What are tool steels used for?

Tool steels are grades used for dies, punches, cutting tools and wear-resistant components, with properties developed through heat treatment. Cold-work grades address wear and compressive loading; hot-work grades handle elevated-temperature cycles; plastic mould grades are selected for surface finish, polishing and corrosion needs. High-speed steels are designed to retain hardness in cutting applications.

Grade selection and heat treatment

No single grade suits every tool or mould. Consider impact, wear, operating temperature, geometry, production volume, surface finish and maintenance. Compare pre-hardened and through-hardening options with availability and machining sequence. Follow the producer’s data for hardening, tempering, stress relief and machining, and manage distortion and cracking risks.