Gateway Metals takes pride in offering an extensive selection of tool steels and coldwork die steels to meet your specific needs. Below, we introduce and describe some of the most popular grades, along with their common uses and applications:
A2 tool steel is a versatile grade known for its exceptional toughness, wear resistance, and stability. It is commonly used for applications such as blanking, forming, and shaping dies, as well as punches and shear blades. A2 tool steel is an excellent choice when high wear resistance and good machinability are required.
D2 tool steel is a high-carbon, high-chromium steel that offers excellent wear resistance and good toughness. It is widely used for applications such as blanking and forming dies, punches, and shear blades. D2 tool steel is especially well-suited for applications where abrasive wear is a concern.
S7 tool steel is a shock-resistant grade that excels in high-impact applications. It offers exceptional toughness and high strength, making it ideal for applications such as hammers, chisels, and pneumatic tools. S7 tool steel retains its hardness even at elevated temperatures, providing excellent wear resistance.
S7MQ tool steel is an enhanced version of S7, featuring improved machinability and grindability. It offers excellent toughness, wear resistance, and impact strength, making it suitable for high-impact and high-stress applications. S7MQ tool steel is commonly used in applications such as shear blades, punches, and trimmers.
O1 tool steel is a general-purpose grade known for its excellent hardness, wear resistance, and machinability. It is widely used for applications such as punches, blanking dies, and cutting tools. O1 tool steel can be easily heat-treated to achieve high hardness and edge retention.
A6 tool steel is an air-hardening grade known for its high abrasion resistance and good toughness. It is commonly used for applications that require excellent wear resistance, such as forming dies, punches, and shear blades. A6 tool steel is also known for its dimensional stability and ability to retain hardness at elevated temperatures.
Q: What is the difference between tool steels and coldwork die steels?
A: While both tool steels and coldwork die steels offer high hardness and wear resistance, they are designed for different temperature conditions. Tool steels excel in high-temperature applications, whereas coldwork die steels are designed to run at a lower temperature than hot work die steels. (Coldwork Die Steel: under 500 degrees F - Hotwork Die Steel: over 500 degrees F)
Q: What factors should I consider when selecting a tool steel or coldwork die steel?
A: When choosing a steel grade, consider factors such as the required hardness, wear resistance, toughness, machinability, and dimensional stability. It is essential to match the steel's properties to the specific application to ensure optimal performance and durability.
Q: Can tool steels and coldwork die steels be heat-treated?
A: Yes, both tool steels and coldwork die steels can be heat-treated to achieve desired hardness and properties. Heat treatment processes such as annealing, quenching, and tempering are commonly employed to enhance the steels' performance.
Q: Are tool steels and coldwork die steels available in different shapes and sizes?
A: Yes, our steel supplier offers tool steels and coldwork die steels in various shapes, including round bars, flat bars, sheets, and plates. We can provide customized sizes to meet your specific requirements.
We hope this information helps you better understand our tool steels and coldwork die steels. If you have any further questions or need assistance in selecting the right grade for your application, please feel free to reach out to our knowledgeable team.
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