Tool steel, also known as die steel, is a special type of steel primarily used for manufacturing various measuring tools, dies, and plastic molds in industrial applications. Due to its high surface hardness, excellent wear resistance, high overall strength, and strong thermal stability, tool steel is widely used in modern industries. Therefore, the manufacturing process of tool steel is a key area of research in many industrial sectors today.

1. Composition of Tool Steel

The raw materials for tool steel mainly consist of iron, chromium, molybdenum, nickel, and other elements. In the composition, iron accounts for the highest proportion, reaching over 95%, while elements such as chromium, molybdenum, and nickel act as quenching agents. When added, these elements not only enhance the strength of the steel but also improve its ductility and heat resistance.

2. Manufacturing Process of Tool Steel

1. Material Selection

The first step in making tool steel is selecting the material. In industrial production, high-quality billets are typically used. These billets undergo smelting in a blast furnace, where elements like iron, chromium, molybdenum, and nickel are mixed. Afterward, the molten steel undergoes further purification processes such as desulfurization and deoxidation to produce high-quality tool steel.

2. Forging

Forging is a key stage in the manufacturing of tool steel. In this process, the initially processed tool steel billet is hot-formed into the shape and size required for the die. The complex shapes and size requirements of tool steel necessitate the use of advanced mechanized equipment and require skilled operators with considerable expertise to apply high-temperature, high-pressure, and high-speed processes. This ensures that the steel is forged into dies that meet the required specifications.

3. Heat Treatment

After forging, the tool steel should undergo heat treatment to maximize its performance. During the heat treatment process, quenching and tempering are performed to achieve optimal hardness and strength for the steel. Specifically, quenching is aimed at increasing the surface hardness of the tool steel to resist external impact and wear. Tempering, on the other hand, reduces the hardness slightly to improve its heat resistance and reduce brittleness, thus enhancing its durability and extending its lifespan.

3. Application of Tool Steel

After the three steps of manufacturing and treatment, tool steel becomes a high-quality steel product. It has high hardness, strong overall strength, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance, and it can withstand extreme pressure and temperature. As a result, tool steel is widely used in the production of various measuring tools, dies, and plastic molds in modern industry, leading to higher product quality and more efficient production processes.

4. Conclusion

In conclusion, the manufacturing process of tool steel is a well-established, complex, and scientifically rigorous procedure. Given the important role of tool steel in industrial applications, it is essential to maintain consistent quality and balanced strength. The processes of material selection, forging, and heat treatment must all be meticulously executed. The manufacturing flow of tool steel outlined in this article is based on our practical experience and observations, and we believe it will be helpful to readers who are interested in the manufacturing and use of tool steel.