Technological watch: Materials used in the field of tooling - Non-alloy and alloy tool steels

The choice of steel grade depends on a number of practical application factors, such as toughness (resistance to crack initiation and propagation), hardness (resistance of the material to penetration), thermal fatigue resistance (resistance to the effects of successive heating and cooling which can generate cracks), which can be translated into the simple application questions detailed below.

The following formulations should be kept in mind for questions of use:

• Does the use require a sharp and durable cut?
• Does the tool have to withstand impact loads (hammers, picks, axes, etc.)?
• Is abrasion resistance an important criterion?
• Is a special heat treatment required?

The answer to these questions will lead to the selection of a steel grade from six categories (grades) of special composition and treatment: