China tool steel and bearing steel grades
China is one of the leading countries in tool and bearing steel production. There are several grades of these two types of steel, each with its own specific characteristics. The right selection of grade is an important factor in ensuring the successful manufacture of quality components and products.
Tool steel is an alloy of iron and other elements, mainly carbon, which is used mainly in the manufacturing of cutting tools and machinery components. In general, tool steel has high hardness and heat resistance as well as good wear resistance. It is often used for tools that need to be very tough and durable, such as drills, chisels and lathe tools. The most commonly used grades in China include Cr12MoV, W-6Mo5Cr4V2, SKD11 and GCr15.
Bearings steel is an alloy of iron and carbon, which is primarily used for making bearings. Its main feature is a high specific load capacity, or strength to weight ratio, which helps reduce the weight of a single bearing or of an entire device, as well as minimize effects from heat and vibration. The most commonly used grades in China are 100Cr6 and GCr15SiMn.
Each grade of both tool steel and bearing steel have different hardening and tempering characteristics, as well as applications for which they are best suited. It is important to choose the right grade based on the properties needed for a particular project, because the wrong selection can lead to problems such as tool breakage or bearing failure. China’s steel manufacturers are generally very experienced in the production of various steel grades, and they can easily help determine the right one for any particular use.
