Tool steel selection: The effectiveness of a tool in service begins with selection of the proper tool steel alloy

摘要

Tool steels are iron-based alloys that are melted and processed to develop characteristics useful in the working and shaping of other metals. Many tool steels are also suitable for machinery components and structural applications in which particularly stringent requirements must be met. Such parts include high-temperature springs, ultrahigh-strength fasteners, special-purpose valves, and bearings of various types for elevated-temperature service. Tools are typically subjected to extremely high loads that are applied rapidly. The tools must withstand these loads without breaking and without undergoing excessive wear or deformation. No single tool material combines maximum wear resistance, toughness, and resistance to softening at elevated temperatures. Consequently, the selection of the proper tool material for a given application often requires a trade-off to achieve the optimal combination of properties.