The Benefits of Using High-Performance Alloy Tool Steel

07 Apr.,2025

 

High Speed Steel - Applications, Advantages, Alloys - BorTec

Advantages of High-Speed Steel

The use of HSS in industrial and manufacturing processes offers a range of benefits, which include the following:

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AdvantageDescriptionGrindabilityThe ability to be shaped and sharpened easily without losing structural integrity makes HSS ideal for creating and maintaining complex tool geometries.StrengthHSS’s composition gives it exceptional strength, allowing tools to resist breaking or chipping under heavy loads or impact conditions.Temperature ResistanceHSS retains its hardness at high temperatures, which is critical for maintaining performance during rapid cutting operations.Cost-EffectivenessWhen compared to materials like carbides, HSS tools are less expensive to produce, making them more accessible for a variety of applications.Enhanced PerformanceThe application of modern coatings can extend the life of HSS tools and increase their efficiency, allowing for faster cutting speeds and longer intervals between sharpening.

The combination of these advantages makes high-speed steel a versatile and valuable material in the tool-making industry. Its ability to withstand the rigors of high-speed machining and maintain a sharp edge while being relatively inexpensive to produce, ensures its continued use in a variety of applications, from the workshop floor to high-end precision manufacturing.

Applications of High-Speed Steel

HSS is a category of tool steel that is prized for its ability to cut material at high speeds. Here are some detailed applications:

  1. Manufacture of Cutting Tools: 
    • Drills: HSS is commonly used to make drill bits and tool bits due to its hardness and durability.
    • Turning Tools: These are used in lathes for cutting metals, and HSS is preferred for its toughness.
    • Milling Tools: HSS is used for end mills, gear cutters and other milling cutters due to its wear resistance.
  2. Complex Tool Shapes: 
    • Profile Tools: The grindability of HSS makes it ideal for tools requiring precise and complex shapes.
  3. Wood Processing Tools: 
    • Although cold work steel is traditionally used for woodcutting tools, HSS is sometimes selected for its superior performance in high-speed applications.

HSS has become the material of choice in many cutting applications, outperforming older materials like cold work steel, which is now relegated to less demanding tasks such as making files and rasps.

Microstructure of high-speed steel

The microstructure of high-speed steel is designed for optimum performance during machining. Quenching and tempering gives HSS a martensitic matrix that provides exceptional wear resistance and hardness. The addition of alloying elements such as tungsten, molybdenum and vanadium leads to the formation of hard carbides, which increases the strength and temperature resistance of the steel.

The unique microstructure of HSS enables hardness to be maintained at the high temperatures that occur during cutting processes. The carbides that form from the carbon and alloying elements are critical to the durability of HSS tools and enable them to withstand the harsh conditions at high cutting speeds.

Alloying elements

Like all steel, HSS also contains carbon. However, it also contains a number of other alloying elements, with tungsten and molybdenum playing the most important role.

Tungsten

Tungsten is crucial for the formation of carbides, in this case, tungsten carbide in particular. It increases the hot hardness, tempering resistance, wear resistance and thus improves the cutting ability of HSS. It also improves toughness.

Molybdenum

Molybdenum is a strong carbide former. It also enhances the same properties as tungsten. HSS grades with a high molybdenum content are subjected to complex heat treatment. It also ensures increased corrosion resistance.

Vanadium

Vanadium has a high hardness. The formation of vanadium carbide in the workpiece increases wear resistance, edge retention and heat resistance.

Chromium

The hardenability of steel is improved by the use of chromium. Chromium is also involved in the formation of carbides, which also increase wear resistance, edge retention and high-temperature strength.

Cobalt

Cobalt does not form carbides. However, it is alloyed to inhibit grain growth at elevated temperatures. It improves tempering resistance and high-temperature strength.

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Carbon

Carbon is used to form carbides and for hardenability.

Maximize the Potential of High-Speed Steel with Bortec Group’s Advanced Treatments

In the realm of high-speed steel tools, performance and longevity are paramount. Bortec Group’s specialized treatments are designed to enhance these attributes, ensuring your tools operate at peak efficiency and durability. Discover how our services can transform your HSS tools:

  • Boronizing with BOROCOAT®: Achieve unparalleled hardness and exceptional wear resistance for your HSS tools. Our boronizing service is perfect for applications demanding extreme durability, from valve construction to power plant technology. 
  • Stainless Steel Hardening with BORINOX®: Elevate the performance of your stainless steel components. The BORINOX® process significantly enhances wear protection, maintaining uniform hardness even with complex geometries. 
  • Nickel Plating with NICKELCOAT®: Protect your tools against corrosion and wear with our nickel plating service. NICKELCOAT® offers superior corrosion resistance, making it ideal for highly acidic environments and ensuring consistent coverage on intricate parts. 
  • Nitriding for Steel and Cast Iron: For a hard, wear-resistant surface that stands up to abrasion and fatigue, consider our nitriding service. Our innovative process ensures no soft spots, providing a reliable and environmentally friendly solution for enhancing your HSS tools. 

Don’t let the extreme conditions of high-speed applications shorten the life of your tools. Contact Bortec Group today to learn more about how our advanced surface treatments can benefit your operations and give you the competitive edge you need.

Benefits of Using O-1 High-Speed Tool Steel in High-Performance ...

The most characteristic aspect of the O-1 variety of tool steel is that they are quenched in oil during production. This tool steel series has a considerable carbon content range, which might vary between 0.85-2.00%. Also, with a high degree of abrasion resistance, this variety is considerably tough. The oil “non-shrinking” oil hardening tool steel is a general-purpose metal. Typically, it has its utilities in applications where the other groups of alloy steel cannot offer the needed degree of strength, wear resistance and hardness. If that makes you consider whether it can be your tool steel of choice, then you might use the following pointers.

Why O1 Steel?

The o-1 tool steel variety is suitable for various applications because of it’s:

  • Versatility: The steel gives a fair balance of toughness, wear resistance and hardness, something not all steel groups can offer.
  • Non-deformity: Steel is a popular choice for its dimensional stability, while heat treatment is not available. This is essential to maintain precision during the production of a workpiece.
  • High Rockwell C hardness: After heat-treating, the metal achieves an impressive hardness. This enhances its resistance power to abrasion and wear. 
  • Impact Resistance and Toughness: This makes it competent in managing vibrations and shock loads, even without fracturing.
  • Less breakage: This aspect is vital for the tools often used for hardwearing applications.
  • Superior Red Hardness: It can retain its cutting ability and hardness even at high temperatures. This allows for speedier cutting speeds and more efficient performance.
  • Cost-Efficient: When compared to many of the other varieties of HSS, O-1 gives a fine balance of cost and performance.
  • Versatility: O-1 is relatively easy to machine and form, making it suitable for various tool designs and manufacturing processes.

Importance of Rockwell C 65 Range

Perhaps one of the best features of the o-1 tool steel is its Rockwell C 65 range of hardness. It has a significantly elevated hardness level on the scale of Rockwell and is particularly designed for various steel varieties. A steel that has this hardness level is:

  • Hard enough to resist deformation, abrasion and scratching of any kind.
  • Ideal for applications that need outstanding wear resistance. Such applications comprehend drill bits, cutting tools, and bearing components. It also works well for applications like cutting hard components or anything that requires high hardness.
  • Helpful to extend the working life of the tool, all thanks to the better wear resistance.

However, while undoubtedly hard, this tool is also vulnerable to breakage under stress or strong impact or stress. This is because it has compromised toughness. Hence, it is important to heat treat this tool steel precisely.

Know the Applications

Owing to its unique properties, premier suppliers like TGKSSL often recommend the O-1 variety for high-quality applications like:

  • Making bushings, master engraving rolls, collets, and chasers for cutting thread.
  • Cutting tools include milling cutters, drills, taps and reamers.
  • Dies and punches.
  • Fixtures and gauges.
  • Die and mould components.

The Key Takeaway

Contact us to discuss your requirements of High-Performance Alloy Tool Steel. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.