The Right Tool Steel for the Right Job
There's no substitute for the hardness and abrasion-resistant properties of heat-treated tool steel castings. PCT stocks a wide variety of tool steel alloys specifically engineered for impact and edge-based tools such as axes, mining equipment, metal and wood cutting tools, and stamping dies.
We specialize in casting highly complex parts in the 0 to 20 lbs range, and are equipped to produce tool steel castings up to 100+ lbs. Advantages of the tool steel investment casting process include:
- Intricate, near-net shape parts without secondary machining
- Easily convert multiple parts into single assemblies
- Thin walls for weight reduction opportunities
- Surface texture of 125 rms or better
- Tolerances within +/- .005 inches per linear inch
- Highly complex dimensional geometry
From concept to completion, PCT ensures that each tool steel casting meets the form, fit, and function of your design.
FORM – TOOL STEEL CASTING PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Whether your design requires minimum distortion under hot-working conditions or high levels of hardness, PCT can determine the optimal grade of tool steel. Tool steel is generally divided into three classes; cold work steels, hot work steels, and high speed steels.
Cold work steels, available in 01, A2, D2, S7, and W1, are typically used for temperatures below 400° F. These steels have high levels of wear resistance, impact toughness, and hardness.
Hot work and high speed steels generally have similar characteristics to cold work steels, but can withstand much higher temperatures before experiencing distortion.
FIT – TOOL STEEL FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Tool steels are aptly named as they as commonly used to create tools. Toughness, abrasion resistance, cutting edges, and distortion resistance vary depending on temperature and grade.
Secondary heat treating processes, such as annealing and tempering, allows tool steel to achieve various levels of hardness ranges from RC 20 to RC 60.
FUNCTION – TOOL STEEL PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
High carbon tool steels are normally used for cutting and high impact applications such as stamping, metal cutting, drilling, and chiseling.
Tool Steel Casting Inventory
A-2, A-6, D-2, D-3, D-6, D-7, H-11, H-13, L-6, M-2, M-4, O-1, O-2, O-7, S-1, S-7, T-1, T-6, T-15