Tool Steel Selection by Application | Aobo Steel
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Tool Steel Selection by Application

Reference guide mapping tooling and machining applications to the tool steel groups commonly specified for them — cutting tools, hot forging, extrusion, cold-forming, shearing, die casting and molding, structural parts and battering tools.

M, T high-speed H 고온 작업 D, A, O 냉간 작업 S shock-resisting P mold  ·  L special-purpose  ·  W water-hardening none listed in source
애플리케이션High-speed tool steels (M, T)Hot-work tool steels (H)Cold-work tool steels (D, A, O)Shock-resisting tool steels (S)Mold steels (P)Special-purpose tool steels (L)Water-hardening tool steels (W)
절삭 공구Single-point types (lathe, planer, boring)
밀링 커터
훈련
리머

Threading dies
형태 절단기
General-purpose production tools: M2, T1
For increased abrasion resistance: M3, M4, M10
Heavy-duty work calling for high hot hardness: T5, T15
Heavy-duty work calling for high abrasion resistance: M42, M44
Tools with sharp edges (knives, razors)
Tools for operations in which no high speed is involved, yet stability in heat treatment and substantial abrasion resistance are needed
Pipe cutter wheelsUses that do not require hot hardness or high abrasion resistance.
Examples with carbon content of applicable group:
Taps (1.05-1.10% C)
Reamers (1.10-1.15% C)
Twist drills (1.20-1.25% C)
Files (1.35-1.40% C)
Hot-forging tools and diesDies and inserts
Forging machine plungers and piercers
For combining hot hardness with high abrasion resistance: M2, T1Dies for presses and hammers: H20, H21
For severe conditions over extended service periods: H22-H26
Hot trimming dies: D2Hot-trimming dies
대장장이 도구
Hot-swaging dies
Smith tools (0.65-0.70% C)
Hot chisels (0.70-0.75% C)
Drop forging dies (0.90-1.00% C)
Applications limited to short-run production
Hot extrusion tools and diesExtrusion dies and mandrels
Dummy blocks
Valve extrusion tools
Brass extrusion dies: T1Extrusion dies and dummy blocks: H21-H26
For tools that are exposed to less heat: H10-H14, H19
Compression molding: S1
Cold-forming diesBending, forming, drawing, and deep-drawing dies and punchesBurnishing tools: M1, T1Cold-heading die castings: H13Drawing dies: O1
주화 도구: O1, D2
Forming and bending dies: A2
Thread rolling dies: D2
Hobbing and short-run applications: S1, S7
Rivet sets and rivet busters
Blanking, forming, and trimmer dies when toughness has precedence over abrasion resistance: L6Cold-heading dies: W1 or W2 (C ~1.00%)
Bending dies: W1 (C ~1.00%)
전단 도구Dies for piercing, punching, and trimming
전단날
Special dies for cold and hot work: T1
For work requiring high abrasion resistance: M2, M3
For shearing knives: H11, H12
For severe hot-shearing applications: H21, H25
Dies for medium runs: A2, A6, O1
Dies for long runs: D2, D3
Trimming dies (also for hot trimming): A2
Cold and hot shear blades
Hot punching and piercing tools
Boilermaker tools
Knives for work requiring high toughness: L6Trimming dies (0.90-0.95% C)
Cold-blanking and punching dies (1.00% C)
Die casting and molding diesFor aluminum and lead: H11, H13
For brass: H21
A2, A6, O1Plastic molds: P2-P4, P20
Structural parts for severe service conditionsRoller bearings for high-temperature environment: T1
Lathe centers: M2, T1
For aircraft components (landing gears, arrester hooks, rocket cases): H11Lathe centers: D2, D3
Arbors: O1
Bushings A4
Gages: D2
Pawls
Clutch parts
Spindles and clutch parts (if high toughness is needed): L6Spring steel (1.10-1.15% C)
Battering tools, hand and powerPneumatic chisels for cold work: S5
For higher performance: S7
For intermittent use: W1 (0.80% C)
  • (에이) Recommendations are shown as printed in the source guide; grade numbers are AISI designations.

테이블 노트

Cells list the tool steels commonly applied to each application, with the selection reason where the source gives one (for example, “For aluminum and lead: H11, H13”). An em dash means the source guide lists no recommendation for that group.

Source carbon figures for files read “1.35-40% C” (dropped decimal) and are shown as 1.35-1.40% C; minor typographic spacing has been normalized.

The guide covers typical practice — final grade choice also depends on part size, production volume, and heat-treatment capability. Confirm with your tooling engineer before ordering.

Source: ASM Handbook, Volume 1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys, Table 4 “Reference guide for tool steel selection” (10th ed.). Reference data for comparison — confirm the final grade for your tooling with your supplier.