Tool Steel A3

Tool Steel A3, also known as AISI A3 or W1-A-1, is a high-carbon, high-alloy steel with excellent wear resistance and toughness.

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Metal machined part with threaded top on dark surface

T30103
AISI A3
W1-A-1

700 MPa

Ultimate Tensile Strength
340 MPa

Yield Strength
190 GPa

Young's Modulus(Elasticity)
21 %

Elongation at Break

At a Glance

Material Type
Metal
Material Name
Tool Steel A3
Alternative Names
T30103 | AISI A3 | W1-A-1
Process Compatibility
CNC Milling, CNC Turning

Properties Table of Tool Steel A3

Properties

Ultimate Tensile Strength 700 MPa
Yield Strength 340 MPa
Young's Modulus(Elasticity) 190 GPa
Elongation at Break 21%
Physical Properties
Corrosion Resistance Poor
Magnetism Magnetic
Weldability Poor
Thermal Properties
Thermal Expansion Coefficient 11.8-14.3 x 10^-6/°C
Thermal Conductivity 37 W/(m·°C)

Applications of Tool Steel A3

Punches and Dies
Cutting Tools (blades, knives)
Forming Dies
Cold Work Tools
Thread Rolling Dies
Metal Extrusion Tools

Advantages of Tool Steel A3

Good wear resistance
High toughness
Excellent machinability
Maintains a sharp cutting edge
Cost-effective compared to some other tool steels

Raw Stock

CNC Machined

Finished Parts

Tool Steel A3 — Machining Notes

Tool Steel A3 in CNC Mac
is Tool Steel A3?

Tool Steel A3 in CNC Machining

Tool Steel A3, also known as AISI A3 or W1-A-1, is a high-carbon, high-alloy steel with excellent wear resistance and toughness.

It is composed of 1.00-1.25% carbon, 0.20-0.70% manganese, 0.10-0.50% silicon, 0.20-0.50% chromium, and 0.30% nickel, with other elements present in trace amounts. We offer AISI A3 tool steel in various forms, including round bars, flat bars, plates, hexagonal bars, and square blocks. Custom lengths and sizes are available upon request, with precision-ground options for tight tolerances.

A3 steel is processed through forging, annealing, hardening, and tempering. Forging involves heating, raising temperatures for yielding, and slow cooling. Annealing includes heating and slow cooling for a max hardness of 250 HB. Hardening requires uniform heating and cooling with air or oil. Tempering is done at specific temperatures, resulting in a hardness range of 57-62 Rockwell C.

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What is Tool Steel A3?

Tool Steel A3 is an air-hardening, medium-alloy, cold-work tool steel with excellent toughness and wear resistance. It is used for various tool and die applications, such as blanking, forming, and shearing tools.

A3 steel contains chromium, manganese, and other alloying elements to enhance its performance in cutting and forming processes.

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FAQ

What is the difference between A2 and A3 steel?

A2 has higher chromium and vanadium, providing better wear resistance, while A3 has more carbon and manganese, offering higher toughness.

Can A3 steel be welded?

Tool steel A3 can be welded, but it requires careful preheating and post-weld heat treatment to avoid issues like cracking.

Is A3 steel corrosion-resistant?

Tool steel A3 is not highly corrosion-resistant. It's advisable to use a protective coating or choose a different steel grade for applications requiring corrosion resistance.