A2 Hardening temperature

[Capntom]

I have Hardened and quenched simple O-1 tool steel tools before. Harden at 1550° and temper at 350°F. What are the time and temperatures for A-2, Air hardening tool steel, or is it even possible with tool room equipment. Natural gas or propane torches, thermocouples etc... I know we should "leave it to the pro's" but time is of the essense. This is for an in-house fixture, not life critical or anything sensitive to national security.

 

[040622386]

Hi!
In our production we hardened A2 at 950 C , cooled in vakuum furnace (5bars) and temered it at 260 C for 57 - 59 HRc.
If you cooled it in oil, you can hardened it at app 10 C lower temperature!

 

[adyonel]

Hi,
HARDENING: Heat slowly. Preheat at 790 C, austenitize at 950C and hold at temperature for 20 min for small tools to 45 min for large tools. Air cool on all sides. Typical quenched hardness, 62 to 65 HRC.
TEMPERING: Temper imediately at 180C for 3 hours. After tempering you must obtain aprox 62 HRC.