hardness is 59/63 HRC.
Temperting (Drawing):
Temper immediately after the tool has cooled to 120/150°F. Typical tempering range is 300/800°F. Double tempering is suggested (cool to room temperature after the first temper).
Tempering Temperature °F
Approximate Hardness, HRC
AQ
61/62
350
61/62
400
60/61
450
58/59
500
58/60
600
56/57
700
55/56
800
54/55
900
52/53
1000
50/51
1100
48/49
Shapes and Conditions Available
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Annealed Rounds through 3" Diameter
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SE® Flats & Squares from 1/2" through 2-1/2" Thickness