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 temperatures and plastic molds. P5, P3 and P2 are finest examples in this category.

2.      Will the tool steel undergo impactful conditions – Most tool steels are robust but, brittle. Many tool steel grades cannot withstand the pressure, shock and unusually high or low temperatures and tend to have fractures. Shock resistance tool steel are specially used for purposes where high levels of toughness is to be endured. S2, S1 and S5 are typically used for these purposes. Unfortunately, due to increased toughness, these steel grades are brittle in nature and has lesser resistance against tears and wears as compared to other grades. This, this type of tool steel grade should be used where huge and sudden impacts are involved. Hammers, chisels and shears are few examples in this category.

3.      Will it be used at a high speed – Tool Steel used at high speed mainly has two concerns. Firstly, when used at very high speed, temperature might increase equally which will have adverse effects on the wear resistance and hardness of the tool. Secondly, due to high speed, repeated cycles are run on the same machine. This might also lead to wears and tears. High speed steel is perfect for such cases which ensure retention of original quality even at high speed or temperatures. Besides, the mechanism of the high speed steel makes it endure the adversities and yet not have fractures, brittleness or wears. M7, M42 and T1 are few examples of such high resistance steel. Tool steel suppliers advise using these grades for cutting blades, drill bits, pump components etc.

4.      Budget – Tool Steel that use costly alloying elements might not be well suited for a task with low budget. Water hardening tool steel show effectiveness, genuine mechanical properties and are also cost effective. The efficiency of these steel grades come from high amounts of carbon and not alloying elements. W1, W2 and W3 are few such examples. These are commonly used for projects with low budgets and those that need high resistance against water.

5.      Will there be high temperatures – Hot work tool steel is perfect for tasks that include high temperatures. H13, H12 and H19 are few such examples. Even at high temperatures, they do not lose their hardness or resistance against wears.

Tool steel suppliers are experts offering tips and tricks after much analysis and knowledge.