15 Things You Didn't Know About Tool Steel
May 21,2024
In the manufacturing and mechanical engineering sectors, tool steel plays a pivotal role. It is a versatile material known for its hardness, resistance to abrasion, and ability to retain a cutting edge at elevated temperatures. This article delves into 15 Things You Didn't Know About Tool Steel.
What is Tool Steel?
Tool steel is a high-carbon and alloy steel made for tools that machine metals, plastics, and wood. It has elements like cobalt, nickel, chromium, vanadium, molybdenum, and tungsten. These elements make it strong, wear-resistant, and able to keep a sharp edge at high temperatures. Tool steel is mainly made in electric arc furnaces but can also be made using powder metallurgy. Known for its hardness and durability, tool steel is key in manufacturing and mechanical engineering. Learn more about the different types of tool steel we use at Tuofa.
How Much Carbon is in Tool Steel?
Tool steels typically contain 0.7 to 1.5 wt% carbon. However, some can have up to 2.1% carbon, while others have less than 0.25% carbon. Higher carbon concentration enhances hardness, strength, and hardenability.
Variety of Grades
Grade |
Description |
T1 |
Tungsten high-speed tool steel |
T15 |
High-speed tool steel with cobalt |
M2 |
Molybdenum high-speed tool steel |
D2 |
High-carbon, high-chromium tool steel |
H13 |
Hot work tool steel |
O1 |
Oil-hardening tool steel |
A2 |
Air-hardening tool steel |
For more information, visit Tuofa at www-tuofa-cncmachining.com.
Tool steel chemical composition
Tool steels are iron-based alloys with high carbon content for strength and carbide formation. This table should provide a clear and detailed understanding of the chemical composition of various tool steels. Let me know if you need any more information!
Grade |
Carbon (C) |
Manganese (Mn) |
Silicon (Si) |
Chromium (Cr) |
Vanadium (V) |
Molybdenum (Mo) |
Tungsten (W) |
Nickel (Ni) |
T1 |
0.65-0.80% |
0.15-0.40% |
0.20-0.40% |
3.75-4.50% |
0.90-1.30% |
0.50-0.80% |
17.25-19.50% |
max 0.30% |
T15 |
1.50% |
0.15-0.40% |
0.20-0.45% |
4.00-5.00% |
4.00-5.00% |
0.90-1.30% |
11.75-13.00% |
max 0.30% |
M2 |
0.78-0.88% |
0.15-0.40% |
0.20-0.45% |
3.75-4.50% |
1.75-2.20% |
4.50-5.50% |
5.50-6.75% |
max 0.30% |
D2 |
1.40-1.60% |
0.10-0.40% |
0.10-0.40% |
11.00-13.00% |
0.10-0.40% |
0.70-1.20% |
- |
max 0.30% |
H13 |
0.32-0.45% |
0.20-0.50% |
0.80-1.20% |
4.75-5.50% |
0.80-1.20% |
1.10-1.75% |
- |
max 0.30% |
O1 |
0.85-1.00% |
1.00-1.40% |
max 0.50% |
0.40-0.60% |
max 0.30% |
0.40-0.60% |
- |
max 0.30% |
A2 |
0.95-1.05% |
0.50-1.20% |
0.20-0.40% |
4.75-5.50% |
0.15-0.50% |
0.90-1.40% |
- |
max 0.30% |
How is Tool Steel Made?
Tool steel is mainly made in electric arc furnaces, where it is melted, purified, and adjusted to the right composition. The molten steel is then poured into ingots, cooled, and annealed for further processing. Some tool steels are made using powder metallurgy or other special methods, which improve their properties and performance.
How do I Identify Tool Steel From Regular Steel?
Identify tool steel by checking for elements like chromium, vanadium, molybdenum, and tungsten. These elements are common in high-speed tool steels. Tool steels often perform better at high temperatures due to cobalt or nickel additions. Regular steel lacks these specific elements and high-temperature capabilities.
What Are the Properties of Tool Steel?
Tool steel has three key properties: wear resistance, heat resistance, and toughness. Alloying elements are added to increase strength, wear resistance, and hardness. The hardness of tool steel measures its resistance to deformation and is crucial for performance. These properties make tool steel ideal for demanding applications.
What Are the Main Types of Tool Steel?
Tool steels are special steels made to handle the demands of cutting, shaping, and forming other materials. They are known for their wear resistance, toughness, and hardness, which make them perfect for many industrial uses. Here, I will look at the main types of tool steel, their properties, and common uses.
Type |
Key Properties |
Water-Hardening (W-Series) |
High hardness, moderate toughness, low cost |
Cold-Work (O, A, D-Series) |
Varies: Good wear resistance, high hardness, high toughness, dimensional stability |
Shock-Resisting (S-Series) |
High toughness, moderate wear resistance, good hardness |
Hot-Work (H, P-Series) |
Excellent toughness, good wear resistance, retains strength at high temperatures |
High-Speed (T, M-Series) |
Extremely high hardness, excellent wear resistance, retains hardness at high temperatures |
Special Purpose |
Tailored properties for specific applications |
Choosing the right type of tool steel depends on the specific requirements of your application, such as the need for hardness, toughness, wear resistance, and the working environment. At Tuofa, we understand the importance of selecting the appropriate tool steel to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your tools. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to contact us.
What Temperature is Required to Harden Tool Steel?
Most tool steels develop their hardened structure, martensite, during the quench between approximately 600°F and 200°F. However, in some cases, the transformation to martensite may not be complete even at 125-150°F.
What Makes Tool Steel So Tough?
Tool steel's toughness comes from its alloying elements like tungsten, molybdenum, vanadium, and chromium, which enhance hardness and wear resistance. Its high carbon content (0.7-2.1%) provides strength and hardenability. Heat treatments further optimize its microstructure, ensuring durability under high stress and impact.
How to Choosing Tool Steel?
Here are a few basic questions to ask about your project before choosing your tool steel grade:
Application
Determine if you need high hardness, wear resistance, or toughness.
Environment
Consider operating temperature and exposure to corrosive elements.
Material
Match the tool steel to the material you'll be working with.
Heat Treatment
Ensure the steel can achieve desired properties after heat treatment.
Cost
Balance performance requirements with budget constraints.
Consult with experts if needed to make the best choice.
Where is Tool Steel Used?
Tool steel is used to make tools for cutting, stamping, punching, and machining metals, plastics, and wood. It is usually provided in a soft, annealed state, so it can be easily shaped into tools. After shaping, the tools are heat-treated to make them harder and more durable. This process makes tool steel essential for making strong, long-lasting tools used in many industries. Discover more about our CNC machining parts and the tools we produce.
Tool Steel can be Heat Treated
Tool steel is supplied in an annealed state, around 200/250 Brinell (20 HRC), which makes it easier to machine. In this state, the alloy content is in the form of alloy carbides in a soft matrix. To achieve the desired hardness and other properties, tool steel must be heat-treated. This process changes its structure, enhancing its performance and making it suitable for cutting, stamping, punching, and machining various materials.
Tool Steel is Not Rusting
Tool steel resists rust, making it great for long-lasting tools. It has elements like chromium that form a protective layer on the surface. This layer stops moisture and oxygen from causing rust. Regular cleaning and proper storage improve its rust resistance. So, tool steel stays durable and reliable for many uses.
Enhanced Surface Finish
A good surface finish is crucial for tool steel. Precision machining and polishing create a smooth surface that reduces friction and wear, improving tool performance and lifespan. Heat treatment and coatings make the surface even better by increasing hardness and resisting corrosion. These steps make tool steel perfect for tasks like cutting, stamping, punching, and machining, ensuring it works well and lasts long in various industries.
Conclusion
You now know that tool steel is a must-have in manufacturing and engineering because of its high hardness, wear resistance, and toughness. By understanding its makeup, types, and uses, you can choose the best tool steel for your needs. At Tuofa, our factory is in China, and we specialize in tool steel CNC machining, providing high-quality tool steel products to meet your various needs. Whether you need cutting tools, forming tools, or something else, our expertise ensures you get the right material for the job. To learn more about us, visit our About Us page.