Tool Steel vs. Stainless Steel: Key Differences and When to Use Tool Steel

Steel is expansively categorized as a highly prevalent alloy of iron with carbon. The metal compound can be identified into two key groups: stainless steel and tool steel. Both varieties have their unique properties and common aspects. Tool steel alloy is mainly used in various industrial tools. The composite of various hard metals, such as Chromium, Tungsten, Molybdenum, and Vanadium, ensures that the substance will endure high-temperature performance effectively.

 

Key Point of Difference between the Two Types of Steel

 

Composition is the factor that differentiate both. The prime alloying agents in the stainless variety are Nickel, Chromium, and Molybdenum. Apart from this key point of difference, the two varieties of steel are segregated based on their industrial applications and the subcategories therein. In one word, tool steel is a carbon alloy, whereas stainless steel is a chromium-nickel. By placing a query to reputed tool steel suppliers in India, you can derive more effective information from the product literature.   

 

Major Industrial Applications of Tool Steel

 

These are the key industrial segments where this compound is used. The major HSS applications are as following:  

 

  • Cutting and Machining Use: Since the compound is extremely hard and sharp, it can carry a cutting edge at high temperatures. This property enables its widespread usage in machining and cutting facilities.
  • Injection Molding: The compound is highly resistant to abrasion. This makes it an ideal product for injection moulding.
  • Stamping Applications: It is widely used for stamping and forming applications on metals and plastics.
  • Extrusion: Tool steel is used in Plastics industry. This also includes the extrusion of plastic sections such as window frames and pipes.
  • Compacting: Powdered metal must be compacted into various actionable forms, and this is achieved by using tool steel.
  • Slitting: The compound is used for slitting the steel coils into strips at a facility.

 

Major Industrial Applications of Stainless Steel

 

Here are the major industrial applications of stainless steel:

 

  • Food Industry: The compound is used in the food industry because it is highly resistant to corrosion and chemically inert to the contact of food. The widespread applications include the manufacturing of freezers, dishwashers, countertops, utensils, and refrigerators. The compound is also utilized in the manufacturing and processing of dairy products, dried food, and beverages.
  • Health Industry: Since it is easy to sterilize and is chemically inert, stainless steel is used in the health industry to manufacture medical equipment. Some of the applications include surgical tools, dental equipment, and MRI scanners.
  • Automotive Industry: The steel type is used in the automotive industry for the manufacture of grills, trim, and car exhaust systems.
  • Construction Industry: Construction quality improves because of the superior strength. It is used for diverse facilities such as the construction of bridges, hoisting of heavy loads, suspending scaffolding systems, and anchoring buildings.

 

Conclusion

 

You need to select the right type depending on the project preferences. Discuss your requirements with tool steel suppliers in India to evaluate the applicability of the product. Arrange an in-person visit to the production facility of Kushal Metals besides discussing with project managers. The costs involved include production and logistics. Evaluating these key parameters gives you the oversight to determine the feasibility of a production and supply system according to your needs.