ASTM A600-92a(2004)

Standard Specification for Tool Steel High Speed

ABSTRACT
This specification covers seven tungsten-type (types T1, T2, T4, T5, T6, T8, and T15) and nineteen molybdenum-type high-speed steels (types M1, M2, M3, M4, M6, M7, M10, M30, M33, M34, M36, M41, M42, M43, M44, M46, M47, M48, and M62) in the form of annealed, hot-rolled bars, forgings, plate, sheet, or strip, and annealed, cold-finished bars or forgings used primarily in the fabrication of tools. Two intermediate high speed tool steels designated as M50 and M52 are also covered. Unless otherwise specified, material shall be made by an electric melting process. A chemical analysis of each heat of steel shall be made to determine the percentage of the elements specified (including carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, chromium, vanadium, tungsten, molybdenum, and cobalt) and these values shall conform to the requirements as to the prescribed chemical composition. Requirements for: (1) heat treatment such as austenitizing, quenching, and tempering, (2) hardness testing (3) macrostructure and macroetch standard for porosity and ingot pattern, and (4) decarburization determination are detailed. The maximum Brinell hardness and minimum Rockwell C hardness for the tool steels are given.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers tungsten-type and molybdenum-type high-speed steels available as annealed, hot-rolled bars, forgings, plate, sheet, or strip, and annealed, cold-finished bars or forgings used primarily in the fabrication of tools.  
1.2 Seven types of tungsten high-speed tool steels designated T1, T2, etc., seventeen types of molybdenum high-speed tool steels designated M1, M2, etc., and two intermediate high speed steels designated as M50 and M52 are covered. Selection will depend upon design, service conditions, and mechanical properties.  
1.3 The term "high-speed steel" is described and its minimum requirements are covered in the Annex.  
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for information only.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Aug-2004
• ICS: 77.140.10 - Heat-treatable steels
• Technical Committee: A01 - Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys
• Drafting Committee: A01.29 - Tool Steels

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM A600-92a(1999) - Standard Specification for Tool Steel High Speed
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2004
• Replaced By: ASTM A600-92a(2010) - Standard Specification for Tool Steel High Speed
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2010
• Referred By: ASTM A681-08(2022) - Standard Specification for Tool Steels Alloy
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2004
• Referred By: ASTM D3336-20b - Standard Test Method for Life of Lubricating Greases in Ball Bearings at Elevated Temperatures
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2004

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: A600 – 92a (Reapproved 2004)
Standard Specification for
Tool Steel High Speed
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A600; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope E59 Practice for Sampling Steel and Iron for Determination
of Chemical Composition
1.1 This specification covers tungsten-type and
2.2 Military Standard:
molybdenum-type high-speed steels available as annealed,
MIL-STD-163 Steel Mill Products, Preparation for Ship-
hot-rolled bars, forgings, plate, sheet, or strip, and annealed,
ment and Storage
cold-finished bars or forgings used primarily in the fabrication
2.3 Federal Standards:
of tools.
Fed. Std. No. 123 Marking for Shipment (Civil Agencies)
1.2 Seven types of tungsten high-speed tool steels desig-
Fed. Std. No. 183 Continuous Identification Marking of
nated T1, T2, etc., seventeen types of molybdenum high-speed
Iron and Steel Products
tool steels designated M1, M2, etc., and two intermediate high
speedsteelsdesignatedasM50andM52arecovered.Selection
3. Classification
will depend upon design, service conditions, and mechanical
3.1 Material in accordance with this specification is classi-
properties.
fied by chemical composition. Types correspond to respective
1.3 The term “high-speed steel” is described and its mini-
AISI designations.
mum requirements are covered in the Annex.
3.1.1 Types T1, T2, T4, T5, T6, T8, and T15 are character-
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
ized by a controlled high tungsten content along with other
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are provided
alloying elements.
for information only.
3.1.2 Types M1, M2, M3, M4, M6, M7, M10, M30, M33,
2. Referenced Documents M34, M36, M41, M42, M43, M44, M46, M47, M48, and M62
are characterized by a controlled high molybdenum content
2.1 ASTM Standards:
along with other alloying elements.
A370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing
3.1.3 Types M2, M3, and M10 are further classified accord-
of Steel Products
ing to carbon range. Type M3 is further classified according to
A388/A388M Practice for Ultrasonic Examination of Steel
vanadium range.
Forgings
3.1.4 Types M50 and M52 are considered intermediate high
A561 Practice for Macroetch Testing of Tool Steel Bars
speed steels in view of their lower total alloy content than the
A700 PracticesforPackaging,Marking,andLoadingMeth-
standard types. These leaner alloy grades normally are limited
ods for Steel Products for Shipment
to less severe service conditions.
E3 Guide for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens
E30 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Steel, Cast
4. Ordering Information
Iron, Open-Hearth Iron, and Wrought Iron
4.1 Orders for material under this specification shall include
E45 Test Methods for Determining the Inclusion Content of
the following information, as required to describe adequately
Steel
the desired material:
4.1.1 Name of material (high-speed tool steel),
4.1.2 Type,
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel,
Stainless Steel and RelatedAlloys , and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
4.1.3 Shape (sheet, strip, plate, flat bar, round bar, square
A01.29 on Tool Steel.
bar, hexagon bar, octagon, special shapes),
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2004. Published Jan. 2005. Originally
4.1.4 Dimensions (thickness, width, diameter, length). (For
approved in 1969. Last previous edition A600 – 92a (1999). DOI: 10.1520/A0600-
92AR04. coils, include the minimum inside diameter or inside diameter
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on AvailablefromStandardizationDocumentsOrderDesk,Bldg.4SectionD,700
the ASTM website. Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, Attn: NPODS.
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A600 – 92a (2004)
range, the maximum outside diameter, and maximum or 6.2 Analysis may be made by the purchaser from finished
minimum coil weight if required. (Minimum coil weights are bars and forgings by machining off the entire cross section and
subject to negotiation.)), drilling parallel to the axis of the bar or forging at any point
4.1.5 Finish (hot rolled, forged, blasted or pickled, cold midway between the center and surface in accordance with the
drawn, rough machined, ground, precision ground and pol- latest issue of Method E59. The chemical analysis of the
ished), drilling chips shall be made in accordance with the latest issue
4.1.6 Condition (annealed), of Methods E30. The chemical composition thus determined
4.1.7 ASTM designation and date of issue, and shall not vary from the limits specified in Table 1.
4.1.8 Special or supplementary requirements.
7. Hardness Requirements
5. Materials and Manufacture
7.1 Annealed hardness values when obtained in accordance
5.1 Unless otherwise specified, material covered by this
with the latest issue of Test Methods and Definitions A370
specification shall be made by an electric melting process.
shall not exceed the Brinell hardness values (or equivalent
Rockwell hardness values) specified in Table 2.
6. Chemical Composition
7.2 Specimens for determination of minimum response to
6.1 An analysis of each heat of steel shall be made by the hardening shall be ⁄4-in. (6.4-mm) thick disks cut so as to
manufacturer to determine the percentage of the elements represent either the full cross-sectional area or that midway
specified and these values shall conform to the requirements as between the center and outer surface of the material. If the
to chemical composition specified in Table 1. If requested or material form or size does not lend itself to accurate hardness
required, the chemical composition shall be reported to the determination on ⁄4-in. thick cross-sectional disks, then longi-
purchaser or his representative. tudinal specimens may be used for hardness testing. Examples
A
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements, %
C
UNS Type Carbon Manganese Phos- Sulfur Silicon Chromium Vanadium Tungsten Molybdenum Cobalt
Designa- phorus
B
tion
min max min max max max min max min max min max min max min max min max
Tungsten-Type High-Speed Steels
T12001 T1 0.65 0.80 0.10 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.40 3.75 4.50 0.90 1.30 17.25 18.75 . . . . . . . . . . . .
T12002 T2 0.80 0.90 0.20 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.40 3.75 4.50 1.80 2.40 17.50 19.00 . . . 1.00 . . . . . .
T12004 T4 0.70 0.80 0.10 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.40 3.75 4.50 0.80 1.20 17.50 19.00 0.40 1.00 4.25 5.75
T12005 T5 0.75 0.85 0.20 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.40 3.75 5.00 1.80 2.40 17.50 19.00 0.50 1.25 7.00 9.50
T12006 T6 0.75 0.85 0.20 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.40 4.00 4.75 1.50 2.10 18.50 21.00 0.40 1.00 11.00 13.00
T12008 T8 0.75 0.85 0.20 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.40 3.75 4.50 1.80 2.40 13.25 14.75 0.40 1.00 4.25 5.75
T12015 T15 1.50 1.60 0.15 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.15 0.40 3.75 5.00 4.50 5.25 11.75 13.00 . . . 1.00 4.75 5.25
Molybdenum-Type High-Speed Steels
T11301 M1 0.78 0.88 0.15 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.50 3.50 4.00 1.00 1.35 1.40 2.10 8.20 9.20 . . . . . .
T11302 M2 regular C 0.78 0.88 0.15 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.45 3.75 4.50 1.75 2.20 5.50 6.75 4.50 5.50 . . . . . .
high C 0.95 1.05 0.15 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.45 3.75 4.50 1.75 2.20 5.50 6.75 4.50 5.50 . . . . . .
T11313 M3 Class 1 1.00 1.10 0.15 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.45 3.75 4.50 2.25 2.75 5.00 6.75 4.75 6.50 . . . . . .
T11323 Class 2 1.15 1.25 0.15 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.45 3.75 4.50 2.75 3.25 5.00 6.75 4.75 6.50 . . . . . .
T11304 M4 1.25 1.40 0.15 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.45 3.75 4.75 3.75 4.50 5.25 6.50 4.25 5.50 . . . . . .
T11306 M6 0.75 0.85 0.15 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.45 3.75 4.50 1.30 1.70 3.75 4.75 4.50 5.50 11.00 13.00
T11307 M7 0.97 1.05 0.15 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.55 3.50 4.00 1.75 2.25 1.40 2.10 8.20 9.20 . . . . . .
T11310 M10 regular C 0.84 0.94 0.10 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.45 3.75 4.50 1.80 2.20 . . . . . . 7.75 8.50 . . . . . .
high C 0.95 1.05 0.10 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.45 3.75 4.50 1.80 2.20 . . . . . . 7.75 8.50 . . . . . .
T11330 M30 0.75 0.85 0.15 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.45 3.50 4.25 1.00 1.40 1.30 2.30 7.75 9.00 4.50 5.50
T11333 M33 0.85 0.92 0.15 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.15 0.50 3.50 4.00 1.00 1.35 1.30 2.10 9.00 10.00 7.75 8.75
T11334 M34 0.85 0.92 0.15 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.45 3.50 4.00 1.90 2.30 1.40 2.10 7.75 9.20 7.75 8.75
T11336 M36 0.80 0.90 0.15 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.45 3.75 4.50 1.75 2.25 5.50 6.50 4.50 5.50 7.75 8.75
T11341 M41 1.05 1.15 0.20 0.60 0.03 0.03 0.15 0.50 3.75 4.50 1.75 2.25 6.25 7.00 3.25 4.25 4.75 5.75
T11342 M42 1.05 1.15 0.15 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.15 0.65 3.50 4.25 0.95 1.35 1.15 1.85 9.00 10.00 7.75 8.75
T11343 M43 1.15 1.25 0.20 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.15 0.65 3.50 4.25 1.50 1.75 2.25 3.00 7.50 8.50 7.75 8.75
T11344 M44 1.10 1.20 0.20 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.30 0.55 4.00 4.75 1.85 2.20 5.00 5.75 6.00 7.00 11.00 12.25
T11346 M46 1.22 1.30 0.20 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.40 0.65 3.70 4.20 3.00 3.30 1.90 2.20 8.00 8.50 7.80 8.80
T11347 M47 1.05 1.15 0.15 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.45 3.50 4.00 1.15 1.35 1.30 1.80 9.25 10.00 4.75 5.25
. . . M48 1.42 1.52 0.15 0.40 0.03 0.07 0.15 0.40 3.50 4.00 2.75 3.25 9.50 10.50 4.75 5.50 8.00 10.00
. . . M62 1.25 1.35 0.15 0.40 0.03 0.07 0.15 0.40 3.50 4.00 1.80 2.10 5.75 6.50 10.00 11.00 . . . . . .
Intermediate High Speed Steels
T11350 M50 0.78 0.88 0.15 0.45 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.60 3.75 4.50 0.80 1.25 . . . . . . 3.90 4.75 . . . . . .
T11352 M52 0.85 0.95 0.15 0.45 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.60 3.50 4.30 1.65 2.25 0.75 1.50 4.00 4.90 . . . . . .
A
Chemistry limits include product analysis tolerances. Unless otherwise specified, nickel plus copper equals 0.75 % max for all types.
B
New designation established in accordance with Practice E527 and SAE J 1086.
C
Where specified, sulfur may be 0.06 to 0.15 % to improve machinability.
A600 – 92a (2004)
TABLE 2 Maximum Brinell Hardness in Annealed or Cold Drawn
specimen or along the parallel surfaces of the longitudinal
Condition
specimen. The surface to be tested shall be ground sufficiently
Type Annealed Cold Drawn Cold Drawn
to remove any surface condition, scale, carburization, or
BHN Annealed BHN BHN
decarburization which might affect readings.
M1 248 255 262
M2 (regular C) 248 255 262
8. Macrostructure
M2 (high C) 255 262 269
8.1 The macrostructure of a specimen representing the
M3, Class 1 and 255 262 269
Class 2
entire cross-sectional area in the annealed condition and
M4 255 262 269
prepared in accordance with the latest issue of Practice A561
M6 277 285 293
shall exhibit a structure free of excessive porosity, slag, dirt, or
M7 255 262 269
M10 (regular C) 248 255 262
other nonmetallic inclusions, pipes, checks, cracks and other
M10 (high C) 255 262 269
injurious defects.
M30 269 277 285
8.2 Macroetch severity levels for center porosity and ingot
M33 269 277 285
M34 269 277 285
pattern, illustrated photographically in PracticeA561, shall not
M36 269 277 285
exceed the ratings specified in Table 4 for the appropriate
M41 269 277 285
material size and composition.
M42 269 277 285
M43 269 297 285
M44 285 293 302 9. Decarburization
M46 269 277 285
9.1 Decarburization shall be determined on a specimen
M47 269 277 285
M48 311 321 331 representing a cross section of the material and prepared in
M50 248 255 262
accordance with the latest issue of Methods E3. When exam-
M52 248 255 262
ined at 203 or greater magnification, it shall not exceed the
M62 285 293 302
T1 255 262 269 values given inTables 5-8 for the appropriate size and shape of
T2 255 262 269
the material.
T4 269 277 285
9.2 Material ordered as drill rod, ground and polished,
T5 285 293 302
T6 302 311 321
centerless ground, ground finished, or machine finished flats
T8 255 262 269
and squares shall be free of scale and decarburization.
T15 277 285 293
10. Permissible Variations in Dimensions
10.1 Permissible variations in dimensions shall not exceed
the applicable limits stated in Tables 8-22, incl. Where out-of-
are round bars less than ⁄2 in. (12.7 mm) in diameter; sheet;
round or square requirements are shown, they shall be deter-
and strip. In this case, the specimen shall be a minimum of 3
mined as follows:
in.(76.2mm)inlength,andparallelflatsshallbegroundonthe
10.1.1 Out-of-Round—Difference between high and low
original mill surfaces. The specimens shall be heat treated in
readings as determined by micrometers or other suitable
two furnaces, one operating as a preheat furnace and the other
measuring instruments.
as a high-heat furnace. The furnaces may be either controlled
10.1.2 Out-of-Square—The amount required to be removed
atmosphere or molten-salt bath. The austenitizing temperature
from each edge in order to square the edge with the face as
ranges stipulated in Table 3 cover both furnace types.
determined with a square and suitable measuring instruments.
7.2.1 After being austenitized for the proper time, the
samples may be oil quenched or quenched in molten salt plus
11. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
air cooling. When a salt quench is employed, its temperature
11.1 High-speed tool steel shall be free of heavy scale, deep
shall be 1050 to 1175°F (566 to 635°C) except for M3, M4,
pitting, laps, porosity, injurious segregations, excessive non-
M41, , M42,M43 , M46, M47, M48, M62, and T15, when it
metallic inclusions, seams, cracks, checks, slivers, scale marks,
shall be 1000 to 1075°F (538 to 579°C). All samples shall be
dents, soft and hard spots, pipes, or any defects that would
double tempered at 1025°F (552°C) for 2 h each cycle except
detrimentally affect the suitability of the material, after re-
for M0 and M52 which shall be given two tempering cycles of
moval of the recommended stock allowance. (See Tables 5-8)
2 h each at 1000°F and M41, M42, M43, M44, M46, M47,
11.2 Visualexaminationshallbemadetoensurecompliance
M48, M62, and T15, which shall be given three tempering
with the requirements for workmanship, finish, dimensions and
cycles of 2 h each at 1000°F.
tolerances, identification marking, and packaging.
7.2.2 The hardness of the specimen after the specified heat
treatment shall meet the minimum hardness value for the 12. Sampling
particular type of steel shown in Table 3. Rockwell C tests
12.1 Unless otherwise specified, a lot shall consist of all
should be used where possible but light-load tests may be
...