Carbon Tool Steel
Carbon tool steel is a type of steel made from alloying iron with carbon and other elements. It is a versatile material that can be used to make tools, such as knives and drill bits, as well as springs and other parts for automotive applications. Carbon tool steels generally have a high carbon content, ranging from 0.60 percent to 1.50 percent, to ensure strength and flexibility. The other elements used in the alloy include manganese, chromium, nickel, and tungsten, among others. The amount of carbon in any given carbon tool steel depends on the type of steel and its intended use.
Carbon tool steel is divided into three main categories based on its level of carbon. High carbon steel contains up to 1.5 percent carbon, while medium carbon steel has a carbon content ranging from 0.60 to 1.00 percent. Low carbon steel has a carbon content of 0.30 to 0.50 percent. The higher the carbon content, the more wear-resistant the steel will be. Generally, carbon tool steels are more heat resistant than alloy steels due to their higher level of carbon.
High carbon tool steels, such as W1 and W2 grades, are used for cutting tools in metalworking due to their superior wear resistance. Their strength and hardness make them ideal for applications such as dies and punches, as well as drill bits. Medium carbon tool steels, such as O1 and O2 grades, are also often used in metalworking applications, such as punches, dies, and shear blades. They also have superior wear resistance compared to low carbon steels.
Low carbon tool steels, such as A2 and A3 grades, are used for less demanding applications due to their lower wear resistance. These steels are used to make screwdriver tips, hammers, axes, and other similar tools. They are also used to make dies, punches, and shear blades, but are not as suitable for this use as their higher carbon counterparts.
Carbon tool steels can be further divided into two broad categories depending on their treatment. Cold-worked tool steels are heat treated at temperatures below 1200°F, and are often used for cutting and forming tools. Hot-worked tool steels are heat treated at temperatures of 1200°F and above, and are used for forging and hot-stamping applications.
No matter the type of carbon tool steel, proper heat treatment is essential to ensure the desired level of strength, wear resistance, and toughness. When heat-treating the steel, it should be heated slowly and held at the appropriate temperature for a sufficient amount of time in order to ensure uniformity. After heat treating, the steel should be quenched in oil and allowed to cool before tempering.
Carbon tool steel can come in a variety of different forms, such as sheets, bars, or rods. It can also be machined, drilled, or cut and is commonly used in spot-welding applications. Generally, the higher the carbon content, the stronger and more difficult to machine the steel will be.
Carbon tool steel is a versatile and durable material used in a wide variety of applications. Its strength and wear-resistance make it an ideal material for metalworking tools and automotive components. With proper heat treatment, carbon tool steel provides superior wear resistance and a superior strength-to-weight ratio.
