Alloy Tool Steels, also known as “tool steels” or “alloy steel”, are specifically designed for machining and cutting purposes. They are primarily used in the automotive and aerospace industries. These steels are designed to have a high level of corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and hardness for superior performance.
Alloy tool steels are composed of a combination of several different elements. One very common combination is the combination of chromium, molybdenum, tungsten, and vanadium. The chromium provides corrosion resistance, while the other three elements offer extra strength and wear resistance. The combination and the amount of each varies in order to meet customer and industry requirements.
Alloy tool steels can be forged, hot worked, cold rolled and machined. The cold rolling process is often used in order to create a smooth surface with better finish and dimensional accuracy. The hot working process involves heating the alloy steel at high temperatures, then cooling it quickly in order to give it additional strength and wear resistance. The machining process can involve the cutting and shaping of the alloy steel to create threads, slots, and holes.
In Japan, the most popular alloy tool steel is the “SKS3” steel. This steel is primarily composed of chromium, molybdenum, carbon, and vanadium. The steel contains roughly 2.4% chromium, 0.4% vanadium, and 0.1% molybdenum. This steel offers superior strength, durability, and corrosion resistance, even in extreme temperatures.
The “SKS3” steel has become the standard for many Japanese manufacturers. It has even been adopted by global companies, such as Apple and Boeing, who use it in the production of their consumer products and aircraft. In addition, this steel is also heat-treatable, making it more flexible and versatile than other alloy tool steels.
Alloy tool steels offer many benefits in the industrial and consumer sectors because of their combination of strength, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. This makes them ideal for use in harsh conditions such as automotive and aerospace applications. They are also often used in medical instruments and machinery. The “SKS3” steel has become a popular choice for many because of its superior performance characteristics.
