AISI 3117 Steel is an alloy steel composed of iron, carbon, and other alloying elements. It is a tool steel grade, which is commonly used in the manufacture of cutting tools, molds and dies. It is commonly referred to as AISI 3117 Tool Steel.
AISI 3117 is an alloy tool steel containing molybdenum, tungsten, and cobalt as alloying elements. The molybdenum and tungsten give the steel excellent wear resistance, heat resistance, and hardness. The cobalt gives the steel a high level of toughness and a lower overall machinability. The alloy tool steel has good formability and machinability, good weldability, and can be heat treated to a variety of levels to increase its hardness, strength and wear resistance.
The metallurgical characteristics of the AISI 3117 Tool Steel make it an excellent choice for a variety of applications including cutting tools, molds and dies, and other general fabrication requirements. The tool steel has high wear resistance, low work hardening, and good machinability. It also has good heat treat response, meaning it can be hardened and tempered to maintain its wear resistance. It also has good corrosion resistance, meaning it should not be affected by most environments.
The AISI 3117 Tool Steel grade can be identified by its distinct combination of ferrite and pearlite particles that give it a unique purple-gray color. The individual grain structure is often referred to as having a purple haze. From the microstructural standpoint, it usually contains ferrite and carbide particles, both of which act to increase wear resistance and hardness.
In terms of its physical and mechanical properties, the AISI 3117 Tool Steel is known to have good strength as well as high wear and abrasion resistance. It also has good fatigue properties. The material is rated to have a typical yield strength of up to 616 MPa, a typical ultimate tensile strength of 870 MPa and a typical elongation of around 40%. In addition, the AISI 3117 Tool Steel has a hardness rating of 53-60 HRC.
In terms of its application, AISI 3117 Tool Steel is commonly used for cutting tools, molds and dies, dies for cold forming and forging, gauge blocks and pallet fixtures, as well as knurling and cold heading operations. This type of tool steel is also often used for other general fabrication requirements.
Overall, the AISI 3117 Tool Steel is a great choice for many metalworking applications due to its combination of wear resistance, good machinability and hardenability. Its distinct purple-gray color is one of the main features that distinguishes it from other tool steels. This alloy tool steel is sure to work wonders for any metalworking project.
