ASTM A681 L6 vs BS 970 EN353

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

ASTM A681 L6 (ASTM A681:2008) and BS 970 EN353 (BS 970:1955) are both steel grades. ASTM A681 L6 is classified under Tool & Die Steels, while BS 970 EN353 is classified under Alloy Steel — a different category, which is worth noting alongside the chemistry match below. ASTM A681 L6 is typically used for tools, dies and fixtures (clause 1.2), while BS 970 EN353 is commonly used for heavily loaded gears, cams, camshafts. ASTM A681 L6 is defined under ASTM International, originating from United States, while BS 970 EN353 is defined under British Standards (BS), originating from United Kingdom.

As per chemical composition, ASTM A681 L6 vs BS 970 EN353 is a 68.2% 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 L6:
IS 1570 (Part 6) 133T3 GB/T 1299 3Cr2W8V EN ISO 4957 1.2316 DIN EN ISO 4957 1.2344 DIN EN ISO 4957 1.2379 IS 1570 (Part 6) 103T3 IS 1570 (Part 6) 118T3 GOST 5950 3H2W8F GB/T 1299 4Cr5MoSiV GB/T 1299 4Cr5MoSiV1 GOST 5950 4H5MFS GOST 5950 4H5MFS1
Match Breakdown
CHEMISTRY MATCH
68.2%
MECHANICAL MATCH
No shared data
OVERALL
65%
Specifications
Property ASTM A681 L6 BS 970 EN353
Standard ASTM A681:2008 BS 970:1955
Category Tool & Die Steels Alloy Steel
C (%) 0.65-0.75 <=0.20
Mn (%) 0.25-0.80 0.50-1.00
P (%) <=0.030 <=0.050
S (%) <=0.030 <=0.050
Si (%) 0.10-0.50 <=0.35
Cr (%) 0.60-1.20 0.75-1.25
Mo (%) <=0.50 0.08-0.15
Ni (%) 1.25-2.00 1.00-1.50
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 L6 BS 970 EN353
Hardness <=235 HB Not specified
Condition Annealed (maximum Brinell hardness) core, min (lowest-strength condition of the standard)
Tensile Strength Not specified ≥1004 MPa (65 tons/sq in, converted)
Elongation Not specified ≥12%
Typical Applications
ASTM A681 L6
Tools, dies and fixtures (clause 1.2)
BS 970 EN353
Heavily loaded gears, cams, camshafts
Key Differences
Can ASTM A681 L6 Be Substituted With BS 970 EN353?
ASTM A681 L6 and BS 970 EN353 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 L6
No active listings currently.
BS 970 EN353
Round Bar → (3 listings)
Diameter: 50–50 mm (1.97–1.97 in)
Length: 5200–6300 mm (204.72–248.03 in)
On M-EX Right Now
ASTM A681 L6
0 active listings and RFQs →
BS 970 EN353
3 active listings and RFQs →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ASTM A681 L6 and BS 970 EN353?
Different category: ASTM A681 L6 is Tool & Die Steels, BS 970 EN353 is Alloy Steel.
Can ASTM A681 L6 be substituted with BS 970 EN353?
ASTM A681 L6 and BS 970 EN353 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.