Machinability Guide for ASTM A514 Steel Plates

Machinability Guide for ASTM A514 Steel Plates

ASTM A514 steel plates are high-yield-strength, quenched and tempered alloy steels known for their excellent strength and toughness, but their high hardness (typically 235-293 HBW) makes them challenging to machine. Machinability ratings range from 40-70% compared to mild steels like AISI 1212, requiring carbide tools, lower speeds, and careful techniques to avoid tool breakage on hard spots. As a leading manufacturer and exporter, Gangsteel provides ASTM A514/A514M steel plate optimized for fabrication, including grades like astm a514 grade b and astm a514 grade q, with mill test reports to ensure quality for machining-intensive projects.

Overview of ASTM A514 Steel Plates

ASTM A514 is a low-carbon alloy steel specification for plates up to 8 inches thick in some grades, used in structural and heavy machinery applications where high strength and wear resistance are essential. Its machinability is fair, allowing drilling, milling, and general machining with conventional equipment and carbide tools, but preheating or annealing may be needed for better results. Gangsteel's ASTM A514/A514M steel plate is heat-treated for balanced properties, supporting easier machining in grades like astm a514 grade h.

Chemical Composition of ASTM A514 Steel Plates

The chemical composition influences machinability by affecting hardness and tool wear. Below is a table for select grades (in weight %, heat analysis):

Mechanical Properties of ASTM A514 Steel Plates

Mechanical properties affect machinability, with higher hardness requiring slower speeds and robust tools. The table below shows typical values:

Machinability of ASTM A514 Steel Plates

ASTM A514 has fair machinability, suitable for drilling, milling, and general machining with conventional equipment and carbide tools. However, hard spots from cutting (e.g., burn table) can cause carbide tool breakage, while HSS tools wear quickly. Sub-annealing improves machinability, especially for drilling and reaming.

Recommended Tools

• Carbide tools (e.g., P10 grade like GC4015) for milling and turning.
• Imco Powerfeed 4-flute HP AlTin coated endmill with corner radius for slotting and profiling.
• Iscar Ø2.5" feed-mill style indexable cutter for rough face milling, "16-mill" for finishing.
• Ingersoll feeder tools for general machining.
• For helical milling: 15V1E-10012X7R02 tool with UHLD08T310R-M insert (IN2005 grade).

Recommended Speeds and Feeds

Speeds and feeds should be conservative due to hardness.

• Milling: SFM 240-450 (P10 carbide, >350 BHN); adjust chip thickness first, then speed. For helical milling: SFM 700, RPM 2674, IPM 345, DOC 0.025", WOC 1.00".
• Turning: SFM 400-750 (at 350 BHN, P10 carbide).
• Drilling/Reaming: SFM ~30 (sub-annealed); slow for hard steels.

Machining Tips

• Use rigid setups to handle toughness.
• Apply coolant to reduce heat.
• Sub-anneal for easier drilling/reaming; mills better post-annealing.
• For hard spots (from burn cuts): Avoid carbide breakage by starting with lower speeds.
• Welding: Excellent, but preheat for thick plates.

Applications of ASTM A514 Steel Plates

ASTM A514 is used in construction equipment, bridges, mining machinery, and cranes due to its strength and machinability for fabrication. Gangsteel's plates support these with customized machining readiness.

FAQ

• What is the machinability rating of ASTM A514?40-70% compared to mild steel, due to high hardness.
• What tools are recommended for machining ASTM A514?Carbide tools like Imco Powerfeed endmills and Iscar indexable cutters for milling.
• What are typical SFM for milling ASTM A514?240-450 SFM with P10 carbide for hardness >350 BHN.
• How to improve machinability of ASTM A514?Sub-anneal the material and use rigid setups with coolant.
• Where can I source ASTM A514 plates for machining?Gangsteel provides high-quality plates; inquire about ASTM A514/A514M steel plate.