Tool Steel
Tool Steel is a type of carbon and alloy steel specifically designed for the production of tools, dies, and other implements used in metalworking, woodworking, and various industrial applications. Tool steels are known for their high hardness, wear resistance, and ability to withstand repeated impact.
We offer these grades of Tool Steels:
- A2: versatile, air-hardening tool steel — good toughness and stability
- D2: wear resistant but not as tough as lower alloyed steels — very sensitive to heat treatment
- O1: cold work and low-alloy steel — more forgiving
- S7: air or oil hardening tool steel — known for high-impact toughness
- H13: hot work with extreme toughness and good red hardness
*Specialty grades of tool steels are available upon request.
TOOL STEEL AT A GLANCE
- Properties
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- Hardness: Tool steels are characterized by high hardness, allowing them to retain a sharp cutting edge and resist wear.
- Wear Resistance: Tool steels exhibit excellent wear resistance, making them suitable for applications involving abrasion and repeated use.
- Toughness: Some tool steels are formulated to provide toughness and resistance to cracking, particularly in high-impact applications.
- Heat Resistance: Certain types of tool steel maintain their hardness and properties at elevated temperatures.
- Types of Tool Steel
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- High-Speed Tool Steels: Designed for cutting tools and applications where high temperatures are generated during cutting. They often contain tungsten, molybdenum, and chromium for heat resistance.
- Cold Work Tool Steels: Used for tools and dies that operate at room temperature or slightly elevated temperatures. They have high hardness and wear resistance.
- Hot Work Tool Steels: Suitable for applications involving high temperatures during use. They resist thermal fatigue and maintain hardness at elevated temperatures.
- Shock-Resisting Tool Steels: Designed to withstand impact and shock loads. Commonly used for chisels, punches, and other striking tools.
Mold Steels: Specifically designed for making molds for plastic injection molding and die casting. They require good polishability and corrosion resistance.
- Composition
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- Carbon Content: Tool steels typically have a higher carbon content compared to other types of steels. The carbon content contributes to the hardness and strength of the material.
- Alloying Elements: Various alloying elements are added to enhance specific properties. Common alloying elements include chromium, vanadium, tungsten, molybdenum, and sometimes cobalt.
- Heat Treatment
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Hardening: Tool steels are often subjected to heat treatment processes, including quenching and tempering, to achieve the desired hardness and properties.
- Surface Coating
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Coatings: Tool steel surfaces may be coated with materials like titanium nitride (TiN) or titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN) to further enhance wear resistance and lubricity.
- Grades and Standards
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AISI and SAE Standards: Tool steels are often classified according to standards set by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).
- Applications
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- Cutting Tools: Tool steel is commonly used for cutting tools such as drills, milling cutters, and lathe tools.
- Cold Work Applications: Tool steel finds use in dies, punches, and other tools for cold working processes like stamping and forming.
- Hot Work Applications: Tool steel is used for dies and tools in hot working processes such as forging and extrusion.
- Plastic Molds: Mold steels are employed for making molds used in plastic injection molding and die casting.
- Woodworking Tools: Tool steel is used for various woodworking tools like chisels, plane blades, and saws.
