TOOL STEEL – CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF STEEL

Tool Steel is a combination of iron and carbon. The chemical and physical properties of the tool steels depend on the chemical composition of the steel. The main properties of different metals are given below to understand the quality of metal that you need.

PROPERTIES OF STANDARD STEELS:

Standard steel can be divided into three main groups: carbon, aluminum and stainless steel. Each of these groups has similar chemical and physical properties with variations based on the components of steel. Tool steel has carbon which makes them hard and wear resistant

PROPERTIES OF CARBON:

Alloying elements do not exceed the limits as 1% carbon, 0.6% copper, 1.65% manganese, 0.4% phosphorus, 0.6% silicon, and 0.05% sulfur. These steels have similar properties as iron. The more carbon the harder and stronger the metal will be but more difficult to weld and less able to deform without cracking.

PROPERTIES OF ALLOY STEEL:

These steels contain alloying elements higher than carbon steel including nickel, chromium, cobalt and more.  These steels have greater toughness, strength, durability and hardness as compared to carbon but they typically require some form of heat treatment.

PROPERTIES OF STAINLESS STEEL:

Stainless steel contains 10% chromium regardless of other factors involved. There are three grades of stainless steel: 18% chromium and 8% nickel. It may contains very little nickel and chromium either 17% or 12% chromium with aluminum or titanium. Stainless steel will not rust as easily as ordinary steel or Shear Blades.

PROPERTIES OF TOOL STEEL:

Naturally, tool steels is a quality steel that is specifically made for cutting tools. It is generally heat treated and has certain hardness, ability to hold a sharp edge and resistance to scrape.  Tool steel is used to cut and shape other materials. Typical examples of products manufactured by such hot forming methods are pistons, cylinder heads, fittings and more. Tool steels contain carbon from 0.6% to 2%. The minimum level is about 0.5%. The excess carbon above 0.5% plays little role in the hardening of the tool steels.

Sheffield Gauge Plate LTD is an International Distributor of High Quality Tool Steels and metals.  They have all the popular grades and sizes of tool steels. Sheet items in tool steel, stainless and high speed steel is supplied with fast delivery. They also offer full machining and treatment options for all steel tooling. Visit ground-flat-stock.co.uk or call at +44 114 2335291.