What is tool steel?
Die steel is a kind of steel specially used to make molds. Molds are tools used to produce and process various products, including plastic products, metal products, glass products, etc. Die steel has the characteristics of high hardness, wear resistance, heat resistance and corrosion resistance, and can withstand the requirements of high temperature, high pressure and repeated use.
The choice of tool steel depends on the specific application and requirements of the tool. Common die steels include cold work die steel, hot work dies steel and plastic die steel.
Cold work die steel: suitable for making cold work dies, such as punching dies, shearing dies and bending dies. These molds are usually used at room temperature and require high hardness, wear resistance and impact resistance.
Hot work die steel: suitable for making hot work dies, such as die-casting dies and forging dies. These molds are used at high temperatures and require high heat resistance, wear resistance and deformation resistance.
Plastic mold steel: suitable for making plastic injection molds and extrusion molds, etc. These molds are required to have good wear resistance, corrosion resistance and high finish to meet the precision and surface requirements of plastic products.
Die steel usually needs to undergo appropriate heat treatment, such as quenching, tempering, etc., to obtain the required hardness and properties. The specific mold steel selection and heat treatment process should be determined according to the specific requirements of the mold and the suggestion of the material engineer.
It should be noted that the selection and application of die steel is a complex process involving multiple factors, such as material cost, production requirements, and use environment. It is recommended to consult a professional material engineer or supplier for more accurate information when selecting and applying die steel.
