Spherical Latrobe LSS™ L6 Tool Steel Powder (ASTM L6)

Latrobe LSS™ L6 Tool Steel Spherical Powder (ASTM L6) Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Latrobe LSS™ L6 Tool Steel Spherical Powder (ASTM L6) Synonyms -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Spherical Latrobe LSS™ L6 Tool Steel Powder (ASTM L6) characteristics -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Spherical Latrobe LSS™ L6 Tool Steel Powder (ASTM L6) Particle Size -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: -:- -:- 0-15μm ,5-25μm, 15-45μm, 15-53μm,20-63um, 45-75μm, 45-105μm, 45-150μm ,75-150μm. (Various granularities can be customized according to customer requirements) -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Spherical Latrobe LSS™ L6 Tool Steel Powder (ASTM L6) Applicable processes -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Laser/electron beam additive manufacturing (SLM/EBM, 3D printing) Direct laser deposition (DLD) Used in thermal spray (TSA) Powder hot isostatic pressing (HIP) Metal injection molding (MIM) Powder metallurgy (PM) Laser cladding (LC), etc. -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Spherical Latrobe LSS™ L6 Tool Steel Powder (ASTM L6) Chemical Composition -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Latrobe LSS™ L6 Tool Steel (ASTM L6) Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: ### **Product Introduction: Latrobe LSS™ L6 Tool Steel (ASTM A681)** **Latrobe LSS™ L6** is a premium-grade, **oil-hardening tool steel** renowned for its **exceptional toughness and shock resistance**. Classified under the AISI L6 specification (ASTM A681), it represents one of the toughest grades available in the tool steel family, capable of withstanding severe impact and high stress without fracturing. While not offering the extreme wear resistance of high-carbon, high-chromium steels, L6 provides a unique balance of strength, ductility, and resistance to chipping, making it indispensable for applications where reliability under dynamic loading is paramount. The key advantage of LSS™ L6 lies in its ability to **maintain good hardness (typically 55-60 HRC) while delivering unmatched toughness** for a tool steel. Its moderate alloy content and oil-hardening nature allow for relatively straightforward heat treatment with minimal risk of distortion in properly designed sections. --- ### **1. Chemical Composition** Latrobe LSS™ L6 features a carefully balanced composition optimized for toughness and hardenability. | Element | Content (%) | | :--- | :--- | | Carbon (C) | 0.65 - 0.75 | | Chromium (Cr) | 0.60 - 1.20 | | Nickel (Ni) | 1.25 - 2.00 | | Molybdenum (Mo)| 0.50 max | | Vanadium (V) | 0.20 - 0.30 | | Manganese (Mn)| 0.25 - 0.80 | | Silicon (Si) | 0.50 max | | **Balance** | Iron (Fe) | *(Note: Composition conforms to ASTM A681 Grade L6 specifications. The nickel content is a key contributor to the grade's exceptional toughness.)* --- ### **2. Physical & Mechanical Properties** **Typical Properties in the Annealed Condition:** * **Hardness:** ~ 183-212 HB (Brinell) * **Machinability:** Excellent (rated ~75% of 1% carbon steel standard) * **Thermal Conductivity:** 42.7 W/m·K at 20°C * **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion:** 11.5 × 10⁻⁶/°C (20-100°C) **Heat Treatment Characteristics:** * **Hardening Method:** Oil quenching * **Austenitizing Temperature:** 815°C - 845°C (1500°F - 1550°F) * **Preheating:** 650°C (1200°F) recommended * **Tempering Range:** 150°C - 540°C (300°F - 1000°F) **Hardened & Tempered Properties:** * **Typical Hardness Range:** **55 - 60 HRC** (at lower tempering temperatures: 150-260°C/300-500°F) * **Transverse Rupture Strength:** 3,500 - 4,200 MPa * **Charpy Impact Value (unnotched):** 80 - 120 J (tempered at 200°C) * **Compressive Strength:** 2,200 - 2,600 MPa * **Key Characteristics:** * **Exceptional Toughness:** Highest impact resistance among common tool steels * **Good Wear Resistance:** Adequate for many applications when properly hardened * **Moderate Distortion:** Oil quenching provides reasonable dimensional control * **Good Fatigue Strength:** Suitable for cyclic loading applications * **Fair Corrosion Resistance:** Similar to other low-chromium tool steels --- ### **3. International Standards & Cross-Reference** Latrobe LSS™ L6 is recognized internationally under multiple standards: | Country/Region | Standard | Designation | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **United States** | ASTM A681 | Grade L6 | | | AISI | L6 | | | UNS | T61206 | | **Germany** | DIN | 1.2714 (similar) | | **Japan** | JIS | SKT4 (similar) | | **United Kingdom** | BS | BL3 | | **International** | ISO 4957 | 55NiCrMoV7 | --- ### **4. Product Applications** L6 is specifically selected for applications where shock resistance and reliability are critical: **Primary Applications:** * **Heavy-Duty Punching and Forming Tools:** For thick materials and high-impact operations * **Cold Shear Blades:** For cutting bars, rods, and structural shapes * **Chipper Knives and Hogger Knives:** In wood processing and recycling equipment * **Bolt Headers and Cold Forging Dies:** Subjected to high impact loads * **Crusher Parts and Mining Tools:** Requiring extreme toughness **Specialized Applications:** * **Backup Rolls and Support Tooling:** In stamping and forming operations * **Arbors, Spindles, and Machine Components:** Requiring high strength and wear resistance * **Plastic Injection Molding:** For inserts in high-pressure applications * **Knives for Tough Materials:** Cutting fibrous or heterogeneous materials --- ### **5. Processing Guidelines** **Machining:** * **Annealed State:** Machines easily with standard tooling * **Cutting Speed:** 30-45 m/min (100-150 ft/min) for turning * **Tool Material:** High-speed steel or carbide tools work well * **Chip Control:** Produces discontinuous chips, easy to manage **Heat Treatment:** 1. **Preheating:** 650°C (1200°F) for 30 minutes per inch of thickness 2. **Austenitizing:** 830°C (1525°F) for 20-30 minutes per inch 3. **Quenching:** Agitated oil at 40-60°C (100-140°F) 4. **Tempering:** Immediately after quenching to 150-260°C (300-500°F) for 2+2 hours **Grinding:** * **Wheel Selection:** Aluminum oxide wheels, medium hardness * **Coolant:** Use ample coolant to prevent overheating * **Technique:** Moderate feed rates with good wheel maintenance --- ### **6. Performance Comparison** **Compared to S7 (Shock Steel):** * L6 offers better machinability and slightly higher toughness * S7 has better dimensional stability (air hardening) and deep hardening **Compared to O1/O2:** * L6 provides significantly higher impact resistance * O1/O2 offer better wear resistance and dimensional stability **Compared to D2:** * L6 has 3-4 times greater impact strength * D2 offers far superior wear resistance (5-8× better) --- ### **7. Technical Notes** **Optimal Performance Range:** * **Best toughness:** 55-57 HRC (tempered at 260-315°C/500-600°F) * **Best wear/hardness balance:** 58-60 HRC (tempered at 150-205°C/300-400°F) **Section Size Limitations:** * **Full hardening depth:** Up to 75mm (3") diameter * **Surface hardening only:** 75-150mm (3-6") diameter * **Core toughness maintained:** Even in large sections **Welding Considerations:** * **Weldability:** Good with proper procedures * **Preheat:** 315-425°C (600-800°F) * **Post-weld heat treatment:** Required for critical applications * **Filler Metals:** Use matching composition or high-nickel electrodes --- ### **8. Availability** **Standard Forms:** * **Round Bars:** 10mm to 300mm diameter (0.375" to 12") * **Flat Stock:** 6mm to 150mm thickness (0.25" to 6") * **Square Bars:** 10mm to 150mm (0.375" to 6") * **Forged Blocks:** Custom sizes available **Surface Conditions:** * Annealed and black * Rough turned * Precision ground --- **Technical Summary:** Latrobe LSS™ L6 represents the **gold standard for toughness** in conventional tool steels. Its unique combination of nickel and moderate carbon content delivers exceptional impact resistance while maintaining useful hardness levels. While not suitable for high-wear applications alone, L6 excels in situations where tools must withstand severe shock loading without failure. The grade's excellent machinability and straightforward heat treatment make it a practical choice for both toolrooms and production environments. **Special Note:** For applications requiring maximum toughness in thinner sections, L6 is often preferred over air-hardening grades due to its oil-quenching characteristics and proven reliability in demanding service conditions. **Disclaimer:** Performance data represents typical values. For specific application engineering, consult Latrobe Specialty Steel's official technical documentation and conduct appropriate testing for your particular requirements. -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Latrobe LSS™ L6 Tool Steel (ASTM L6) Specification Dimensions Size： Diameter 20-1000 mm Length <7199 mm Size:We can customized as required Standard： Per your request or drawing We can customized as required Properties（Theoretical） Chemical Composition -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Latrobe LSS™ L6 Tool Steel (ASTM L6) Properties -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Spherical Latrobe LSS™ L6 Tool Steel Powder (ASTM L6) Particle Size Description -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Applications of Spherical Latrobe LSS™ L6 Tool Steel Powder (ASTM L6) -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Applications of Latrobe LSS™ L6 Tool Steel Spherical Powder (ASTM L6) -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Chemical Identifiers Latrobe LSS™ L6 Tool Steel Spherical Powder (ASTM L6) -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Packing of Latrobe LSS™ L6 Tool Steel Spherical Powder (ASTM L6) -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Standard Packing: -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Typical bulk packaging includes palletized plastic 5 gallon/25 kg. pails, fiber and Steel Spherical Powder drums to 1 ton super sacks in full container (FCL) or truck load (T/L) quantities. Research and sample quantities and hygroscopic, oxidizing or other air sensitive materials may be packaged under argon or vacuum. Solutions are packaged in polypropylene, plastic or glass jars up to palletized 3670 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request. E FORUs’ is carefully handled to minimize damage during storage and transportation and to preserve the quality of our products in their original condition