ASTM A600-92a(2024)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: A600 − 92a (Reapproved 2024)
Standard Specification for
Tool Steel High Speed
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A600; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope A561 Practice for Macroetch Testing of Tool Steel Bars
A700 Guide for Packaging, Marking, and Loading Methods
1.1 This specification covers tungsten-type and
for Steel Products for Shipment
molybdenum-type high-speed steels available as annealed,
E3 Guide for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens
hot-rolled bars, forgings, plate, sheet, or strip, and annealed,
E30 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Steel, Cast Iron,
cold-finished bars or forgings used primarily in the fabrication
Open-Hearth Iron, and Wrought Iron (Withdrawn 1995)
of tools.
E45 Test Methods for Determining the Inclusion Content of
1.2 Seven types of tungsten high-speed tool steels desig-
Steel
nated T1, T2, etc., seventeen types of molybdenum high-speed
E59 Practice for Sampling Steel and Iron for Determination
tool steels designated M1, M2, etc., and two intermediate
of Chemical Composition (Withdrawn 1996)
high-speed steels designated as M50 and M52 are covered.
2.2 Military Standard:
Selection will depend upon design, service conditions, and
MIL-STD-163 Steel Mill Products, Preparation for Ship-
mechanical properties.
ment and Storage
1.3 The term “high-speed steel” is described and its mini-
2.3 Federal Standards:
mum requirements are covered in the Annex.
Fed. Std. No. 123 Marking for Shipment (Civil Agencies)
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
Fed. Std. No. 183 Continuous Identification Marking of Iron
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
and Steel Products
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
and are not considered standard.
3. Classification
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.1 Material in accordance with this specification is classi-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
fied by chemical composition. Types correspond to respective
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
AISI designations.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.1.1 Types T1, T2, T4, T5, T6, T8, and T15 are character-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
ized by a controlled high tungsten content along with other
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
alloying elements.
3.1.2 Types M1, M2, M3, M4, M6, M7, M10, M30, M33,
2. Referenced Documents
M34, M36, M41, M42, M43, M44, M46, M47, M48, and M62
2.1 ASTM Standards:
are characterized by a controlled high molybdenum content
A370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing
along with other alloying elements.
of Steel Products
3.1.3 Types M2, M3, and M10 are further classified accord-
A388/A388M Practice for Ultrasonic Examination of Steel
ing to carbon range. Type M3 is further classified according to
Forgings
vanadium range.
3.1.4 Types M50 and M52 are considered intermediate
high-speed steels in view of their lower total alloy content than
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel,
the standard types. These leaner alloy grades normally are
Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
limited to less severe service conditions.
A01.29 on Tool Steels.
Current edition approved March 1, 2024. Published March 2024. Originally
approved in 1969. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as A600 – 92a (2016).
DOI: 10.1520/A0600-92AR24.
2 3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM www.astm.org.
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A600 − 92a (2024)
4. Ordering Information 6. Chemical Composition
4.1 Orders for material under this specification shall include
6.1 An analysis of each heat of steel shall be made by the
the following information, as required to describe adequately
manufacturer to determine the percentage of the elements
the desired material:
specified and these values shall conform to the requirements as
4.1.1 Name of material (high-speed tool steel),
to chemical composition specified in Table 1. If requested or
4.1.2 Type,
required, the chemical composition shall be reported to the
4.1.3 Shape (sheet, strip, plate, flat bar, round bar, square
purchaser or his representative.
bar, hexagon bar, octagon, special shapes),
6.2 Analysis may be made by the purchaser from finished
4.1.4 Dimensions (thickness, width, diameter, length) (For
bars and forgings by machining off the entire cross section and
coils, include the minimum inside diameter or inside diameter
range, the maximum outside diameter, and maximum or drilling parallel to the axis of the bar or forging at any point
minimum coil weight if required. (Minimum coil weights are midway between the center and surface in accordance with the
subject to negotiation.)),
latest issue of Practice E59. The chemical analysis of the
4.1.5 Finish (hot rolled, forged, blasted or pickled, cold
drilling chips shall be made in accordance with the latest issue
drawn, rough machined, ground, precision ground and
of Test Methods E30. The chemical composition thus deter-
polished),
mined shall not vary from the limits specified in Table 1.
4.1.6 Condition (annealed),
4.1.7 ASTM designation and date of issue, and
7. Hardness Requirements
4.1.8 Special or supplementary requirements.
7.1 Annealed hardness values when obtained in accordance
5. Materials and Manufacture
with the latest issue of Test Methods and Definitions A370
5.1 Unless otherwise specified, material covered by this shall not exceed the Brinell hardness values (or equivalent
specification shall be made by an electric melting process. Rockwell hardness values) specified in Table 2.
A
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements, %
C
UNS Type Carbon Manganese Phos- Sulfur Silicon Chromium Vanadium Tungsten Molybdenum Cobalt
Designa- phorus
B
tion
min max min max max max min max min max min max min max min max min max
Tungsten-Type High-Speed Steels
T12001 T1 0.65 0.80 0.10 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.40 3.75 4.50 0.90 1.30 17.25 18.75 . . . . . . . . . . . .
T12002 T2 0.80 0.90 0.20 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.40 3.75 4.50 1.80 2.40 17.50 19.00 . . . 1.00 . . . . . .
T12004 T4 0.70 0.80 0.10 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.40 3.75 4.50 0.80 1.20 17.50 19.00 0.40 1.00 4.25 5.75
T12005 T5 0.75 0.85 0.20 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.40 3.75 5.00 1.80 2.40 17.50 19.00 0.50 1.25 7.00 9.50
T12006 T6 0.75 0.85 0.20 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.40 4.00 4.75 1.50 2.10 18.50 21.00 0.40 1.00 11.00 13.00
T12008 T8 0.75 0.85 0.20 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.40 3.75 4.50 1.80 2.40 13.25 14.75 0.40 1.00 4.25 5.75
T12015 T15 1.50 1.60 0.15 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.15 0.40 3.75 5.00 4.50 5.25 11.75 13.00 . . . 1.00 4.75 5.25
Molybdenum-Type High-Speed Steels
T11301 M1 0.78 0.88 0.15 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.50 3.50 4.00 1.00 1.35 1.40 2.10 8.20 9.20 . . . . . .
T11302 M2 regular C 0.78 0.88 0.15 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.45 3.75 4.50 1.75 2.20 5.50 6.75 4.50 5.50 . . . . . .
high C 0.95 1.05 0.15 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.45 3.75 4.50 1.75 2.20 5.50 6.75 4.50 5.50 . . . . . .
T11313 M3 Class 1 1.00 1.10 0.15 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.45 3.75 4.50 2.25 2.75 5.00 6.75 4.75 6.50 . . . . . .
T11323 Class 2 1.15 1.25 0.15 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.45 3.75 4.50 2.75 3.25 5.00 6.75 4.75 6.50 . . . . . .
T11304 M4 1.25 1.40 0.15 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.45 3.75 4.75 3.75 4.50 5.25 6.50 4.25 5.50 . . . . . .
T11306 M6 0.75 0.85 0.15 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.45 3.75 4.50 1.30 1.70 3.75 4.75 4.50 5.50 11.00 13.00
T11307 M7 0.97 1.05 0.15 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.55 3.50 4.00 1.75 2.25 1.40 2.10 8.20 9.20 . . . . . .
T11310 M10 regular C 0.84 0.94 0.10 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.45 3.75 4.50 1.80 2.20 . . . . . . 7.75 8.50 . . . . . .
high C 0.95 1.05 0.10 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.45 3.75 4.50 1.80 2.20 . . . . . . 7.75 8.50 . . . . . .
T11330 M30 0.75 0.85 0.15 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.45 3.50 4.25 1.00 1.40 1.30 2.30 7.75 9.00 4.50 5.50
T11333 M33 0.85 0.92 0.15 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.15 0.50 3.50 4.00 1.00 1.35 1.30 2.10 9.00 10.00 7.75 8.75
T11334 M34 0.85 0.92 0.15 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.45 3.50 4.00 1.90 2.30 1.40 2.10 7.75 9.20 7.75 8.75
T11336 M36 0.80 0.90 0.15 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.45 3.75 4.50 1.75 2.25 5.50 6.50 4.50 5.50 7.75 8.75
T11341 M41 1.05 1.15 0.20 0.60 0.03 0.03 0.15 0.50 3.75 4.50 1.75 2.25 6.25 7.00 3.25 4.25 4.75 5.75
T11342 M42 1.05 1.15 0.15 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.15 0.65 3.50 4.25 0.95 1.35 1.15 1.85 9.00 10.00 7.75 8.75
T11343 M43 1.15 1.25 0.20 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.15 0.65 3.50 4.25 1.50 1.75 2.25 3.00 7.50 8.50 7.75 8.75
T11344 M44 1.10 1.20 0.20 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.30 0.55 4.00 4.75 1.85 2.20 5.00 5.75 6.00 7.00 11.00 12.25
T11346 M46 1.22 1.30 0.20 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.40 0.65 3.70 4.20 3.00 3.30 1.90 2.20 8.00 8.50 7.80 8.80
T11347 M47 1.05 1.15 0.15 0.40 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.45 3.50 4.00 1.15 1.35 1.30 1.80 9.25 10.00 4.75 5.25
. . . M48 1.42 1.52 0.15 0.40 0.03 0.07 0.15 0.40 3.50 4.00 2.75 3.25 9.50 10.50 4.75 5.50 8.00 10.00
. . . M62 1.25 1.35 0.15 0.40 0.03 0.07 0.15 0.40 3.50 4.00 1.80 2.10 5.75 6.50 10.00 11.00 . . . . . .
Intermediate High Speed Steels
T11350 M50 0.78 0.88 0.15 0.45 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.60 3.75 4.50 0.80 1.25 . . . . . . 3.90 4.75 . . . . . .
T11352 M52 0.85 0.95 0.15 0.45 0.03 0.03 0.20 0.60 3.50 4.30 1.65 2.25 0.75 1.50 4.00 4.90 . . . . . .
A
Chemistry limits include product analysis tolerances. Unless otherwise specified, nickel plus copper equals 0.75 % max for all types.
B
New designation established in accordance with Practice E527 and SAE J 1086.
C
Where specified, sulfur may be 0.06 % to 0.15 % to improve machinability.
A600 − 92a (2024)
TABLE 2 Maximum Brinell Hardness in Annealed
should be used where possible but light-load tests may be
or Cold Drawn Condition
necessary on thin specimens. These tests should be specified by
Annealed Cold Drawn Cold Drawn
agreement between seller and purchaser. The hardness value
Type
BHN Annealed BHN BHN
shall be obtained in accordance with the latest issue of Test
M1 248 255 262
Methods and Definitions A370 and shall be the average of at
M2 (regular C) 248 255 262
M2 (high C) 255 262 269 least five readings taken in an area midway between the center
M3, Class 1 and 255 262 269
and surface of the largest dimension of the cross-sectional
Class 2
specimen or along the parallel surfaces of the longitudinal
M4 255 262 269
specimen. The surface to be tested shall be ground sufficiently
M6 277 285 293
M7 255 262 269
to remove any surface condition, scale, carburization, or
M10 (regular C) 248 255 262
decarburization which might affect readings.
M10 (high C) 255 262 269
M30 269 277 285
M33 269 277 285
8. Macrostructure
M34 269 277 285
8.1 The macrostructure of a specimen representing the
M36 269 277 285
M41 269 277 285
entire cross-sectional area in the annealed condition and
M42 269 277 285
prepared in accordance with the latest issue of Practice A561
M43 269 297 285
shall exhibit a structure free of excessive porosity, slag, dirt, or
M44 285 293 302
M46 269 277 285
other nonmetallic inclusions, pipes, checks, cracks, and other
M47 269 277 285
injurious defects.
M48 311 321 331
M50 248 255 262
8.2 Macroetch severity levels for center porosity and ingot
M52 248 255 262
pattern, illustrated photographically in Practice A561, shall not
M62 285 293 302
T1 255 262 269
exceed the ratings specified in Table 4 for the appropriate
T2 255 262 269
material size and composition.
T4 269 277 285
T5 285 293 302
9. Decarburization
T6 302 311 321
T8 255 262 269
9.1 Decarburization shall be determined on a specimen
T15 277 285 293
representing a cross section of the material and prepared in
accordance with the latest issue of Guide E3. When examined
at 20× or greater magnification, it shall not exceed the values
given in Tables 5-8 for the appropriate size and shape of the
7.2 Specimens for determination of minimum response to
material.
hardening shall be ⁄4 in. (6.4 mm) thick disks cut so as to
represent either the full cross-sectional area or that midway
9.2 Material ordered as drill rod, ground and polished,
between the center and outer surface of the material. If the
centerless ground, ground finished, or machine finished flats
material form or size does not lend itself to accurate hardness
and squares shall be free of scale and decarburization.
determination on ⁄4 in. thick cross-sectional disks, then longi-
tudinal specimens may be used for hardness testing. Examples
10. Permissible Variations in Dimensions
are round bars less than ⁄2 in. (12.7 mm) in diameter; sheet;
10.1 Permissible variations in dimensions shall not exceed
and strip. In this case, the specimen shall be a minimum of 3 in.
the applicable limits stated in Tables 8-22, incl. Where out-of-
(76.2 mm) in length, and parallel flats shall be ground on the
round or square requirements are shown, they shall be deter-
original mill surfaces. The specimens shall be heat treated in
mined as follows:
two furnaces, one operating as a preheat furnace and the other
10.1.1 Out-of-Round—Difference between high and low
as a high-heat furnace. The furnaces may be either controlled
readings as determined by micrometers or other suitable
atmosphere or molten-salt bath. The austenitizing temperature
measuring instruments.
ranges stipulated in Table 3 cover both furnace types.
10.1.2 Out-of-Square—The amount required to be removed
7.2.1 After being austenitized for the proper time, the
from each edge in order to square the edge with the face as
samples may be oil quenched or quenched in molten salt plus
determined with a square and suitable measuring instruments.
air cooling. When a salt quench is employed, its temperature
shall be 1050 °F to 1175 °F (566 °C to 635 °C) except for M3,
11. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
M4, M41, M42, M43, M46, M47, M48, M62, and T15,
...