Skip to content

Tool Steel
CNC Machining Services

Material
Lead Time
5 – 22 Days
Cost

$$$$

Machined Tool Steel Description

Machined tool steel is a strong and long-lasting alloy used in industries like automotive and aerospace, where precise cutting tools must handle heavy stress. It contains tungsten, chromium, and vanadium, which provide excellent resistance to wear and corrosion, boosting its durability and strength. Engineers use heat treatment to make the steel harder, improving its ability to withstand challenges. They then machine this material to create high-quality tools and components.

Key Characteristics

Characteristics may vary depending on the grade/alloy.

  • Corrosion Resistant 
  • High Strength
  • Stress Resistant
  • Temperature Resistant
  • Wear Resistant

Steel Applications

  • Dies
  • Drills
  • End Mills
  • Gears
  • Molds
  • Pistons
  • Reamers
  • Taps

Industries Utilizing Machined Tool Steel

  • Aerospace & Defense
  • Automotive
  • Energy
  • Food & Beverage
  • Industrial
  • Medical, Dental, & Sciences
Why should you choose machined tool steel for your project?

Tool steel is a strong and durable material ideal for projects that resist wear and withstand high temperatures. It can handle significant stress without deforming, making it a top choice for high-performance manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive work. Tool steel is also easy to machine, which makes it great for creating detailed and precise parts. In summary, using tool steel in your project ensures that your finished product will perform well, keep its shape, and resist stress and wear.

Finishes for machined tool steel

Steel products’ finishes vary based on appearance and function. Common finishes include satin, polished, and textured. Satin and brushed finishes create a smooth look, while polished finishes give a shiny and reflective surface. Textured finishes can be achieved using machining techniques like milling or patterning.

Finishes affect how the steel looks and serve essential functions. They can increase corrosion resistance or improve grip for handling. The choice of finish depends on the application of the tool steel and what the final product should look like.

Why choose Prototek for your next CNC machining project?

Prototek provides advanced CNC machining services. Our skilled engineers deliver high-quality, precise parts on time. We use modern equipment and efficient processes to ensure quick production and excellent results for your machining needs.

Tool Steel FAQs

What is tool steel?

Tool steel is a special kind that withstands a lot of wear, heat, and stress. It is used to create cutting tools, dies, and industrial equipment that need to be very durable and perform well. Tool steel has a high carbon content, making it hard and bend-resistant. It is often heat-treated to improve its strength even more, making it a key material in manufacturing.

What are standard finishes for machined tool steel?

At Prototek, we offer several finishing options for machined tool steel parts. Our treatments, such as heat treatment, nitriding, and hard chrome plating, improve your parts’ durability, corrosion resistance, and appearance. We can provide the right solution for your needs if you need a specific hardness, better wear resistance, or a certain surface finish. We focus on quality and detail to ensure that your machined tool steel components meet the highest standards.

Advantages of machining tool steel.

Machining tool steel offers exceptional durability, precision, and versatility, making it ideal for various industrial applications.

Disadvantages of machining tool steel.

Due to its hardness, tool steel can be challenging to machine, requiring specialized equipment and techniques to achieve the desired results.

Tool Steel Machining Alloys

Steel 1018

Heat Treatable

Yes

Tensile Strength (Ultimate, PSI)

63000 – 70000

Fatigue Strength (PSI)

26000 – 38000

Hardness (Brinell)

130 – 140

Milled Parts Machinability (AISI Rating)

78%

Steel 1045

Heat Treatable

Yes

Tensile Strength (Ultimate, PSI)

90000 – 98000

Fatigue Strength (PSI)

33000 – 53000

Hardness (Brinell)

180 – 190

Milled Parts Machinability (AISI Rating)

57%

Steel 1215

Heat Treatable

Yes

Tensile Strength (Ultimate, PSI)

78300

Fatigue Strength (PSI)

N/A

Hardness (Brinell)

167

Milled Parts Machinability (AISI Rating)

136%

Steel 4140

Heat Treatable

Yes

Tensile Strength (Ultimate, PSI)

100000 – 160000

Fatigue Strength (PSI)

N/A

Hardness (Brinell)

200 – 310

Milled Parts Machinability (AISI Rating)

66%

Steel 11L17

Heat Treatable

Yes

Tensile Strength (Ultimate, PSI)

86300

Fatigue Strength (PSI)

N/A

Hardness (Brinell)

179

Milled Parts Machinability (AISI Rating)

9%

Steel 12L14

Heat Treatable

Yes

Tensile Strength (Ultimate, PSI)

78300

Fatigue Strength (PSI)

28000 – 41000

Hardness (Brinell)

163

Milled Parts Machinability (AISI Rating)

198%

Learn More About Prototek's CNC Machine Services

Through our resources, you can discover the complexities of CNC machining and gain insights into creating top-notch designs specifically tailored for this cutting-edge technology.

Garolite (G10) Fiberglass Laminate

What Is Garolite and Why Is It Important?

Garolite is a versatile composite material that has transformed the aerospace and electronics industries with its exceptional strength, lightweight nature, and resistance to heat and...

Rapid Prototyping for Consumer Products

Rapid Prototyping: Bridging Ideas and Reality

In today's fast-paced world, rapid prototyping makes turning innovative ideas into products easier than ever. By utilizing advanced technologies like 3D printing and machining, designers...