Things to Consider When Choosing A Tool Steel Grade
There are various types of tool steel, such as – hot work tool steel, cold work tool steel, air hardening, water hardening, shock resisting, high speed etc. Each of these tool steel has several grades. The basic properties and composition of these grades remain the same however, with little differences in order to exhibit one or few of the properties in an enhanced way. For example – increased percentage of Vanadium in High Speed Steel increases cutting efficiency of tools. It also increases the resistance against wears and abrasions. Hence, tool steelsuppliers recommend knowing the area of application for a particular tool steel grade in order to easily select it. 1. If it is to be used for plastic molds – For plastic molding, a special kind of tool is required. It is also known as Type P family of tool steel variety. These type of tool steel are not normally used for other kinds of purposes except for molds for metals that have low melting temp...