Tool steels

The standardized numerical data described in the article Tool steels – Standardized numerical data [M 4 590] are not sufficient to make the right choice of grades or to enrich numerical calculation codes for optimizing tooling and manufacturing routines. For this reason, this document provides information on non-standardized numerical data, in particular :

• currently known physical properties (modulus of elasticity, thermal conductivity, coefficient of expansion, etc.) and, as far as possible, from ambient temperature up to 600°C, particularly for hot-work grades;

• mechanical properties, including tool steel processing criteria (machinability, hardenability, deformability to treatment, grindability) and the properties of these same steels at ambient temperature and hot, where necessary.

In addition, new grades have been developed since the publication of the standard, notably in the field of hot tool steels hardened by precipitation of intermetallic phases, and in the field of cold tool steels with very high wear resistance. It was therefore natural to discuss the physical and mechanical properties of these new grades, as well as their suitability for machining.