O-6 is an oil-hardening, graphitic tool steel with outstanding resistance to metal-to-metal sliding wear and galling. The steel contains a uniform dispersion of graphite particles which impart excellent machinability and non-seizing characteristics. The graphite particles make the steel self-lubricating in dry environments, and help to retain oil in lubricated environments.
Analysis:
| C | CO | CR | MN | MO | NI | P | S | SI | V | W |
| 1.25 - 1.55 | | 0.30 Max. | 0.30 - 1.10 | 0.20 - 0.30 | | | | 0.55 - 1.50 | | |
Size Availability:
Flats • Hollowbar • Metric • Non-Standard • Rounds • Squares • Standard Applications:
| Arbors | Blanking Dies | Bushings |
| Forming Dies | Forming Rolls | Gauges |
| Jigs | Machine Parts | Perforating Dies |
| Piercing Dies | Punches | Spindles |
| Taps | Trimming Dies | Wear Plates |
Designations:
ASTM A681-US
FED QQ-T-570-US
SAE J437-US
SAE J438-US
UNS T31506-US
AISI O6 Tool Steel-US
| Treatment | Temperature Range | Cooling/Quenching | Notes |
| Forging | 1900-2000° F | In air. | Heat slowly to maximum temperature. Do not work below approximately 1500° F. Normalizing is recommended. |
| Annealing | 1550-1600° F | Cool slowly at a rate of 25° F per hour to 1000° F. | |
| Stress Relieving | | | Stress relieve after rough machining |
| Preheating | 1200-1250° F | | Preheat time in furnace is ¾ Hr. per inch of thickness. |
| Hardening | 1400-1450° F | In warm oil. | A neutral or slightly oxidizing atmosphere is desirable. Temper immediately after hardening. Allow to cool to 125-150° F before tempering. |
| Tempering | | | Temper for 1 Hr. per inch of thickness with a minimum of 2 Hrs. Recommended temperature is 300-750° F. |
