Molex® #7
Oil Hardening, Decarb-Free Tool Steel
Molex #7 is a superior quality oil hardening tool steel with exceptional toughness and the ability to develop a high degree of hardness (additional thermal treatment is required). Good all-around tool steel for applications including: collets, threading dies, cam rollers, swages, vise jaws, punches, and die blocks.
Features
Typical Surface Condition*
- Ground Top and Bottom – (+.015”/+.035” oversize)
- Sides Saw Cut – (+1/8”)
- Length Saw Cut – (+1/8” oversize)
- Surface Finish – RMS 125 or better
*As delivered (pre-machined condition)
Applications
Available Lengths
Available Sizes*
10/12 Ft Random Lengths and Custom-Cut-To-Lengths
Thermal Treatment*
Tempering – Temper immediately after quenching. Hold at tempering temperature for no less than 2 hours. Tool and punches are normally tempered at 350°F/400°F for max. hardness.
Annealing – Vacuum furnace or pack in sealed container. Heat slowly to 1,425°F/1,450°F. Hold for 1 hour per inch of thickness. Cool slowly in furnace. Expected hardness is 212 BHN.
Hardening – Heat slowly to 1,475°F/1,500°F. Hold for uniformity. Oil quench. Pre-heat to 1,200°F/1,250°F. Cool slowly. At 125°F/150°F begin tempering. Do not allow to cool to ambient room temperature.
Tempering Chart
@ 800°F typical hardness Rockwell “C” 50.
@ 1,000°F typical hardness Rockwell “C” 44.
@ 1,200°F typical hardness Rockwell “C” 30.
* Above values are typical and are not guaranteed.