Alloy Tool Steel

Alloy tool steel is a type of steel that adds Cr, Mo, W, V and other alloying elements to carbon tool steel to improve hardenability, toughness, wear resistance and heat resistance. It is mainly used in the manufacture of measuring tools, cutting tools, impact-resistant tools, cold and hot molds and some special-purpose tools.

Adding Cr and Mn can improve the hardenability of tool steel. According to requirements, other elements can be added selectively or at the same time (the total amount added generally does not exceed 5%) to form a series of alloy tool steel.

Alloy tool steels are usually supplied in the annealed condition, which softens very hard materials so they can be machined or formed for use. After machining, the material is heat treated again to increase toughness and strength.

There are several tool steels available and the choice will be made according to the particular environment, especially with regard to temperature. These include cold working, hot working and high speed machining.

1. Cold work tool steel has strength, impact toughness and wear resistance. They are typically used at temperatures not exceeding 400°F / 200°C.

2. Hot work tool steel combines strength, impact toughness and wear resistance with the ability to work at higher temperatures.

3. High-speed tool steels also possess strength, impact toughness and wear resistance, and are able to maintain these properties in environments up to 1000°F / 540°C.

Alloy tool steel is widely used as cutting tools, cold and hot deformation molds and measuring tools, and can also be used to make pistons, valves, valve seats and fuel valve nozzles of diesel fuel pumps, etc.