ASTM A681 L2 vs BS 970 (Part 1) 708M40

Related Material — 65% match based on chemical composition and mechanical property overlap.

ASTM A681 L2 (ASTM A681:2008) and BS 970 (Part 1) 708M40 (BS 970 (Part 1):1991) are both steel grades. ASTM A681 L2 is classified under Tool & Die Steels, while BS 970 (Part 1) 708M40 is classified under Alloy Steel — a different category, which is worth noting alongside the chemistry match below. ASTM A681 L2 is typically used for tools, dies and fixtures (clause 1.2), while BS 970 (Part 1) 708M40 is commonly used for used for axles, gears, shafts, studs, crankshafts, and heavy-duty machinery parts.. ASTM A681 L2 is defined under ASTM International, originating from United States, while BS 970 (Part 1) 708M40 is defined under British Standards (BS), originating from United Kingdom.

As per chemical composition, ASTM A681 L2 vs BS 970 (Part 1) 708M40 is a 66.6% match. Mechanical property data is not available for both grades, so this factor could not be scored. Combined, this makes them a related material overall at 65%.

Frequently Compared With ASTM A681 L2:
DIN EN ISO 4957 1.2344 GB/T 1299 3Cr2W8V GB/T 1299 4Cr5MoSiV GOST 5950 4H5MFS1 EN ISO 4957 1.2316 DIN EN ISO 4957 1.2379 EN ISO 683-17 100Cr6 IS 1570 (Part 6) 118T3 GOST 5950 4H5MFS IS 1570 (Part 6) 103T3 IS 1570 (Part 6) 133T3 GB/T 1299 4Cr5MoSiV1
Match Breakdown
CHEMISTRY MATCH
66.6%
MECHANICAL MATCH
No shared data
OVERALL
65%
Specifications
Property ASTM A681 L2 BS 970 (Part 1) 708M40
Standard ASTM A681:2008 BS 970 (Part 1):1991
Category Tool & Die Steels Alloy Steel
C (%) 0.45-1.00 0.36-0.44
Mn (%) 0.10-0.90 0.70-1.00
P (%) <=0.030 Not specified
S (%) <=0.030 Not specified
Si (%) 0.10-0.50 Not specified
Cr (%) 0.70-1.20 0.90-1.20
V (%) 0.10-0.30 Not specified
Mo (%) <=0.25 0.15-0.25
Matched by chemical composition and mechanical properties, not a formal equivalence claim. Always verify against the applicable standard before substitution.
Mechanical Properties
Property ASTM A681 L2 BS 970 (Part 1) 708M40
Hardness <=197 HB Not specified
Condition Annealed (maximum Brinell hardness) Not specified
Typical Applications
ASTM A681 L2
Tools, dies and fixtures (clause 1.2)
BS 970 (Part 1) 708M40
Used for axles, gears, shafts, studs, crankshafts, and heavy-duty machinery parts.
Key Differences
Can ASTM A681 L2 Be Substituted With BS 970 (Part 1) 708M40?
ASTM A681 L2 and BS 970 (Part 1) 708M40 share some compositional similarity but differ enough that substitution should not be assumed. Review the differences above carefully, and consult the applicable standard or a metallurgist before using one in place of the other.
Forms & Sizes Available on M-EX
ASTM A681 L2
No active listings currently.
BS 970 (Part 1) 708M40
Round Bar → (2 listings)
Diameter: 50–50 mm (1.97–1.97 in)
Length: 5700–6000 mm (224.41–236.22 in)
On M-EX Right Now
ASTM A681 L2
0 active listings and RFQs →
BS 970 (Part 1) 708M40
2 active listings and RFQs →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ASTM A681 L2 and BS 970 (Part 1) 708M40?
Different category: ASTM A681 L2 is Tool & Die Steels, BS 970 (Part 1) 708M40 is Alloy Steel. ASTM A681 L2 specifies P, S, Si, V which are not specified for BS 970 (Part 1) 708M40.
Can ASTM A681 L2 be substituted with BS 970 (Part 1) 708M40?
ASTM A681 L2 and BS 970 (Part 1) 708M40 share some compositional similarity but differ enough that substitution should not be assumed. Review the differences above carefully, and consult the applicable standard or a metallurgist before using one in place of the other.