Alloy tool steels are the kind of steels used to make tools and dies used in machining and forming. Alloy tool steels are usually classified by their AISI standard numbers and assigned two- or three- digit numbers in the range of 01–99. Alloy tool steels are typically used for products that require hardness, such as in applications where there is a lot of cutting or wear and tear and require higher strength, corrosion and wear resistance, and heat treatment than carbon or other relatively soft steels. Tool steels are categorized into hot-working, cold-working and shock-resistant tool steels and are used for a variety of applications for everything from jet engines to furniture making.
Some popular types of alloy tool steels include:
A2: A high carbon-high chromium air-hardening steel, A2 is one of the tougher steels available and is often used for making blades and punches, as well as drill bits and cutting tools. It is highly resistant to wear and abrasion, and can also be heat-treated for additional toughness and hardness.
D2: A high-carbon, high-chromium, air-hardening tool steel, D2 is very wear-resistant and can be hardened by heating and cooling between specific temperatures. Because of its resistance to wear and abrasion, it is often used to make tools, dies, and knives that are subject to wear and extreme temperatures.
M2: A molybdenum high-speed steel, M2 is especially good at holding an edge and maintaining it even after being subject to extreme temperatures. It is often used to make cutters, drills, end mills, tapping tools, and cold-forming tools for operations that require extreme cutting precision.
S7: An air-hardening tool steel with superior toughness and maximum shock resistance, S7 is ideal for use in cold-forming operations. It is often used for making punches and knock-outs, as well as forging dies, hot punches, cold shear blades, and chisels.
H13: A hot-working tool steel, H13 is often used for making molds for use in press operations for forming plastics, as well as for dies used in hot-forming applications. It features good toughness and impact strength, as well as excellent wear and heat resistance.
Overall, alloy tool steels are extremely versatile and can be used for a range of jobs, large and small. No matter the application, alloy tool steels are reliable and provide lasting longevity and performance.
