CarTech Micro-Melt A11-LVC tool steel is a high vanadium tool steel produced using the Carpenter CarTech Micro-Melt powder process. This grade possesses wear resistance superior to most other tool steels along with good strength and toughness characteristics. In addition, it provides higher toughness characteristics than CarTech Micro-Melt A11 alloy with slightly lower wear resistance.

Many of the benefits realized in the use of CarTech Micro-Melt powder metals, such as CarTech Micro-Melt A11-LVC alloy, are a direct result of the refined microstructure (smaller, more uniformly distributed carbide particles and a finer grain size) and the lack of segregation in the powder metallurgy product. These advantages include ease of grinding, improved response to heat treatment, greater wear resistance, and increased toughness of the finished tool.

CarTech Micro-Melt A11-LVC Tool Steel is equivalent in hardness, wear resistance and heat treating response to CPM 9V* alloy.

* CPM and 9V are registered trademarks of Crucible Materials Corporation.

Applications:
CarTech Micro-Melt A11-LVC tool steel may be considered for applications where less wear resistance than CarTech Micro-Melt A11 tool steel is needed but more toughness is required. The applications for which this tool steel should be considered may include:

Punches
Dies for blanking
Piercing dies
Forming rolls & dies
Cold heading
Steel mill rolls
Cold extrusion
Slitter knives
Shears
Pelletizer blades
Nozzles
Woodworking tools
Cold extrusion barrels
Cold extrusion liners
Plastic injection molds
Compacting tools