Friday, June 21, 2013

How Steel Hardening Works: Tool Steels

When it comes to steel hardening, there are many different processes at play. One of the most popular applications is to harden the material into tool steel. For our clients all over the country, like Tennessee and Michigan, steel hardening gives them the tool steel they need for their particular application(s), whether it be industrial or commercial.

What is tool steel?
Tool steel, essentially, is what it reads: steel that is suitable to be made into tools. The reason these types of steels are made into tools is due, in part, to their hardness, abrasion resistance, ability to retain a cutting edge and durability against elevated temperatures.

What are the most common types of tool steels?
The most used types of tool steel include:
·         Water-Hardening Types (W-grade steel). These steels are water quenched, and is relatively low cost compared to other types, hence its popularity.
·         Cold-Working Types. These steels are used on larger parts or those requiring lessened distortion during hardening. Subtypes include oil-hardening types, air-hardening types, D-types and ISO 1.2767.
·         Shock-Resisting Types (S-type steel). These are tool steels designed to resist shocks at low and high temperatures, and can be found in applications like jackhammer bits.
·         High-Speed Types (T-Type and M-Type). These are developed for cutting tools whose applications require them to retain strength and hardness at extremely high temperatures.
·         Hot-Working Types (H-Type). This steel is used for tools that are prolonged to increased temperatures.
·         Special-Purpose Types:
   P-Type Tool Steel. For plastic mold sheets.
   L-Type Tool Steel. These are low-alloy special purpose tool steel.
   F-Type Tool Steel. This type is more resistant than water-hardening types, even though it is also water hardened.


Looking for a great Michigan steel hardening company? Call Hi-Tech Steel today at 1-800-835-8294. 

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