Carbon tool steels (GB 1298-86)
Carbon tool steels (GB 1298-86) are among the most important engineering materials used in many manufacturing industries. They are used for a number of different applications, from simple hand tools to large industrial machinery. Carbon tool steels are strong and have excellent wear resistance, making them ideal for use in industries where high-performance tools are required. These properties also allow them to be formed into complex shapes, enabling them to be used in a variety of applications that require intricate or customized components.
Carbon tool steels are made from a mixture of carbon and other alloying elements. The carbon content of the steel is the primary factor in determining its properties. Steel containing high carbon content (over 0.75%) is called high carbon steel and has a lower melting point and higher hardness (up to 65 Rockwell hardness) than other types of steel. It also has a higher tensile strength and better wear resistance than other steels. Low carbon steels (0.1 - 0.45%), however, have higher melting points and can be machined more easily than high carbon steel.
There are several different grades of carbon tool steels available to suit various applications, each with their own particular characteristics. The most common grades are W1, W2, W3, O1 and O2. Each grade has different levels of carbon content and other alloying elements such as chromium, molybdenum, manganese and tungsten. For instance, the W1 grade contains higher levels of carbon, chromium, molybdenum and tungsten, while the O2 grade contains slightly lower levels of these elements. As such, the performance characteristics of each grade will depend on the application, and different grades may be chosen according to the specific requirements of each unique project.
Carbon tool steels are produced and machined in a variety of ways. They can be hot forged and then machined into shape, or they can be machined cold. The material can also be cold rolled to reduce its cross section or hot rolled to increase its thickness. Forging the steel makes it easier to machine the parts while still maintaining the uniformity of the material. Heat treating carbon tool steel can also improve its properties and make it more suitable for certain applications. Heat treating involves raising the temperature of the steel above the upper critical temperature and then allowing it to cool very slowly, which also helps to draw out impurities and make the steel stronger.
Carbon tool steels are often alloyed with other elements to improve their performance in specific applications. For example, molybdenum and tungsten are often added to the steel to improve its wear resistance and hardness, while nickel and chromium are added to improve its corrosion resistance. The amount of these elements added depends on the desired properties of the resulting steel and the specific application it will be used for.
Carbon tool steels are used in a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, jewelry making, construction and machine manufacturing. The performance and durability of these steels make them ideal for a wide range of applications, from precision cutting and forming to large, powerful machine parts. With the right grade and alloy combination, carbon tool steels can provide the necessary strength and durability needed to keep a machine running smoothly and efficiently.
