The Pros and Cons of Different Hot Work Steel Grades

There are several options of hot work steel to choose from. However, each comes with its share of pros and cons. Here are the details of some of the most common types.

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Carbon Steel

One of the biggest advantages of carbon steel is its high tensile strength. This property makes it appropriate for different applications where the use of strength is vital. Also, it is generally more cost-effective than other popular steel varieties. Moreover, its high level of wear resistance makes it fitting for applications where continuous wear and friction can be a problem. What is more, this steel type is flexible enough for different types of applications, even for projects pertaining to manufacturing, construction, and the automotive business. Company owners also prefer carbon steel to others as it is largely recyclable, which makes it a greener option for different construction industries.

However, on the flip side, carbon steel can be vulnerable to corrosion, mostly in damp or salty surroundings. It can also become brittle and eventually crack at low range of temperatures. Plus, certain varieties of carbon steel are difficult to weld. Moreover, its resistance to high temperatures makes it unsuitable for applications that need very high temperatures.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is perfect for applications where contact with salt, moisture, or chemicals can affect the product quality. It is also fairly durable, which makes it able to tolerate harsh working environments. This makes it a favourable choice for industries like automation, construction and similar applications. This steel variety also needs minimal maintenance. However, its shiny exterior adds to its ultra-modern and sleek appearance. No wonder its use is common in designing various applications, including architectural applications. In addition, its porous surface makes it effortless to clean. Hence, pharmaceutical companies and the food and medical industries often choose it when designing their products.

Despite all the good things about it, stainless steel is relatively more expensive than other steel varieties. So, depending on your specific budget and industry, it can be expensive for certain applications and industries. Again, there are specific varieties that are less magnetic. This can be disadvantageous for selected applications. It can also be sensitive to scratches and tricky to weld. Plus, it can expand or contract with the slightest change in temperature.

Alloy Steel

It is economical, easily available, and simple to process, plus it offers better tensile strength than different varieties of stainless steel. However, it can also be vulnerable to corrosion. At times, it might require extra coatings or special treatments for better performance.

Tool Steel

Different types of tool steel, including Hot Work Steel and cold work steel, have their own advantages and disadvantages. While hot work steel offers better resilience to high-temperature applications, cold work tool steel works better for applications that engineers conduct at room temperature.

Grade 1. - 420 Stainless Steel

1. stainless steel is a martensitic grade of stainless. It is magnetic and hardenable with rust resistant properties. 1. stainless is characterised by having a 0.28-0.38 carbon, and 15-17% chromium content. This mix of analysis gives 1. stainless steel an outstanding corrosion resistance and exceptional wear properties after heat treatment. Superior to 410 and 416 type stainlesses for most applications. 1. stainless steel has good ductility in the annealed condition, but is capable of achieving 55HRC after treatment. Optimal corrosion resistance is realised when 1. is surface ground and polished after hardening.

Applications for 1.

Dental and surgical instruments cutlery, pump components, shafts, plastic moulds, gear pinions, cams and various hand tools

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Soft Annealing 1.

Heat to 850-880°C. Cool slowly in air. 

Machineability of 1.

Good machining characteristics due to the addition of Sulphur.

Forging 420S37

Hot forming temperature 800-°C. Slow cool

Hardening 1.

Harden from a temperature -°C

Follow by oil or air quenching.

Tempering 1.

Tempering temperature 150-200°C

Heat Treatment Advise of 1.

Treatment temperatures, including the rate of heating, cooling and soaking times will vary due to factors such as the shape and size of each 420 stainless steel component. Other considerations during the heat treatment process include the type of furnace, quenching medium, and workpiece transfer facilities. Please consult your heat treatment provider for full guidance for heat treatment of 1. stainless steel.

Corrosion resistance 1.

Hardened condition realises resistance to atmosphere, fresh, dilute acids and alkalise, fresh water, fruit juices, vegetable juices and plastics

Welding of 1.

Not commonly welded due to its air-hardening characteristics. Welding may possibly be performed after preheating to 149-204°C with the post-welding tempering at temperature for 2 hours. Recommendation of specialist advice to be sought

Cold working of 1.

The material will withstand only minor cold work. Radical forming operations will result in cracking

Disclaimer

The information and data presented herein are typical or average values and are not a guarantee of maximum or minimum values. Applications specifically suggested for material described herein are made solely for the purpose of illustrations to enable the reader to make their own evaluations. They are not intended to either express or imply the suitability for these or any other purposes 

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