P21 Tool Steel (T51621) – Composition, Properties and Uses
Tool Steel P21 is a versatile alloy steel used for its superior machinability, wear resistance and corrosion resistance. It can be used in a variety of applications where its heat treatment, welding and machining capabilities make it the ideal choice. In this blog post, we will discuss the uses of Tool Steel P21 as well as its corrosion resistance, heat resistance, heat treatment, machining and welding capabilities.
P21 Tool Steel Composition
| Designation | Compositiona, % | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AISI | UNS | C | Mn | Si | Cr | Ni | Mo | W | V | Co |
| P2 | T51602 | 0.10 max | 0.10-0.40 | 0.10-0.40 | 0.75-1.25 | 0.10-0.50 | 0.15-0.40 | – | – | – |
| P3 | T51603 | 0.10 max | 0.20-0.60 | 0.40 max | 0.40-0.75 | 1.00-1.50 | – | – | – | – |
| P4 | T51604 | 0.12 max | 0.20-0.60 | 0.10-0.40 | 4.00-5.25 | – | 0.40-1.00 | – | – | – |
| P5 | T51605 | 0.10 max | 0.20-0.60 | 0.40 max | 2.00-2.50 | 0.35 max | – | – | – | – |
| P6 | T51606 | 0.05-0.15 | 0.35-0.70 | 0.10-0.40 | 1.25-1.75 | 3.25-3.75 | – | – | – | – |
| P20 | T51620 | 0.28-0.40 | 0.60-1.00 | 0.20-0.80 | 0.40-2.00 | – | 0.30-0.55 | – | – | – |
| P21 | T51621 | 0.18-0.22 | 0.20-0.40 | 0.20-0.40 | 0.50 max | 3.90-4.25 | – | – | 0.15-0.25 | 1.05-1.25A1 |
P21 Tool Steel Mechanical Properties
| Proof strength Rp0.2 (MPa) |
Tensile strength Rm (MPa) |
Impact energy KV (J) |
Elongation at fracture A (%) |
Reduction in cross section on fracture Z (%) |
As-Heat-Treated Condition | Brinell hardness (HBW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 797 (≥) | 229 (≥) | 22 | 42 | 44 | Solution and Aging, Annealing, Ausaging, Q+T,etc | 224 |
P21 Tool Steel Physical Properties
| Property | Density kg/dm3 |
Temperature T °C/F |
Specific heat J / kgK |
Thermal conductivity W/mK |
Electric resistance µΩ·cm |
Modulus of elasticity kN/mm2 |
Expansion rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 736 (≥) | 441 (≥) | 12 | 43 | 33 | Solution and Aging, Annealing, Ausaging, Q+T,etc | 222 | |
| Temp. °C/°F |
Creep strain limit (10000h) (Rp1,0) N/mm2 |
Creep rupture strength (10000h) (Rp1,0) N/mm2 |
P21 Tool Steel Uses
Tool Steel P21 is commonly used in applications where high wear resistance is required, such as die-casting dies and extrusion dies. It is also used to manufacture parts that require good dimensional stability during heat treatment, such as punches and moulds. Additionally, it can be utilized for components that need to retain their hardness when exposed to elevated temperatures, such as turbine blades and injection moulding tools.
Corrosion Resistance
Tool Steel P21 has excellent corrosion resistance due to its high chromium content, which helps protect against rust and other forms of corrosion. This makes it an ideal choice for applications where moisture or other corrosive elements are present such as chemical processing equipment or food processing machinery. Additionally, its low carbon content helps prevent carbon embrittlement when exposed to acidic environments, which helps extend the life of components made from this steel alloy.
Heat Resistance & Heat Treatment
Tool Steel P21 has excellent heat resistance thanks to its combination of chromium and vanadium content which helps maintain strength at higher temperatures. It also retains hardness when heated up to 1020°F (550°C), making it suitable for applications that require elevated temperature operation without compromising the strength or durability of the component. When heat treating this steel alloy, normalizing or annealing are recommended processes depending on the application’s requirements.
Machining & Welding
Tool Steel 21 can be machined with conventional methods such as turning or milling, but care must be taken not to overheat the material during cutting operations. It can also be welded using arc welding methods, provided proper precautions are taken to prevent cracking due to thermal stress reliefs while cooling down periods after welding operations have been completed.
Conclusion
ToolSteelP21 is a versatile alloy steel with superior machining, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance capabilities. Its combination of chromium, vanadium, and molybdenum gives it excellent heat-resistant properties while still retaining hardness when heated up to 1020 ° F ( 550 ° C ). It can be used in various applications requiring elevated temperature operation without compromising strength or durability. With proper care regarding overheating during cutting operations, it can also be machined with conventional methods like turning or milling. Additionally, it can also be welded using arc welding methods if proper precautions are taken. All these features make ToolSteelP21 an ideal choice for many industrial applications.
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