Steel T13A-N (Normalized)
Heat-treated state
GB T13A
Used to break up grain-boundary carbide networks in forgings before spheroidize annealing; not a delivery condition for finished tools.
Values for the N condition
Other T13A tempers and conditions
T13A is listed in 8 conditions; see the grade overview at T13A.
Compare all 8 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ADefault Solution annealed | Standard stocked condition of bar, strip and plate — soft enough to machine and blank before hardening. | 420 | 700 | 18 | 197 HB | — |
Hot rolled + annealed bar/plate | As-supplied hot-rolled sections with black scale, annealed; cheapest form for tools that will be fully machined and hardened. | 420 | 700 | 17 | 14 HRC | 9.5 % IACS |
NThis page Normalized | Used to break up grain-boundary carbide networks in forgings before spheroidize annealing; not a delivery condition for finished tools. | 520 | 950 | 8 | 30 HRC | 9 % IACS |
Cold drawn, annealed | Ground/drawn bright bar and drill rod, close tolerance — the usual form for small punches, gravers and needle tools. | 600 | 780 | 10 | 19 HRC | 9.2 % IACS |
Cold rolled hard strip | Work-hardened thin strip for blades and shim tools that are hardened after blanking, or used semi-hard as-is. | 800 | 950 | 4 | 29 HRC | 9 % IACS |
Q&T 60–62 HRC | Slightly tempered-back condition giving a little more toughness for knives, woodworking blades and light punches. | 1,700 | 1,950 | 1 | 61 HRC | 7.5 % IACS |
Q&T 55–58 HRC | Toughest usable hardened condition for hand tools, chisels and shear blades that see shock; sacrifices some wear resistance. | — | 1,750 | 1.5 | 57 HRC | — |
Q&T 63–65 HRC | Maximum hardness and wear resistance for razors, files, engravers and scrapers where impact loading is negligible. | — | 2,100 | 0.5 | 64 HRC | — |
What is T13A-N?
T13A-N is T13A heat treated to N — used to break up grain-boundary carbide networks in forgings before spheroidize annealing; not a delivery condition for finished tools. T13A-N has a yield strength of 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 950 MPa (138 ksi) — stronger than 67% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 8% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi). T13A-N has a density of 7.81 g/cm³ (0.282 lb/in³), lighter than 84% of steel grades. It melts at 1,260°C (2,300 °F). A is the default condition FabDigit quotes; N is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Polishes to a fine finish — 80/100, better than 97% of steel grades
Limitations
- Difficult to weld — 10/100, worse than 99% of steel grades
- Limited ductility — 8%, worse than 95% of steel grades
- Difficult to machine — 30/100, worse than 89% of steel grades
- Limited formability — 15/100, worse than 87% of steel grades
- Limited service temperature — 250°C (482 °F), worse than 85% of steel grades
T13A-N properties
Typical room-temperature values for T13A-N; 22 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are T13A reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among steel grades.
Physical3
T13A-N has a density of 7.81 g/cm³ (0.282 lb/in³), lighter than 84% of steel grades. It melts at 1,260°C (2,300 °F).
Mechanical15
T13A-N has a yield strength of 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 950 MPa (138 ksi) — stronger than 67% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 8% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi).
Thermal6
T13A-N is rated for continuous service to 250°C (482 °F). It conducts heat at 45 W/m·K (26 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 66% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 11.3 µm/m·K (6.28 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
T13A-N conducts electricity at 9 % IACS, better than 71% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is not recommended (10/100), worse than 86% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of T13A-N takes about 30 MJ of energy and emits 2.3 kg of CO₂ — more than 56% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.
Manufacturability7
T13A-N's machinability is poor (30/100, worse than 89% of steel grades); weldability not recommended (10/100); formability poor (15/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with T13A-N
Is T13A easy to machine?
Machine only in the spheroidize-annealed condition (~30 % of 1212); sharp carbide or HSS tools, moderate speeds — hardened T13A needs grinding or EDM.
Can T13A be welded?
Essentially unweldable structurally; if repair is unavoidable preheat 250–350 °C, use low-hydrogen or high-nickel filler and re-anneal immediately.
Can T13A be formed, bent or molded?
Cold form and blank only in annealed strip with generous radii; hot forge 1050→850 °C, cool slowly and normalize + spheroidize anneal to break up carbide networks.
What surface finishes work on T13A?
Takes a fine mirror polish when hardened; protect with oil, wax, black oxide, phosphate or thin plating since it rusts readily — grind wet to avoid temper burn.
T13A 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Chypereutectoid; excess spheroidal cementite | 1.25 – 1.35 | 1.3 |
| Si | ≤ 0.35 | 0.2 |
| Mn | ≤ 0.4 | 0.25 |
| Phigh-grade 'A' quality limit | ≤ 0.03 | — |
| Shigh-grade 'A' quality limit | ≤ 0.02 | — |
| Crresidual | ≤ 0.25 | — |
| Niresidual | ≤ 0.2 | — |
| Curesidual | ≤ 0.3 | — |
| Fe | balance | — |
T13A-N — frequently asked
What is T13A-N used for?
T13A-N is typically used for razor blades, engraving tools and fine-edge cutters. In short: hardest carbon tool steel; fine-edge blade grade; high wear, low toughness.
What is the yield strength of T13A-N?
T13A-N has a typical yield strength of 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 950 MPa (138 ksi) — stronger than 67% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 8 listed tempers.
Is T13A-N easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (30/100, worse than 89% of steel grades). Machine only in the spheroidize-annealed condition (~30 % of 1212); sharp carbide or HSS tools, moderate speeds — hardened T13A needs grinding or EDM.
Can T13A-N be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated not recommended (10/100). Essentially unweldable structurally; if repair is unavoidable preheat 250–350 °C, use low-hydrogen or high-nickel filler and re-anneal immediately.
What surface finishes work on T13A-N?
Takes a fine mirror polish when hardened; protect with oil, wax, black oxide, phosphate or thin plating since it rusts readily — grind wet to avoid temper burn.
Can T13A-N be formed, bent or molded?
Cold form and blank only in annealed strip with generous radii; hot forge 1050→850 °C, cool slowly and normalize + spheroidize anneal to break up carbide networks.
What is the maximum service temperature of T13A-N?
T13A-N is rated for continuous use to about 250°C (482 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between T13A-A and T13A QT60-62?
A is the default condition — standard stocked condition of bar, strip and plate — soft enough to machine and blank before hardening. QT60-62: slightly tempered-back condition giving a little more toughness for knives, woodworking blades and light punches. Yield strength is 420 MPa in A versus 1,700 MPa in QT60-62.
Sources
- ASTM A686 Carbon Tool Steel (W1 class) — ASTM (2020)
- JIS G4401 Carbon Tool Steels (SK120/SK1) — JSA (2009)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol.4 — Heat Treating (Tool Steels) — ASM International (1991)
- ASM Specialty Handbook: Tool Materials — ASM International (1995)
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.