K490 Cold Work Tool Steel Bar

K490 is a high-performance cold-work tool steel produced using third-generation powder metallurgy technology.

Its standard quenching temperature—ranging from 1030°C to 1080°C—is identical to that of D2, SKD11, and 1.2379; consequently, older vacuum furnaces can process it without requiring any parameter adjustments. Its wear resistance is significantly superior to that of D2, while its toughness exceeds that of D2 by more than twofold. Furthermore, it offers excellent machinability, and in its annealed state, it is easier to machine than K390.

 

What temperature do mold manufacturers typically use in their existing vacuum furnaces to process D2 steel? The range is 1030–1080°C. Since the standard quenching temperature for K490 falls within this exact same range—1030–1080°C—it overlaps completely with that of D2, SKD11, and 1.2379. Consequently, these materials can be loaded into the furnace and processed together without any distinction. There is no need to purchase a new furnace, modify existing programs, or retrain workers. As compatible mold steels can be loaded into the furnace and heat-treated simultaneously, batch production costs remain unchanged. This is one of the key reasons why K490 cold work steel offers such exceptional value for money.

K490 tool steel bar typical applications include:
Stamping Dies: Cutting of thin materials—particularly hard or thick stocks—requiring a balance between wear resistance and resistance to chipping.
Forming Dies: Bending, stretching, and deep drawing operations, requiring high compressive strength to prevent collapse.
Fine Blanking Dies: Precision blanking operations, requiring dimensional stability and excellent edge retention.
Powder Compaction Dies: Dies for tablets and ceramics, requiring high wear resistance and a high surface finish.
Cold Extrusion Dies: Cold extrusion operations involving moderate loads.