High-speed and tool steels

Abstract

Tool materials have to fulfil a very wide range of duties and in consequence a large variety of steels have been developed. The composition and properties of high-speed, hot-work, cold-work, and other specialized tool steels are reviewed in relation to their respective fields of application. The desire for increased efficiency both in tool manufacture and in use in high-output operations has led to heavy demands upon the steel producer for improved and more consistent quality. Steelmaking and process developments in response to this challenge are outlined and the contribution that particle metallurgy techniques can make in the future is discussed. In view of the high cost and strategic vulnerability of the alloying elements used in high-speed steels and many tool steels mention ismade of the possible scope for steels of lower alloy content and for the use of composite materials or coatings.