All You Need to Know About Cold Work Tool Steel:From Basics to ...

28 Jul.,2025

 

All You Need to Know About Cold Work Tool Steel:From Basics to ...

All You Need to Know About Cold Work Tool Steel:From Basics to Applications

In the vast field of industrial manufacturing, molds are the key “behind-the-scenes heroes” that shape various products. Cold-working tool steel, as an important member of mold materials, plays an irreplaceable role in metal forming processing. You may have come into contact with products produced by molds made of cold-working tool steel countless times in your life, but you know very little about this special steel.  From component characteristics to practical applications, cold-working tool steel hides many mysteries waiting for us to uncover. Next, let us explore the knowledge of cold-working tool steel from basics to applications in the form of questions and answers.

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Q1: What is Cold Work Tool Steel?

A1: Cold work tool steel is a type of alloy tool steel specially used to manufacture molds working at room temperature (cold state). This type of steel needs to have high hardness, high wear resistance, sufficient toughness and good fatigue resistance to withstand repeated impact and friction loss in processes such as cold stamping, cold extrusion, cold heading and shearing.

Q2: What is the Difference Between Cold Work Tool steel and Hot Work Tool Steel?

A2: The core difference between the two lies in the working temperature and application scenarios:

  • Cold work Tool steel: used for room temperature processing (such as stamping, shearing), requires high hardness and wear resistance, but has lower requirements for high temperature performance.
  • Hot work Tool steel: used in high temperature environments (such as die casting, forging), requires high temperature strength, thermal fatigue resistance and good thermal conductivity.
    For example, cold work tool steel commonly uses Cr12, D2, etc., while hot work tool steel mostly uses H13, 3Cr2W8V, etc.

Q3: What are the Core Performance Requirements of Cold Work Tool Steel?

A3: The core performance requirements are mainly the following 5 points:

  • High hardness (HRC 58-64): resist material deformation and wear.
  • High wear resistance: extend mold life and reduce frequent replacement costs.
  • Good toughness: prevent brittle cracking, especially when subjected to impact loads.
  • Dimensional stability: small deformation after heat treatment to ensure mold accuracy.
  • Fatigue resistance: cope with crack initiation and expansion under cyclic loads.

Q4: What are The Common Types of Cold Work Tool Steel?

A4:

  • Cr12 type (such as D3, Cr12): high carbon and high chromium steel, excellent wear resistance, suitable for high-load stamping dies.
  • D2 steel (US grade): contains molybdenum and vanadium, excellent comprehensive performance, often used in precision stamping dies.
  • SKD11 (Japanese grade): similar to D2, widely used in automotive parts stamping.
  • DC53: Improved SKD11, better toughness, stronger resistance to chipping.
  • Low alloy steel (such as O2): low cost, suitable for small and medium batch production.

Q5: Why Do Cold Work Tool Steels Need Heat Treatment?

A5: Heat treatment is a key process to improve the performance of steel, including:

  • Annealing: soften steel for easy processing.
  • Quenching: obtain high-hardness martensitic structure through rapid cooling.
  • Tempering: eliminate quenching stress and adjust the balance between hardness and toughness.
    For example, Cr12MoV can reach a hardness of HRC 62 or above after quenching, but needs to be tempered to HRC 58-60 to improve toughness.

Q6: How to Choose The Right Cold Work Tool Steel?

A6: The following factors need to be considered comprehensively:

  • Processing materials: Hard materials (such as stainless steel) require steels with higher wear resistance (such as D2).
  • Mold structure: Complex shapes or thin-walled molds require high-toughness steels (such as DC53).
  • Production batch: Select high-life steel for large-scale production, and economical materials for small batches.
  • Cost budget: High-end steels (such as powder metallurgy steels) have excellent performance but are expensive.

Q7: What are The Common Failure Modes of Cold Working Tool Steel? How to Prevent It?

A7:

  • Wear: The surface material gradually peels off, and the wear resistance can be improved by nitriding and TD treatment.
  • Cracking: It is caused by insufficient toughness, and the heat treatment process needs to be optimized or high-toughness steel grades need to be selected.
  • Fatigue cracking: Cracks extend under cyclic loads. It is recommended to regularly check the surface state of the mold.
  • Plastic deformation: It occurs when the hardness is insufficient. The quenching hardness and mold support strength must be ensured.

Q8: What Should Be Paid Attention to In The Maintenance and Care of Cold Working Tool Steel?

A8:

  • Regular lubrication: Reduce friction and heat during work.
  • Anti-rust treatment: Apply anti-rust oil during storage to avoid humid environment.
  • Avoid overload: It is forbidden to use it beyond the design load.
  • Timely repair: Minor wear can be repaired by grinding or surface coating.

Q9: What is The Future Development Trend of Cold Working Tool Steel?

A9:

  • Material upgrade: Develop powder metallurgy steel with higher toughness and wear resistance (such as ASP series).
  • Surface technology: Nano coating and laser strengthening technology improve surface performance.
  • Green manufacturing: reduce heat treatment energy consumption and promote environmentally friendly lubricants.
  • Intelligent application: combine AI to predict mold life and optimize maintenance cycle.

Q10: Will Ordinary People Come Into Contact With Cold Working Tool Steel?

A10: Indirect contact is everywhere! For example:

  • Daily necessities: mobile casings, cans, auto parts, etc. are all formed by cold working die stamping.
  • Home appliance manufacturing: The precision stamping of refrigerator door panels and washing machine inner drums relies on cold working die steel.
  • Medical equipment: The forming molds of precision instruments such as surgical forceps and needles also require this type of steel.

Summary

Although cold-working tool steel is hidden behind industrial production, it is the “invisible cornerstone” of modern manufacturing. From a steel plate to a finished product, it is inseparable from the silent support of this type of high-performance material. Understanding its characteristics and applications may help us better understand the “beauty of industry” around us.

OUR CORE COLD WORK TOOL STEEL PRODUCT

By |March 7th, |Technology & Knowledge|

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Superior Wear Resistant Steel 1. Spherical Powder: Key

In the world of advanced manufacturing, wear resistance is a key factor when selecting materials for high-stress environments. Whether you’re producing components for automotive, aerospace, or tooling industries, the need for materials that can withstand abrasion, impact, and high temperatures is paramount. Enter 1. wear-resistant steel, a popular choice in demanding applications due to its exceptional toughness, heat resistance, and durability.

When this steel is available in spherical powder form, it opens up a realm of possibilities for additive manufacturing, metal injection molding, and other powder metallurgy processes. This powder allows for precise control, excellent flowability, and high packing density, making it ideal for producing complex geometries and high-performance parts.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the world of 1. wear-resistant steel spherical powder, breaking down everything from its chemical composition and mechanical properties to its applications, advantages, and pricing. Whether you’re looking to use this material for 3D printing or tooling, this guide will provide the insights you need to make informed decisions.

Overview: What is Wear Resistant Steel 1. Spherical Powder?

1. steel (also known as X37CrMoV5-1 or H11 in some standards) is a hot-work tool steel that’s been specifically designed to offer high wear resistance and toughness at elevated temperatures. This makes it a go-to material for applications like die casting, forging tools, and extrusion dies.

For more information, please visit 1. tool steel.

When produced as a spherical powder, 1. steel is ideal for additive manufacturing processes such as Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and Electron Beam Melting (EBM). The spherical shape of the powder particles ensures better flowability, making it easier to spread thin layers during 3D printing. Additionally, the material’s high hardness and heat resistance make it perfect for producing durable parts that can withstand extreme wear conditions.

But what makes 1. spherical powder stand out? Let’s take a closer look at its composition, properties, and characteristics.

Key Properties, Composition, and Characteristics of Wear Resistant Steel 1. Spherical Powder

One of the reasons 1. wear-resistant steel is so popular in high-stress applications is its balanced combination of strength, toughness, and wear resistance. The steel’s composition includes several key elements that provide these properties, such as chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium.

Chemical Composition of Wear Resistant Steel 1. Spherical Powder

Physical and Mechanical Properties of Wear Resistant Steel 1. Spherical Powder

Why Spherical Powder?

The transformation of 1. steel into spherical powder form brings several benefits for metal powder applications, especially additive manufacturing:

  • Improved Flowability: Spherical particles flow like sand in an hourglass, ensuring the powder spreads uniformly during processes like Selective Laser Melting (SLM).
  • Higher Packing Density: Spherical powders pack more efficiently, allowing manufacturers to create stronger, more homogeneous parts.
  • Reduced Defects: The uniform shape of spherical powder minimizes voids and defects, leading to higher-quality final products.
  • Ideal for Complex Geometries: Spherical powders are perfect for 3D printing intricate designs with minimal risk of structural issues.

Applications of Wear Resistant Steel 1. Spherical Powder

The combination of high wear resistance, thermal stability, and toughness makes 1. wear-resistant steel spherical powder suitable for a wide range of demanding applications. Whether you’re working in die casting, injection molding, or additive manufacturing, this material can perform under extreme conditions.

Key Applications of Wear Resistant Steel 1. Spherical Powder

Why 1. is Popular in Die Casting and Injection Molding

One of the primary reasons 1. steel is used in die casting and injection molding is its ability to withstand high thermal cyclic loads. In these industries, materials are subjected to repeated heating and cooling cycles, which can cause premature wear and failure. However, 1. resists thermal shock, maintaining its hardness and toughness even at elevated temperatures.

In die casting, the steel’s high hot hardness and thermal conductivity prevent premature tool wear, while its toughness ensures that tools can withstand the mechanical stresses involved in forging molten metal into precise shapes.

Meanwhile, in injection molding, 1. is favored for its high wear resistance, which is essential when dealing with abrasive materials like glass-filled polymers. The material’s ability to resist thermal fatigue also makes it a top choice for long production runs.

Specifications, Sizes, and Standards for Wear Resistant Steel 1. Spherical Powder

When purchasing 1. wear-resistant steel spherical powder, it’s important to consider the particle size, purity, and certifications that match your specific application. These factors can significantly affect the overall performance of your final product, especially in additive manufacturing.

Specifications for Wear Resistant Steel 1. Spherical Powder

Common Standards for Wear Resistant Steel 1. Spherical Powder

To ensure that your 1. steel meets industry standards, it’s important to check for compliance with the following certifications and standards:

  • ASTM A681: Standard for tool steels alloy.
  • ISO : Certification for quality management systems.
  • DIN 1.: German standard for hot work tool steels.
  • EN ISO : European standard for tool steels.

These standards ensure that the material meets stringent quality controls and performance criteria, making it suitable for critical applications in tooling, die casting, and additive manufacturing.

Suppliers and Pricing for Wear Resistant Steel 1. Spherical Powder

Pricing for 1. wear-resistant steel spherical powder can vary based on factors like particle size, purity, and quantity. Larger orders or custom specifications may command higher prices, but bulk purchases often come with discounts.

Top Suppliers and Pricing for Wear Resistant Steel 1. Spherical Powder

Factors Affecting Pricing

Several factors can influence the price of 1. wear-resistant steel spherical powder, including:

  • Particle Size: Smaller particle sizes (e.g., 15-45 μm) are often more expensive due to the increased precision required in production.
  • Purity: Powders with higher purity levels (>99%) are essential for critical applications like aerospace or medical devices, which can drive up the cost.
  • Quantity: Bulk purchases typically come with discounts, so larger orders will reduce the price per kilogram.
  • Supplier Reputation: Established suppliers like Höganäs AB and Sandvik Osprey may charge higher prices due to their reputation for delivering consistent, high-quality powders.

Advantages and Limitations of Wear Resistant Steel 1. Spherical Powder

Like any material, 1. wear-resistant steel spherical powder has its own set of advantages and limitations. It’s important to weigh these factors based on your project requirements.

Advantages of Wear Resistant Steel 1. Spherical Powder

Limitations of Wear Resistant Steel 1. Spherical Powder

FAQs About Wear Resistant Steel 1. Spherical Powder

Common Questions and Answers

Conclusion: Why Wear Resistant Steel 1. Spherical Powder is a Top Choice for High-Wear Applications

Wear Resistant Steel 1. Spherical Powder is a versatile, high-performance material that excels in high-stress, high-wear environments. Its spherical shape makes it ideal for additive manufacturing, while its wear resistance, toughness, and thermal stability ensure that it can handle the most demanding applications in industries like die casting, injection molding, and aerospace.

While it may come with a higher price tag than other tool steels, the performance benefits — particularly in terms of durability, strength, and heat resistance — make it a worthwhile investment for manufacturing critical components. Whether you’re producing tooling, automotive parts, or 3D-printed components, Wear Resistant Steel 1. Spherical Powder offers the reliability and strength you need for long-lasting, high-quality results.

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