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Sign In Cold work steel - the best steels for cold working
Written by Dr. Juergen Abrams on August 21, 2024.
Cold work steel, a steel where the surface working temperature does not exceed 392 °F (200 °C). The hardness and ductility of cold work steel can be increased by plastic deformation under the crystallization temperature and can be enhanced by choosing ESR material.
The crystallization temperature is unique to different steel grades. Most steel grades can be cold worked at room temperature and some at more elevated temperatures as their crystallization temperature is a bit higher.
Due to its high wear resistance, hardness, dimensional stability and ductility cold work steels can be found in a wide variety of industries like the tool making industry or the automotive industry. From molds to cutting tools cold work steel can be found wherever a resistance to cracking or chipping under impact or sudden loads is needed.
THE ESSENTIAL PROPERTIES OF COLD WORK STEEL
Apart from the below mentioned properties cold working steel has increased strength, an improved surface finish, tighter tolerances and improved machinability.
A high hardness is crucial for cutting, forming and shaping processes for cold work steel. It ensures tools or components do not deform and maintain their sharpness.
To prolong the life of tools and components it is crucial for cold work steel to have a high wear resistance.
Cold work steel has the ability to absorb high impact and sudden loads to reduce failure.
Cold work steel has the ability to maintain its shape during a heat treatment or through mechanical processing.
Cold work steel can withstand repeated load cycles without suffering any significant deterioration.
To increase hardness or toughness for example cold work steel can be heat treated.
Cold work steel can withstand heavy loads and high pressures without deforming
A sharp edge is important for cutting tools for example. Cold work steel has the ability to hold a sharp edge even under harsh conditions.
DISTINCT FROM HOT WORKING
The main difference to hot work steel is the working temperature. Hot work steel is used above the recrystallization temperature and cold work steel is used at and around room temperature.
COLD WORK STEEL VS. HOT WORK STEEL | |
Cold working steel | Hot working steel |
Working temperature is below recrystallization temperature. | Working temperature is above recrystallization temperature. |
Maintains its hardness when used at or around room temperature. | Maintains its hardness at high temperatures. |
The wear resistance is maintained at low temperatures. | The wear resistance is maintained at high temperatures. |
Although cold work steel is harder and more brittle, it still has sufficient toughness for cold forming. | Hot work tool steel retains its toughness at high temperatures to prevent thermal fatigue or cracking under heavy loads. |
Less resistant to thermal fatigue. | Resistant to thermal fatigue. |
Resistance to oxidation is not needed due to the working temperatures. | Resistant to oxidation. |
Smoother surface, no scaling or oxidation | Rougher surface due to scaling and oxidation |
Better dimensional accuracy | Good dimensional accuracy |
COMMON GRADES OF COLD WORK STEEL
Cold work steels are selected for their properties and the requirements of their applications.
Steel grades like D2, O1, 52100 or S7 are typical cold work steels.
COLD WORK STEEL CHART
The listed table shows the cold work steels in our portfolio. For each application, we offer the suitable type of cold steel.
If you require other grades, please feel free to contact us.
Cold work grades | Properties | Applications | |
A2 | • X100CrMoV5 • High wear resistance • Working temperature: 68 – 392 °F Working hardness: • 58 HRC - 62 HRC • Delivery condition: max. 241HB | • Thread rolling tools • Circular shear knives • Cold pilger mandrels • Trimming tools | |
A8 mod. | • ~X48CrMoV8-1-1 • High wear resistance • Working temperature: 68 – 932 °F Working hardness: • 50 HRC - 60 HRC • Delivery condition: max. 250HB | • Cold extrusion tools • Stamping tools • Embossing tools • Tube tools | |
D2 | • X153CrMoV12 • High wear resistance • Working temperature: 68 – 392 °F Working hardness: • 57 HRC - 62 HRC • Delivery condition: max. 255HB | • Deep drawing dies • Precision cutting tools • Measuring tools • Woodworking tools | |
L3 | • 102Cr6 • Good wear resistance • Working temperature: 68 – 392 °F Working hardness: • 60 HRC - 64 HRC • Delivery condition: max. 223HB | • Drills • Cold pilger jaws • Center lathes • Roller bearings | |
O1 | • 100MnCrW4 • Good machinability • Good wear resistance • Plastic mold steel • Working temperature: 68 – 392 °F Working hardness: • 57 HRC - 62 HRC • Delivery condition: max. 229HB | • Blanking and stamping tools up to 0.2362" (6 mm) thickness • Thread dies • Measuring tools • Punches | |
P20 | • ~40CrMnMo7 • Medium wear resistance • Plastic mold steel • Working temperature: 154 – 392 °F Working hardness: • 32 HRC - 50 HRC • Delivery condition: max. 225HB | • Mechanical engineering • Jigs • Base plates • Molding frames | |
P20 PH | • ~40CrMnMo7 • Medium wear resistance • Plastic mold steel • Working temperature: 68 – 392 °F Working hardness: • 32 HRC (delivery condition) - 50 HRC • Delivery condition: max. 325HB | • Injection molds • Hydroforming tools • Recipient sleeves • assembling parts | |
S1 | • 60WCrV8 • Good toughness • Working temperature: 68 – 392 °F Working hardness: • 56 HRC - 60 HRC • Delivery condition: max. 229HB | • Coining tools • Tableting punches • Plug-in tools • Center punches | |
Toolox 33 | • Toolox 33 • High machinability • Plastic mold steel • Working temperature: 68 – 1094 °F Working hardness: • 30 HRC - 36 HRC (delivery condition, without nitriding) • Delivery condition: max. 330HB | • Press brake tools • Rubber molds • Guide rails • Die casting molds | |
Toolox 44 | • Toolox 44 • High wear resistance • Plastic mold steel • Working temperature: 68 – 1094 °F Working hardness: • approx. 45 HRC (delivery condition) • Delivery condition: max. 418HB | • Plate forming tools • Assembling parts • Rubber molds • Base plates | |
W1 | • C90U • High machinability • Working temperature: 68 – 392 °F Working hardness: • 55 HRC - 65 HRC • Delivery condition: max. 200HB | • Screw cutting tools • Knives • Razor blades • Broaching tools | |
1018 / A36 | • SAE 108 / ~1020 • High machinability • Working temperature: 68 – 392 °F Working hardness: • 50 HRC - 60 HRC • Delivery condition: max. 162HB | • Gears • Pinions • Rachets • Worms | |
1045 | • C45U • High machinability • Working temperature: 68 – 392 °F Working hardness: • 190 HB (annealed) - 54 HRC (surface hardness) • Delivery condition: max. 190HB | • Screwdrivers • Construction materials • Sledges • Hatches | |
2990 mod. | • X100CrMoV8-2 • High wear resistance • Working temperature: 68 – 932 °F Working hardness: • 57 HRC - 63 HRC • Delivery condition: max. 250HB | • Thread rolling tools • Stamping tools • Bending tools • Machine parts | |
5120 | • ~21MnCr5 / 20MnCr5 • High machinability • High wear resistance • Working temperature: 68 – 392 °F Working hardness: • 58 HRC - 60 HRC • Delivery condition: max. 217HB | • Synthetic resin mold tools • Jig construction • Plant engineering • Apparatus engineering | |
52100 / L1 | • 100Cr6 • Good machinability • Good resistance • Working temperature: 68 – 392 °F Working hardness: • 60 HRC - 64 HRC • Delivery condition: max. 223HB | • Drills • Thread tools • Center lathes • Milling cutters | |
6F7 ESR * | • 45NiCrMo16 • High toughness • Working temperature: 68 – 572 °F Working hardness: • 50 HRC - 54 HRC • Delivery condition: max. 260HB | • Cold hobbing tools • Cutlery punches • Embossing tools • Cold shear knives | |
HSS M2 * | • HS6-5-2C • High wear resistance • Working temperature: 68 – 1022 °F Working hardness: • 62 HRC - 65 HRC • Delivery condition: max. 270HB | • Broaching tools • Milling cutters • Twist drills • Screw taps | |
HSS M4 HC * | • ~PMHS6-5-4 • High wear resistance • Working temperature: 68 – 932 °F Working hardness: • 62 HRC - 65 HRC • Delivery condition: max. 270HB | • Stamping tools • Screw dies • Countersinks • Broaching tools | |
431 * | • X17CrNi16-2 • High corrosion resistance • Working temperature: 68 – 752 °F Working hardness: • 32 HRC - 47 HRC • Delivery condition: max. 331HB | • Shafts • Piston rods • Valve cones • Turbine blades | |
440B | • X90CrMoV18 • High corrosion resistance • Working temperature: 68 – 752 °F Working hardness: • 53 HRC - 58 HRC • Delivery condition: max. 265HB | • Pump shafts • Surgical instruments • Injection nozzles • Ball bearings | |
4140 / 4142 | • 42CrMo4 • High toughness • Working temperature: 68 – 752 °F Working hardness: • 27 HRC - 48 HRC • Delivery condition: max. 217HB | • Assemble parts • Machine parts • Axes • Knuckles | |
4140 PH / 4142 PH | • 42CrMo4 • High toughness • Working temperature: 68 – 752 °F Working hardness: • 27 HRC (delivery condition) - 48 HRC • Delivery condition: max. 380HB | • Bandages • Gear shafts • Connecting rods • Crankshafts | |
5115 | • 16MnCr5 • High machinability • High wear resistance • Working temperature: 68 – 392 °F Working hardness: • 58 HRC (surface) - 60 HRC • Delivery condition: max. 217HB | • Cardan joints • Guide columns • Plastic processing • Piston pins | |
(* these steel grades can be used for cold work as well as for hot work)
VARIOUS TYPES OF STEEL FOR COLD WORKING
Cold working steel plays a crucial role in the production of tools, dies, molds and stamps as well as surgical instruments. Key industries include the tool and die -, manufacturing - and metalworking industry.
Stainless cold work steel like 431, 440B and 440C offers next to all its other properties a cold work tool steel has, an added corrosion resistance. Stainless steel cold work steel can produce food processing equipment, medical implants, exhaust systems as well as decorative elements.
Dimensional stability and good toughness make stainless cold working steel a very often used steel in the automotive or aerospace industry. Due to its aesthetics and hygiene properties stainless steel is often used in the consumer goods and food processing industry.
Cold work tool steel like A2, O1 and D2 offers a good combination of high wear resistance, hardness, toughness, dimensional stability and resistance to softening at higher temperature. Those properties make it possible to produce a wide variety of products like dies, precision tools as well as surgical instruments.
Cold working steel can be found in the tool and die industry where dimensional stability is key to produce identical products over and over again. In the medical device industry it is used for instruments like scissors or scalpels due to its ability to keep a sharp edge.
HSS cold work steels like M2 or PM 4 HC are used due to their abilities to retain their hardness and wear resistance at elevated temperatures. This makes HSS cold work steel ideal for cutting, drilling and shaping.
Applications where cold work HSS is used for cutting tools, drill bits, saw blades, and hardware.
HSS cold work steel finds its uses in the electronics industry where tight tolerances and good wear resistance is essential. The oil and gas industry benefits from the durability and heat resistance which HSS can provide.
Cold work heat treatable steel 4140 / 4142 and 4140 PH / 4142 PH is used when hardness, toughness and wear resistance have to be improved by a heat treatment to result in durable and strong tools and parts.
Heat treatable cold work steel can be used to make landing gear components, armored vehicle parts, tractor components and excavator blades.
Cold work heat treatable steel is used in the manufacturing and metalworking industry where versatility of a specific hardness or toughness might be needed. Due to its high wear resistance and high strength heat treatable steel is often used within the mining and heavy equipment industry.
Case hardening cold work steel 5115 is used when steel has to have great wear resistance, a tough core and is impact resistant. This type of steel is used for gears, crankshafts, and clutch plates.
Case hardening cold working steel is used in the tooling industry where wear resistance and toughness is needed for high impact stresses. To endure the high stresses over a very long time like in the power generation industry parts like turbine blades can be made from case-hardening steel to give it the endurance and flexibility.
HOW IS COLD WORK STEEL PRODUCED?
The production of cold work steel involves various stages, from the choice of raw material to the final heat treatment to improve its mechanical properties for applications involving cold forming processes such as cutting, forming and shaping.
The process involves:
• Raw material selection
• Melting and adding alloys
• Casting
• Hot rolling
• Annealing
• Cold rolling
• Heat treatment
VARIOUS COLD WORKING TECHNIQUES
Cold working or cold forming means the metal is deformed at room temperature or near it without using heat. This can be done by various cold forming processes. Cold working is used when high strength, precision and surface finishes are required.
Following are examples how metal can be cold worked:
Cold rolling
Here metal is passed through two rollers which exert high pressure reducing its thickness.
Cold drawing, incl. deep drawing
To cold draw a metal it is drawn through a die to reduce the diameter of rod or wire. While deep drawing draws sheet metal into a hollow die.
Cold forging
This is done with dies and hammers to shape the metal into a desired form without using heat.
Cold extrusion
Cold extrusion is a pressure forming process, where a hollow or full bodied piece of metal is used, for the production of rods, wires, tubes, and contoured profiles.
Cold heading
For this process a punch and die is needed to shape the material under very high pressure. This process is done in stages to achieve the final form.
Cold bending
Cold bending is based on physical forces. To form the material the workpiece is shaped by applying mechanical force.
Cold swaging
This process pushes a bar through a hammering die to reduce its dimensions all over or in part.
Cold Stamping
When cold stamping, sheet metal is pressed into a die with force. The stamping tools can not only form shapes, but also cut them out precisely as well.
Cold peening
Shot peening will blast tiny metal balls onto the surface of the material. This leaves a series of tiny compressions on the surface solidifying the surface.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF COLD WORK STEEL?
Like any process, cold working has some advantages but also disadvantages. Find some of them below.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
High strength and hardness: Cold working does increase the strength and hardness by cold working the material. This makes it ideal for applications that need a high wear resistance. | Brittleness: With increased hardness comes reduced ductility which makes the steel more brittle and easier to crack under certain conditions. |
Excellent surface finish: Cold work steel usually has a smoother surface, which minimizes the requirement for additional machining or polishing. | Residual stresses: Cold working may introduce internal stresses which need to be relieved to avoid dimensional instability and warping. |
Dimensional accuracy: High precision can be achieved with cold work steel. This means tighter tolerances and better precision for the end product. | Limited deformation capabilities: The high hardness of cold work steel restricts the ability to deform the work piece. |
Increased wear resistance: Cold work steel tools have an extended tool life in abrasive environments due to their high wear resistance. | Risk of strain hardening: Excessive cold work can lead to strain hardening which means that the material gets more difficult to machine or work with. |
Improved mechanical properties: Cold working enhances the mechanical properties like yield strength and fatigue resistance. | Reduced ductility: Cold work can reduce the ductility which in return makes it harder to absorb impacts without cracking. |
No scaling or oxidation: As the work takes place under the recrystallization temperature eliminating surface scaling or oxidation as no high temperatures are used. | Post treatment required: To reduce the hardness or relieve inner strains a post processing like annealing may be required. |
SUMMARY
Cold work steel is designed to be shaped at room temperature without using heat. Cold work tool steels are characterized by their ability to maintain high hardness, wear resistance and dimensional stability under difficult conditions. These steels are subjected to a heat treatment to further improve their hardness and toughness and ensure that they can withstand prolonged use in demanding applications.
The diversity of cold work tool steel allows it to be used in a wide range of industrial applications, from the manufacture of precision tools and dies to the production of durable components in the automotive, aerospace and heavy engineering industries. Its ability to maintain sharpness, withstand deformation and preserve structural integrity under stress makes cold work steels indispensable in numerous high-performance environments.
• High wear resistance
• High hardness
• Good toughness
• Dimensional stability
• High resistance to fatigue
• Long service life
• Wide range of manufacturing techniques
ABRAMS INDUSTRIES® COLD WORK STEEL
As a steel supplier with no minimum order quantity or value we have been supplying steel to a wide variety of industries and manufacturers in Germany since 2003, Europe since 2011 and now since 2020 across the U.S.A. and Canada.
We pride ourselves in supplying you with precision in tool steel, high speed steel, stainless steel, heat-treatable steel and case hardening steel in 44 steel grades with more than 53,000 dimensions.
As a mold steel supplier we saw, mill and grind for you in our Warehouse in Illinois.
Customized cold work steel
Cold work steel plates
Cold work steel steel rods
ABRAMS INDUSTRIES® INC. - YOUR STEEL PARTNER
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References:
Cold-Formed Steel Structures to the AISI Specification by Gregory J. Hancock, Thomas Murray, Duane S. Ellifrit: https://www.routledge.com/Cold-Formed-Steel-Structures-to-the-AISI-Specification/Hancock-Murray-Ellifrit/p/book/9780367397067
Metallurgy for Dummies: https://www.metallurgyfordummies.com/cold-working-processes.html
Metallography Of Steels by Hubertus Colpaert: https://dl.asminternational.org/technical-books/monograph/118/chapter-abstract/2209599/Mechanical-Work-of-Steels-Cold-Working?redirectedFrom=fulltext