Bethlehem Lukens Plate
MTD
PROCESSING GUIDELINES

Machining – These steels are usually machined by grinding, milling and drilling. To improve machinability, MTD 1, 2 and 4 can be ordered with Bethlehem Clean-Cut� processing. For more details on the benefits of this processing, see Item 1 under "Additional Information".

Thermal Cutting – As with any steel having high carbon and alloy levels, MTD steels, if thermally cut, should be preheated and then stress relieved as detailed below. More details on this processing are provided in Item 4 under "Additional Information". The cold work tool steels are not intended to be thermally cut and are almost exclusively saw or abrasive cut.

 
Bethlehem Specification Thickness (Inches)
Preheat 300�F Gas Cut Hot Preheat 300�F - Gas Cut Hot Immediately Heat Treat Edges (a,b)
MTD1

MTD2

MTD3

MTD4

 1 and under

1 and under

 over 1

over 1

all thickness

all thickness

Notes:

Recommended practices are based on Tables 10 and 11, Iron and Steel Society Steel Products Manual-Plates, and/or Bethlehem's experience.

(a) Must be heat treated immediately after cutting to soften edges. If unable to heat treat edges immediately, material must be kept hot until heat treated.

(b) Heat to 1050�F � 25�F, hold � hr/in., air cool.

 
Welding – MTD and cold work tool steels, as other steels having high carbon and alloy levels, are difficult to weld. However, when proper precautions are taken and low hydrogen practices followed, they may be welded. Contact Bethlehem Lukens Plate Technical Customer Support Department for more detailed recommendations.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  1. Lukens Steel Company, Bulletin No. 797, Lukens Free Machining Steels.
  2. Lukens Steel Company, Bulletin No. 802, Lukens Alloy Plate Steels.
  3. Lukens Steel Company, Bulletin No. 771, Lukens Fineline� Steels.
  4. Lukens Steel Company, Technical Services Bulletin No. 788, Thermal Cutting of Lukens Plate Steels.

For more information or assistance regarding your plate steel needs, contact Bethlehem Lukens Plate Commercial Department at 800-441-3320
Important: The information provided herein is based on testing or Bethlehem's experience and is accurate and realistic to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. However, characteristics described or implied may not apply in all situations. Bethlehem reserves the right to make changes in practices which may render some information outdated or obsolete. In cases where specific plate properties are desired, Bethlehem should be consulted for current information and / or capabilities.

Bethlehem Lukens Plate Products

If you have any questions or comments, please Contact Us
�1999, Bethlehem Steel Corporation