Tool Steels 1

Tools steels is a sub matrix that includes alloys developed with the objective of achieving high level of toughness, wear resistance and heat tolerance. These three attributes define the demands of tooling applications and need to be balanced as per usage orientation in different enterprising ambiences. A tool is in constant motion against a substrate that is being processed through it. This necessarily involves the ‘impact’ dimension and it means the factors of wear and heat generation would be prominent. Toughness and strength are the other challenging dimensions that are sought as per requirement of tooling application. While wear resistance as an attribute is directly determined by toughness, heat tolerance is gained by manipulating the thermal conductivity and expansion coefficient of the tool steel.

Virat Steel Special Steels is a leading manufacturer, stockiest and exporter of different tool steel grades and caters to enterprising clients through customized products that are finely suited to demands.

Achieving toughness & wear resistance in tool steels -

Higher the toughness of steel, lesser would be wear that is generally exhibited through the undesired chipping, surface abrasion and even breakage during operation. While basic steel is one of the toughest materials, its strength is compromised through addition of specific elements during alloying. These elements include Chromium, Tungsten, Molybdenum and Vanadium and one or more of these are added to generate the wear resistance of the tool steel. The dimensions of toughness and wear resistance are thus balanced in any tool steel through addition of the above stated elements that have abilities to form carbides.

Apart from the alloying composition, the method of production and the subsequent heat treatments are important also for determining the toughness, strength and other characteristics. Tempering and annealing are the two methods that can be carried at desirable temperatures and for specific durations to achieve the demanded features. Virat Special Steels offers specialized grades in the segments of hot worked, high speed, shock resisting and special purpose tool steels.