Not getting the results that you are expecting from your tool steel? A wrong choice of tool steel can go a long way to affect the overall performance. Here's a lowdown on the signs that say that you are wrong with your choices.
Poor performance
See whether your tool is having a tough time delivering optimal performance. For example, it might not shape or cut the material the way it should. If you have chosen steel, which is too soft, then it might start compromising on its cutting efficiency. Tool steel that is too hard for an application can result in uneven or rough finishing on your workpiece.
Too much tear and wear
It is necessary to check whether your tool tends to wear down more quickly than you expect. There are certain signs that you have started using the wrong steel for the project you are concerned about. Such signs include:
- Rapid breaking or chipping might indicate that your job requires a harder steel variety.
- A cutting edge that deteriorates quicker than expected.
- Building up of foreign materials on the tool is likely to occur, especially when the tool is too soft to resist the adhesion of materials.
Trouble in machining
If you're going through difficulties while machining, for instance, chatter, vibration, or even tool deflection, then it might be due to the wrong steel selection. The classic signs are:
- BUE or Built-up edge: You can find the material adhering to your tool, thus reducing the efficiency in cutting.
- Augmented forces of cutting: It leads to more power consumption along with the possibility of machine damage.
- Tool chatter: It can have too much vibration that can probably harm both the workpiece and tool.
- Tool breakage: It can happen owing to unnecessary stress.
Chipping or Breakage
Recurrent chipping or breakage of your tool might indicate that your steel does not suit the application. This can happen when:
- The bit of carbon steel bit chips: owing to inadequate hardness.
- Using tool steel that has low toughness might make it susceptible to breakage.
- Employing an HSS or high-speed steel leads to a tap on a fragile material.
Incoherent results
This can be anything from inconsistent product dimensions to surface finishes. It can also lead to:
- Fluctuating tool life.
- Inconsistency in chip formation.
- Variations in the cutting edge of the tool.
What You Can Do
If you recognize any of the above-mentioned signs, then the leading Tool Steel Suppliers in India, like TGKSSL, suggest that you re-evaluate your selection of tools. Also, consider:
- Stop using the current tools immediately. Otherwise, it can damage the tools further or make poor-quality workpieces. Even worse, it can injure you, as well as your workers.
- Inspect the workpieces, as well as tools, to determine if there is something wrong with the tool steel selection. You can also hire a professional to do what is needed.
- Decide on the extent of your issue. If needed, look for the help of an expert to determine whether you need to start your job from scratch or if it only involves a small issue that can be managed.
- Take all the help that you need to see whether your application requires a steel variety with unique properties. You can think about factors like wear resistance, hardness, toughness and the like.
You can also think of temporary solutions, such as adjusting the parameters of cutting (think of cut depth, feed, and speed), as well as cooling. It can make for the issues that the choice of wrong steel brings in. But with the choice of the right steel tool from the very beginning, you can save time, money and also energy.