For the production of high-quality and reliable tools, the material used plays an important role.For this purpose, Tool Carbon Steel is used. It is characterized by a carbon content of more than 0.7% and has increased hardness and strength, which is achieved after the heat treatment process.
Heat treatment can significantly change the structure and properties of tool steels. To expand the limit of the capabilities of tool steels, modern technological processes are used, such as electroslag, thermomechanical processing, electron beam remelting, all-round deformation, surface heat treatment methods.
Tool carbon steel, depending on the content of sulfur and phosphorus, is divided into high-quality and high-quality. High quality tool steel contains 0.03% sulfur and 0.035% phosphorus, high quality - 0.02% sulfur and 0.03% phosphorus.
Tool steels are notable for their low cost, significant strength and hardness. These steels are divided into four categories: reduced hardenability (usually carbonaceous); increased hardenability (alloyed); die and high-speed steels. Tool steels are produced in accordance with a specific GOST. In addition, the standard applies to such types of steel as calibrated, hot-rolled, forged and silver. Tool steels are used for making tools for wood and for working in conditions without heating the cutting edge.
Tool steels are also subdivided into carbon tool steels, alloy tool steels and high speed steels. The share of tool steel in the total volume of steel produced reaches about 1–2%, but tool steels differ in composition, structure and properties. Nowadays, medium- and high-alloy steels are increasingly used.
