When certifying different grades of tool steel, the procedure involves a thorough understanding of the system of classification. This typically involves the standards set by the AISI or the American Iron and Steel Institute, and also the UNS, of the Unified Numbering System. However, there is more to it than you might want to learn about.
AISI Classification
The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI system divides different types of tool steels into different groups. Each of the groups gets its designation by a particular letter. This includes:
- W: It refers to water-hardening steels.
- S: Denotes shock-resisting variety of tool steels.
- O: Suggests the oil-hardening group of tool steels.
- A: Stands for air-hardening steel variety.
- D: Comprehends high-chromium and high-chromium variety of tool steels.
- H: Refers to hot-work tool steel.
What does the Numbering System suggest?
Even within each of the groups, you will find that they have a number. The assigned number specifies a definite tool steel type. For example:
- If you see D2 tool steel, it would suggest a high-carbon and high-chromium variety of tool steel that offers unmatched toughness and wear resistance.
- With D3 steel, it once again suggests a high-chromium and high-carbon variety of tool steel, which comes with high hardness, as well as a fair share of wear resistance.
Basically, in the system of AISI classification, the manufacturers suggest two different factors. They are:
- The properties of steel include its toughness, hardness, and wear resistance.
- The chemical composition of steel, for example, the carbon, tungsten, or chromium content.
Importance of Certification
It is important for different tool steel grades to have certifications, because:
- It assures you of the quality. For example, it speaks of:
- Consistency: It assures uniformity of quality across the top Tool steel suppliers in India, such as TGKSSL and beyond. Furthermore, it ensures uniformity of quality in batches.
- Reliability: It offers predictability in the longevity and performance of the tools made from steel.
- Material authenticity: Material authenticity, especially when properties and chemical composition are concerned.
- Optimization of Performance
The right certification also ensures:
- Suitability of application: This helps in matching the grades of different tool steels to particular applications.
- Verification of property: This confirms the toughness, hardness, wear resistance, and the like.
- Validation of heat treatment: This assures the application of the right heat treatment procedures.
Compliance with Industry Standards
This confirms your supplier's commitment to sticking to the established guidelines. This guarantees safety, quality, and performance. The main standards include:
- AISI or American Iron and Steel Institute: Typically, this certification stands for chemical composition, applications, and properties for different tool steels.
- UNS or Unified Numbering System: Offers a standard system to identify different grades of tool steel.
- ASTM or American Society for Testing and Materials: It stands for various methods of testing, as well as different requirements for different properties of tool steel.
- Regulatory compliance: This is instrumental in meeting the unique needs of specific industries, such as the aerospace and automotive industries.
The Most Obvious Benefits
The biggest advantages of choosing the right grade of steel for your specific applications include:
- Less chance of tool failure: It minimizes the chance of any type of tool failure that might come with defects in materials.
- Optimized performance of the tool: This enhances tool longevity and productivity.
- Reduction of cost: Reduction of cost for maintenance, as well as in replacement and repair jobs.
Different grades of tool steel offer different combinations of toughness, hardness, and wear resistance. This makes them ideal for a range of applications.