Hardened steel vs stainless steel

Materials that are used to make tools should understandably be particularly hardy, and tool steel fits the bill. “Tool steel” as a term refers to carbon and alloy steels that are strong enough to be made into tools that can work on wood, plastic, and other metals in various processes, like stamping and forming, to name just a couple. Hand tools, drills, cutters, and bits are more often than not made from tool steel, as are larger items like machine dies and plastic extruding machinery. There are several different types of tool steels that are categorized into grades (and there are a few sub-grades, too), so to figure out what each grade is good for, keep reading. We’ll also cover what exactly is in tool steel and how it’s made.

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Hardened steel material list

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Hardened steel properties

In addition to carbon, tool steels will have other elements to improve their strength and change their properties according to what exactly the tool is needed for. For instance, nickel or cobalt can be added to give the metal extra strength and high-temperature resistance, while adding carbide former made from different combinations of iron-based alloys, like tungsten, vanadium, chromium, and/or molybdenum, can make it more wear-resistant.

Hardened steel grades

Annealing: To make the steel easier to work with and less brittle, its molecular structure can be changed with annealing, which is heating it at a steady and high temperature for a certain amount of time before cooling it right down again.Â

This group falls under the water-hardening category, and the metals are highly wear-resistant, but not shock-resistant. They also can’t really deal with very high temperatures. They’re used for paper-cutting blades, broaches, burnishing tools, and plug gauges.

Dry carbon fiber, also known as "pre-preg" carbon fiber, is a more advanced and precise manufacturing method. In this process, the carbon fiber fabric is pre-impregnated with resin and then carefully laid onto a mold. Unlike wet carbon fiber, the resin in dry carbon fiber is already partially cured, which reduces excess resin content and results in lighter components.The pre-preg manufacturing process ensures consistent resin-to-fiber ratio throughout the component, leading to enhanced strength and weight reduction. Dry carbon fiber parts are widely used in high-performance and racing applications due to their excellent strength-to-weight ratio. The precision and uniformity of the pre-preg process also contribute to the superior fit and finish of dry carbon fiber components, making them highly sought-after in the automotive industry.The Advantages and Disadvantages of Dry Carbon Fiber

Carbon fiber has become synonymous with high-performance and luxury automotive components, elevating the aesthetics and aerodynamics of vehicles worldwide. Among the various types of carbon fiber available, wet carbon fiber and dry carbon fiber stand out as the most common choices for automotive applications such as spoilers, front lips, side skirts, and rear diffusers. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the key differences between wet carbon fiber and dry carbon fiber, exploring their unique manufacturing processes, properties, and applications. By the end of this article, you'll gain valuable insights into the pros and cons of each type, enabling you to make well-informed decisions when selecting carbon fiber components for your vehicle.

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When deciding between wet carbon fiber and dry carbon fiber for your automotive components, consider the specific requirements of your project. If you are seeking a custom-made design that requires meticulous craftsmanship and intricate shapes, wet carbon fiber may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize weight savings and performance, especially in high-performance and racing applications, dry carbon fiber should be your preference.Ultimately, both wet carbon fiber and dry carbon fiber offer stunning aesthetics, durability, and the unmistakable allure of carbon fiber. Whether you opt for wet-lay or pre-preg, investing in carbon fiber components such as spoilers, front lips, side skirts, and rear diffusers will undoubtedly elevate your vehicle's appearance and performance to new heights.

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Hardsteel composition

Hot or cold drawing: This process is used to make smaller or uniquely shaped tools with high tolerances. As these steels aren’t very ductile, several passes at temperatures of up to 1000°C are needed, but you’ll only be able to go over it once (and lightly) with cold drawing to prevent breakage.

Hardened steel mechanical properties

Although the main method for making tool steel is via electric arc furnaces (EAF), this is not the only way. Below we’ll cover the processes used to make it.Â

Designed for use in high-stress but low-temperature conditions, this type has high impact toughness, fair hot hardness (but can’t be classed as a hot-hard tool steel), and low abrasion resistance. It’s often made into chisels, collets, and shearing blades.

This group has three main sub-types (covered below), each with average hardness, as well as high wear resistance and hardenability, used for making larger parts or ones that need to be hardened with minimal distortion.

Hardened Steel Price

HSS can hold their own in super high temperatures without losing any hardness and are named after their speedy cutting and feed rates. You’ll find many cutting tools, saw blades, and tool and drill bits made from HSS. They’re also abrasion-resistant, thanks to the included tungsten and vanadium.

One of the primary advantages of wet carbon fiber lies in its ability to accommodate intricate designs and shapes. The hand-laid process allows artisans to precisely position the carbon fiber fabric, ensuring optimal structural integrity and aesthetics. This makes wet carbon fiber ideal for producing custom parts or prototypes that require unique specifications. On the downside, the wet-lay process tends to result in a slightly higher weight-to-strength ratio compared to dry carbon fiber. The excess resin in wet carbon fiber components can add some weight, which may not be as desirable in high-performance racing or lightweight applications. Additionally, the curing time for wet carbon fiber can be longer, potentially leading to extended production timelines.Understanding Dry Carbon Fiber

Tool steels are hard, tough, and wear-resistant metals that won’t soften at high temperatures. They’ll typically have 0.7–1.5 wt% carbon in them, but some can have anywhere from 0.2–2.1 wt%. Although a higher carbon level will make the steel stronger and more hardenable, it will also make it brittle and less easy to weld. When cold-worked, tool steels are around 60/62 HRC on the Rockwell C hardness scale, but could range between around 58/64 HRC (some have been known to reach 66). Tool steel can withstand heat treatment, with the specific temperature being dependent on its exact composition. Here’s what it looks like before it’s made into tools:

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These are air-cooled steels with low distortion (especially A6), as well as tough and easily machined. Common applications include arbors, blanking, and die bending.

Both wet carbon fiber and dry carbon fiber find applications in various automotive components, including spoilers, front lip splitters, side skirts, and rear diffusers. The choice between the two depends on the specific requirements of the component and the intended use.Wet carbon fiber is often favored for custom-made or unique components, where intricate designs and shapes are essential. Artisans can hand-lay the wet carbon fiber fabric to achieve precisely tailored results. It is also a preferred choice for applications where weight reduction is not the primary concern but where the aesthetics and durability of carbon fiber are desired.On the other hand, dry carbon fiber is the go-to choice for high-performance and racing applications, where weight savings and structural integrity are critical. Its superior strength-to-weight ratio makes it ideal for components that need to withstand extreme forces and deliver maximum performance on the track.Choosing Between Wet Carbon Fiber and Dry Carbon Fiber

With a shorter hardening range and lower hardening temperature, these types are slightly less hard than tungsten types (listed below) but are more durable.

What is hardened steel used for

These are strong steels with good abrasion resistance used for thread-cutting chasers, arbors, bushings, and die blanking.

As promised in the intro, here’s a look at the different types of tool steel grades which, as you’ll see, differ in both composition and characteristics.

Dry carbon fiber's primary advantage lies in its weight savings and increased strength compared to wet carbon fiber. The precise resin impregnation and controlled curing process result in a more optimized and efficient use of materials, making dry carbon fiber components significantly lighter and stiffer.However, the dry carbon fiber manufacturing process is more complex and requires specialized equipment and handling. The pre-preg material can be sensitive to environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity, which may impact storage and production. Additionally, the cost of dry carbon fiber components tends to be higher due to the advanced manufacturing process and the use of top-quality materials.Applications of Wet Carbon Fiber and Dry Carbon Fiber in Automotive Components

Used to make lots of tools other than cutters, H-grade boasts the ability to work well in high heats for long stretches at a time. It’s low carbon with a good amount of alloying metals in it. There are three types in this category:

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This is a high-carbon tool steel that has lower hardenability than other types due to its low alloy content and needs water quenching. These steels harden well but could become brittle, and the quenching tends to make it prone to cracking or warping. It’s one of the more affordable options but hasn’t got the highest heat resistance. It’s mainly used for basic stuff like reamers and embossing and cutting tools.

As the celebrity of the bunch, you wouldn’t want to use these costly steels if, for instance, a W-type would do the trick. Manufacturers tend to reserve these for applications that other steels can’t handle. They don’t have a lot of alloying metals (they like to work alone) and don’t need much treatment. There are two groups of special-purpose tool steels, described below.

EAF: Recycled steel scrap is melted and purified in a furnace, with the alloying elements mixed in until the composition is just right. Chemicals are added to keep oxidation at bay and remove impurities, and it’s then poured into a ladle (an oversized bucket with a spout). It’s then put into giant ingot molds and carefully cooled.Â

Wet carbon fiber, also known as "wet-lay" carbon fiber, is the traditional method of creating carbon fiber components. In this process, carbon fiber fabric is saturated with liquid epoxy resin, which is then allowed to cure. The wet-lay method involves layering the fabric by hand onto a mold, ensuring each layer is fully impregnated with the epoxy resin. The excess resin is squeezed out, and the component is vacuum-bagged and heat-cured to achieve the desired shape and strength. The wet carbon fiber manufacturing process allows for greater flexibility and adaptability when producing complex shapes and designs. It is often favored for one-off or custom-made carbon fiber components, where precision and meticulous attention to detail are required. However, the wet-lay process tends to result in slightly higher weight components compared to dry carbon fiber due to the additional resin content. Nevertheless, wet carbon fiber components remain highly durable and visually stunning, making them a popular choice for various automotive applications.The Advantages and Disadvantages of Wet Carbon Fiber