Tool Steel: Selecting by Tool Failure

Tool-steel selection starts with the observed failure: abrasive wear, chipping, thermal cracking or loss of shape. A hardness number by itself cannot choose the right family. Material reference.

Selecting by Tool Failure

Use cold-work steels for a cold cutting or forming review, hot-work steels for a heated tool review, and mould steels for cavity, polish and service requirements. Compare a failed tool's geometry and process history before moving to a more expensive grade.

Manufacturing and acceptance checks

Provide the workpiece material, tool temperature, cycle count and photographs or measurements of wear. Ask for a heat-treatment and finishing route matched to the section. Define acceptable tool life through a trial and record whether failure is wear, cracking or dimensional change.

Compare related options

• D3 Tool Steel
• H13 Tool Steel
• P20 Tool Steel

Reference and scope

Uddeholm: tool-steel technical data and processing references provides material or specification background. The checks above are purchasing guidance; final acceptance values must come from the agreed grade, product specification and condition.

Send a drawing and material requirements for review. Include quantity, critical dimensions and the inspection evidence required with delivery.