Pilger die for tubing production

A die for a pilgering apparatus for reducing a tube, said die comprising a ring-shaped member capable of being rotated and having along the outer periphery thereof a generally circular groove extending into said member a predetermined distance, whose transverse cross section is a generally circular arc decreasing progressively from a first point along said outer periphery to a second point along said outer periphery, said member having an internal bore for supporting said member on a shaft, said ring shaped member consisting of at least three steel alloy sections, a first steel alloy section comprising a hardened steel alloy having a hardness of 53 to 63 Rockwell C, hardened by transforming to martensite under predetermined heat treating conditions, extending from said outer periphery a distance inwardly beyond the predetermined distance of said groove and up to about 25 percent of the thickness of said die, to a point spaced from said bore, a second steel alloy section having a hardness of 35 to 45 Rockwell C, comprising a major portion of said die, extending from said point towards said bore, said second steel alloy composed of a material that does not transform to martensite when exposed to said heat treating conditions used to harden the first alloy section, and a third steel alloy section extending from said bore to a point spaced from said first alloy section, said third alloy section comprising a hardened steel alloy, hardened by transforming to martensite under said predetermined heat treating conditions.