Tool Steel

Tool Steel Supplies delivered to the UK and worldwide

Tool steels are notable for their hardness, resistance to abrasion and deformation. Tool steels can also retain a cutting edge at very high temperatures, which is why they are often used in the shaping of other materials through cutting, pressing, coining or extruding. Furthermore, their abrasion-resistance lends to their use in the production of injection moulds.

As a tool steel and ground flat stock supplier, the manufacturing of our tool steel takes place under carefully controlled conditions. These conditions allow us to produce tool steel of the highest quality.

What Tool Steel grades do you supply?

Our experienced team have dealt with all kinds of tool steel-grades, and if you do not find your required grade on our website, don’t hesitate to contact our team who may still be able to help.

O1 Tool Steel

O1 tool steel is the most popular non-shrinking, oil-hardening, cold work tool steel available worldwide. It’s extremely tough and suitable for multiple purposes. O1, which is often referred to as 01, belongs to the O steel grade family which contains steel grades such as O1, O2, O6 and O7. Steels included in the O group are hardened to 800 °C, oil quenched, then tempered at <200 °C.

Applications: O1 is suitable for punches, knives, jigs, gauges, taps and measuring tools.

D2 Tool Steel

D2 tool steel is suitable for when more outstanding toughness and durability is required. The cold work tool steel is commonly used for tools which need to withstand harsh conditions, as D2 can retain its hardness up to temperatures of 425 °C. The D series of tool steels grades also includes D2, D3, D6 and D7.

Applications: D2 is suitable for heavy-duty press tools, knives, scrap shear blades, tyre shredders, forming rolls, and general-purpose tools.

P20 Tool Steel

P20 tool steel offers outstanding machinability and can be machined into complicated and broad moulds. It is one of the most commonly accepted grades for plastic moulds and die holders. Furthermore, P20 is capable of leaving a polished finish. It’s alternative, P20S or P20+S steel is used when more excellent machinability and higher sulphur is required. P20S is similar to P20 but should be avoided when a subtle finish is needed.

Applications: P20 is commonly used for die holders, plastic moulds and mould tools. Furthermore, applications such as rails, shafts and strips. On the other hand, P20S is perfect for comprehensive mould frames.

H11 Tool Steel

H11 tool steel is an alloy hot-work tool steel which has less vanadium than it’s H family alternative H13. Less vanadium allows it to have tremendous toughness and superior resistance during heat treatment. Hot-working steels are used to cut or shape materials during high temperatures for prolonged periods; thus, H11 and other H tool steel-grades provide better resistance than other standard alloy tool steels.

Applications: H11 is perfect for the aerospace and aviation industry, more specifically the manufacture of products such as landing gears.

420 Tool Steel

420 tool steel is a stainless plastic mould steel, offering reliable hardenability achieved after heat treatments. Due to its corrosion and acid resistance properties; the 420 tool steel grade is perfect for industries which require excellent hygiene. The 420 plastic mould steel is also an excellent choice for many other sectors and is highly used worldwide.

Applications: 420 has often used for shear blades, cutlery, knives and medical equipment.

1.2990 Tool Steel

1.2990 tool steel is a newer cold work steel with high toughness, wear, tampering and pressure resistance. Its secondary-hardened properties allow for fantastic erosion quality and dimensional stability. Compared to D2, 1.2990 tool steel would have better toughness and wear resistance.

Applications: 1.2990 steel is used throughout general-purpose tools such as plastic moulds, machine knives, shear knives, bending tools and embossing tools.

We are also capable of supplying many other tool steel grades on request. Our product range varies from high-speed steel, powder metallurgy steel and waste recycling parts. So please don’t hesitate to use the enquiry button further down or call us on 0114 233 5291 to discuss your steel requirements.