Hot work tool steel has become one of the most used materials in various industries. However, by altering its alloys, the characters of these tools can get a complete transformation. Here are some ideas.

Using Carbon

Carbon has been the primary alloy for almost all types of steel. It enhances the mechanical properties of the metal, such as hardness, mechanical resistance, and strength. But simultaneously, it also meddles with the metal's ductility, malleability and overall hardness. This means that the metal is likely to crack easily with high-carbon alloy. It can also compromise the weld ability and forging properties of hot work tool steel.

Chromium

After carbon, Chromium is the most popular alloying material, as the leading hot work steel suppliers in India, such as Kushal Metal, confirm. It gives a shiny layer of oxide on the outside. This adds to the stainless look of the steel's surface. It also creates a layer of carbide in the steel. With chrome as an alloy, the steel compromises its ductility to some extent. But it also improves the steel's heat resistance and overall tensile strength.

Manganese

It is helpful in increasing the strength of hot work steel but also decreases the ductility of the steel. On the other hand, it makes the steel malleable owing to the sulphur content in manganese. Also, regardless of the quantity of carbon or any particular quality of steel, manganese has the ability to adjust its strength and hardness.

Nickel

Different varieties of steel can have as much as 5% nickel as per the composition's weight. Nickel helps in hardening the strength of steel without discounting the ductile property. Nickel is especially popular in the industry of stainless steel.

Silicium

It works both as a degassing as well as an oxygen agent during steel production. Also, it gives fluidity while casting. Silicium helps in improving hot work steel's magnetic properties. It also helps in increasing heat resistance power, wear resistance and hardenability. But then again, it is likely to have negative effects on the surface quality of the steel.

Vanadium

This is one of the most popular alloys among hot work tool steel suppliers. Vanadium helps in increasing the strength, wear resistance and hardness of both hot-work steel and cold-work steel. Also, adding a small quantity of Vanadium to steel helps to prevent any type of grain courses. Another benefit of using Vanadium to alloy steel is that it is helpful in procedures like softening and tempering.

Molybdenum

It is helpful in preventing any brittleness in steel due to the application of high temperatures. This alloy, when added with other alloys like nickel or chromium, can also help to enhance the effects of the alloying elements. This is a reason why metallurgical engineers prefer using Molybdenum with other alloys instead of using them alone. However, along with carbon, it forms carbide. Given that carbide is helpful in improving the hardness of steel, it has become a popular choice for utilizing in different tool steels.

Tungsten

It improves the hardness, wear resistance, as well as toughness of hot work steels. It is also a popular alloy for steel, having high speed, all thanks to its cutting efficiency.

There are many other alloys that react differently with steel. Premier hot work steel suppliers like Kushal Metal ensure that they recommend the right type of alloy to go with the steel for specific applications.