Cold Work Tools

Cold Work Tools 

It is a tool used in the manufacture of tools that require high wear and abrasion resistance properties that are used in applications where the temperature of the material is not too high (up to 250°C), such as cutting, molding, stamping, or operations related to compression of the material without melting the working material. In this article, we will discuss a material that is widely used in cold tool work: cold tool steel.

Features of Cold Work Tool Steel

Cold tool steels have a number of important properties that make them suitable for use in conditions where there is no high heat. In general, they have the following suitable qualities:

1. Strength and Wear ResistanceCold tool steels often contain a mixture of carbon and other alloys such as chromium, vanadium, molybdenum, and tungsten, which make the material highly hard and wear-resistant when used.
2. Abrasion ResistanceCold work tool applications, such as cutting or shaping hard materials, will result in high friction of the tool. Cold working steel must have this ability to resist friction in order for the tool to last a long time.
3. Sharpness preservationCold tool steels can maintain their sharpness even in heavy-duty conditions, which makes it possible to cut or shape materials accurately and efficiently.
4. Hardness and Durability at Room TemperatureIn conditions at room temperature or without heating. Cold tool steels will retain their high hardness and wear resistance. In some applications, it may be used at high temperatures, but not exceeding 250°C.

Assortment of Cold Work Tool Making Steels

Cold working tool steels can be divided into several types according to their chemical ingredients and manufacturing processes, such as:

1. High Carbon Steel 
   These steels have high carbon content. This makes them strong and highly wear-resistant, but they are often more brittle than other types of steel.
2. Chromium Steel 
   Steel with a chromium alloy to increase wear and corrosion resistance suitable for use in humid or chemical conditions.
3. Molybdenum Steel 
   Molybdenum Improves wear and heat resistance. They are typically used in tools that require high strength and durability to operate in high temperatures.
4. Tungsten Steel Tungsten-based Steels are highly resistant to wear and heat, making them ideal for use in tools that need to be cut or work with hard materials.

Applications of Cold Work Tool Steel

Cold tool steels are used in a wide range of industries that require precision and long-term use, especially in applications that require cutting or shaping hard materials, such as:

• Cutting Tools  Cold tool steels are often used to make cutting tools such as industrial blades, drills, turning knives, milling knives, etc.
• Forming Die Used to make molds for forming metal or other materials without the use of heat, including deep drawing.
• Stamping Die Cold tool steel is also used to make stamping dies for metal and other materials such as punched or die parts.
• Roll Forming Cold tool steels are also suitable for rolling balls for forming various profile and profile steels.

Summarize

Cold tool steel is a material of great importance in industries involved in the manufacture of cold tools that must be resistant to wear and abrasion, especially in applications where high heat is not used. Cold tool steels have the right properties to produce tools such as cutting tools, forming tools, and molds that require strength and durability at room temperature. They are also highly resistant to wear and tear over long periods of use.

Information by: Mr. Pongsakorn Taipattanakul

Compiled by: Mr. Supat Toying, 10th Oct, 2024^th Oct, 2024