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Powder Metal CPM Rex T15 Tool Steel
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Looking for high-performance tool steel that can handle the toughest applications? Whether you are producing drill bits, end mills, or cutting inserts, SteelPro Group has the quality and supply range you need to get the job done right.
What Is CPM Rex T15 Tool Steel?
T15 tool steel is a tungsten-based high-speed steel known for exceptional wear resistance, red hardness, and toughness. It’s ideal for cutting tools like drills and mills, outperforming M2 in high-temperature applications. Its high vanadium content enhances wear resistance, while cobalt prevents softening at elevated temperatures. Its fine carbide structure ensures easier grinding and longer tool life.
CPM Rex T15 Tool Steel Products Forms And Supply Range
Bars:
- Diameter: 5 mm to 200 mm (0.2″ to 8″)
- Length: 1000 mm to 6000 mm (3′ to 20′)
Plates:
- Thickness: 5 mm to 150 mm (0.2″ to 6″)
- Width: 100 mm to 1200 mm (4″ to 48″)
- Length: 500 mm to 4000 mm (20″ to 157″)
Rods:
- Diameter: 5 mm to 100 mm (0.2″ to 4″)
- Length: 1000 mm to 3000 mm (3′ to 10′)
Wire:
- Diameter: 0.1 mm to 10 mm (0.004″ to 0.4″)
- Length: 5 m to 100 m (16′ to 328′)
CPM Rex T15 Tool Steel Chemical Composition
| Element | Content (%) |
| Carbon (C) | 1.6 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 4 |
| Cobalt (Co) | 5 |
| Iron (Fe) | 72.28 |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.060 – 0.22 |
| Tungsten (W) | 12 |
| Vanadium (V) | 4.9 |
CPM Rex T15 Tool Steel Physical Properties
| Property | Metric Value | Imperial Value |
| Density | 8.19 g/cc | 0.296 lb/in³ |
| Melting Point | 3050 °C | 5522 °F |
| CTE, Linear | 9.90 µm/m-°C (Temper 20 – 260°C) | 5.50 µin/in-°F (Temper 68.0 – 500 °F) |
| CTE, Linear | 12.5 µm/m-°C (Temper 20.0 – 540 °C) | 7.00 µin/in-°F (Temper 68.0 – 797 °F) |
| Shrinkage | -0.200 % | -0.200 % |
CPM Rex T15 Tool Steel Mechanical Properties
| Property | Metric Value | Imperial Value | Note |
| Hardness(HB) | 245 – 275 | 245 – 275 | Annealed |
| Hardness(HRC) | 64.5 | 64.5 | Hardening Temper 1175°C (2147°F); Tempering Temper 565°C (1049°F) |
| 68 | 68 | Hardening Temper 1235°C (2255°F), Tempering Temper 540°C (1004°F) | |
| Flexural Strength | 4005 MPa | 580900 psi | Hardening Temper 1235°C (2255°F), Tempering Temper 540°C (1004°F) |
| 5102 MPa | 740000 psi | Hardening Temper 1175°C (2147°F), Tempering Temper 565°C (1049°F) | |
| Charpy Impact | 16.0 J | 11.8 ft-lb | Hardening Temper 1235°C (2255°F), Tempering Temper 540°C (1004°F) |
| 29.0 J | 21.4 ft-lb | Hardening Temper 1175°C (2147°F), Tempering Temper 565°C (1049°F) | |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 214 GPa | 31000 ksi | – |
- In its annealed condition, CPM T15 has approximately 20% of the machinability of W1 tool steel (1%C), which should be kept in mind when machining.
CPM Rex T15 Tool Steel Heat Treatment
Forging
CPM T15 can be forged at 1095-1150°C (2000-2100°F). Avoid forging below 925°C (1700°F). After forging, allow the steel to cool slowly. For straightening, it is best to do so at a temperature range of 200-430°C (400-800°F).
Annealing
CPM T15 tool steel should be annealed after hot working and before re-hardening. Heat at a maximum rate of 222°C (400°F) per hour to 843-871°C (1550-1600°F) and hold for 1 hour per inch of thickness, with a minimum of 2 hours. Afterward, cool slowly in the furnace at no more than 15°C (30°F) per hour to 538°C (1000°F), then continue cooling to room temperature in the furnace or the air. The annealed hardness should be between 245 and 275 BHN.
Stress Relieving
For parts that have been machined, stress-relieving should be performed at 595-740°C (1100-1300°F) for 2 hours, followed by air or furnace cooling. After hardening, stress-relieving may involve tempering at least 15°C (30°F) below the original tempering temperature, or at a minimum of 540°C (1000°F).
Preheating
Before hardening, preheat the steel in two stages. Start with a preheat at 816-845°C (1500-1550°F) and equalize. We recommend a second preheat at 1010-1040°C (1850-1900°F), especially if you’re planning to use vacuum hardening, to ensure optimal results.
Austenitizing
Austenitize CPM T15 at 1177-1232°C (2150-2250°F) for both furnace and salt processes. For optimal toughness, use the lower end of the temperature range, and for enhanced hot hardness, use the higher end. The steel should be heated rapidly from the preheat.
Quenching
CPM T15 can be quenched using pressurized gas, warm oil, or salt.
- For pressurized gas, maintain a quench pressure of at least 4 bars. Quenching should be at a rate of around 222°C (400°F) per minute down to below 538°C (1000°F).
- In oil, quench until the steel turns black (around 482°C / 900°F), then cool in still air to 66-51°C (150-125°F).
- For salt, maintain the salt bath at 538-593°C (1000-1100°F), equalize, and then cool in still air to 66-51°C (150-125°F).
Tempering
Tempering should be done immediately after quenching. Use a temperature range of 538-593°C (1000-1100°F), but do not temper below 538°C (1000°F). Hold at this temperature for 2 hours, then air cool to room temperature. Triple tempering is required to relieve stresses and achieve the desired hardness.
Straightening
For CPM T15 tool steel, straightening is best done when the steel is heated to 200-430°C (400-800°F). This temperature range allows the material to be more pliable, reducing the risk of distortion and cracking while achieving the desired shape.
CPM Rex T15 Tool Steel Applications
Drill Bits: Used in drilling operations, particularly for tough materials like high-strength alloys and composites.
End Mills: Employed in milling operations, particularly for hard and abrasive materials, ensuring longer tool life and higher cutting speeds.
Taps: Utilized for threading in challenging materials, offering superior durability and precision.
Broaches: Applied in precision machining, especially in the automotive and aerospace industries for high-accuracy cutting.
Cutting Inserts: Used in turning and machining operations for high-wear applications, ensuring extended cutting-edge retention.
Your Trusted Source for High-Performance CPM T15 Tool Steel
At SteelPro Group, we focus on providing practical solutions to meet your tooling and manufacturing needs. Beyond supplying high-performance materials like CPM Rex T15 and T1 tool steel, we offer flexibility in product sizes and forms and support through every step of your procurement process.
