Tool steel application chart

Tool Application	Tool Requirements	Tool Steel Choices
Arbors	Less likely to crack	O1
Battering tools	Good hardenability, shock resistance	S1
Bending dies	High hardness	O1
Blanking	Toughness, wear resistance	M2
Blanking coining	Toughness, wear resistance	M2
Burnishing tools	High hardness, wear resistance	D2
Cams	High stress and endurance	O1
Chipper knives	Minimum cracking, toughness	A8
Chisel blacksmiths	Hot hardness, abrasion resistance	H11
Coining	High hardness, wear resistance	D2
Cold extrusion	High hardness, wear resistance	H11
Cold forming	Surface finish, high hardness	O1
Cold heading die inserts	Red hardness, high hardenability	H11
Cold shear knives	High strength, toughness	O1 / D2
Cold swaging	High impact toughness	S7
Cold trimming	High hardness	M2
Collets	High hardness, softer core	W1
Cutlery	Corrosion resistance, toughness	D2
Die bending	Wear resistance, toughness	D2
Die holders	Polished finish, less likely to crack	P20S
Embossing tools	Wear resistance, toughness	D2
File cutting	Corrosion resistance, easy to sharpen	420
Forming rolls	High strength, toughness	O1 / D2
Gauges	Wear resistance, toughness	D2
General-purpose tools	High strength, toughness	O1 / D2
Heavy-duty press tools	Hot hardness, increased hardness	H11 / M42
Hot shear blades	Hot hardness, high toughness	H11
Jigs	Accuracy and interchangeability	O1 / D2
Knives	Toughness, corrosion resistance, wear resistance	O1 / CPM 3V / M42
Knurling tools	High toughness, hardness	D2
Lamination	High hardness, wear resistance	A2
Lathe centre knives	Wear resistance, toughness	A2
Machine knives	Edge retention, corrosion resistance	A2 / D2
Medical equipment	Corrosion resistance	420
Mould tools	High hardness	P20S
Paper knives	Wear resistance, impact resistance	O1 / D2
Rails	Wear resistance, resistance to fracture	1084
Rotary slitters	Long wear life, high hardness	D2
Scrap shear blades	Long wear life, high hardness	D2
Shafts	High loading strength	O1
Strips	High hardness	P20S
Taps	High strength	O1 / M2
Wire drawing	High strength	O1
Woodworking knives	Wear resistance, deformation resistance	O1 / A2 / D2

Ultimately, the tool steel you choose for your project will depend on a number of factors, so if you’re wondering how to choose the correct tool steel visit our detailed guide. Although we have recommended grades listed above in our tool steel application chart it does not necessarily mean that is the definitive choice for your application. There are many other options available, and we recommend calling our team on (+44)114 233 5291 to discuss further.