Tool Steels Forming and Rolling
Tool steel is a type of steel that is used in various processes of metal forming, including hot rolling and cold rolling. Commonly used in the automotive industry, tool steels are produced in a variety of sizes, shapes and qualities, depending on the specific needs of the application. Tool steel is created through processes such as hot rolling, annealing and tempering, wherein the steel is heated, formed and reheated to obtain desired properties.
Hot rolling is one of the most common processes used to produce tool steel. In this process, a large heated slab is passed through rolls that reduce the cross sectional area, thereby transforming the slab into a thin sheet. As the sheet passes through the machine, it undergoes a series of reductions, each of which thin it down further, until it reaches the desired roll size. As the steel is deformed and compressed by the rollers, it is also strengthened and harder. The thin sheet of steel emerging from the rolling process is referred to as hot-rolled sheet steel.
Annealing is a process performed on hot-rolled steel sheets. During this process, the steel is cooled at a controlled rate until it hardens and becomes brittle. This strength comes from the strain-hardening that takes place during the hot rolling process. Annealing is done to reduce the hardness and stress of the steel and make it more flexible. The steel is then reheated to the appropriate temperature for tempering.
Tempering is a process that increases the steel’s strength and hardness. This is done by heating the steel to a specific temperature and then cooling it rapidly, usually in water or oil. This process is applied to the steel sheet to increase its strength, as well as to reduce distortions and improve its responses during forming. Tempering also helps to improve the steel’s wear resistance and performance under different conditions.
The final form of tool steel is achieved through the combination of hot rolling, annealing and tempering. This three-step process is essential in the production of high-quality tool steel that can be used in a variety of applications. Tool steels are not only durable and hard, but they are also capable of forming and rolling into a variety of shapes and forms. As such, they are used in an assortment of industries, such as automotive, aerospace and medical, to create a range of products.
