Definition and classification of tool steel

Definition and Classification of Tool Steel

Tool steel is a type of steel that is used to make tools and instruments. It is an alloy of iron and other elements, and its composition and properties vary depending on the material. It typically contains high levels of carbon, chromium and molybdenum, with relatively smaller amounts of cobalt, vanadium, tungsten and manganese. This combination of elements allows tool steel to achieve a specific set of characteristics that make it ideal for certain applications.

Tool steel can be classified into different types depending on its composition, properties, and applications. There are three main categories of tool steel: water-hardening, oil-hardening, and air-hardening, each of which has its own particular characteristics.

Water-hardening tool steel is the most commonly used grade, and is typically used in applications that require high hardness and toughness. It is high in chromium, often in combination with tungsten, molybdenum, and other elements. Water-hardening tool steel can be hardened and tempered at relatively low temperatures, and is resistant to wear, heat, fatigue, and impact. It is often used for dies, punches, chisels, and cutters.

Oil-hardening tool steel is higher in carbon and other alloying elements than water-hardening tool steel. It can attain a higher hardness than water-hardening steel, and is typically used in applications requiring greater durability and wear resistance. It is often used for making components such as dies, taps, and punches.

Air-hardening tool steel is higher in carbon than the other two grades and is used for applications involving high shock resistance and wearability. It is often used for making punches and hot-work tools.

Tool steel is also classified by grade, which is a system for measuring the properties and characteristics of each type. Common grades include A2, A6, D2, O1, etc. Each grade denotes a specific combination of elements, properties, and applications. For example, A2 and A6 are air-hardening tool steel while D2 and O1 are oil-hardening tool steel.

The most important aspect of tool steel is the composition of its various elements, as this determines its properties and applications. Proper selection of the grade and type of tool steel is essential to the success of any project. Consult a professional before making your selection in order to ensure that you are choosing the right material for your application.

Tool steel is a type of carbon steel that is well-suited for making tools. It typically has a carbon content between 0.5-1.5%, as well as other alloying elements such as chromium, molybdenum, tungsten, vanadium, and manganese. These alloying elements work together to impart specific characteristics to the steel, such as hardness, wear resistance, toughness, and high-temperature durability.

Tool steel is divided into two categories - air-hardening and oil-hardening. Air-hardening tool steel is used to make parts that require superior abrasion resistance and high-temperature strength. These parts often require heat treating or annealing to increase their wear characteristics. Oil-hardening tool steel is used for parts that need a combination of high hardness and strength with good impact resistance.

Tool steel is typically used for components that are subject to high levels of wear, such as cutting blades, dies, and molds. It is also used for hand tools that require superior strength and wear resistance, such as hammers, pliers, wrenches, and saw blades. Some of the most common tool steel grades include D2, D3, A2, O1, and H13.

Tool steels can be hot or cold workable, depending on the grade. Hot-workable grades are typically used for forging and hot-forming of parts and components, while cold-workable grades are used for parts that require superior dimensional accuracy, such as dies and molds.

Tool steel is a highly versatile material that can be used in a variety of applications, from automotive components to parts used in the aerospace industry. It is an essential material in any manufacturing setting that requires superior wear resistance, strength, and toughness.