BS4659 BA2 is a cold
work tool steel, which offers good abrasion with added toughness.
Forging: Heat slowly
and uniformly to 700°C. Forge within a range of 1050/1100°C,
reheating if necessary. Cool very slowly (preferably in a furnace)
to avoid setting up stresses.
Annealing: Heat uniformly
to 850°C, equalize, then furnace cool. (Hardness about 215 Brinell).
Fully machined tools should be packed during annealing.
Stress Relieving: If
machining operations have been heavy or if the tool has an unbalanced
section, remove stresses before hardening by heating up to 675°C,
equalize, then cool in furnace to 500°C before slowly cooling
in air.
Hardening: Pre heat
to 600/700°C and thoroughly soak. Continue heating to the final
hardening temperature of 950/980°. Allow sufficient time for
the component to be heated through. Quench in oil or cool in
air.
Martempering: Martempering
is an alternative hardening procedure which may be used when
suitable salt bath equipment is available.
Tempering: Heat uniformly
and thoroughly at the selected tempering temperatures and hold
for at least one hour per inch of total thickness. For your
guidance refer to our colour charts for
forging, hardening and tempering.
