5Cr4W5Mo2V Hot Work Tool Steel Properties and Applications

At Aobo Steel, with over 20 years of experience in forging, we understand the demands placed on hot work tool steels. 5Cr4W5Mo2V Tool Steel is a modern hot work tool steel grade offering a strong balance of essential properties for demanding applications.

1.  5Cr4W5Mo2V Tool Steel Chemical Composition

The chemical composition (in mass fraction, %) of this hot work tool steel is as follows:

• Carbon (C): 0.40～0.50
• Silicon (Si): ≤0.40
• Manganese (Mn): ≤0.40
• Phosphorus (P): ≤0.030
• Sulfur (S): ≤0.030
• Chromium (Cr): 3.40～4.40
• Molybdenum (Mo): 1.50～2.10
• Tungsten (W): 4.50～5.50
• Vanadium (V): 0.70～1.10

2. Key Properties of 5Cr4W5Mo2V

This steel grade stands out due to its:

• High Hot Hardness & Strength: It performs reliably at elevated temperatures, maintaining its integrity under heat stress.
• Good Wear Resistance: Contributes to longer tool life, reducing replacement frequency.
• Effective Tempering Resistance: Maintains hardness and structure after tempering treatments.

It’s essential to note that while 5Cr4W5Mo2V Tool Steel exhibits good impact toughness, it may have lower toughness and thermal fatigue resistance compared to grades such as 4Cr5MoSiV1 (H13). We can discuss which property is critical for your specific use case.

3. 5Cr4W5Mo2V Tool Steel Applications

5Cr4W5Mo2V is a versatile choice suitable for various hot working processes:

• Hot Extrusion Dies: A primary application where high temperature and pressure are involved.
• Precision Forging Dies: Suitable for forming operations requiring accuracy at high temperatures.
• Hot Stamping Dies: Withstands the heat and impact of stamping processes.
• Rolling Dies and Trimming Dies: Effective in shaping and finishing operations.

It performs particularly well in:

• Hot extrusion punches.
• Medium to small-sized machine forging die inserts, especially when operating temperatures are between 600°C and 650°C.

Replacing 3Cr2W8V

In many situations, 5Cr4W5Mo2V Tool Steel serves as an effective replacement for the traditional 3Cr2W8V tool steel. Users often report a significant increase in service life – sometimes 2 to 3 times longer, and in specific die applications, potentially up to 10 to 20 times longer. This can result in direct cost savings and enhanced operational efficiency.

4.  5Cr4W5Mo2V Tool Steel Heat Treatment Guidelines

Proper heat treatment is crucial for optimizing the performance of 5Cr4W5Mo2V Tool Steel. Here are typical parameters:

• Isothermal Annealing: Heat to 850-870°C (hold for 2-3 hours), then furnace cool to 720-740°C (hold for 3-4 hours), followed by furnace cooling below 500°C. Target hardness: ≤255 HBW.
• Quenching: Heat to 1130-1140°C, then quench in oil (40-60°C). Expected hardness: 58-60 HRC.
• Tempering: Double temper at 600-630°C, holding for 2 hours each time. Final hardness: Typically 50-56 HRC (or 57-58 HRC depending on exact temperature). Tempering between 400 °C and 600°C generally results in minimal hardness change.

For enhanced surface durability, consider treatments like nitriding or boronizing. These can further extend the operational life of your dies.

5. Grade Comparisons

• vs. 3Cr2W8V: 5Cr4W5Mo2V generally offers superior wear resistance and high-temperature strength, resulting in a longer service life, albeit potentially at the expense of lower toughness.
• vs. 4Cr5MoSiV1 (H13): 5Cr4W5Mo2V may provide higher strength and wear resistance at elevated temperatures, but H13 typically offers better toughness and thermal fatigue resistance.

Choosing the Right Steel

Selecting the optimal hot work tool steel depends entirely on your specific application requirements, including operating temperatures, stress levels, and the material being processed.

With our extensive experience in tool steel, Aobo Steel can help you evaluate if 5Cr4W5Mo2V Steel is the right choice for your needs. Contact us to discuss your specific application or if you require further technical details. We focus on providing solutions that work for your production.