Mold Steel and Tool Steel Specification and Characteristics Comparison
Mold Steel and Tool Steel are widely used throughout various industries. As the materials are relatively hard, they can be used to make a variety of items, including engine parts, molds, dies and tools. It is important to select the correct material for the job as different materials can have different properties and characteristics. This article takes a look at the composition and properties of both Mold Steel and Tool Steel, as well as how these materials can be used for a variety of applications.
Mold Steel
Mold Steel is a high-strength steel that is commonly used for making molds, dies, and tools. It often has a relatively high carbon content, typically around 0.45-0.65%. The other alloying elements in Mold Steel often include chromium, manganese, vanadium and tungsten. Because of its greater strength and higher wear resistance, Mold Steel is often chosen as a material of choice for a variety of molding and die applications.
Mold Steel has a wide range of mechanical properties depending on the type of alloying elements used. For example, it can have a yield strength ranging from 500MPa to 1500MPa. Mold Steel can become quite brittle when heat treated, so it is important to consider heat treatment methods before selecting this material. In addition, Mold Steel can have excellent resistance to corrosion when exposed to demanding environments.
Tool Steel
Tool Steel is a high-strength material that is commonly used for making tools and dies. This material typically has a slightly lower carbon content than Mold Steel, usually around 0.3-0.55%. Tool Steel also often contain a range of other alloying elements, such as manganese, chromium, molybdenum and tungsten, which can affect the material’s mechanical properties.
While Tool Steel is made from a similar base material as Mold Steel, it does have some important differences. Tool Steel is usually heat treated to a much harder Rockwell hardness than Mold Steel, ranging from HRc60-80. Tool Steel also typically has a higher strength, with yields as high as 2000MPa. This makes it a popular choice for applications that require high strength and wear resistance, such as machining and drilling.
Mold Steel and Tool Steel Comparison
Mold Steel and Tool Steel have different compositions, making them suitable for different applications. As Mold Steel typically has a slightly higher carbon content than Tool Steel and a wider range of alloying elements, it is often chosen for applications that require high strength but not so much wear resistance, such as molds and dies. Conversely, Tool Steel has higher Rockwell hardness, making it suitable for applications such as machining and drilling that require high wear resistance.
It is also important to consider how each material will be used before deciding which steel to select. For example, Mold Steel can become brittle and difficult to work with after heat treatment, so it may not be suitable for intricate and complex shapes. On the other hand, Tool Steel can be more difficult to machine but may be able to withstand higher temperatures and wear.
In conclusion, if you are selecting a steel for your application, it is important to consider the composition and properties of both Mold Steel and Tool Steel and how these two materials can affect the application. By selecting the right material for the job, you can ensure that your part will be made to the exact specifications and requirements that you need.
