Higher alloy content of this grade improves several important factors that strongly influence die performance:

Alloy Enhanced Hardening
Strengthening from higher alloy content permits standard die hardness to be achieved with a lower Carbon level for improved fracture toughness and greater heat-checking resistance.

Wear Resistance
Increased levels of strong carbide-forming alloys, Chromium, Molybdenum and Vanadium, provide a higher concentration of hard carbide particles for enhanced wear resistance.

Temper Resistance
Higher levels of Chromium, Molybdenum and Vanadium precipitate carbides at elevated temperatures to help counteract the loss of surface hardness normally experienced from contact with hot forging stock.

Deep hardening
A high "DI" value (Ideal Diameter, is a calculated dimension expressed in inches based upon steel chemistry that measures through-hardening capability) together with uniquely effective water quenching produces better interior hardness and improved microstructure for stronger dies, especially in larger sizes.

Machinability
Machinability at all hardness levels is enhanced through patented micro-alloying additions, but where maximum machinability is desired, a fully annealed condition (approximately 229 BHN) is available.