CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

C	Si	Mn	Cr	V	W
0.95	0.25	1.10	0.55	0.10	0.55

K460 is an oil hardening carbon manganese tool steel, possessing excellent dimensional stability during heat treatment. Cutting tools (dies and punches), blanking and punching tools, threading tools, woodworking tools, machine knives for the timber, paper, and metal industries, measuring tools and gauges, molds for the plastics industry.

The vanadium addition is optional though that helps to maintain a fine grain size. The tungsten also helps with fine grain and wear resistance. The carbides are relatively small and well distributed. Fine carbides generally mean good toughness and edge stability.

The main benefit of O1 compared with simple carbon steel like 1095 is that it can be hardened in oil and better avoid cracking, distortion, and size changes.