Round bar 

Diameter(mm)

   Length (mm)

    10~800

   2000~5800

   plate/sheet    

Thickness(mm)   

    Width (mm)       

  Length (mm)    

     10~800

     80~2300

   2000~5800

Typical applications include die casting dies for aluminium, magnesium and zinc, extrusion dies for aluminium and brass, liners, mandrels, pressure pads, followers, bolsters, die cases, die holders and adaptor rings for copper and brass extrusion. skd61 is used to produce hot stamping and press forge dies, split hot heading dies, gripper dies, hot punching, piercing and trimming tools. Other applications include plastic moulds, shear blades for hot work and hot swaging dies.

Soak thoroughly at 840-860°C before furnace cooling at a maximum rate of 20°C per hour down to 600°C followed by cooling in air. 

When tools made from skd61 tool steel are heavily machined or ground , the relief of internal strains is advisable before hardening to minimise the possibility of distortion. Stress relieving should be done after rough machining. To stress relieve, heat the component carefully to 700°C, allow a good soaking period (two hours per 25mm of ruling section). Cool in the furnace or in air. The tools may then be finish machined before hardening.

Preheat to 780-820°C. Soak thoroughly, then increase rapidly to the final hardening temperature of 1000-1030°C. When the skd61 has attained this temperature, soak for approximately thrity minutes. Cool in air. Large sections may be quenched in oil. To reduce scaling or decarburisation, we recommend isothermal molten salt bath treatment. Preheat in salt at 780-820°C then transfer to salt bath standing at 1000-1030°C. Soak and quench into salt standing at 500-550°C. Allow to equalise, withdraw and cool in air. Alternatively, this tool steel may be vacuum hardened or pack hardened. Tools should be tempered as soon as they become hand warm.

Heat uniformly to the required temperature allowing a soaking time of two hours per 25mm of ruling section. Withdraw from the furnace and allow to cool in air. A second tempering is strongly recommended, the skd61 tool being allowed to cool to room temperature between tempers. The usual tempering range is 530-650°C depending on the hardness requirements and the operating temperature of the tool.

Heat treatment temperatures, including rate of heating, cooling and soaking times will vary due to factors such as the shape and size of each skd61 tool steel component. Other considerations during the heat treatment process include the type of furnace, quenching medium and work piece transfer facilities. Please consult your heat treatment provider for full guidance on heat treatment of tool steels.

Select the correct grade of wheel in consultation with the grinding wheel manufacturer. Ensure the grinding wheel is in good condition by means of a suitable dressing tool. Wet grinding is a preferable option using a copious supply of coolant. If dry grinding is resorted to then use a very soft wheel.