Tool steel stands as a unique category in the vast world of metallurgy and materials science, renowned for its exceptional hardness, wear resistance, and heat tolerance. These properties make it a crucial component in a wide range of industrial applications, from precision machining to heavy-duty manufacturing. As a seasoned expert in metal materials from Sino Special Metal, I will delve into the most common tool steel grades, their unique properties, and their specific applications.
Most Common Tool Steel Grades with Applications
Most Common Tool Steel Grades – 1. A2 Tool Steel (DIN 1.2363)
A2 tool steel, also known as DIN 1.2363, is a molybdenum-based alloy that offers excellent wear resistance and toughness. It is well-suited for applications where shock loading and moderate temperatures are encountered. Its chromium content provides good corrosion resistance, making it suitable for cutting tools and dies that are exposed to corrosive environments. A2 tool steel is commonly used in the manufacture of punches, dies, and cutting tools for plastics and light metals.
Most Common Tool Steel Grades – 2. D2 Tool Steel (DIN 1.2379)
D2 tool steel, or DIN 1.2379, is a high-carbon, high-chromium alloy steel that is air-hardening. It possesses excellent wear resistance and edge retention, making it a popular choice for applications that require long-lasting cutting edges. D2 tool steel is often used in the manufacture of cold work dies, punches, and shear blades, where high hardness and good toughness are essential.
Most Common Tool Steel Grades – 3. O1 Tool Steel (DIN 1.2510)
O1 tool steel, also known as DIN 1.2510, is a water-hardening steel that offers excellent machinability and toughness. It is known for its ability to maintain sharp edges for extended periods, even under heavy use. O1 tool steel is commonly used in the production of precision cutting tools, such as lathe tools, milling cutters, and reamers. Its balanced properties also make it suitable for applications that require a combination of strength and flexibility.
Most Common Tool Steel Grades – 4. M2 Tool Steel (DIN 1.3343)
M2 tool steel, or DIN 1.3343, is a molybdenum-based high-speed steel that is renowned for its extreme hardness and heat resistance. It is designed specifically for applications that involve high cutting speeds and heavy loads, such as cutting tools for machining steel and stainless steel. M2 tool steel is commonly used in the manufacture of drills, taps, reamers, and end mills, where its ability to maintain hardness at elevated temperatures is crucial.
Most Common Tool Steel Grades – 5. S7 Tool Steel (DIN 1.2355)
S7 tool steel, or DIN 1.2355, is an air-hardening steel that offers a unique combination of toughness and wear resistance. It is specifically designed for applications that require shock resistance and good ductility, such as forming and stamping tools. S7 tool steel is commonly used in the production of dies, punches, and other forming tools, where its ability to resist cracking and deformation under heavy loads is essential.
Most Common Tool Steel Grades – 6. P20 Tool Steel (DIN 1.2311)
P20 tool steel, or DIN 1.2311, is a pre-hardened steel that offers excellent machinability and dimensional stability. It is commonly used as a mold base material in the plastics industry, where its ability to maintain precise dimensions and resist deformation under heat and pressure is crucial. P20 tool steel is also suitable for applications that require good surface finish and corrosion resistance.
Applications Overview
The choice of tool steel grade for a specific application depends on a variety of factors, including the material being cut, the cutting speed, the required tool life, and the operating conditions. In general, A2 and D2 tool steels are excellent choices for applications that involve shock loading and moderate temperatures, while M2 tool steel is suitable for high-speed cutting of hard materials. S7 tool steel is ideal for forming and stamping tools that require shock resistance and ductility, while P20 tool steel is a popular choice for mold base materials in the plastics industry.
Conclusion
Tool steel is an essential component in many industrial applications, ranging from precision machining to heavy-duty manufacturing. The most common tool steel grades, including A2, D2, O1, M2, S7, and P20, each offer unique properties that make them suitable for specific applications.
Thank you for reading our article and we hope it can help you to have a better understanding of the most common tool steel grades. If you are looking for tool steel suppliers and manufacturers online now, we would advise you to visit Sino Special Metal.
As a leading supplier of tool steel from Shanghai China, Sino Special Metal offers customers high-quality tool steel products at a very competitive price.
