Tool steel
What is tool steel?
Tool steel is a special type of steel designed to withstand demanding operating conditions in the engineering workshop industry. It is known for its excellent hardness, wear resistance, and compressive strength, all achieved through precisely controlled heat treatment. The typical carbon content ranges from 0.7–1.5%, and other metals such as chromium, tungsten, vanadium, and molybdenum are often added to improve the steel's sharpness as well as its wear and impact resistance.
Tool steel properties in the engineering workshop industry
In engineering workshops, tool steel is required to have specific properties such as high hardness, wear resistance, and toughness. These features enable tools to perform efficiently in demanding environments, where they are exposed to significant stresses and temperature fluctuations. Heat treatment processes, such as hardening and tempering, play a key role in achieving the final properties of tool steel.
Classification and applications of tool steels
Tool steels are generally divided into three main groups according to their intended use: cold work, hot work, and plastic mold steels. Cold work steels are suitable for tools operating at temperatures below 200°C, such as cutting blades and dies. Hot work steels withstand higher temperatures and are ideal for casting molds and forging tools. Plastic mold steels are specifically designed for molds used in manufacturing plastic parts, where good polishability and corrosion resistance are required.
The importance of tool steel for machinists
For machinists, choosing the right tool steel is a critical factor in the performance and durability of tools. The selection is based on operating temperature, working conditions, and the required impact resistance. For example, cold work steels often use high-carbon and chromium-containing steels, which provide excellent wear resistance. In hot work tool steels, alloying elements commonly include chromium, molybdenum, and tungsten to enhance the steel's hot strength and toughness.
Summary
Tool steels are an essential part of the engineering workshop industry, offering the necessary durability and performance for various tools and components. Selecting and handling the right tool steel ensures efficient and long-lasting operation under demanding conditions, which is crucial for the daily work of machinists and workshops.
