Why Hot Work Steel Is Vital for High-Temperature Applications

Hot work steel is a fundamental component of high-temperature applications because of its extreme resistance properties. Before choosing the right kind of hot work steel, it is necessary to calculate the thermal load of the process implied. Workpieces display varying degrees of thermal load, and heat is also generated at the point of contact.

Despite the fact that all tools need replacement after a certain period, the priority should be to prolong the lifecycle. To optimize tool life, you need to understand the inherent properties of various grades of HSS (high-speed steel) and decide accordingly which is the best fit for the high-temperature application. 

A few key applications of hot work steel

Understand a few factors:

• Tube and glass manufacturing: Tube and glass manufacturing occurs at extremely high temperatures, and hot work steel is considered the ideal choice.
• Drop forging and extrusion: These processes are used to shape metal structures at high temperatures.
• Pressure die casting: Pressure die casting is common in high-temperature processes.  

The primary benefit of using hot work steel is that it can shape iron and other non-ferrous metals at high temperatures without chip formation.  The steel grade should be estimated based on the thermal load and the projected resistance generated during the machining process. You need to discuss the criteria with a preferred hot work steel supplier to determine what is best for the process.

The following aspects are identified and evaluated to determine why a particular steel grade is suitable for the given high-temperature process.

1. High-temperature resistance: The steel is manufactured to withstand high-temperature situations, including that of incinerators, furnaces, and heat exchanges.
2. Toughness: The extreme toughness of the material can effectively withstand high-temperature situations, making it a suitable choice.
3. Stress Absorption: The material can absorb a great amount of stress without the risk of deforming, even at a relatively high temperature.
4. Thermal shock resistance: The thermal shock resistance factor should be calculated before you select the right grade of HSS. The material should be able to withstand varying cycles of heat and cold.
5. Wear resistance: Finally, the steel should ideally represent a good degree of wear resistance and keep up with the extreme stress generated in the production process.

The steel type is used in a variety of applications, including hot punches and hot shear blades. The hot punch process is used to create holes or impressions on the heated workpiece. The hot shear blades are deployed during hot cutting processes. Some of the common grades used in industrial applications for hot work steel include H10, H11, H21, and H13. The extreme toughness of the material is attributed to the heat treatment employed in the manufacturing process. Different grades display different levels of heat treatment, including annealing and tempering.

Best Options in the Field

You can get better insights into the applications of this steel type by discussing it with a reputed supplier. The right supplier remains cognizant of the latest developments in the manufacturing sector, offering better professional suggestions on the matter. Check out the service page of the preferred hot work steel supplier while you make the choice. Kushal Metal is regarded as one of the best options in this field.