PowderMetallurgySteels—PM
AFX Series — Extreme Performance Steels in Powder Metallurgy
High-performance specialty steels produced by Powder Metallurgy: homogeneous microstructure, fine uniform carbides and an uncommon combination of wear resistance, hardness, toughness and dimensional stability.
Introduction
In Powder Metallurgy (PM), molten steel is atomized into powder and then compacted and consolidated under high pressure and temperature. The result is a solid steel with a highly homogeneous microstructure and fine, uniformly distributed carbides—a condition that conventional casting cannot achieve.
This refined microstructure allows a single material to combine high wear resistance, high hardness, toughness, mechanical strength and good dimensional stability during heat treatment, along with improved machinability and grindability.
Aços Formosa supplies these steels as raw material through its own AFX — Extreme Performance Steels line, with technical support to define the alloy, supply condition and most suitable heat-treatment route for each application.
MainMaterials
AFX 10V PM
High vanadium content and exceptional abrasive-wear resistance
Raw material for long-run dies, punches and industrial knives
AFX 12 ULTRA
Vanadium and tungsten carbides in a high-hardness, high-toughness matrix
Raw material for fine blanking, cutting tools and critical cold-forming applications
AFX M-4
PM W-Mo-V high-speed steel balancing wear resistance, hardness and toughness
Raw material for cutting tools, punches and dies
AFX WEAR
High versatility, toughness and chipping resistance
Raw material for industrial knives and blades, punches and stamping tools
AFX 790 PM
PM high-speed steel with high Mo-W-V content, high hardness and stability
Raw material for high-performance cutting and machining tools and rolls
AFX—ExtremePerformanceSteels
Microstructure
- Highly homogeneous microstructure
- Fine, uniform carbide distribution
- Improved machinability and grindability
Properties
- High wear resistance
- High hardness combined with toughness
- Mechanical and compressive strength
Performance
- Excellent dimensional stability during heat treatment
- Consistent, predictable production performance
- Longer tool life in suitable applications
Applications
- Dies
- Punches
- Industrial Knives
- Cutting Tools
- Stamping Tools
- Cold-Forming Tools
- Machining Tools
KeyAdvantages
Homogeneity
The PM route ensures a uniform microstructure and refined carbides throughout the material section.
Wear Resistance and Hardness
High wear resistance and hardness without sacrificing toughness.
Dimensional Stability
Predictable heat-treatment response with minimal distortion in precision tools.
Service Life
Higher performance and longer tool life than conventionally produced steels.
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