YG6 A (Solution annealed)
Temper
AISI/SAE C2 · ISO K10
Choose for semi-finishing of chilled cast iron, hardened steel and heat-resistant alloys where extra hot hardness and deformation resistance are needed.
Values for the A condition
Other YG6 tempers and conditions
YG6 is listed in 3 conditions; see the grade overview at YG6.
Compare all 3 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AThis page Solution annealed | Choose for semi-finishing of chilled cast iron, hardened steel and heat-resistant alloys where extra hot hardness and deformation resistance are needed. | — | 1,000 | 0.15 | 1,820 HV | 70 W/m·K |
YG6X | Pick for finishing cuts, chilled/alloy cast iron, hard non-ferrous and small-diameter micro tools where edge sharpness and wear resistance matter more than toughness. | — | 1,050 | 0.15 | 1,750 HV | 78 W/m·K |
YG6C | Pick for rock drill inserts, mining/percussive tooling and interrupted cuts where impact toughness beats wear resistance. | — | 1,200 | 0.25 | 1,400 HV | 90 W/m·K |
What is YG6 A?
YG6 A is YG6 in the A temper — choose for semi-finishing of chilled cast iron, hardened steel and heat-resistant alloys where extra hot hardness and deformation resistance are needed. YG6 A has a tensile strength of 1,000 MPa (145 ksi), stronger than 85% of ceramic grades. Elongation at break is 0.15% and the elastic modulus is 620 GPa (89.9 Msi). YG6 A has a density of 14.8 g/cm³ (0.535 lb/in³), heavier than 94% of ceramic grades. It melts at 1,320°C (2,408 °F).
Advantages
- Stiff — 620 GPa (89.9 Msi), better than 93% of ceramic grades
- Tough — resists crack growth — 8.5 MPa·√m (7.74 ksi·√in), better than 79% of ceramic grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 90/100, better than 78% of ceramic grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 0.15%, better than 77% of ceramic grades
Limitations
- Heavy — 14.8 g/cm³ (0.535 lb/in³), worse than 94% of ceramic grades
- High embodied carbon — 24 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 76% of ceramic grades
YG6 A properties
Typical room-temperature values for YG6 A; 14 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are YG6 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among ceramic grades.
Physical3
YG6 A has a density of 14.8 g/cm³ (0.535 lb/in³), heavier than 94% of ceramic grades. It melts at 1,320°C (2,408 °F).
Mechanical13
YG6 A has a tensile strength of 1,000 MPa (145 ksi), stronger than 85% of ceramic grades. Elongation at break is 0.15% and the elastic modulus is 620 GPa (89.9 Msi).
Thermal5
YG6 A is rated for continuous service to 700°C (1,292 °F). It conducts heat at 70 W/m·K (40.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 70% of ceramic grades. Thermal expansion is 4.5 µm/m·K (2.5 µin/in·°F).
Electrical2
YG6 A has an electrical resistivity of 2.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental2
Corrosion resistance is good (58/100), worse than 72% of ceramic grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of YG6 A takes about 330 MJ of energy and emits 24 kg of CO₂ — more than 79% of ceramic grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.
Manufacturability3
YG6 A's machinability is not recommended (4/100, worse than 85% of ceramic grades).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with YG6 A
Is YG6 easy to machine?
Only diamond grinding, EDM/wire-EDM, laser or ultrasonic machining; never conventional cutting — grind wet with resin/metal-bond diamond wheels to avoid thermal cracks.
Can YG6 be welded?
Not fusion weldable; joined by vacuum/induction brazing with Ag-Cu-(Ni/Mn) filler below ~900 °C, using a ductile Cu interlayer to absorb CTE mismatch with steel bodies.
Can YG6 be formed, bent or molded?
Net-shape produced by pressing WC-Co powder (die pressing, CIP, extrusion or injection moulding) followed by vacuum/sinter-HIP at ~1380–1450 °C with ~18–20 % linear shrinkage.
What surface finishes work on YG6?
Diamond lapping/polishing gives mirror finishes (Ra <0.05 µm); PVD TiN/TiAlN or CVD coatings applied after micro-blasting and edge honing; electroless nickel or chrome plating rarely used.
YG6 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Cobinder phase | 5.5 – 6.5 | 6 |
| TaC+NbCgrain-growth inhibitor / only in YG6A; VC or Cr3C2 used in YG6X | 0 – 0.5 | 0.2 |
| C (total)stoichiometric window to avoid eta phase or free graphite | 5.5 – 5.8 | 5.65 |
| WCtungsten carbide hard phase, balance | balance | — |
YG6 A — frequently asked
What is YG6 A used for?
YG6 A is typically used for cast iron turning/milling, non-ferrous machining, punches and dies and wear-resistant tooling. In short: most common K-group carbide; balanced hardness and toughness; default general-purpose grade.
What is the tensile strength of YG6 A?
YG6 A has a typical tensile strength of 1,000 MPa (145 ksi) — stronger than 85% of ceramic grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.
Is YG6 A easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated not recommended (4/100, worse than 85% of ceramic grades). Only diamond grinding, EDM/wire-EDM, laser or ultrasonic machining; never conventional cutting — grind wet with resin/metal-bond diamond wheels to avoid thermal cracks.
Can YG6 A be welded?
Not fusion weldable; joined by vacuum/induction brazing with Ag-Cu-(Ni/Mn) filler below ~900 °C, using a ductile Cu interlayer to absorb CTE mismatch with steel bodies.
What surface finishes work on YG6 A?
Diamond lapping/polishing gives mirror finishes (Ra <0.05 µm); PVD TiN/TiAlN or CVD coatings applied after micro-blasting and edge honing; electroless nickel or chrome plating rarely used.
Can YG6 A be formed, bent or molded?
Net-shape produced by pressing WC-Co powder (die pressing, CIP, extrusion or injection moulding) followed by vacuum/sinter-HIP at ~1380–1450 °C with ~18–20 % linear shrinkage.
What is the maximum service temperature of YG6 A?
YG6 A is rated for continuous use to about 700°C (1,292 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Sources
- ISO 513 Classification and application of hard cutting materials — ISO (2012)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys and Special-Purpose Materials (Cemented Carbides) — ASM International (1990)
- Cemented carbide grade property tables (K-group WC-6Co) — / , Ceratizit, Kennametal (2023)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.