A4

Data under review

A4 is an air-hardening medium-alloy cold work steel using high manganese plus about 1% chromium and molybdenum for deep hardening. It offers A2-like dimensional stability with simpler chemistry and lower cost.

Hardness56–61 HRC
AISIA4
GBCr5Mo1V (near)
CategoryTool Steel

Chemical composition

ElementContent (%)
C0.95–1.05
Si0.10–0.50
Mn1.80–2.20
Cr0.90–1.20
Mo0.90–1.40

Weight percent, per the governing standard ranges. Actual values per heat are on the mill certificate.

Properties

Delivery conditionAnnealed
Hardness (hardened)56–61 HRC
Density7.85 g/cm³

Heat treatment

Harden 940–980 °C air; temper 175–260 °C, double temper recommended.

Equivalent grades

StandardDesignation
aisiA4
gbCr5Mo1V (near)

Compare side by side: A4 vs A2 · A4 vs A6

Equivalents overlap in chemistry and use but are not always identical — see our equivalents guide before substituting in certified designs.

Applications & Processing

Applications: Blanking dies, forming dies, punches, bushings, machine-tool parts.

Processing: Good machinability annealed; low distortion on air hardening; less carbide than A2, so edges are tougher but wear life is shorter.

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Source: ASTM A681 published ranges · Last updated 2026-11-03. Data is indicative — verify critical values against the governing standard and mill certificate before use.