Steel Glossary
TENASTEEL

Chemical Composition %
C S max Mn Cr Mo V Others
1.00 0.005 0.35 7.50 2.60 0.30 Ti
Typical values according to the specification 2001 / 06 / 08MJ1

TENASTEEL is a cold work steel that combines high compressive strength with outstanding toughness. It is known for its high hot strength and good machinability in the as-delivered condition, with a maximum hardness of 250 HB.

It has been specifically designed to replace the commonly used 1.2379 / X 153 CrMoV 12 steel, which is sometimes prone to fractures. TENASTEEL solves many tool life problems, especially related to cutting edge chipping or cracking in 1.2379. Thanks to its alloy composition and suitable heat treatment, TENASTEEL is particularly suitable for surface coatings.

TENASTEEL is a trademark product of the French manufacturer Industeel, exclusively distributed in Germany by Gebrüder Recknagel.

Mechanical Properties
(Typical values)
Hardness [HB] in annealed condition Hardness [HRC] treated condition Elastic modulus [MPa] Compressive strength [MPa] Charpy impact toughness [J/cm2] (*)
250 HB max 56 205 2210 40
62 205 2550 25
(*) Unnotched samples
Physical Properties
Thermal Conductivity at 20 °C
[W·m-1·K-1]
Average Coefficients of Thermal Expansion
[10-6 K-1]
20 – 100°C 20 – 1,200°C 20 – 1,300°C 20 – 1,400°C
21 10.2 11.3 11.9 12.8
Specific Heat Capacity (20°C)
[J·kg-1·K-1]
Density (20°C)
[kg·dm-3]
460 7.75
Wear Resistance

The wear resistance of TENASTEEL is close to that of steel 1.2379 / X 153 CrMoV 12, with lower levels of carbon and chromium compensated by the addition of alloying elements that form finer and harder carbides than chromium carbides.

Note: The wear resistance is considered only for uncoated tools. If a coating (PVD/CVD) is present, which counteracts wear, the toughness and compressive strength of the base material are taken into account.

Wear Resistance - TENASTEEL
Compressive Strength
Compressive Strength - TENASTEEL
Metallurgical Properties
Inclusion Cleanliness

The inclusion cleanliness of TENASTEEL is guaranteed according to NFA 04-106 Method A.

Value A B C D
Index ≤ 1.5 ≤ 1.5 ≤ 1 ≤ 1.5
Microstructure

In the as-delivered state, TENASTEEL's microstructure consists of a ferritic matrix. Small primary carbides that form from the solidification of the alloy, as well as very fine secondary carbides resulting from annealing, are homogeneously distributed in this matrix.

The microphotographs depicted below perfectly illustrate the general refinement achieved with TENASTEEL's structure compared to 1.2379 / X 153 CrMoV 12.

Microstructure - TENASTEEL

This difference in microstructure results in a significant improvement in toughness and machinability, while the wear resistance is maintained at a good level thanks to the presence of carbides that are harder than those typically found in 1.2379 / X 153 CrMoV 12.

Transformation Points

Test conditions: Heating at a rate of 150°C/hour up to 1,000°C and rapid cooling.

AC1°C ACm°C Ms°C
845 880 200
Continuous Cooling Transformation Diagram
CCT Diagram - TENASTEEL
Isothermal Time Temperature Transformation Diagram
Isothermal TTT Diagram - TENASTEEL
Heat Treatment
Austenitization

Heating at a moderate rate up to 750°C and holding. Slowly heat up to 1,030/1,050°C, hold for ½ hour per 25 mm.

Note: The heating cycle must be done under vacuum or protective gas to prevent oxidation and decarburization of the surface.

Quenching

After austenitization, preferentially cool under gas pressure; otherwise, use salt bath or fluidized bed cooling at temperatures between 250 and 350°C.

Oil quenching should be reserved for tools with simple geometry if other mentioned methods do not provide sufficient cooling rates (see Time-Temperature-Transformation diagrams).

Tempering must be carried out as soon as the tool temperature reaches 40 to 60°C, except in the case of deep cryogenic treatment (see "Deep Cryogenic Treatment" section).

Tempering

Depending on the application, the desired final hardness is achieved by adjusting the tempering temperatures, which are carried out using the tempering curves shown below for the target hardness.

After the initial tempering, a nearly identical second tempering is performed at a slightly lower temperature to achieve a fully tempered final structure and ensure dimensional stability of the treated part.

Tempering - TENASTEEL

The chart shows that high austenitization temperature (1,050°C) leads to a hardness of 58 HRC even after tempering at 575°C.

TENASTEEL allows for high tempering temperatures. After tempering at high temperature (e.g., 550°C), the content of retained austenite is very low, and the treated parts exhibit excellent dimensional stability during use.

Conversely, parts tempered at temperatures below 500°C (20% retained austenite) may experience dimensional changes after treatment.

The desired hardness level in heat treatment significantly affects toughness. Depending on the operating conditions (pressure, shocks, mechanical properties of the deformed steel), as well as the intended surface treatment and coating of the tool, it is possible to adjust the best compromise between wear resistance and toughness using hardness and tempering temperature.

The following diagram can assist in the selection process. In any case, TENASTEEL provides a better hardness/toughness compromise compared to 1.2379 / X 153 CrMoV 12.

If you have any doubts, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are happy to assist you with our advice.

Toughness / Hardness - TENASTEEL
Cryogenic Treatment

The remaining retained austenite in the steel after hardening is effectively reduced to almost zero through cryogenic treatment. This prevents dimensional changes due to later retained austenite transformations. If necessary, cryogenic treatment can be performed as follows:

Cryogenic Treatment Cycle
Cryogenic Treatment Cycle - TENASTEEL
Tempering Curve after Cryogenic Treatment
Tempering Curve after Cryogenic Treatment - TENASTEEL
Surface Coatings

Coatings on the tools, like surface hardening, offer high wear resistance and a significant reduction in friction coefficients.

These processes differ from the previous ones in that an exogenous material layer is applied, which does not react with the base material and acts as an additional "skin."

PVD: Physical Vapor Deposition

These types of depositions can be performed at relatively low temperatures (200 to 500 C) and do not affect the hardness of the base material. The achieved hardness can reach 2,000 HV on a few micrometers.

Please note that for post-hardening PVD coating, the material must be tempered at temperatures above 500°C.

CVD: Chemical Vapor Deposition

The temperature required to activate the reactions for CVD treatment is so high (800 to 1,000°C) that a new heat treatment is necessary to adjust the hardness of the part after coating. The hardness of the coatings can reach and even exceed 2,500 HV.

Nitriding

Nitriding treatment aims to increase surface hardness and wear resistance while reducing friction coefficients by enriching one or more elements in the surface layer of the part.

TENASTEEL is well-suited for nitriding due to its high hardness and excellent tempering resistance.

Conventional gas and plasma nitriding at temperatures around 500°C to 525°C allows the achievement of a hard layer of over 1,100 HV with a thickness of several micrometers.

Nitriding - TENASTEEL

Please note that for post-hardening nitriding treatment, the material must be tempered at a minimum of 525°C.

In the depicted chart, it can be observed that the core hardness of TENASTEEL is not affected by the nitriding treatment, while 1.2379 / X 153 CrMoV 12 experiences a hardness drop of 5 to 10 HRC under the nitrided layer.

Hardness variation for 16-hour gas nitriding

Hardness variation for gas nitriding - TENASTEEL
Machining - In Annealed Condition
Milling with Coated Carbide Tools
Cutting Parameters Roughing Finishing
Cutting Speed (vc) – m/min 130 - 190 170 - 210
Feed Rate (Fz) – mm/tooth 0.15 - 0.4 0.1 - 0.2
Cutting Depth (ap) – mm 2 - 5 ≤ 1.5
Drilling with HSS Tools
Cutting Parameters ∅ ≤ 10 ∅ 10 - 20
Cutting Speed (vc) – m/min 15 15
Feed Rate (Fz) – mm/rev 0.05 - 0.2 0.2 - 0.3
Compared to 1.2379 / X 153 CrMoV 12, TENASTEEL's fine carbide structure ensures at least 25% increased tool life for machining in the annealed condition and at least 70% increased tool life for machining in the hardened condition.
EDM - Electro-Discharge Machining

TENASTEEL is suitable for all EDM processes before and after heat treatment.

If EDM is performed in the hardened condition, the part should be immediately finished, and the EDM surfaces should be polished or stress-relief annealed (20 °C below the last tempering temperature).

Welding

The repair or build-up welding of tools made from TENASTEEL can be considered with the use of appropriate filler materials while adhering to essential precautions. For further information, we are happy to provide you with the TENASTEEL Handbook.

Applications

TENASTEEL is an advantageous replacement for the standardized steel 1.2379 / X 153 CrMoV 12 in all its applications, including cutting tools, extrusion dies, forming tools, embossing tools, machine knives, etc.

Material info

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TENASTEEL

Cold work tool steel of optimal toughness and best compressive strength

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