A. Finkl & Songs Co.

Contact: Sales Manager

2011 N. Southport Ave
Chicago, IL 60614
U.S.

Phone: 773-975-2510
Fax: 773-348-5347

Website

A. Finkl & Sons is now the world's leading supplier of forging die steels, plastic mold steels, die casting tool steels and custom open-die forgings, processing over 100,000 tons of steel each year. Finkl open die forgings are produced at our fully integrated production facility in the heart of Chicago's Near North Side. These products are distributed domestically and to more than 18 countries worldwide.

Melting, forging, heat-treating and machining capability at A. Finkl & Sons Co. allows for a wide range of custom-forged products. Multi-diameter shafts, gear blanks, mandrel-forged rings, roll-shells and specialized shapes, including bored products, are available in a wide range of sizes and weights ranging from a few pounds to over 100,000 pounds. Most popular carbon and alloy AISI/SAE grades such as 1026, 1045, 4140, 4150F (Resulfurized), 4340, and 8620 are readily available. Custom and specialized alloys can be considered for melting. Finkl is capable of producing to various industry specifications such as ASTM, API, ASME, ABS, AMS and Military, as well as product-specific specifications. Full laboratory capability and metallurgical assistance is available.

Grade AISI Description
1018, 1026 1018, 1026 Low carbon (.18% C) and medium carbon (.26% C) and no alloy additions make these grades relatively low strength, but still suitable for many low stress applications. Ease of machining, cold-forming, and welding make these grades popular for non-critical parts or fabrications. Generally supplied as normalized, or normalized and tempered to lower hardness conditions, approximately 179-248 Brinell Hardness.
4140 4140 Chromium and molybdenum additions together with .40% carbon provide improved heat-treating response to produce higher strength steel suitable for many general engineering applications. Machinery parts and light duty gears are typical applications. May be supplied in a wide range of heat-treating options and hardness.
4150F 4150 Mod. Similar to grade 4140 except for slightly higher carbon (.50%) and a sulfur addition (.080%). Sulfur is generally considered an impurity that degrades fracture strength, but it also dramatically improves machinability. Resulfurized steel is economically appealing where components require a high volume of machining, but are used in non-critical or low stress applications. May be supplied in a wide range of heat-treating options and hardness.
4340 4340 Nickel content (1.80%) adds significantly to the chromium and molybdenum alloys to provide a steel grade that is widely used for high strength, critical engineering applications. Appropriate heat treatment can provide excellent fracture toughness, particularly in applications exposed to sub-zero temperature environments. May be supplied in a wide range of heat-treating options and hardness.
8620 8620 Low carbon (.20%), mildly alloyed with nickel, chromium and molybdenum to provide a low strength and high toughness steel. Widely used for light-duty parts or as a tough core material for various surface treatments such as weld-facing or carburizing. May be supplied normalized, normalized and tempered or quenched and tempered to lower hardness conditions, 179- 248 Brinell Hardness.
Cold WorkCold working of metals is performed at or near room temperature so that the advantage of reduced yield strength, or forging pressure, accompanying elevated temperatures is not available to assist in the forming operation. Additionally, metals “work harden”, i.e., increase in yield strength, during deformation at lower temperatures, further adding to the work necessary to reach the desired shape.
The appeal of cold forming, in addition to the obvious cost savings when no heating is necessary, is the greater dimensional precision that can generally be achieved since there is no need to account for thermal contraction or distortion once the shaping is completed. And often just as important, the cold-worked metal part also avoids the surface discoloration (oxidation) that occurs at higher temperatures, so that the part may be presentable for sale and possibly service without further processing.
The disadvantage to this process is that extremely hard (60 Rockwell C), highly abrasion-resistant die steel is required to endure cold working demands. With such an emphasis on abrasion resistance, the high hardness die steels are generally very brittle. The selection of cold working die steels offered by A. Finkl & Sons Co. are “mild” grades that provide some degree of fracture toughness over an exclusive focus on abrasion resistance.
Grade AISI Description
Durodi Lower carbon (C .50%) and higher nickel than most cold-working die steel for better fracture toughness. Suitable for mild cold-forming operations where die cracking is a chronic problem. Oil hardening.
DRX S7 (AISI S7) Lower carbon (C .50%), moderate alloy for improved wear resistance, but with a focus on mechanical "Shock" resistance. Air hardening.
A2 A2 One of the most widely used cold-work tool steels. Moderate carbon (C 1.00%) and alloy for a balanced combination of wear and fracture strength. Air hardening.
D2 D2 Higher carbon (C 1.50%) and alloy for wear-prone applications. Good Nitriding response if additional wear resistance is needed. Air hardening.

Hot FormingsHammer Die SteelsThe two essential properties that characterize die steel are hardness, for wear resistance, and fracture toughness, required for crack resistance. Both of these characteristics change with alloy composition and heat-treated condition of the die steel. In general, die steel compositions that focus on wear resistance by having high carbon and alloy together with a high hardness, are susceptible to cracking. Alternatively, die steel compositions with lower carbon and alloy, and heat treated to a softer, more ductile condition will favor crack resistance over wear characteristics. Finkl die steels span a full range of available alloy compositions and heat-treated properties that are available to our customers. Please consult with your Finkl representative for assistance in determining the proper combination of die alloy and heat treated condition for your application.
Grade AISI Description
CX ™ High nickel (Ni 3%) provides this grade with superior fracture toughness, and makes it an excellent choice for dies that are prone to cracking due to little or no preheating, or situations where dies have a low operating temperature. CX is an excellent choice for holders, compression rings, or auxiliary parts that remain at room temperature but still have good ductility and fracture toughness.
FX A moderate level of alloys nickel (Ni .80%), chromium (Cr 1.15%) and molybdenum (Mo .5%) provides this die steel with a good balance between fracture toughness and wear resistance at the widely used Temper 2 hardness (38-42 HRC). However, the versatile heat-treating response of FX can target either high wear applications or fracture prone applications with appropriate tempering and hardness adjustments.
Cuprodie 2 ® ™ Copper added to this grade acts as a natural lubricant during forging for improved metal flow and part release. The copper also contributes to machinability during die sinking. In some applications, forgings may be made without the need for additional lubrication due to a level of lubricity contributed by the copper in the die steel.
Durodi ® Increased nickel (Ni 1.5%) and molybdenum (Mo .75%) give this grade additional depth-of-hardening and good impact resistance. Excellent for larger hammer dies, HERF equipment (Impacters, programmable hammers, counter-blow hammers) or wherever improved wear resistance is desired along with good impact strength.
WF-XTRA ® Higher chromium (Cr 2.50%) and molybdenum (Mo 1.00%) improves heat and wear resistance, but with significantly better fracture toughness than the more highly alloyed AISI H-series steels. Excellent depth-of-hardening makes it especially suitable for larger blocks. Typically supplied in a pre-hardened condition.

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Press Die SteelsMechanical and hydraulic presses are characterized by relatively longer dwell times between the dies and forging stock compared to the dwell times experienced in hammers, and this means higher heat transfer and die operating temperatures. For this reason, dies for presses are more highly alloyed than hammer dies, and are usually heat treated to higher hardness.
Screw presses have very different characteristics than mechanical or hydraulic presses, and are actually closer to hammers in the types of die steels that are appropriate. The mechanical shock on the dies is controlled with a good degree of accuracy through programmed energy management techniques common to screw presses. This allows dies of higher hardness and alloy content to be used relative to hammer dies. This same comment may be applied to High Energy Rate Forging Machines (HERF), Impacters and programmable hammers.
Grade AISI Description
FX A moderate level of alloys nickel (Ni .80%), chromium (Cr 1.15%) and molybdenum (Mo .5%) provides this die steel with a good balance between fracture toughness and wear resistance at the widely used at Temper 2 hardness (38-42 HRC). However, the versatile heat-treating response of FX can target either high wear applications or fracture prone applications with appropriate tempering adjustments.
This grade is normally recommended for hammer application, but is suitable for presses, screw or mechanical, where production rates or lubrication practices result in lower die operating temperatures.

Durodi ® Increased nickel (Ni 1.6%) and molybdenum (Mo .80%) give this grade additional depth-of-hardening and good impact resistance. Excellent for larger press dies, HERF equipment (Impacters, programmable hammers, counter-blow hammers) or wherever improved wear resistance is desired along with good impact strength. Recommended for large die blocks due to increased alloy content that provides good depth of hardening for better wear and fracture toughness at higher temperatures.
WF-XTRA ® Ideally suited for larger dies requiring better heat and wear resistance than FX, but better fracture toughness than H series steels. Higher levels of chromium (Cr 2.5%) and molybdenum (Mo 1.00%) provide this grade with especially deep hardening characteristics and excellent heat resistance. Typically supplied in the heat-treated condition at Temper 1 (43-46 Rc) or Temper 2 (38-42 Rc) hardness.
ShellDie ® H-11 Mod. AISI H11 steel modified with slightly higher Molybdenum (Mo 1.85%) for added heat resistance over a standard H11 (Mo 1.35%). This is an excellent choice for a wide variety of press forging applications. Generally better fracture toughness but lower wear resistance than the high vanadium grade H13. Usually supplied annealed, to be vacuum furnace hardened after machining to Temper 1 (43-43 Rc) or Temper H (47-50 Rc).
ShelleX ™ H-11 Mod. AISI H-11 modified with more than twice the Molybdenum (Mo 3.00%) of standard H11 (Mo 1.35%) for greatly improved heat resistance. Suitable for high production rates with minimal lubrication where die operating temperatures tend to higher levels. Usually supplied annealed, to be vacuum furnace hardened after machining to Temper 1 (43-43 Rc) or Temper H (47-50 Rc).
DC (VAD) and DC-XTRA(VAD+VAR) ™ H-13 AISI H13. Vanadium content of 1.00% in addition to a high chromium (5.00%) and molybdenum (1.40%) promotes hot strength and wear resistance. Popular choice for press die inserts. The DC-Xtra is remelted in the VAR to provide added thermal fatigue resistance and improved fracture toughness. Usually supplied annealed, to be vacuum furnace hardened after machining to Temper 1 (43-43 Rc) or Temper H (47-50 Rc).
Press Die ™ Precipitation hardening die steel capable of “recovering” from overheated conditions. Low carbon (.20%) avoids development of an embrittled surface prone to heat-checking. Precipitation hardening alloys (Ni 3.0% and Mo 3.0% ) minimize softening from overheated conditions. Heat of forging actually “ages” the die surface to a higher hardness. Provided in the partially aged condition, approximately 40 Rc, and surface should peak at approximately 48 Rc in service.

Pressure Die CastingThe die casting process exposes dies to severe thermal cycling. Typically high production rates require that the dies be cooled as rapidly as possible after being injected with molten metal, and also after ejecting the solidified cast part. The largest segment of this industry, aluminum die casting, subjects the dies to approximately a 1200 °F rapidly executed, thermal cycle. This requires the dies to withstand tremendous thermal shock, and imposes the need for good thermal fatigue and wear properties. The North American Die Casting Association (NADCA) has established minimum standards for microstructure and microcleanliness of die steel that has been determined to be essential for successful die performance. A. Finkl & Sons Co. maintains an extensive inventory of die steel for the die casting industry that is pre-certified by an independent laboratory to the standards as established by NADCA, and also an inventory of non-NADCA material for auxiliary tooling and less critical die casting applications.
Grade AISI Description
DC (VAD) ™ H-13 Mod. Single-vacuum melted AISI H13 by the patented VAD process. Vanadium content of 1.00% in addition to a high chromium (Cr 5.00%) and molybdenum (Mo 1.40%) promotes hot strength and wear resistance. Thermal fatigue resistance is less than double-vacuum processed DC-Xtra, but may be suitable for short run casting operations. Usually sold annealed, for hardening by vacuum furnace after machining.to Temper H (47-50 RC).
DCF ™ H-13 Mod. Prehardened, single-melt H13, resulfurized, for ease of machining in the hardened condition. Eliminates the necessity of costly and time-consuming vacuum heat-treating that normally has to be scheduled after machining. Thermal fatigue resistance less than double-melted DC-Xtra, but it is ready for service, as machined! Supplied prehardened at approximately 45 Rc.
DC-XTRA ™ H-13 Finkl H13 Premium, produced with a patented double vacuum process, VAD+VAR, that provides ultra clean and ultra refined microstructures for superior thermal fatigue resistance. This is the standard grade and quality level used in the aluminum die casting industry. Generally supplied pre-certified to NADCA standards for cleanliness and microstructure, and in the annealed condition for hardening after machining.
ShellDie ® H-11 Mod. H11 type modified steel with slightly higher molybdenum (Mo 1.85%) for added heat resistance over standard H11 (Mo 1.35%). Lower vanadium than H13 promotes lower incidence of objectionable “primary” carbides for improved fracture toughness. Available by patented double-vacuum (VAD+VAR) processing for further enhancement of thermal fatigue properties. Available pre-hardened, or annealed for hardening after machining.
ShelleX ™ H-11 Mod. A more highly modified H-11 with nearly twice the molybdenum (Mo 3.00%) of standard H11 (Mo 1.35%) for greatly increased heat resistance. As with Shell-Die, lower vanadium than H13 promotes lower incidence of objectionable “primary” carbides for improved fracture toughness. Available by patented double-vacuum (VAD+VAR) processing for further enhancement of thermal fatigue properties. Available pre-hardened, or annealed for hardening after machining.
HB ™ 4150 Mod. Resulfurized 4150 with excellent machinability. Suitable for holders or retainers where extensive machining is necessary. Supplied pre-hardened to 269-302 BHN (Brinell), (28-32 HRC, Rockwell).
4140 4140 AISI 4140 is commonly used for holders or retainers where a non-resulfurized steel is preferred. Also suitable for many smaller engineering components. Supplied prehardened to 269-302 BHN (28-32 Rockwell C).
Mold Die P-20 AISI P20, prehardened to 269-302 BHN (28-32 Rc) or 321-352 BHN (34-38 Rc, P20 HiHard). Popular for Zinc die casting applications, or for service as holders or retainers where a stronger alloy is preferred.

Mold MaterialStandard MoldsThe increasing success and popularity of plastic products over the years has led to more sophisticated tooling and constantly evolving resins. These forces have acted together to place new demands on mold materials. A close relationship with various OEMs and tool builders has allowed us to work together to develop alloys that meet these new molding challenges. The result is a series of mold materials offering a range of properties for various molding applications. Please contact your Finkl representative for a mold material recommendation for your particular application.
Grade AISI Description
Mold Die(MD) P20 Mod. Modified AISI P20. A mid-carbon (C .33%), mild alloy (Cr 1.6%, Mo .5%) grade that is suitable for a wide range of plastic molding applications. It is the most widely used alloy for plastic molding, and may be regarded as the “Standard” mold steel. Excellent machining, polishing and texturing characteristics. Supplied pre-hardened to 277-321 Brinell (29-34 Rockwell C).
Hi-Hard P-20™ P20 Mod. Mold Die heat-treated to a higher hardness than standard P20. The elevated hardness, 321-352 BHN (34-38 HRC, Rockwell C) contributes to improved polishability.
420M™ Stainless Steel 420 Mod. This is a 12% chromium stainless steel for improved resistance to atmospheric and chemical corrosion. Recommended for locales where humidity could pose a corrosion problem during periods of inactivity, or where the plastic compound may degrade to form corrosive acids. Modified with 0.5% molybdenum for added strength and corrosion resistance. Supplied in the annealed condition for vacuum heat-treating after machining.
420MB Resulfurized Stainless Steel 420 Mod. The same chemical analysis as 420M except sulfur is added (S .100%) for improved machinability. Suitable for mold base components where extensive machining is performed, but with no requirement for highly polished surfaces.
LR™ Long Run A higher carbon steel than P20 (C .50% vs .33% for P20) promotes added wear resistance in abrasive applications. Reduced polishability compared to P20, but suitable for molding parts with abrasive fillers where improved wear properties take precedence over surface finish. Supplied pre-hardened to 38-42 Rockwell C.
HB™ 4140 Mod. Resulfurized AISI 4140 modified for excellent machinability. Supplied in the heat-treated condition, approximately 27-33 Rockwell C. Generally suited for applications such as mold bases where there is extensive machining. Not recommended for highly polished surfaces (Diamond paste) where sulfides may be revealed as fine, directional scratches. Supplied pre-hardened to 27-33 Rc.
DRX™ S7 AISI S7. Higher carbon and alloy (3.25% Cr, 1.4% Mo) for emphasis on good wear resistance. Typically used for inserts or smaller molds in applications requiring high production volumes or molds subjected to high-wear conditions. Supplied in the annealed condition and typically heat-treated to 45 Rockwell C or more after machining.
DC™ H-13 AISI H13. The high level of chromium-molybdenum–vanadium carbides in this grade offers extreme resistance to abrasive wear from high molding pressures, molding of filled compounds or just high-volume manufacturing. Appropriate for plastic molding applications requiring high polishability. Provided in the annealed condition, and vacuum heat-treated after machining to a typical hardness of 44-46 Rockwell C.
DCF™ H-13 Mod. AISI H13, but provided in a pre-hardened condition H13 and resulfurized, for ease of machining in the hardened condition. Sometimes suitable for non-critical mold surfaces. Eliminates the necessity of costly, time-consuming vacuum heat-treating after machining. Ready for service, as machined!
RA40™ A resulfurized, precipitation hardening mold steel with excellent machining characteristics. Very forgiving of welding, and having excellent weld-blending characteristics. Supplied in the solution treated and partially aged condition, approximately 375 Brinell (40 Rockwell C).


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Lens QualitySome plastic molding applications have extremely high surface requirements for producing products with equally fine surfaces. A clear, optical quality lens is one example of such a molded product, but other applications may have equally demanding surface requirements. To provide superior steel qualified to meet such demands on a highly reliable basis, a “Double Vacuum” processed steel is recommended. Lens Quality mold steel is melted in the Vacuum Arc Degasser (VAD) followed by remelting in the Vacuum Arc Remelting (VAR) facility. The VAD+VAR combination provides the superior cleanliness and microstructure refinement necessary for consistent, lens quality results.
Grade AISI Description
420LQ Stainless Steel 420 Mod. Lens Quality 420M stainless steel with VAD+VAR processing. This is a 12% chromium steel for improved resistance to atmospheric and chemical corrosion. Recommended for locales where humidity could pose a corrosion problem during periods of inactivity, or where the plastic compound may degrade to form corrosive acids. Modified with 0.5% molybdenum for added strength and corrosion resistance. Supplied in the annealed condition for vacuum heat-treating after machining.
MLQ P20 Mod. Mold Die with VAD+VAR processing. A standard P20 chemistry, but refined with the Double-Vacuum process to provide dependable, superior polishability. Near absence of sulfur impurity and slightly higher standard hardness may be expected to decrease machinability compared to standard P20, but offers greatly improved polishability. Supplied in the pre-hardened condition, 321-352 Brinell (34-38 Rockwell C).
Mar-X™ 15-5PH AISI 15-5 PH (15% Cr + 5% Ni) precipitation hardening, stainless steel. Excellent corrosion resistance for both atmospheric and chemical attack. The heat response characteristics of this grade provide especially good welding characteristics. Absence of hardening in the weld Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) offers improved blending characteristics and reduced cracking potential in welded areas. Supplied in the solution treated condition, approximately 321 Brinell (34 Rockwell C). May be age-hardened with a simple thermal treatment to 40+ Rc.
DC-XTRA™ H-13 Mod. AISI H13 Premium, standard H13 chemistry produced with our patented double vacuum process, VAD+VAR, for superior polishability. Supplied in the annealed condition, and vacuum heat-treated after machining, usually to about 44-46 Rockwell C. The high content of chromium-molybdenum –vanadium carbides in this grade offers extreme resistance to abrasive wear from high molding pressures, molding of filled compounds or just high-volume manufacturing.


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Aluminum MoldsCertain molding applications requiring excellent thermal conductivity are well served with aluminum. At nearly five times the thermal conductivity of steel, aluminum is highly desirable where accelerated cooling for high production cycles is necessary. The blow molding process is an example of such an application. Additionally, aluminum is relatively softer than steel, and is therefore highly machinable. For this reason aluminum is often the choice for prototype molds.
Grade AISI Description
Alu-C™ Finkl’s 2300 series aluminum that is thermally aged for dimensional stability during the machining process. Recommended for prototype tooling and some blow mold applications. Material up to 30” thick in inventory.
Alu-X™ Custom forged aluminum for large tooling. Typical applications would be prototype fascia tools or large thermoform tools.

DisclaimerA. Finkl & Sons Co. is the premier producer of mold steels, forging die steels, die casting die steels and custom open-die forgings in the world.
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Product Warranty. All product information included on the A. Finkl & Sons Co. site merely constitutes information furnished gratuitously for your consideration. Instructions, where offered, are intended as suggestions only and do not purport to be complete or to replace or to constitute normal shop practices. A. Finkl & Sons Co. makes no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, with respect to the matters covered on this site, whether as to merchantability, fitness for particular purpose, reproducibility or properties and results set out herein, or any other matter.
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